Fantasy Football Week 17 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2023)

Welcome to Week 17, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

• Fitz’s Tiers & Rankings
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
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Week 17 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Jared Goff: Goff is the QB12 in fantasy points per game, ranking 11th in yards per attempt, seventh in passer rating, and 10th in CPOE. He should get far more love for the season that he is having. Goff is third in highly accurate throw rate and 13th in fantasy points per dropback. Goff should post respectable numbers this week that could allow him to sneak in as a low-end QB1. Since Week 11, Dallas has been a run-of-the-mill pass defense, allowing the 13th-highest yards per attempt while also ranking 16th in CPOE and 21st in passer rating. Their pass rush has remained fearsome over this timeframe, though ranking first in time to pressure and 12th in pressure rate. Week 17 Positional Value: Borderline QB1

Taylor Heinicke: Add Heinicke to the long list of quarterbacks that I will not entrust my fantasy championship hopes to in Week 17. He easily could be replaced mid-game if the Bears operate as they have the last few weeks and shut down the Falcons’ passing attack. With only 6.8 yards per attempt this season and zero games with multiple passing scores, Heinicke is an easy sit even in Superflex formats this week. Since Week 11, the Bears pass defense has forced the most interceptions while holding passers to the 10th-lowest yards per attempt and the second-lowest passer rating. Week 17 Positional Value: Sit

Justin Fields: Since Week 4, among 43 qualifying quarterbacks, Fields ranks 17th in passer rating, ninth in CPOE, 14th in highly accurate throw rate, and fifth in fantasy points per dropback. He is the QB10 in fantasy points per game this season, ranking sixth in red zone carries per game, second in rushing yards, and 10th in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks. Fields has another difficult matchup this week against a tough Falcons secondary. Since Week 11, Atlanta has kept quarterbacks in check with the fourth-lowest passer rating, the sixth-lowest yards per attempt, and the lowest CPOE. Fields’ rushing equity gives him top 5-8 upside weekly. Week 17 Positional Value: QB1

Aidan O’Connell: O’Connell is a basement-level QB2. He is the QB30 in fantasy points per game with multiple passing scores in only one game and only one finish higher than QB17. Among 46 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 34th in yards per attempt, 39th in CPOE, and 38th in fantasy points per dropback. The matchup this week should allow O’Connell to finish with an efficient game manager stat line. Since Week 11, the Colts have allowed the ninth-highest yards per attempt, the 13th-highest passer rating, and the 11th-highest CPOE. Week 17 Positional Value: QB2

Gardner Minshew: Minshew’s fantasy star has dimmed, with only two QB1 finishes across his last eight games. In that sample, he surpassed 260 passing yards only once and had three games where he threw for multiple scores. Among 46 qualifying signal callers, Minshew ranks 29th in yards per attempt and passer rating, 37th in CPOE, and 36th in fantasy points per dropback. Since Week 10, the Raiders have ranked 16th in yards per attempt, 12th in passer rating, and 10th in CPOE allowed. Week 17 Positional Value: QB2

Matthew Stafford: Stafford has turned back the clock since Week 12, playing some inspired football. Over his last five games, he has been the QB4 in fantasy points per game. In this timeframe, he ranks sixth in yards per attempt, first in passing touchdowns, first in passer rating, and seventh in CPOE. The Giants are not a pass defense to fear. Fire up Stafford as a QB1. Since Week 10, the Giants have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game while ranking 16th in CPOE and fantasy points allowed via passing. Week 17 Positional Value: QB1

Tyrod Taylor: In Taylor’s two full starts this season, he has finished as the QB22 and QB7 in fantasy. Among 46 qualifying passers, he ranks 24th in passer rating, 29th in CPOE, seventh in highly accurate throw rate, and 34th in fantasy points per dropback. Taylor retains some rushing upside with 24.5 rushing yards per game in his full starters. He faces a Rams’ pass defense that has surrendered some production because teams are forced to throw against them because their run defense is so damn good. Since Week 11, despite holding passers to the 11th-lowest yards per attempt and the eighth-lowest CPOE, they have surrendered the fifth-most passing yards per game and the most passing touchdowns. Taylor is a solid QB2 who could flirt with QB1 numbers this week. Week 17 Positional Value: QB2

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Week 17 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Demario Douglas: Douglas has been a solid WR3 since becoming a starter in New England. In his last seven starts, he has been a WR3 or better five times. Over that span, he has five red zone targets. Since Week 12, the Bills have utilized two-high on 59.5% of their defensive snaps (the sixth-highest rate). Since Week 7, against two high, Douglas has had a 19.1% target share, a 24.5% air-yard share, 1.44 YPRR, and a 26.3% first-read share. Against Buffalo in Week 7, Douglas secured four of his six targets for 54 receiving yards and a WR29 weekly finish. Douglas will run about 66% of his routes against Taron Johnson (76.5% catch rate and 106.2 passer rating). Week 17 Positional Value: WR3/4

