5 Start, 5 Sit for Week 17 of the 2024 NFL Season
It’s finally time. The Championship is here and you can’t quite pick between two guys? Luckily, I’m here for you once again. One final week of hard-hitting, comprehensive fantasy football analysis. One final week of recommendations that are only right about 50% of the time. One last time: 5 good, 5 bad.
Start:
Bo Nix vs CIN – Start
Bo Nix has had an incredible rookie season that is really only overshadowed by Jayden Daniels. He has been able to produce top 10 QB numbers without many star weapons and in a tough AFC West division. In the Championship week, the Broncos face off against the Bengals, who have struggled to keep any teams under 30 points. Nix should be in for a big day as he tries to keep the Broncos playoff dreams alive.
James Cook vs NYJ – Start
James Cook’s past 5 games have been interesting statistically. In all of those games, he has gotten less than 50% of the snap share but has still been putting up RB1 numbers. On the season, he has as many rushing touchdowns as games played (14) and has another two through the air. Cook was inactive the last time Buffalo played the Jets, but in that game, Cook’s backup had 20 carries and 3 catches for 152 total yards. It’s safe to say that Cook will be solid again this week as the Bills battle for the #1 seed in the AFC.
Brian Thomas Jr. vs TEN – Start
It turns out, all Brian Thomas really needed to go off was the expert quarterback play of…Mac Jones? Well, whatever works! Since the week 12 bye, Thomas has 31 catches for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns. One of those games being against this week’s opponent, the Titans. Both of these teams are well out of playoff contention, so it’s only pride on the line now. Thomas is a must play this week and probably until he retires.
Chig Okonkwo vs JAX – Start
Here’s something I didn’t foresee: the Okonkwo emergence this late in the season. Since Mason Rudolph became the starter, Okonkwo has been targeted heavily and has been turning those targets into good production. Rudolph is a decent improvement over Will Levis, so it’s expected that the pass catchers for the Titans would all get a boost. For Okonkwo, this means he becomes somewhat fantasy relevant just in time for the final game. Most tight ends are disappointing most weeks, so if you have “Chig” and you’re playing for money this week, give him a try.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs CHI – Start
Even though he is listed second on the depth chart, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is clearly the #1 weapon on the Seahawks. Seattle still has a path to the playoffs, so they’ll be going all out this week to make that happen. The Bears provide a great matchup for the second-year receiver who was able to eclipse 1000 yards last week. Much like “BTJ”, who I discussed earlier, “JSN” is a must start this week.
Sit:
Aaron Rodgers vs BUF – Sit
Except for his week 15 performance against Jacksonville, Rodgers hasn’t been a reliable quarterback all season. Of late, he’s rekindled his strong connection with Davante Adams, but I still don’t think that means much this week. Rodgers used to play in Green Bay, so the cold might not affect him too badly, but Buffalo cold is different. The December Bills are also an entirely different beast than week 6. I don’t see Rodgers doing well in week 17 and hopefully you have another option if you have a meaningful game.
Gus Edwards vs NE – Sit
Gus’s potency has a runner since returning from injury has been downright laughable. I don’t think 1 week of frankly mediocre efficiency will change that this week. Remove the two touchdowns from his game against Denver and his stat line looks very similar to the six weeks prior. Touchdowns haven’t been a reliable source of points for him this year, so you can’t count on that to repeat this week. More than likely, he puts up another 10 carry, 40 yard game. You likely got burnt with him on your bench last week, but don’t get burnt by having him score 3 points in your lineup this week.
Marvin Harrison vs LAR – Sit
I think Marvin’s biggest problem is that he’s a Cardinal. The offense has no spark. The play design isn’t inspired at all. If you watch his film, it almost looks like he isn’t trying to get open. He’s being targeted heavily, but the opportunties aren’t converting to points. Arizona will be trying to upset the Rams this week to worsen their playoff odds, but other than that and pride, they don’t have much going. If Harrison wasn’t trying hard before, when he has nothing to play for, it could get even worse.
Cole Kmet vs SEA – Sit
I couldn’t properly round out the last Start/Sit of the season without recommending to bench a Bear. Kmet finally got back into the end zone, scoring his first touchdown since week 6!…But he still only got 9 points (PPR). As dysfunctional as the Cardinals are, the Bears are even worse. For Kmet, its actually even worse. Seattle is the final NFC West opponent that Chicago plays this year. Against the other three teams (SF, ARI, and LAR), Kmet combined for 3 catches for 34 yards. He was completely blanked against the Niners and the Cardinals. The West seems to have his number this season and I don’t think it’ll get better for him now.
Jerry Jeudy vs MIA – Sit
Well, it was fun while it lasted. Without a decent passing quarterback, Jeudy once again fades into nothingness. If Dorian Thompson-Robinson does in fact suit up this Sunday, Jeudy is a must sit. DTR just does not provide enough of a threat through the air to allow Jeudy to make anything happen. Even against a terrible Bengals defense, Jeudy was kept to just 2 catches for 20 yards. His only saving grace is if DTR can’t play and Jameis is back in as the starter. In that case, forget everything I just said and get him in there!
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