Week 17 2024 who should I start thread **OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL** CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION! (2 Viewers)

[Chaka]

@Joe Bryant @FBG Moderator

Now with 100% more Official

This is where we ask questions and offer help.

Thank you to all the posters who come here to offer that help.

A couple notes:

I attempt to give well considered responses to all questions posted. I can't get to everything, but I'll try.

1) This only works if people participate. If you ask for help it is good form to offer help to someone else.

2) Please post the matchup. e.g. Cousins vs Den or James Cook @ Mia

3) Please post important league scoring considerations (e.g. PPR, super-flex etc).

4) Please go easy on the nicknames, save that for other threads. We can't help if we don't know who you are talking about.

View this as an exercise to help focus your thoughts about teams in general. Players you own may not be involved in these WDIS questions but certainly you will own players on many of these teams. Analyzing other players will help you identify things you may have otherwise not considered.

(Joe Edit: When you ask, please let us know which way you're leaning. And more importantly, why. What do you see as the pros and cons. Most people will be much more likely to help if they feel like you've put in a little work on this as well.)

Let's move on to Championship Week

 

[Joe Bryant]

Pinned

 

[Chaka]

I'll start:

Flex, PPR
Chase Brown v DEN (#19 v RBs)
Terry McLaurin v ATL (#30 v WRs)
Courtland Sutton @ CIN (#11 v WRs)

 

[Joe Bryant]

Do you mean Week 17?

 

[Chaka]

Defense

Minnesota v GB (#3 v DEF)
Indy @ NYG (#30 v DEF)
Raiders @ NO (#25 v DEF)

Minnesota has been set-and-forget all year for me but, it's a terrible matchup and that Indy matchup seems very tempting on paper.

 

[shadrap]

I'll start:

Flex, PPR
Chase Brown v DEN (#19 v RBs)
Terry McLaurin v ATL (#30 v WRs)
Courtland Sutton @ CIN (#11 v WRs)

Great choices! Brown unless you need to swing for the fences. then it's one of the two WRs

 

[shadrap]

Defense

Minnesota v GB (#3 v DEF)
Indy @ NYG (#30 v DEF)
Raiders @ NO (#25 v DEF)

Minnesota has been set-and-forget all year for me but, it's a terrible matchup and that Indy matchup seems very tempting on paper.

Indy. Giants going for #1 pick. They are tanking but have to show they are not.

 

[Kuz]

I'll start:

Flex, PPR
Chase Brown v DEN (#19 v RBs)
Terry McLaurin v ATL (#30 v WRs)
Courtland Sutton @ CIN (#11 v WRs)

I would lean Brown but the Bengals will most likely will be winning so Denver will have to throw.. That said..

Brown - Sutton - McLaurin

 

[Nevermore]

With the two that were mentioned above I'd go with:

@Chaka Brown
Indy

 

[TheBigHouse]

Due to injuries, my RB2 choices are Najee or Warren, or Isaac Guerendo. Unfortunately the Steelers game will be over before SF even practices again for there to be a report on Guerendo’s status. Do I start Najee or Warren, knowing I’m likely to get a dud against KC, even if I pick the right Steeler, or hope that Shanahan is being truthful when he says Guerendo is on the path to playing Monday night?

 

[-OZ-]

Championship game baby!

SF
I think I’m starting purdy against the lions on MNF. but then Bryce Young @ TB, or Caleb Williams TNF vs Seattle?

Flex - gotta go with metcalf vs bears over pollard @ JAX. Right?

 

[-OZ-]

I'll start:

Flex, PPR
Chase Brown v DEN (#19 v RBs)
Terry McLaurin v ATL (#30 v WRs)
Courtland Sutton @ CIN (#11 v WRs)

Are you really considering benching the 4th best WR over the past 5 weeks? Scary Terry starts, imo

 

[zeke2222]

Standard League Need 3:

Kupp vs Ariz
JSN vs CHI
London vs Wash
Evans vs Car
McConkey vs NE?


Thanks

 

[zeke2222]

Standard league need 1:

Njoku vs Mia (Not sure of Status)
Henry vs LAC
Shultz vs Bal
Likely vs Hou
Freiermuth vs KC
Ertz vs Atl?
Kincaid vs NYJ?