Stefon Diggs: Well, so much for a bounce-back game for Diggs last week. If there was ever a fantastic spot for him to absolutely crush, it was against the Bolts. At what point do we press the panic button with Diggs and sit him? Yes, I just suggested the possibility of sitting Diggs. The results since Week 10 have been soul-crushing. Across his last six games, he has finished as the WR45 or lower in weekly scoring five times (WR53, WR53, WR52, WR45, WR53). That’s nightmare fuel. If you are in the fantasy championship, it is not because of Diggs but despite him. He has not seen a red zone target since Week 12. Since Week 11, New England has had the highest single-high rate (64.5%) in the NFL. Since Week 10, against single-high, Diggs’ usage has still been great with a 25% target share, a 32.7% air-yard share, and a 33.3% first-read share, but he has produced only 1.04 YPRR and 0.21 fantasy points per route run in these six games against single-high. Diggs will still see 8-10 targets this week, but his production is in question. Week 17 Positional Value: WR2

Gabriel Davis: If Diggs isn’t up to the task of carrying this passing attack this week, Davis could have another solid game. Every week, the first question to consider when looking to start Davis is, “Does the secondary struggle against deep passing?” Yep, I know we’ve talked about this before, but it’s true and bears repeating. Davis is 15th in deep targets and 10th in aDOT. He has six games as a WR2 or better this season. Luckily for Davis and the Bills, New England, since Week 10, has allowed the 11th-highest passer rating and CPOE and the sixth-highest deep-adjusted completion rate downfield. Since Week 11, New England has had the highest single-high rate (64.5%) in the NFL. Since Week 10, against single-high, Davis has had a 14.6% target share, a 29.3% air-yard share, 1.50 YPRR, and a 19% first-read share. The Davis roller coaster is tough to ride weekly, but it might be time to punch the ticket again for a fantasy championship. Week 17 Positional Value: WR3/4 with WR2 upside

Drake London: London is the WR43 in fantasy points per game and a must-sit this week. He has finished as the WR43 or lower in four of his last six games and looks to be adding to the dubious total in Week 17. This has nothing to do with London’s talent and everything to do with this offense, the quarterback play inside of it, and the matchup. Since Week 10, the Bears have allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers while playing Cover 3 at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL (41.5%). Against Cover 3, London has had a 15.3% target share, 1.40 YPRR, and a 20.2% first-read share. Sit London. Week 17 Positional Value: Sit

D.J. Moore: Moore dinged up his ankle again last week and isn’t on the injury report this week, but don’t think for a second that he is 100%. Moore is the WR13 in fantasy, ranking seventh in deep targets, 13th in receptions, 11th in receiving yards, and 10th in yards after the catch. He has a 24.7% target share, a 41.6% air-yard share, 2.29 YPRR, and a 36.7% first-read share. I expect him to be shadowed this week by A.J. Terrell (since Week 10: 31.6% catch rate and 40.9 passer rating allowed). Since Week 7, Terrell has followed Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Alec Pierce on at least 58.8% of their routes. Downgrade your expectations for Moore this week. Week 17 Positional Value: WR2

Puka Nacua: The Puka Juice remains a strong cocktail propelling fantasy teams to the promise land. He is the WR9 in fantasy points per game, ranking 22nd in red zone targets, sixth in receptions, third in receiving yards, and sixth in yards after the catch. Since Week 11, the Giants have the fifth-highest rate of single-high (60.4%). Since Week 12, with Stafford and Kupp healthy and rocking along, Puka has a 21.6% target share, a 26.6% air-yard share, 2.08 YPRR, and a 23.9% first-read share against single-high. Since Week 10, the Giants have ranked 15th in receiving yards per game allowed to perimeter wide receivers. Week 17 Positional Value: WR1/2

Cooper Kupp: Kupp might not be in his prime anymore, but he can still reel off a monster game any week. Kupp is WR24 in fantasy points per game, ranking 22nd in red zone targets and 25th in yards after the catch. Since Week 11, the Giants have the fifth-highest rate of single-high (60.4%). Since Week 12, against single high, Kupp has led the way with a 30.7% target share, a 24.2% air-yard share, 2.45 YPRR, and a 34.3% first-read share. Since Week 10, the Giants have allowed the 14th-most receiving yards to slot receivers (Kupp 59.5% slot since Week 12). Week 17 Positional Value: WR1/2

