In fantasy football, nothing is more frustrating than a player underperforming and costing you a crucial matchup. While it’s tough to manage when a superstar fails to deliver, the real agony comes when a fringe starter becomes a liability. Fantasy managers must be vigilant and aim to sidestep these potential disappointments at all costs.
As we dive into Week 17, it’s essential to remember that this week offers a fresh start with new matchups to analyze. The goal remains the same: avoid any lineup landmines that could lead to a frustrating Sunday afternoon.
To help you navigate this week’s fantasy landscape, we’ve gathered insights from our panel of analysts, who will highlight one player to avoid at each position. If you heed their advice, you might just save your fantasy hopes from a disappointing fate.
Fantasy QB Busts Week 17
Michael O’Hara: Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins — You might expect me to bring up the “Tua in cold weather” narrative, but with temperatures around 50 degrees in Cleveland, that’s not the issue. The real concern is the Cleveland defense, which is formidable. The current Miami offense is not set up for consistent fantasy production. Tagovailoa’s game relies heavily on short passes and yards after catch, and he ranks last in average depth of target (aDOT) and deep throw rate. With a low floor established over the past two weeks, it’s wise to steer clear of Tagovailoa this week.
Ed Williams: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals — With the Cardinals out of playoff contention, Murray might be more focused on offseason activities than on the field. Despite early-season MVP buzz, the offense has struggled to find rhythm. There’s little chemistry with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., and while tight end Trey McBride has been a target magnet, he hasn’t found the end zone yet. It’s hard to expect a turnaround in these final weeks.
Vinnie Iyer: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions — Facing the 49ers at home in prime time is no easy task. While Goff has proven he can perform in adverse conditions, only three quarterbacks have had significant fantasy success against San Francisco this season. With the 49ers’ strong defense, it’s best to look elsewhere for your starting quarterback.
Fantasy RB Busts Week 17
O’Hara: Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys — If you have a running back facing the Eagles, it’s best to avoid them. In the last two weeks, six different running backs have combined for just 67 rushing yards against Philadelphia. The Eagles have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Even though Dowdle may be the lead back for Dallas, he’s likely to struggle against this tough defense. Consider him an RB3 option, only to be started in desperate situations.
Williams: Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars — The Titans are giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs, but the situation remains frustrating. There’s no clear indication whether Etienne or Bigsby will dominate the carries each week. Last week, it was Bigsby’s turn, which adds risk to starting Etienne. Unless your roster is decimated by injuries, it’s best to avoid this backfield altogether.
Iyer: Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders — The Falcons can concede touchdowns to running backs, which might give Robinson a slight boost. However, with Jayden Daniels leading the charge in the backfield, it’s unclear how the touches will be distributed. This could lead to a frustrating fantasy day for Robinson.
Fantasy WR Busts Week 17
O’Hara: Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams — Kupp has seen a noticeable decline in production over the last two weeks, with a sub-20% target share in both games. He ran a route on just 57.9% of dropbacks, his lowest mark in a healthy game this season. Although it’s tough to bench a player of his caliber, it’s crucial to temper expectations based on recent performance.
Williams: Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns — The Cleveland offense is struggling, and this is a clear warning sign for fantasy managers. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback, the drop-off from a seasoned starter is significant. The entire wide receiver corps should be benched this week.
Iyer: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions — While Williams had a breakout game against Chicago, he faces a tough matchup against the 49ers. Their secondary can give up big plays, but they typically require a high volume of targets, which doesn’t align with Williams’ current usage.
Fantasy TE Busts Week 17
O’Hara: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings — Hockenson has not been the target monster he was last season. He hasn’t surpassed a 20% target share in over a month and is clearly the third option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Without consistent volume, Hockenson is a risky start, especially in a crucial week.
Williams: Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys — Although Cooper Rush tends to involve Ferguson, the Eagles have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. With their elite linebacker duo, it could be challenging for Ferguson to find openings.
Iyer: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots — Facing the Chargers, Henry may have revenge on his mind, but he needs help from rookie quarterback Drake Maye. In a tough tight end matchup, it’s likely that Maye will be directed to throw elsewhere.
Fantasy Defense Busts Week 17
O’Hara: Houston Texans — The Texans have been a reliable fantasy defense this season, but they face a daunting task against Lamar Jackson and the high-flying Baltimore offense. This matchup could spell trouble for fantasy managers relying on Houston’s defense.
Williams: Cleveland Browns — The Browns’ defense has not performed at the level we’ve come to expect. While Myles Garrett remains a force, Tua Tagovailoa’s quick release could neutralize that pass rush. With a vulnerable secondary, this might be the week Tyreek Hill breaks free for a big play.
Iyer: Denver Broncos — Joe Burrow is on a mission to keep his team in the wild-card race, and facing the Broncos at home, he’s likely to light up the scoreboard. This situation could put Denver’s defense in a tough spot, making them a risky start.
As we gear up for Week 17, remember to analyze your lineup carefully. Avoiding these potential busts could be the key to securing that all-important victory. Good luck!