 

[JoeJoe88]

Who do I start as my second QB in the championship? 4 point passing tds

Stroud(Ravens)
Geno(Bears)

Brock is QB1

 

[Nevermore]

@TheBigHouse Start Najee as I feel he will at least get the most volume.

@-OZ- I would start Purdy and definitely Metcalf. I think you have it set correctly.

@zeke2222 Start Kupp, JSN, and McConkey also as the TE start Likely

@JoeJoe88 Go with Geno

 

[BearsFan4Life]

Standard Scoring ... NO PPR

PICK 2

NCollins vs Balt - Wed
ARSB @ SF - Mon (Opponent starting Goff)
JTaylor @ NYG - Sun

Other starters: Daniels, Barkley, JJacobs, McBride, McLaughlin, Indi

Thanks and Merry Christmas to Everyone!

 

[Goooals]

Championship!!

PPR League and I need to sit one of these players:

Hill @ CLE - Has been better with Tua back but nowhere near expectations and am considering benching in the final
London @ WSH - Playing for the playoff lives; Does Penix have enough in him to make London worthy
McLaurin vs ATL - Probably the most consistent of this bunch
Flowers @ HOU - Up and down but getting a healthy floor and they are still playing for the division title

I sat Flowers last week (wrong call) but still made it to the finals. It's tough to get this one right week over week, but that's why we ask the questions.

With rain expected in Washington, I leaning toward playing only McLaurin in that game (sitting London) to hedge against two potential duds if it goes that way.

Non-PPR League:

Start LaPorta @SF or Smith against CLE?

Thoughts?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

With things so iffy surrounding Conner playing Saturday, I have him sitting at flex right now. Not happy about it.

1 PPR

My other choices would be

Worthy (this would be a quick call as he plays today)
Abdullah
or Benson, should he get the start over Conner

Appreciate any thoughts.

Merry Christmas!

 

[oldmanhawkins]

Merry Christmas! Here we go again! Need to choose 5 among this group in a ppr.

Evans vs Carolina
Pickens vs KC (wed)
Aaron Jones vs GB
Charbonnet @ Chi (Thursday)
Nabers vs Indy
Mcconkey @ NE
Addison va GB
Higgins vs Denver

 

[The Future Champs]

I'll start:

Flex, PPR
Chase Brown v DEN (#19 v RBs)
Terry McLaurin v ATL (#30 v WRs)
Courtland Sutton @ CIN (#11 v WRs)

Are you really considering benching the 4th best WR over the past 5 weeks? Scary Terry starts, imo

Chase Brown has been on fire since Zach Moss went down. Not an easy choice, but I’d roll with Brown.

 

[The Future Champs]

Merry Christmas! Here we go again! Need to choose 5 among this group in a ppr.

Evans vs Carolina
Pickens vs KC (wed)
Aaron Jones vs GB
Charbonnet @ Chi (Thursday)
Nabers vs Indy
Mcconkey @ NE
Addison va GB
Higgins vs Denver

Not charbonnet. Not Higgins. After that I’m

 

[-OZ-]

I'll start:

Flex, PPR
Chase Brown v DEN (#19 v RBs)
Terry McLaurin v ATL (#30 v WRs)
Courtland Sutton @ CIN (#11 v WRs)

Are you really considering benching the 4th best WR over the past 5 weeks? Scary Terry starts, imo

Chase Brown has been on fire since Zach Moss went down. Not an easy choice, but I’d roll with Brown.

I guess it depends on scoring and timeframe. But for Terry has been better in my leagues these past 5 weeks.
Ultimately, a gut call. But if these are your last picks you’re in really good shape.

 

[-OZ-]

Merry Christmas! Here we go again! Need to choose 5 among this group in a ppr.

Evans vs Carolina
Pickens vs KC (wed)
Aaron Jones vs GB
Charbonnet @ Chi (Thursday)
Nabers vs Indy
Mcconkey @ NE
Addison va GB
Higgins vs Denver

Just my view, Evans is automatic. Pickens, Jones, Nabers, and McConkey probably get the starts for me.

 

[-OZ-]

Championship!!