Darius Slayton: Slayton is a matchup-based flex that could pay dividends this week. Since Week 10, the Rams have allowed the 10th-most PPR points per target and the most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Since Week 11, the Rams have also operated with the 11th-highest single-high rate (56.9%). Across their last five games, Slayton has a 15.4% target share, 1.51 YPRR, and a 21.6% first-read share (second-best on NYG) against single-high. If you’re in a wide receiver or flex pinch this week, Slayton should be in play. Week 17 Positional Value: Strong flex play

Wan’Dale Robinson: Toss Robinson in the same high upside flex play bucket as Slayton this week. Since Week 11, the Rams have operated with the 11th-highest single-high rate (56.9%). In that same timeframe, Robinson has led the team against single-high with a 23.1% target share, a 22.7% air-yard share, 1.86 YPRR, and a 27.5% first-read share. Since Week 10, the Rams have allowed the seventh-most receiving touchdowns (tied) to slot receivers. Since Week 7, Robinson has only two red zone targets, so his touchdown upside isn’t high, but he could get peppered with volume this week. Week 17 Positional Value: Strong flex play

Week 17 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Jonathan Taylor: Last week, Taylor played 59% of the snaps with 18 rushing attempts (zero targets) and 43 rushing yards. He’ll likely see a similar workload this week in a horrible matchup. Among 63 qualifying backs, Taylor ranks 19th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 18th in yards after contact per attempt. Since Week 11, Las Vegas has shut down backs, allowing the sixth-lowest rushing touchdown rate, the lowest missed tackle rate, and the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game. Week 17 Positional Value: Volume driven RB2

James Conner: Since his return to action, Conner has averaged 16.8 touches and 79 total yards. His pass game usage has been slowing climbing, with at least three targets in three of his last four games. On a per-touch basis, this has arguably been the best season of Conner’s career. He ranks 11th in explosive run rate, fourth in missed tackles forced per attempt, and ninth in yards after contact per attempt. Conner should have a wonderful day in Week 17 against a Philly run defense that has fallen apart. Since Week 11, they have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest explosive run rate, and the ninth-highest yards before contact per attempt. Week 17 Positional Value: RB1/2

D’Andre Swift: Unfortunately, the Eagles’ goal-line rushing rituals don’t include Swift. Anytime the Eagles get down inside the five, shoving Jalen Hurts forward is the go-to. Swift still ranks 14th in opportunity share, 11th in weighted opportunities, and 14th in red zone touches, but he’s 21st in total touchdowns. Since Week 7, he has averaged 16.1 touches and 70 total yards. He ranks 24th in explosive run rate and 42nd in missed tackles forced per attempt. Swift should post a strong RB1 stat line this week. Since Week 11, Arizona has given up the most rushing yards per game, the second-highest explosive run rate, and the fourth-highest missed tackle rate. Week 17 Positional Value: RB1/2

Antonio Gibson: Gibson is an easy avoid for your fantasy lineups this week. The luster and intrigue that Gibson once had for fantasy gamers is gone. Over the last two weeks, he has played 44-45% of the snaps, averaging 9.5 touches and 33.5 total yards. Even with Brian Robinson out, Gibson has remained in his usual role. Since Week 9, the 49ers have allowed the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game, the 14th-lowest rushing touchdown rate, and the fifth-lowest yards before contact per attempt. Week 17 Positional Value: Sit

Chuba Hubbard: Since Week 12, Hubbard has been the RB13 in fantasy points per game, averaging 22 touches and 89.2 total yards. He ranks 39th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 33rd in yards after contact per attempt. Since Week 12, Jacksonville’s run defense has been selectively swiss cheese, allowing the fourth-highest explosive run rate and the third-highest missed tackles per attempt. The big plays allowed by this run defense have come on gap plays. Since Week 11, Jacksonville has allowed the ninth-highest yards per carry to gap runs while they have held zone runs to the fourth-lowest yards per carry (3.35). Unfortunately for Hubbard, 60.8% of his runs have come via zone runs. Hubbard is a good bet for 15-20 touches this week, but his efficiency outlook is questionable. Week 17 Positional Value: RB2

