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Fantasy Football: Top 10 sleepers for Week 17
By Genna Preston
When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to keep an eye on these top 10 sleepers heading into Week 17 NFL action.
Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) makes a pass during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. Lions win 32-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
We prepare all year for fantasy football season, and in the blink of an eye it’s over. With only one more week, and the championships on the line, Week 17 is vital for anyone anticipating winning their league.
Week 17 also means there is only one more week until teams battle one another in the playoffs. Because of this, we may see some of our star players take a step back in an attempt to not jeopardize their health.
Unfortunately, fantasy owners like you and I will have to make some adjustments in order keep afloat in this final Week 17 match-up. I have identified 10 sleeper options for Week 17, that could be beneficial to any starting line-up. Let’s take a look.
Next: 10. This Eagle has been a bust all season
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
10. Sam Bradford
Sam Bradford has definitely had a rough season. Before his last two match-ups, he only earned 20 or more fantasy points per game twice this season.
Last week, Bradford completed 37-of-56 passes for 380 yards and a touchdown in last week’s loss to the Washington Redskins which knocked the Philadelphia Eagles out of the playoffs.
However, this week Bradford enter a different ballgame as, coach Chip Kelly was fired on Tuesday. Not to mention he has a great match-up against division rivals the New York Giants. The Giants rank 31st against the position and have allowed the second most points to quarterbacks. You just can’t resist this match-up.
Next: 9. This Titans running back looks to triumph
Dec 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans strong safety Quintin Demps (27) picks up the ball fumbled by Tennessee Titans running back Antonio Andrews (26) (not pictured) and runs for a touchdown during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to running backs, the Tennessee Titans are inconsistent. However, if they have the right match-up players like Antonio Andrews will shine.
Last week, Andrews had his worst week of the season having posted only one yard on two carries. He completed 0-of-2 targets and a fumble in the Week 16 game against the Houston Texans. Unfortunately, it was not a good week, earning owners negative fantasy points.
However this week, Andrews takes on the Indianapolis Colts who rank 21st against the position. The Colts allowed the 10th most points to running backs this season, and in Week 3, Andrews posted about 15 fantasy points in the same match-up.
Next: 8. This Brown is sleeper material
Dec 20, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (11) picks up a first down as he tackled by Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Benjamin has been a week by week play in fantasy leagues this season. In Week 16, Benjamin looked to be a top sleeper choice, but failed miserably posting less than five points.
Benjamin caught only 2-of-5 targets for 20 yards in last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This week’s match-up however offers a better situation.
The Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers who have struggled with stopping wideouts and rank 32nd against the position. The Steelers have allowed the third most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, and Benjamin looks to be a true sleeper this week.
Next: 7. This Chief is coming in strong
Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
7. Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce has been a boom or bust tight end this season. It’s no surprise fantasy owners are left weary of starting him but, this week he shows sleeper qualities.
Last week, Kelce posted at least 15 points depending on your league. He completed 6-of-8 targets for 43 yards and a touchdown last week against the Cleveland Browns.
This week, Kelce looks to continue his success in a match-up against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders rank 30th against the position and are among the teams that have offered the most points to tight ends this season. Kelce looks to end Week 17 with a boom.
Next: 6. This Eagle will finally soar
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) is tripped up by Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
6. Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz has been a huge disappoint this season. Unfortunately, Ertz has not been a main target for the Eagles. But, in the last couple weeks of the season, the tables have turned.
Last week, Ertz completed 13-of-17 targets for 122 yards which was an all-team high. Ertz earned over 25 fantasy points in the Week 16 loss to the Washington Redskins.
With Ertz being a main target of Sam Bradford, his weekly match-up couldn’t be more appealing. The Eagles take on the New York Giants who rank 31st against the position and have allowed the third most points to tight ends this season. I smell a Week 17 sleeper!
Next: 5. We haven't seen this Raven since the Super Bowl
Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Chris Matthews (84) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Matthews is a blast from the past having not been heard of since last year’s Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
Now on the Baltimore Ravens, Matthews finally showed up in last week’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He completed 3-of-5 targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in Week 16.
Matthews takes on the Cincinatti Bengals who rank 12th against the position. And, although it may not seem like the most ideal match-up, the Ravens are without Steven Smith Sr. and will take advantage of Matthews giving him valuable playing time. Matthews is a great sleeper pick this week.
Next: 4. He's one of two Browns to trust this week
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) is chased by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) during a 54 yard run during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
You don’t want to trust the Browns this season, especially in this week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Isaiah Crowell is a player that on paper seems to be a great sleeper option this week.
Although the Steelers rank 2nd against his position, Crowell has scored a touchdown in three of his last four games. He also leads the team in rushing yards with 336 total yards for the season.
The Browns may not be able to defeat to the Steelers but, Crowell will see high work load with Chris Johnson injured, and Demarco Murray null and void this season. Crowell is a good choice this week if you need a flex or sleeper.
Next: 3. This Bengal will be the No. 2 receiver this week
Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
3. Marvin Jones
The Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line is a little banged up coming into Week 17. Andy Dalton is out and Tyler Eifert is still dealing with a concussion. As A.J. Green steps up to the plate, Marvin Jones will be considered the No. 2 option.
In Week 16, Jones completed only 3-of-7 targets for 33 yards in a loss to the Denver Broncos. This week’s game offers Jones a much easier game as he takes on the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens rank 29th against wide receivers and Jones should have no problems completing targets or finding the end zone in this season’s final game.
Next: 2. This Lion scored 40 points in their last match-up
Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. Detroit won 32-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
If you have read my previous week picks you would know I have a soft spot for Matthew Stafford. But can you blame me? In his last six games he’s posted at least 20 fantasy points per game, if not more.
Stafford completed 29-of-37 passes for 301 yards. He also contributed 11 yards with five carries in last week’s win over the San Francisco 49ers.
This week, he plays the Chicago Bears who rank 20th against the position and have allowed on average 22 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. If that isn’t convincing enough, he posted almost 40 fantasy points in the same match-up in Week 6. Stafford is a go!
Next: 1. He's new to the Patriots, but he's no rookie
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback
(12) hands the ball off to running back
(39) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
I usually never agree to start a New England Patriot running back due to their passing game capabilities. But, I can’t help but to add Steven Jackson to the list this week.
Last week, Jackson to the field for the first time as a Patriot. He only carried seven times for 15 yards on nine snaps in last week’s loss to the New York Jets. This is why he’s a sleeper pick.
The Patriots recently signed Jackson with a purpose. With the playoffs only a week away, this is the last week for the Patriots to see what Jackson is made of, and what his contribution will be during the playoffs. With this in mind, it only makes sense the Patriots will increase Jackson’s playing time this week.
More jets: Top 5 fantasy football running backs for Week 17
Also, the Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins this week. Miami ranks 31st against running backs and have given the most points to the position this season. Jackson screams sleeper.