PPR League and I need to sit one of these players:

Hill @ CLE - Has been better with Tua back but nowhere near expectations and am considering benching in the final
London @ WSH - Playing for the playoff lives; Does Penix have enough in him to make London worthy
McLaurin vs ATL - Probably the most consistent of this bunch
Flowers @ HOU - Up and down but getting a healthy floor and they are still playing for the division title

I sat Flowers last week (wrong call) but still made it to the finals. It's tough to get this one right week over week, but that's why we ask the questions.

With rain expected in Washington, I leaning toward playing only McLaurin in that game (sitting London) to hedge against two potential duds if it goes that way.

Non-PPR League:

Start LaPorta @SF or Smith against CLE?

Thoughts?

Jonnu has been good lately but I can’t bench LaPorta for him. Probably the wrong call though.

Penix has enough in him imo, but I’d still bench London given the options.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Merry Christmas and happy championship week. Have a 1/2 ppr question for you guys.

R Dowdle at Philly
T Spears at Jax

 

[The Future Champs]

With things so iffy surrounding Conner playing Saturday, I have him sitting at flex right now. Not happy about it.

1 PPR

My other choices would be

Worthy (this would be a quick call as he plays today)
Abdullah
or Benson, should he get the start over Conner

Appreciate any thoughts.

Merry Christmas!

That’s a tough spot to be in. Sitting Worthy sets you up for a big range of outcomes. I’d roll with Worthy, b/c I think the most unlikely scenario is a healthy Conner resumes full bell cow role. Arizona is out of the playoffs, with a dinged up vet starter, and a youngster who has produced decently in limited action, going against a decent run defense on a team holding on to a slim lead in their division.

KC wins, and they can rest their veterans the next two weekends.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

With things so iffy surrounding Conner playing Saturday, I have him sitting at flex right now. Not happy about it.

1 PPR

My other choices would be

Worthy (this would be a quick call as he plays today)
Abdullah
or Benson, should he get the start over Conner

Appreciate any thoughts.

Merry Christmas!

That’s a tough spot to be in. Sitting Worthy sets you up for a big range of outcomes. I’d roll with Worthy, b/c I think the most unlikely scenario is a healthy Conner resumes full bell cow role. Arizona is out of the playoffs, with a dinged up vet starter, and a youngster who has produced decently in limited action, going against a decent run defense on a team holding on to a slim lead in their division.

KC wins, and they can rest their veterans the next two weekends.

Awesome response thanks!
Merry Christmas Champs

 

[davidwb]

Happy Holidays and Championship Week!

Standard league (no PPR)
Start 3 out of:

DJ Moore
Tee Higgins
Jameson Williams
Tyreek Hill
Garrett Wilson
Xavier Worthy

Thanks!

 

[Chaka]

Due to injuries, my RB2 choices are Najee or Warren, or Isaac Guerendo. Unfortunately the Steelers game will be over before SF even practices again for there to be a report on Guerendo’s status. Do I start Najee or Warren, knowing I’m likely to get a dud against KC, even if I pick the right Steeler, or hope that Shanahan is being truthful when he says Guerendo is on the path to playing Monday night?

It depends if you have any options if Guerendo is a late scratch.

If not then the question is if you are playing in PPR format (it's important to include that kind of information). If it's full PPR then I probably plug in Warren and hope he exceeds his floor with usage in the passing game. If not Najee is the better bet.

Personally, because it's championship week I think I take the risk and wait on Guerendo. But I haven't been following his injury status closely.

 

[Chaka]

Championship game baby!

SF
I think I’m starting purdy against the lions on MNF. but then Bryce Young @ TB, or Caleb Williams TNF vs Seattle?

Flex - gotta go with metcalf vs bears over pollard @ JAX. Right?

Bryce has been playing well lately but for fantasy his output has been supported by a rush TD in three of four games. I don't like counting on that and his passing ceiling/floor still seems limited.

I go with Caleb. Better passer, better runner. And it's a neutral matchup.

I probably go with DK too. Not sure what to think of Pollard but the Titans aren't playing for anything so I can't trust them.

 

[Chaka]

Standard League Need 3:

Kupp vs Ariz
JSN vs CHI
London vs Wash
Evans vs Car
McConkey vs NE?


