Lineup Prep: Week 17

Wed Dec 24 11:06am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Brown is peaking at right time


This has become kind of my fantasy mantra but I wholeheartedly stand by it. So I will say it once again, “Don’t get too cute!” You have made it this far and I don’t want to see you screw it up. Go with the guys that got you there. I don’t want to see you switch out your core starters that got you to the big championship game this week for marginal players with great matchups. Don’t get too cute!

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

I would like to see Malik Willis get another shot to start next year. He has looked good with his chances this year with the Packers. Sometimes sitting and getting a chance to learn can really benefit a young quarterback. He was pretty rough with the Titans but quarterbacks can rebound. Just look at guys like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Maybe Willis can revive his career like those guys. I’m not counting him out based on what I have seen.

Trevor Lawrence has officially arrived as an elite fantasy quarterback. He is fifth overall in quarterback scoring right now with a week to play. The numbers don’t lie. He has more points than guys like Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Baker Mayfield. New head coach Liam Coen has been a huge plus for Lawrence’s development. He just seems to grow each week. His game against the Broncos last week was so impressive, scoring four touchdowns while not turning the ball over against that defense on the road was something else. Wow.

The tight end position continues to be a tough one. Scoring at that position last week was pretty awful, especially from the supposed top options. For the most part, Trey McBride has been the only tight end you can trust on a weekly basis. Kyle Pitts has made huge strides and is second overall in tight end scoring, but his production has still been up and down. Brock Bowers isn’t having near the season as last year. Tyler Warren started great but hasn’t sustained that success. It has just been another frustrating season for many fantasy owners trying to figure out the position. Because of this, I would expect McBride to be a really high pick in drafts next year - maybe even a first-round pick.

I’m excited about some finishes to this year from players, which is going to vault their fantasy values for next year and rightly so. RJ Harvey is looking really good as the lead back for the Broncos. He is 10th overall in fantasy running back his last three games. I’m looking forward to him taking over the lead role from day one next year. Luther Burden missed the game last week but is coming on late in the year. I think he will be a huge part of that offense from day one. He was the best receiver in recent weeks, playing better than DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. And Tyler Shough looks like the real deal in New Orleans. He has little to work with but is producing at a high level. Shough is ninth in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games. These are just a few young players that seem poised to be big fantasy factors in 2026.

There are a lot of receivers near the top of leaderboards that weren’t high draft picks this year. I think more so than in past seasons. Guys that are top 20 fantasy receivers right now include Courtland Sutton, Michael Pittman, Wan’Dale Robinson and Emeka Egbuka. I think it showed that you could find some real good value in the mid rounds of drafts this year when it comes to that receiver position. Plus, it shows, as always, that you need to find that mid-round gems if you want to have success in your fantasy leagues. I really think most fantasy leagues are won in the mid rounds of drafts.

I think one of the biggest surprises for me late in the year is the emergence of Tony Pollard once again. He has three straight 100-yard rushing games after not having one the entire season. I really thought he was done. But Pollard could end up being one of those surprise league winners. He did nothing nearly all season but has been a difference maker the last three games. Pollard is ninth overall in fantasy running back scoring his last three games.

HOT PLAYS

Javonte Williams, RB, Cowboys. Williams had his worst fantasy game of the season last week, scoring just 6.3 fantasy points. He ran nine times for just 34 yards. It was the first time all season he didn’t get double-digit carries in a game. Look for that to change this week against the Commanders. He ran 19 times for 116 yards and a touchdown against Washington in Week 7. He should get a big workload in this game. The Commanders allow the sixth most fantasy points to running backs and more than 200-rushing yards last week to the Eagles.

Jacoby Brissett, QB, Cardinals. Brissett had his worst fantasy game of the season last week, scoring just 13.65 fantasy points. It was a rough showing at a crucial time for his fantasy owners. Remember, he had 21-plus fantasy points every start before last week. We don’t think last week is the norm. He has a get-right matchup this week against the Bengals, a team that allows the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Bengals even allowed Quinn Ewers to throw for 260 yards in his first NFL start last week.

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jaguars. Meyers had a rare down game last week, catching four passes for 45 yards. But he was targeted eight times and played a top Broncos pass defense. Don’t jump off the Meyers bandwagon after this game. Look for a big rebound in Week 17 against the Colts. Indy can’t stop the pass at all right now, allowing the third most fantasy points to receivers. Meyers scored a touchdown against the Colts in Week 14 and was targeted 10 times in that game.

