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Fantasy Football: Top 5 quarterbacks for Week 17
By Genna Preston
When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 5 quarterbacks heading into Week 17 NFL action.
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer throws a pass in the first half against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a sad week in fantasy football, Week 17. If you play in a 17 week league this is your championship week and most important weeks of all. And, if you play daily fantasy, Week 17 offers great opportunities to win big.
As teams fight their last battle to clinch playoff and wild card spots, we can expect certain players to post decent fantasy points. On the other hand, some teams have already secured playoff spots and may or may not play their starters for a full game.
With Week 17 being championship week, you can’t afford to start someone who may not play an entire game, and risk an opportunity to post big fantasy numbers. Considering all that is at stake and the Week 17 match-ups, here are five quarterbacks that fantasy owners should start this week.
Next: 5. This Jaguar is ending the season with a bang
Dec 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles has been a silent but deadly fantasy quarterback this season. In his last five match-ups he posted over 25 fantasy points per game.
Last week, Bortles completed 27-of-35 passes for 368 yards. Although he had two interceptions, he secured four touchdowns earning owners over 30 points. His Week 17 game seems to offer similar capabilities.
Bortles takes on the Houston Texans, and although they rank 10th against the position, Bortles posted 28 fantasy points against the Texans in Week 6. Bortles will end this season with a bang in Week 17, and definitely deserves a starting role in your lineup.
Next: 4. This Cardinal wants home field advantage
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Although Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals have already clinched a first week bye in the play-offs, the pressure continues as the Cardinals fight to have the home field advantage. As the Cardinals continue to fight in Week 17, so will Palmer.
On paper, this week’s match-up doesn’t look very promising to owners, as he prepares to take on the Seattle Seahawks who rank 2nd against the position. However, if we take a trip back to Week 10, Palmer earned over 25 fantasy points against the Seahawks.
With the home field advantage on the line, and Palmer’s earlier performance against the Seahawks, Palmer is a definite start in Week 17.
Next: 3. This Redskin should have been drafted weeks ago
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kirk Cousins
If you didn’t listen to me three weeks ago, then shame on you because Kirk Cousins is on fire! Not only did he earn over 25 points per game in his last three games, but he had eight touchdowns in his last two games.
Last week, Cousins completed 22-of-28 passes for 365 yards. He also completed an astonishing four touchdowns in the Week 16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
This week, Cousins has a great match-up against the Dallas Cowboys. Although the Cowboys rank 4th against opposing quarterbacks, they are literally playing for nothing this week, having been knocked out of the playoffs by the New York Jets in Week 15.
Keep in mind, Cousins could see limited playing time, if the Washington Redskins want to keep him healthy for the playoffs. However, with some of the offensive players banged up, it has not been decided yet so, keep an eye on Cousins status and if he is a go ahead, so should you.
Next: 2. A bearded quarterback with everything on the line
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Fitzpatrick is having his best season by far, and has really earned his spot on any starting roster (I won the championships with Fitzpatrick). Hitting a career high of 29 passing touchdowns this season, Fitzpatrick has been on fire these last few weeks.
Last week, he completed 26-of-41 passes for a little under 300 yards. Fitzpatrick also three touchdowns and two carries in the Week 16 win over division rival the New England Patriots.
The Jets prepare for another division game against the Buffalo Bills, who can make or break the season for Gang Green. With the wild card spot in the line and Fitzpatrick’s sudden explosion, he is sure starter in Week 17.
Next: 1. A determined Steeler
Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) get hit as he throws during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Roethlisberger is a well-known name in the fantasy football world. However, his last week’s performance left owners a little doubtful coming into Week 17.
Last week, he completed 24-of-34 passes for 215 yards. Roethlisberger also allowed two interceptions in last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens; he didn’t even earn double-digits.
More jets: The other guys continue to make plays for the Jets
With the Wild Card spot on the line for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Big Ben has no option but to score big. Not to mention, he takes on the Cleveland Browns who rank 27th against quarterbacks. This is the same team who allowed Roethlisberger to earn over 30 fantasy points in Week 10. Roethlisberger is a must start in Week 17.