The fantasy football championship week has arrived, and the stakes couldn’t be higher! As managers scramble to finalize their lineups, the Sporting News fantasy team is here to help you identify those crucial sleepers for Week 17. With the pressure on, making the right decisions with fringe starters is essential to secure that coveted title.
Reflecting on last week’s successes, we saw standout performances from players like Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, Jerome Ford, Keenan Allen, Xavier Worthy, and Chigoziem Okonkwo. Fantasy managers who had any of these players in their lineups were likely celebrating their high-end contributions. But as we know, the fantasy season is a rollercoaster, and we must continuously adapt to the ever-changing landscape.
Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings
Before we dive into the specific sleepers, here’s a quick look at our Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings:
- QBs
- RBs
- WRs
- TEs
- D/ST
- Kickers
Fantasy QB Sleepers for Week 17
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Richardson may stretch the definition of "sleeper," but he’s not considered a weekly starter by most. Last week, he completed just seven passes but still racked up 20.24 fantasy points thanks to his impressive 70 rushing yards and a touchdown. Facing the struggling Giants defense this week, expect Richardson to excel, especially on the ground.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Despite a tough loss to the Vikings in Week 16, Smith threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns. This week, he faces the Bears on Thursday night. While Chicago has a reputation for being tough against the pass, they’ve allowed 30+ points in four of their last five games. With Seattle still in the playoff hunt, Smith is poised to take advantage of this favorable matchup.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
After two disappointing weeks, Stafford returns home to face a reeling Cardinals defense. The Rams have struggled in low-scoring games, but this matchup presents a chance for Stafford to regain his form and deliver a strong performance.
Fantasy RB Sleepers for Week 17
Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders
With key players on IR, Abdullah has stepped up in a two-man rotation at running back. Last week, he played 43% of snaps and received six targets along with seven carries. Against the Saints, who rank 30th in total defense, Abdullah has the potential to be a valuable asset, especially if he can capitalize on check-down opportunities.
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots
While Rhamondre Stevenson is the more talented runner, his fumble issues have opened the door for Gibson. With head coach Jerod Mayo growing impatient, Gibson could see an increased role this week against the Chargers.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Spears has been on fire lately, scoring four touchdowns in the past two games. His explosiveness and toughness make him a strong candidate for fantasy relevance in a juicy matchup against the Jaguars.
Fantasy WR Sleepers for Week 17
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McMillan has been on a scoring spree, notching 15+ PPR points in three consecutive weeks. With four touchdowns during this stretch, he’s not just benefiting from luck; his underlying metrics are improving. Facing the Panthers, McMillan is likely to find the end zone once again.
Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
After a promising start with new quarterback Michael Penix, Mooney led the Falcons with five catches for 82 yards last week. With room for improvement, he’s a player to watch as he builds momentum.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
Doubs had a quiet outing in the first meeting with Minnesota, but he’s emerged as a key target for Jordan Love. With the Vikings’ secondary struggling, expect Doubs to contribute significantly with 60-80 yards and a touchdown.
Fantasy TE Sleepers for Week 17
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
After a stellar performance last week, Okonkwo is on a roll, amassing 17 receptions and 33.0 PPR points in his last two games. With the Titans relying on him for targets, he’s set for another productive outing against the Jaguars, who struggle against tight ends.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
With the Saints’ offense depleted, Johnson has become a reliable end zone target. The Giants have struggled against tight ends all season, making this a prime opportunity for Johnson to shine.
Stone Smartt, Los Angeles Chargers
With Hunter Henry facing a tough matchup, Smartt is stepping into a more prominent role. The Patriots have been vulnerable against tight ends, making Smartt a potential sleeper this week.
Fantasy Defense Sleepers for Week 17
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are a solid streaming option this week against the Giants, who haven’t scored more than 20 points since Week 9. If Tommy DeVito starts, this matchup could become even more favorable.
Los Angeles Rams
While known for their offense, the Rams’ defense has improved significantly. Facing the eliminated Cardinals, expect the Rams to capitalize on their defensive strengths as they vie for the NFC West crown.
Las Vegas Raiders
With a strong effort last week against the Jaguars, the Raiders are looking to impress ownership. Facing the Saints without Derek Carr, they have a prime opportunity to showcase their defensive prowess.
As the fantasy season reaches its climax, these sleepers could be the key to your championship success. Make sure to evaluate your lineup carefully and seize the opportunities that Week 17 presents! Happy fantasy footballing!