Chase Brown, RB, Bengals. Brown is getting overlooked a little but had a vey good fantasy season. He has 10th overall in running back scoring and fifth his last three games. He is coming up big at the right time for his fantasy owners. Brown has at least 15 fantasy points eight straight games. His consistency is off the charts. Look for another good showing this week against the Cardinals, a team that allows the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Arizona has allowed 140-plus rushing yards three straight games.

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. Jennings has found the end zone four straight games. He has emerged as the go-to receiver in the 49ers explosive offense. He is 10th overall in fantasy receiver scoring his last three games. He has 13-plus fantasy points six of seven games. He is about a must-start for fantasy teams, especially this week against the Bears. This game could be a shootout and the Bears allow the 10th most fantasy points to receivers.

COLD PLAYS   

Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers. Johnston returned to the starting lineup last week and had a big game, getting 104 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted just five times in the game, though, and has five or fewer targets four straight games. He is a bit of a boom or bust play at this point of the season. And we aren’t sure he makes many big plays this week against a great Texans defense. Houston allows the second fewest fantasy points to receivers. We wouldn’t start Johnston based off his big game last week. A repeat seems a stretch.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers. Rodgers attempted a season-high 41 passes last week and played a fine game, throwing for 266 yards and a touchdown. He still didn’t help most fantasy teams, though, scoring 18.2 fantasy points. He has more than 20 fantasy points just three games all season. He is not worth using for fantasy teams, especially this week against the Browns. Cleveland is still playing really hard and allows the fourth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers. Dowdle had a good first season for the Panthers but has cooled off lately. He has fewer than double-digit fantasy points two of three games. He isn’t producing near his huge numbers from earlier this season, making him a hard player to trust for this week. Plus, he has a really tough matchup against a great Seahawks defense. Seattle has allowed fewer than 100-rushing yards eight of 15 games. If you have better options, go with them.

Breece Hall, RB, Jets. Hall is turning out to be one of the biggest fantasy busts this year. He is just 19th overall in fantasy running back scoring and 50th his last three games. He has three straight games with fewer than nine fantasy points. He is about no help to fantasy teams right now. We would not be surprised if it is more of the same for Hall this week against the Patriots. New England allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs and held Hall to just 58-rushing yards in Week 11.

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills. Shakir is normally the most dependable receiver for the Bills but even his numbers have been more erratic this year. He is a hard fantasy player to trust. He has fewer than double-digit fantasy points three of four games and four of six. Shakir just isn’t getting the same volume he did last year, making him a tough fantasy play. And he gets the Eagles this week, a team that has allowed fewer than 150-passing yard four straight games.

SLEEPERS    

Tre Tucker, WR, Raiders. Tucker has disappeared some since earlier this year. He remains the top receiver for the Raiders, though, and played an unheard of 100 percent of the snaps last week. He got six touches in the game - four receptions and two carries. If he gets that amount of work this week against the Giants, look for Tucker to make a big play or two. New York allows the seventh most fantasy points to receivers.

Michael Carter, RB, Cardinals. Carter got the start last week and ran 11 times for 65 yards. He produced well with his chances but didn’t get a ton of volume, meaning his fantasy numbers weren’t great. We like for him to do a little better this week against a bad Bengals defense. The Bengals allow the most fantasy points to running backs. Cincinnati has allowed 180-plus rushing yards two of three games.

Josh Johnson, QB, Commanders. If you are looking for a fill-in quarterback this week, Johnson might be worth a look. He is expected to start with Marcus Mariota banged up. Johnson is a deep sleeper but his track record suggests he is capable of the big game. He has produced some big games in his starts throughout his career. And a game against a terrible Cowboys secondary might be a good time to take a chance on him. Dallas allows the most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has allowed 250-plus passing yards three straight and four of five games.

Sean Tucker, RB, Bucs. Tucker has become the clear goal-line back for the Bucs. He has touchdowns three straight games. He is a touchdown-dependent player but can help fantasy teams if he finds the end zone. His chances of scoring this week seem pretty good against the Dolphins. Miami allowed 45 points last week and 28 the week before. Tucker could be worth taking a chance on in Week 17.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Panthers. Sanders scored his first touchdown of the season last week. He is having a bit of a disappointing fantasy season, scoring double-digit fantasy points just once. Sanders remains the top tight end in the offense, though, playing the most snaps at the position each of his last two games. He has two receptions each of those games. He might see an uptick in work this week against the Seahawks, a team that has struggled to stop the tight end this year. Seattle allows the fourth most fantasy points to tight ends.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low-scoring games for the coming week. In high-scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low-scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Cowboys/Commanders, Cardinals/Bengals, Jaguars/Colts, Bears/49ers, Rams/Falcons.

