The past four months have flown by as we head into Week 17 of the NFL season. Some fantasy leagues are playing for their championship this week which is tricky given how some NFL teams handle their injured players when playoff berths either are or are not at stake. Some of the players on this list are must-starts but they do come with calculated risks. Now is not the time to start betting against the elite players who got you here. So for the last time in 2014 and in the regular season, here is the latest edition of the walking wounded.
DeMarco Murray (RB-DAL)
DeMarco Murray missed practice earlier this week due to an illness but will be in the lineup on Sunday against Washington. His broken hand does not seem to be much of a factor right now as he will attempt to set a new Cowboys’ record for rushing yards in a season. Once he sets the record, it would not be surprising if Dallas gives him the rest of the game off. He should be in your fantasy lineup but be prepared for his appearance to merely be a cameo.
Julio Jones (WR-ATL)
Julio Jones came back to practice on Friday in a limited capacity and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Atlanta can win the pitiful NFC South so you can expect Jones to play and be a major part of the offense. Even at less than 100%, Jones is a must-start on your fantasy team as the Falcons offense has found new life over the past few weeks. He is a better option with an oblique injury than most other receivers at full strength.
A.J. Green (WR-CIN)
A.J. Green suffered an arm injury early in last Monday night’s game against Denver but is expected to play this week. The Bengals desperately need Green in their AFC North showdown with the Steelers, so expect him to step up when it counts the most. Green has been marred by injuries throughout the season but he has produced solid numbers when he is on the field. You likely drafted him as your first wide receiver so plug him in your lineup and hope he can make it through the entire game.
T.Y. Hilton (WR-IND)
T.Y. Hilton is listed as questionable again with a hamstring injury but he did practice during the week. Indianapolis already has a playoff berth locked up but they will want Hilton to get back on the field as they prepare for the postseason. Expect him to play but his snaps will likely be limited.
Robert Griffin III (QB-WAS)
Robert Griffin III has been limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury but will play on Sunday against the Cowboys. Despite having a terrible year marred with injuries and a benching, Griffin will have a good matchup this week against Dallas who has already clinched the NFC East. The Redskins already beat Dallas this year and Griffin is motivated to prove his naysayers wrong. Look for him to have a big game as a solid daily fantasy league option.
Nick Foles (QB-PHI)
Nick Foles was initially projected to come back by Week 17 when he went down with a broken collar bone a couple months ago, but that will not be the case. Had the Eagles still been eligible for a playoff berth, perhaps the results would be different. Instead they will go with Mark Sanchez who has been a turnover machine and led the Eagles right towards playoff elimination. If you had been stashing Foles on your roster this entire time, I am sorry to report that it was all for naught.
Percy Harvin (WR-NYJ)
Percy Harvin returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity as he recovers from a rib injury. He will likely be a game-time decision on Sunday but there is a good chance he plays in the season finale against Miami. The Jets’ offense is abysmal but it would not be surprising to see them open the playbook in Rex Ryan’s likely swan song. Harvin is a playmaker and has shown flashes of what he is capable of when plays are designed for him. That being said, he nothing more than a WR3 or Flex option at best.
Rashad Jennings (RB-NYG)
Rashad Jennings has been limited in practice all week but is expected to play in Week 17 against the Eagles. Jennings has been hurt most of the year and has failed to produce much from a fantasy perspective even when healthy. With rookie Andre Williams also listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, you can expect a split between the two to ease both of their workloads. If you must choose between the two, Williams has been playing much better so ride the hot hand.
Jonas Gray (RB-NE)
Jonas Gray has been dealing with an ankle injury all week and has been ruled out for Week 17 against Buffalo. The Patriots are likely being cautious with him in preparation for the playoffs. But the fact remains it is a different cast of characters every week in the New England backfield so he was a questionable fantasy option anyway. With LeGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen also banged up, your best bet is to stay away from Patriot running backs altogether.
Alex Smith (QB-KC)
Alex Smith is out indefinitely with a lacerated spleen and will miss the season finale against San Diego. Chase Daniel will start in his place which will not help the value of any Kansas City players from a fantasy perspective. The Chiefs were likely going to rely on Jamaal Charles anyway, so you can expect a focus on the running game especially when the Chiefs must win and get help elsewhere in order to make the playoffs. Don’t bother starting any other Kansas City offensive players besides Charles.
Johnny Manziel (QB-CLE)
ESPN has officially shut down its offices and cancelled its programming now that Johnny Manziel has been ruled out for Week 17. The former Heisman Trophy winner was an abominable failure in his brief appearances with the Browns. My condolences if you were relying on him during the fantasy football playoffs.
Ryan Mathews (RB-SD)
Ryan Mathews has been officially ruled out for Week 17 making him one of the most useless players in fantasy football. He played in a total of six games all season and the fact San Diego is where they are is a testament to Philip Rivers and his ability to compensate for having no running game. Mathews should be on your Do Not Draft list going forward because he cannot be counted on for anything besides aggravation and disappointment.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),