Travis Etienne: Etienne’s season has gone sideways. Since Week 10, he hasn’t recorded more than 56 rushing yards in any game while averaging 15.4 touches and 61.4 total yards. Since Week 10, Etienne has been the RB30 in fantasy points per game. Across his last seven games, among 62 qualifying backs, he ranks 31st in explosive run rate and 42nd in yards after contact per attempt. Some blame can be laid at Etienne’s feet, but his offensive line has also been among the worst in the NFL. Since Week 10, they have the second-lowest adjusted yards before contact per attempt. Yes, I know Aaron Jones destroyed this run defense last week, but since Week 11, this unit has played better. Over their last six games, Carolina has the 12th-fewest rushing yards per game allowed, the eighth-best stuff rate, and the seventh-lowest yards before contact per attempt given up. I’m lower on Etienne this week than the consensus will be. Week 17 Positional Value: RB2

Week 17 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Chigoziem Okonkwo: Okonkwo is the TE25 in fantasy points per game with only two TE1 games on his 2023 resume. Last week, he caught his first touchdown, which oddly enough was thrown by Derrick Henry. Okonkwo’s red zone usage still sucks, but he has three of his five red zone targets in his last seven games. Since Week 12, Houston has the fifth-highest rate of two high (60.2%). With Levis under center against two high, Okonkwo has a 16.4% target share, 1.45 YPRR, and a 17.9% first-read share. Okonkwo is a matchup-based TE2 streamer this week. Houston has allowed the third-most receiving yards and the sixth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Week 17 Positional Value: TE2 with TE1 upside

Dalton Schultz: Schultz has been a strong tight end play for most of the season as the TE9 in fantasy points per game, but this isn’t the week to plug him into lineups. The matchup is horrendous. I’d rather stream a ton of tight ends over Schultz this week. Tennessee has allowed the seventh-fewest receiving yards, the fewest fantasy points per game, and only one receiving touchdown to tight ends this season. Week 17 Positional Value: Sit

Pat Freiermuth: It’s impossible to start Freiermuth this week with any shred of confidence in Championship week. He goose-egged the boxscore last week in a wonderful matchup. In five of the six games since his return, he has failed to secure more than four receptions or churn out more than 30 receiving yards. Not to mention, he hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 3. Week 17 Positional Value: Sit

Gerald Everett: Since Week 14, Everett has had a 65.9% route run rate, a 22.4% target share, 1.51 YPRR, and a 24.3% first-read share. It took the entire season for the Bolts to incorporate Everett into this offense, but we’re here now. He has six red zone targets over his last five games. He draws a wonderful matchup this week with Denver. The Broncos have allowed the second-most receiving yards and the most receiving touchdowns to tight ends this season. Week 17 Positional Value: Borderline TE1

Tucker Kraft: Since Week 13, Kraft has had a 16.2% target share, 1.83 YPRR, and a 19% first-read share. He has been a TE1 in three of his five starts (TE11, TE12, TE6). In his last five games, he has seen seven red zone targets. Kraft has been a revelation for Green Bay, and you can’t put this genie back in the bottle. He’s a stud. He has a tough matchup this week, but if he spikes a touchdown, he’ll be a TE1. Minnesota has allowed the 10th-fewest receiving yards and the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. Week 17 Positional Value: Borderline TE1

Dalton Kincaid: Since Week 14, with Dawson Knox back, Kincaid has had a 62.6% route run rate, a 14.1% target share, and an 11.1% first-read share. Kincaid has seemingly hit the rookie wall, or Allen’s struggles as a passer have infiltrated his production. In his last three games, Kincaid has only managed 0.49 YPRR and 9.3 receiving yards per game. He has played only 42-49% of the snaps over the last two games. New England has crushed tight end production all year, allowing the third-fewest receiving yards per game and fantasy points per game. Week 17 Positional Value: TE2 / Sit

Kyle Pitts: PItts has been a TE1 in three of his last four games (TE11, TE7, TE10). Yes, I’m as surprised as you are. He could continue the hot streak this week. Since Week 10, the Bears have played Cover 3 at the fourth-highest rate in the NFL (41.5%). Against Cover 3, Pitts has led the team with a 19.1% target share, a 31.8% air-yard share, 1.94 YPRR, and a 22.7% first read share. Fire up Pitts as a TE1 this week. Chicago has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game and the second-most receiving touchdowns per game to tight ends. Week 17 Positional Value: TE1

Cole Kmet: Kmet has logged back-to-back DNPs to open the week (knee). He is in danger of missing this game. Kmet is the TE8 in fantasy this season, ranking seventh in receptions, eighth in receiving yards, and 11th in yards after the catch. He is sixth in red zone targets and second in total touchdowns. He has soaked up an 18.3% target share and 18.9% first-read share this season with 1.87 YPRR. Atlanta has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game and the fifth-most receiving yards per game to tight ends this season. If Kmet misses this game, fire up Robert Tonyan as a matchup-based streaming option. Week 17 Positional Value: TE1

Week 17 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Week 17 Kicker Start/Sit Grades