Low Scoring Games: Broncos/Chiefs, Texans/Chargers, Saints/Titans, Giants/Raiders.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 17

Player Notes
Aaron Rodgers Dec 26 7:20pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) is listed on the team's injury report but practiced in full all week and does not carry an injury designation ahead of a Week 17 divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Still, his status as the starter will be worth monitoring. The Green Bay Packers are set to host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, and if the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North title before Sunday's contest kicks off. In that scenario, the Steelers could opt to start Mason Rudolph and rest Rodgers ahead of the playoffs. If Rodgers does play, he could struggle to provide fantasy value on the road against a Cleveland defense that has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, he will be without his top wide receiver, as DK Metcalf begins a two-game suspension following an altercation with a fan in Week 16. Desperate fantasy managers could view Rodgers as a low-end QB2 if he starts, but this situation is best avoided if possible.

From RotoBaller

Terrance Ferguson Dec 26 7:10pm CT
Terrance Ferguson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson continues to trend upward in the team's offense. ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop wrote about 36 rookies who have learned valuable lessons in their first season, and she identified Ferguson early in the article as one of this season's top risers. He has played at least 75% of the offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks, and he had the best game of his young career in Week 16 with three catches, 33 yards, and one touchdown. Ferguson has emerged with Tyler Higbee (ankle) sidelined, as he finds himself in a complementary role alongside Colby Parkinson. While Parkinson has been more productive from a fantasy perspective, Ferguson has also carved out a decent role in Los Angeles' high-powered offense. He's a solid dynasty stash but not a dependable fantasy option for Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Dec 26 7:00pm CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) was added to the injury report after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. He'll have one opportunity to return to full capacity on Saturday before the Falcons announce Pitts' game status for Week 17. The Falcons play against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. This timing presents a difficult situation for fantasy managers. On one hand, Pitts has been a top tight end in fantasy football, scoring at least 15 full-PPR fantasy points in each of his last four games. On the other hand, if he is ruled out on Monday night, managers will have very few replacement options. Managers shouldn't panic yet, as Pitts could get back on track and avoid any sort of injury designation on Saturday. However, if he enters the weekend as questionable, managers should consider pivoting to a different tight end or at least adding one who plays on Monday night, like Colby Parkinson or Charlie Woerner. Managers in leagues with the auto-sub option could also consider taking advantage of that feature ahead of the weekend games. Pitts will rank as a mid-to-high TE1 if active.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 26 7:00pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday. He has been limited for two consecutive days as the Falcons continue to prepare for Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. London is dealing with the same knee injury that sidelined him for four games across November and December. However, he played through the ailment last week, catching three of eight targets for 27 yards on a 69% snap share. Therefore, barring any sort of setback, he has a good chance to play on Monday night. He'll likely see a similar or slightly larger workload. As it stands, London ranks as RotoBaller's WR13 for Week 17. Managers should check back on Saturday afternoon when the Falcons announce whether London carries a "questionable" injury designation into the contest.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Dec 26 6:50pm CT
Rashid Shaheed