Thanks

JSN, Evans and Ladd for me pretty easily.

At this point I can't rely on Kupp and didn't London suffer a minor injury? Even so with the rookie QB I'll go with Ladd ATM.

 

[Chaka]

Standard league need 1:

Njoku vs Mia (Not sure of Status)
Henry vs LAC
Shultz vs Bal
Likely vs Hou
Freiermuth vs KC
Ertz vs Atl?
Kincaid vs NYJ?

LOL no idea, brother. TEs are so volatile.

Personally I stick with Njoku because he looks like DTRs first read/safety valve.

 

[Chaka]

Who do I start as my second QB in the championship? 4 point passing tds

Stroud(Ravens)
Geno(Bears)

Brock is QB1

Very close IMO. Very close. It's pretty much a coin toss so I probably go with Stroud mostly because he's at home and it's a better matchup.

 

[JoeJoe88]

Who do I start as my second QB in the championship? 4 point passing tds

Stroud(Ravens)
Geno(Bears)

Brock is QB1

Very close IMO. Very close. It's pretty much a coin toss so I probably go with Stroud mostly because he's at home and it's a better matchup.

Yep, I think I’m leaving him in. I also have Nico for the stack.

 

[davidwb]

Standard league need 1:

Njoku vs Mia (Not sure of Status)
Henry vs LAC
Shultz vs Bal
Likely vs Hou
Freiermuth vs KC
Ertz vs Atl?
Kincaid vs NYJ?

LOL no idea, brother. TEs are so volatile.

Personally I stick with Njoku because he looks like DTRs first read/safety valve.

Njoku was having an MRI on his knee -- haven't heard the result. But unless he's completely clear, I'd stay away from him. The others are all pretty close in my view, and I think you have them listed in the order I'd choose...but not much difference between the top and the bottom in that list.

 

[Chaka]

Standard Scoring ... NO PPR

PICK 2

NCollins vs Balt - Wed
ARSB @ SF - Mon (Opponent starting Goff)
JTaylor @ NYG - Sun

Other starters: Daniels, Barkley, JJacobs, McBride, McLaughlin, Indi

Thanks and Merry Christmas to Everyone!

I probably bench Nico because Stroud has been mostly disappointing so far this season. And your other options are simply better IMO.

 

[-OZ-]

Happy Holidays and Championship Week!

Standard league (no PPR)
Start 3 out of:

DJ Moore
Tee Higgins
Jameson Williams
Tyreek Hill
Garrett Wilson
Xavier Worthy

Thanks!

Non PPR I’ll go with Jameson at San Fran, Tyreek and Moore.

 

[Chaka]

Championship!!

PPR League and I need to sit one of these players:

Hill @ CLE - Has been better with Tua back but nowhere near expectations and am considering benching in the final
London @ WSH - Playing for the playoff lives; Does Penix have enough in him to make London worthy
McLaurin vs ATL - Probably the most consistent of this bunch
Flowers @ HOU - Up and down but getting a healthy floor and they are still playing for the division title

I sat Flowers last week (wrong call) but still made it to the finals. It's tough to get this one right week over week, but that's why we ask the questions.

With rain expected in Washington, I leaning toward playing only McLaurin in that game (sitting London) to hedge against two potential duds if it goes that way.

Non-PPR League:

Start LaPorta @SF or Smith against CLE?

Thoughts?

I would also sit London on the road with the rookie QB.

And I play Jonnu pretty easily at this point. Good volume, good matchup and been a TD machine over the last month+

 

[Nevermore]

@BearsFan4Life Start Nico and JTaylor

@Goooals Sit London because I hear he is a little banged up. (Hamstring) ~ Start Smith in other league.

@BroncoFreak_2K3 I'd start Worthy

@-OZ- Evans, Pickens, Jones, Nabers, and McConkey- I think you have it correct.

@IHEARTFF I'd go with Spears

@davidwb Start Hill, Worthy, and J. Williams


Good Luck everyone and Happy Holidays

 

[Chaka]

With things so iffy surrounding Conner playing Saturday, I have him sitting at flex right now. Not happy about it.

