Fantasy Football Week 17 starts for championship week
By Matt Gruber
Week 17 has finally arrived. Championship week. This article will discuss one must start player at each position to help get you that trophy.
Week 17 is finally here. In a blink of an eye, the season has come and gone. For those of you battling it out this final week to win a fantasy football championship, congratulations. Pay close attention to this article. It may just give you that boost you need to take down your opponent.
For those of you already eliminated, I feel your pain. This article will highlight a player from each position who is my start of the week. I want to preface this piece by saying you should still start the Justin Herbert’s and Jonathan Taylor’s. The players in this piece will not be the obvious set it and forget it type players. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Fantasy football must-starts for your championship week
Quarterback – Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Going up against one of the worst-ranked pass defenses in the NFL, Jalen Hurts is in a smash spot for championship week. Having the luxury of playing against the Washington Football Team, I am starting Hurts with confidence.
Last week, Washington got decimated by the Dallas Cowboys, giving up 330 passing yards and four touchdowns to Dak Prescott. On average, Washington is allowing 23 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. I don’t expect this change when Philadelphia comes to town.
Hurts tore apart this Washington defense just two weeks ago to the tune of 296 passing yards and three total touchdowns. He will continue to impress when we fantasy managers need him most.
Running Back – Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
All eyes are on the new lead back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ronald Jones. After barely playing all season, Jones has been summoned by the fantasy gods in the most crucial weeks of the season.
Getting the job done last week scoring over 15 fantasy points, Jones has a juicy matchup this week. Going against one of the worst defenses in the league, Jones has a legitimate chance to put your fantasy team on his back and lead you to that trophy.
The New York Jets are allowing opposing running backs to score an average of 30 fantasy points per game. In a game where I expect the Buccaneers to score early and often, Jones will have plenty of opportunities to find the end zone and rack up yardage.
Wide Receiver – Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
From week 11 on, Jaylen Waddle is the fourth-ranked wide receiver on a points per game basis, averaging just over 23 fantasy points. He has been red hot during this stretch of the season and I don’t expect it to slow down this week.
Going up against the Tennessee Titans who have given up an average of 34 fantasy points per week to opposing wideouts, Waddle should be considered a wide receiver one for championship week. During this hot streak, Waddle has averaged 10.5 receptions and 96 receiving yards per game, while finding the end zone three times.
The rookie wide receiver has arrived and will be on plenty of fantasy football championship teams.
Tight End – Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
After a week 16 dud, I expect Dallas Goedert to bounce back in a big way. If the section on Jalen Hurts wasn’t enough to sell you on some Philadelphia pass catchers, then listen up. Last time facing the Washington Football Team, Goedert recorded seven catches for 135 yards.
Not only do I believe he can put up a ton of yards against this porous defense, but there is a good chance he will find the end zone in this one. The Washington defense just got torched by tight end, Dalton Schultz, who logged eight catches for 82 yards and a score.
In a favorable matchup, with playoffs on the line, Goedert is a reliable option to plug into your fantasy football championship-seeking lineup.