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is a risky play against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Shaheed has come alive over the last three weeks, posting no less than 67 receiving yards or a touchdown in any given week. However, he only earned one target in Week 16, and most of his points came from a punt return for a touchdown. Shaheed should earn more than one target in Week 17, but the Panthers have a solid secondary that has given opposing passing games fits this season. Shaheed's role in the offense is evolving into more of the downfield role he held in New Orleans. As such, he is always a threat for a bomb touchdown reception. On the other hand, the Seahawks have shown that in unfavorable matchups, their only reliable wide receiver is generally Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If you need upside for a big play, Shaheed is your guy, but proceed with caution for championship week because he is always a threat to sink your week.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Dec 26 6:50pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet draws a great matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. The Panthers are No. 25 against opposing running backs in fantasy, and Charbonnet's role as the goal line running back should allow him to have a crack at the end zone against this vulnerable defense. Charbonnet's nine touchdowns this season have propelled him to a flex-worthy season. When he scores, he generally has a solid day for fantasy. His efficiency has been low all season, but in good matchups, he is generally able to rack up a respectable amount of yards. Look for the Seahawks' offense to have success against this defense all day. Charbonnet would be a risky play, as you are betting on a touchdown. However, if Charbonnet is going to score in any week, it would be in this matchup with the Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 26 6:50pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is in a great position to exploit a weak Carolina Panthers' rushing defense in Week 17. Carolina's defense has improved overall this year, but the rushing defense remains a problem. The Panthers are 25th against opposing running backs in fantasy. Additionally, Carolina is allowing 4.76 yards per carry to opposing running backs. This matchup is the remedy needed for a struggling Seahawks' rushing game. It could allow Walker to build on his best performance of the season in Week 16 when he scored 25.40 fantasy points against a tough Rams defense. Walker's volume is going to remain in the 12 to 15-touch range, but his potential for a big play will be high in Week 17. He is still a flex consideration considering his low floor, but Walker has RB1 upside this week. If you are a heavy underdog in your matchup, Walker could provide the upside you need to balance the playing field.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Dec 26 6:50pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers should get back to his borderline double-digit ways in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Myers scored just two fantasy points in Week 16 with the Seahawks relying heavily on two-point conversions as they clawed their way back into their game against the Rams. However, prior to Week 16, Myers had scored at least 13 fantasy points in six straight games. He has been automatic on PATs and long field goals, which have anchored his fantasy production. Carolina boasts a solid defense, but it is nothing the Seahawks' offense cannot handle. Seattle should find itself in scoring position for most of the day. Additionally, with Carolina's defense playing solidly, it could force Seattle into more field goals than touchdowns, further boosting Myers' value. Look for Myers to potentially deliver double-digit fantasy points in Week 17. He is a great addition to your championship lineup.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dec 26 6:50pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in a position to dominate once again in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has a solid passing defense, but JSN has proven to be matchup-proof time and again this season. Smith-Njigba's target share is simply too large for him to bust in most games. Additionally, the Seahawks move him all over the field and scheme plenty of looks for the third-year pro. Although Carolina has a talented secondary, it will be difficult for them to keep track of JSN at all times. This is a must-win game for both teams. There is a path for Carolina to clinch its division this week, and the Seahawks need this win to vie for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As such, this could be a higher-scoring game than many may expect. If Carolina's offense can put some pressure on Seattle's defense, it will only serve to boost Smith-Njigba's targets if Seattle needs to continually air the ball out. Start JSN as your anchor during championship week and do not look back.

From RotoBaller

Malik Willis Dec 26 6:40pm CT
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, illness) is in line to start under center for the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Starting quarterback Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) has been ruled out after getting concussed during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. Willis came in as relief and completed nine of 11 passing attempts for 121 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 10 times for an additional 44 yards on the ground. Willis suffered a shoulder injury in the process. He's currently questionable for this game, but he'll make the start for the Packers if he's cleared to play. Otherwise, Clayton Tune might come off the practice squad and start if Willis is also ruled out. Willis is enough of a dual threat to be viewed as an option in superflex formats. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team formats should be able to find a more trustworthy streaming option at QB.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Dec 26 6:40pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (teeth) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Brown missed the first two days of practice this week due to a dental procedure. He was able to practice in full on Friday, which was enough to clear him for Week 17. Brown has been cruising lately, with 95 receiving yards or more in four of his last five games. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Bills' defense this weekend, a unit that has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried, though, and need to keep Brown locked into all starting lineups in a game with shootout potential.

From RotoBaller

Jack Bech Dec 26 6:40pm CT
Jack Bech

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (back) was added to the injury report on Friday after practicing in a limited capacity. He is officially listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New York Giants. Vegas' receiving corps is short-staffed with Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, so Bech could be in line for more targets if he suits up. With that being said, he's still a risky fantasy option given his underwhelming performance as a rookie this year. The TCU product has played at least 81% of the snaps in two of his last three games, but he has a modest 10 catches during that span, and just 20 catches through 15 games this season. He still hasn't scored his first career touchdown, either. As it currently stands, Bech is the overall WR67 in RotoBaller's fantasy rankings for Week 17.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Dec 26 6:40pm CT
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is a starting option in Week 17 against a middle-of-the-pack Carolina Panthers defense. The Panthers are No. 17 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. The defense is much improved from last season and is not being gouged at every level of the field as they have in years past. Barner has been relatively fantasy-relevant this season with a nose for the end zone and a proven after-catch ability. In Week 16, Barner caught four of six targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He has also recorded at least six targets in two straight games. The recent volume supplies Barner with a solid fantasy floor. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against the Panthers, which will provide Barner with red zone opportunities. If you need a potential replacement for an injured San Francisco 49ers tight end, George Kittle (ankle), or underperformers such as Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, Barner is a solid option for championship week.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Dec 26 6:30pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (ankle, knee) is trending in the right direction ahead of the Sunday night matchup against the Chicago Bears, according to Matt Maiocco. Pearsall has been limited in practice this week after sitting out last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year wideout is managing both an ankle issue and a PCL problem. He'll likely get slapped with a questionable tag ahead of the Week 17 contest. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday for more information. Pearsall could offer some flex value if he's able to get back on the field this weekend, but with everything on the line in championship matchups, it's hard to put any faith in an oft-injured player not even guaranteed to be on the field on Sunday evening.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Dec 26 6:30pm CT
Dawson Knox