1 PPR

My other choices would be

Worthy (this would be a quick call as he plays today)
Abdullah
or Benson, should he get the start over Conner

Appreciate any thoughts.

Merry Christmas!

Of your options I probably wait on Conner and pivot to Benson if he's a scratch. He's been solid in his opportunities and I like the way the Cardinals deploy their RBs.

If you don't like that I guess I risk it with Worthy in a tough road matchup.

 

[Chaka]

Merry Christmas! Here we go again! Need to choose 5 among this group in a ppr.

Evans vs Carolina
Pickens vs KC (wed)
Aaron Jones vs GB
Charbonnet @ Chi (Thursday)
Nabers vs Indy
Mcconkey @ NE
Addison va GB
Higgins vs Denver

Evans, Aaron Jones, Addison, Higgins seem pretty clear to me.

Pickens & Charbs are hard passes for me ATM.

So it comes down to Ladd v Nabers. I probably lean Ladd at this point because he just has a much better QB and it's a good matchup. But I could easily pivot to Nabers.

 

[Chaka]

Merry Christmas and happy championship week. Have a 1/2 ppr question for you guys.

R Dowdle at Philly
T Spears at Jax

I hate benching a high volume guy for a low volume one but, I can see it in this case. Far better matchup and looking at Dowdle's big games over the last month he feasted on some of the worst teams in the league.

I think there is a small possibility the Eagles inexplicably collapse because they don't seem mentally resilient but I can't, and won't bank on that.

Spears

 

[Uncle Leo]

Mahomes at Pittsburgh

Or

Goff at SF

1 point for every 10 Yards ( Yes even passing )
6 points for every TD
-5 points for each INT

 

[Chaka]

Happy Holidays and Championship Week!

Standard league (no PPR)
Start 3 out of:

DJ Moore
Tee Higgins
Jameson Williams
Tyreek Hill
Garrett Wilson
Xavier Worthy

Thanks!

Including matchup information is very helpful (and considerate).

Tee & Tyreek seem like must start players from your options. After that it's tricky. DJ is probably the smart option for volume and that is probably the guy I would go with.

Worthy has seen a ton of volume over the last two. Maybe that's not an aberration, but I still hate trusting it in a tough road matchup.

I can see being awfully tempted to go with Jameson. Considering the state of the Lions defense it isn't a bad call. He's also fun to root for.

 

[Chaka]

Mahomes at Pittsburgh

Or

Goff at SF

1 point for every 10 Yards ( Yes even passing )
6 points for every TD
-5 points for each INT

Goff without hesitation.

 

[themeistersinger]

Full PPR. Need a third WR/TE (they are the same position in our league)
Cooper Kupp vs Cardinals (12th vs WR)
TJ Hockenson vs Packers (22nd vs TE)
Hollywood Brown at Steelers (10th vs WR)

I've been rolling Kupp all along, but he's been famously bad the past two weeks. GB is ranked 1st against WR, so that might funnel more opportunity toward Hockenson. Hollywood didn't play a tons of snaps (20 snaps, or 27%) but did get 8 targets when he was out there and 5 catches.

 

[Chaka]

Full PPR. Need a third WR/TE (they are the same position in our league)
Cooper Kupp vs Cardinals (12th vs WR)
TJ Hockenson vs Packers (22nd vs TE)
Hollywood Brown at Steelers (10th vs WR)

I've been rolling Kupp all along, but he's been famously bad the past two weeks. GB is ranked 1st against WR, so that might funnel more opportunity toward Hockenson. Hollywood didn't play a tons of snaps (20 snaps, or 27%) but did get 8 targets when he was out there and 5 catches.

I understand why it's a question but considering your options I just don't see how you don't roll with Kupp. It's a good matchup. He's at home and your other two choices have easily as low of a floor and probably not nearly the ceiling.

I do understand considering Hollywood but first came back on the road. The offense doesn't put up a bunch of points in general...

 

[themeistersinger]

Thanks Chaka - and especially thanks for the work all year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and to everyone else that has been giving advice through out the year!

 

[Golden Gopher]

Flex (0.5 PPR). Start one of these....

D Smith PHI vs DAL
Thielen CAR @ TB
T Tracy NYG vs IND
R White TB vs CAR