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (knee) is listed as questionable for the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Knox sat out the first two days of practice, but was able to get in a limited session on Friday. If active, Knox could end up serving as the No. 1 tight end with Dalton Kincaid (knee) in danger of missing this game as well. Knox had a two-touchdown performance in Week 15, but outside of that, he has been quiet most of the season as the No. 2 behind Kincaid. He'd be a touchdown-dependent option, even as the primary tight end in Buffalo. If both Knox and Kincaid miss Week 17, Jackson Hawes would take over as the starting tight end. The rookie wouldn't be worth streaming in 12-team formats for championship week.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Dec 26 6:30pm CT
Noah Fant

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 17 matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals. Fant suffered an ankle injury in Week 15, and as a result, he sat out during last week's game against the Miami Dolphins. He was limited during the first two practice sessions of the week before getting in a full practice on Friday. Fant appears to be trending in the right direction, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday. If active, Fant remains a shaky streaming option for this weekend. The 28-year-old hasn't finished with more than one reception since Week 11. Fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable streaming option for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Dec 26 6:30pm CT
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) is being shut down for the rest of the regular season, according to Jay Glazer. Crosby suffered a knee injury early in the season and has been playing through it for months. The Raiders aren't playing for anything at this point in the season, so they'll elect to let Crosby rest and get healthy. Crosby reportedly didn't like the decision and stormed out of the building. The superstar pass-rusher is notorious for wanting to play in every game, no matter the team's record or injury to his body. The 2-13 Raiders are certainly rebuilding and might trade the 28-year-old pass-rusher for draft picks or younger players in the offseason. For now, Crosby is done for the year, and the Raiders' defense gets worse heading into a Week 17 matchup versus the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Dec 26 6:30pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) logged another limited practice on Friday. He is officially questionable to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 17. Pearsall is working his way back after missing last week's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Given his practice participation and game status, it sounds like he could be a true game-time decision this week. His six-catch, 96-yard performance from Week 15 makes him a tempting starter, but the timing of kickoff is risky. 28 of 32 teams will have played by Sunday night, leaving managers with fewer replacement options if he's ruled out. Managers who do feel compelled to start Pearsall as a flex could pivot to someone like Kyle Monangai, Blake Corum, or Luther Burden III if he doesn't play.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Dec 26 6:20pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle) did not practice on Friday, and he's officially listed as questionable to play against the Chicago Bears in Week 17. The team expects Kittle to be a game-time decision, but the fact that he missed all three practices this week is very discouraging. Nevertheless, the door remains open for him to play. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the 49ers play on Sunday Night Football, which means we won't get confirmation on his status until 28 of the 32 teams have played. If he's ruled out, fantasy managers will have trouble finding a last-minute replacement. With that said, his high upside may be worth the risk in some formats. Managers planning to roll the dice with Kittle should also add his backup, Jake Tonges, in case he's ruled out. Kittle, who is averaging the second-most fantasy points per game in PPR leagues, would rank as a high-end TE1 if active.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Dec 26 5:10pm CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has seen a significant drop-off since his fantastic beginning to the season. Over the last six games, Egbuka has been held to under 45 receiving yards in every game but one. The return of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan isn't going to do Egbuka any favors in terms of target share. The Bucs have a lot of mouths to feed, and unfortunately, Egbuka is getting lost in the shuffle. He hauled in one of his two targets for 40 yards during last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers. Egbuka should be viewed as a WR3 for the Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The upside is great, but Egbuka isn't getting the ball enough to be trustworthy in most formats right now.

From RotoBaller