WR/CB Matchup Report: Week 17

It wasn't quite the game he had last week, but Kirk was definitely Kyler Murray's favorite receiver as he finished with seven catches for 48 yards on nine targets on Christmas against the Colts. That is now 16 catches on 21 targets the last two weeks with DeAndre Hopkins out. There is little doubt that he will continue to be the go to receiver on the team, but draws a really tough matchup with Trevon Diggs and the Cowboys. It also isn't helping that the Cardinals offense is going in the tank down the stretch. Given the matchup and how poorly the offense has been playing I am avoiding him in DFS, but if you have rode him the past two weeks in your fantasy playoffs I would give him one more start in your championship round and hope for the best.

Part of this article is coming up with ways each week to tell you that a guy is not fantasy relevant. I have basically done it every single week with Zaccheaus as he has only three touchdowns all season long and two of them were in one game. He had 50 receiving yards just twice all season and just 32 last week against the Lions. He certainly isn't going to do any better this week againts Buffalo.

I do expect Tyler Huntley to be under center based on Lamar Jackson's injury and that awful video of him limping in practice on Wednesday. Brown did miss a game that Huntley started, but had 15 catches on 22 targets in the other two that resulted in 15 catches ffor 84 yards combined. He now hasn't scored since Week 7 before the Ravens bye. And while I like Huntley and think he definitely can run an NFL offense, I question is effectiveness against the Rams. Brown hasn't had fewer than five catches since Week 6, but the lack of scores and the fact that he hasn't topped 55 receiving yards in six games has me worried. I'll still throw him in my flex in the fantasy championship, but I can't put him in my DFS lineups for Week 17 as the offense has become all about Mark Andrews.

He flirted with injury a couple times on Sunday, but Diggs still finished with a good game against the Patriots with seven catches for 85 yards. He also scored for the second straight week and sixth time in seven weeks. The Bills are peaking at the right time, and couldn't get a better matchup as they try to claim the division than the Falcons. Atlanta has allowed 29 passing touchdowns this season and I still love him even though the Bills will get their other weapons back this week. Diggs is going to be one of the top plays in DFS and has a very tasty matchup for your fantasy championship!

I really feel bad for this guy. He was having an incredible start to the season and then the quarterback play really just torpedoed his success. Since Sam Darnold started sucking, Moore has scored just once since Week 4. The volume is there as he has had double digit targets in four straight games, but the offense is so bad the Panthers can't even decide which quarterback is slightly better than the other. He had a nice eight catches for 79 yards against the Saints in Week 2 with a touchdown, but it is hard to count on him as more of a WR3 in your fantasy championship, but I can't trust a Panther receiver in DFS contests.

There was snow last week and Nick Foles did start at quarterback, and Mooney had five catches for 57 yards. It is now five weeks that Mooney hasn't scored, and the Bears offense is moving backwards towards the end of the season. He now has five catches in five of the last six weeks, and the Bears will at least get Andy Dalton back this week. The Giants secondary has been absolutely awful in the second half and even though James Bradberry is a solid corner, I still feel good with Mooney as my WR3 in the fantasy champioship and have no issue with him in DFS lineups as well.

He went HAM against the Ravens depleted secondary last week with 12 catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Higgins now has four 100 yard games in his last five weeks, but the road is definitely tougher this week against the Chiefs who have allowed 20 points just once since the beginning of November. Higgins is definitely the top receiver on the team after Ja'Marr Chase has struggled some in the second half. I feel like I am going to look another way in my Week 17 DFS, builds, but Higgins continues to be a rock solid WR2 in your season long fantasy championship.

He has been crushed with big drops the last two weeks, and Peoples-Jones had just one catch for five yards on six targets on Christmas Day. He has now been held scoreless for five straight weeks, and the Browns offense is just in quicksand in the last month. The matchup is pretty easy this week against the Steelers. but right now it is really hard to trust anyone outside of Nick Chubb in Cleveland. If I had to pick a receiver on this team for either my fantasy championship it would be Jarvis Landry, but if I am playing the Monday Night showdown slate I might put Peoples-Jones in my lineup and hope he catches a bomb or two and maybe finds the end zone.

In a game where I needed CeeDee Lamb to be quiet for me to reach a fantasy final, Cooper was great with seven catches for 85 yards and a score against Washington. He has now scored in two of the last three weeks even though this was the first time he topped 55 receiving yards since Week 8. The Cardinals are losing games over and over, but the defense hasn't been awful. The Cowboys are fighting for that number one seed, and surely are going to look to ride the strength of the passing game. Cooper has been inconsistent so I likely would trust CeeDee Lamb before him in DFS contests, but I absolutely am starting him as my WR2 in your season long final and hoping for a repeat of the Week 16 game.

His four catches in Week 16 were his most since October 21st and his 33 yards were sadly his most since October 31st. He has scored just twice all season, but not since Week 6. He had just two catches for 17 yards against the Chargers the first time they faced off and I have little confidence that Sutton is all of a sudden going to light up the box score. However, now Tim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy are on the Covid list, which makes me think twice about Sutton. It isn't good that Drew Lock is starting again, and it isn't good that the defense will have no other real reliable options at wide receiver. Sutton isn't the worst dart throw at this point and is worth a flex spot in your fantasy championships.

With Reynolds and Raymond both on the Covid list, the receiving room is getting awfull empty in Detroit. Couple that with Jared Goff not practicing and it is flat out getting ugly. Benson has been a healthy scratch most games when the whole group is healthy, but when he has been active he has been targeted here and there. What am I doing? Am I starting to deep dive on Trinity Benson? I mean the guy could do something, but I could also win the lottery tomorrow, you just don't want to take the chance on that in your fantasy championship or in a DFS game.

He is one of the top receivers in all of fantasy, and he is doing it all when it counts this season as he has five touchdowns in the last three weeks after his two scores on Christmas Day. This is going to be one of the top plays on the board, although that shouldn't be breaking news. He has 100+ yards in four of the last five weeks including seven catches for 115 yards and two scores back in Week 11 against these same Vikings. There is literally almost no answer on any defense for Adams and he is a no brainer in your season long championship and DFS lineups.

He missed last week due to Covid, but Cooks should be back this week and he is coming off two straight 100-yard games against the Seahawks and Jaguars. The matchup won't be much tougher this week against the 49ers who don't have a great secondary it is just the defensive line that puts pressure on quarterbacks. Rookie Davis Mills has looked strong, and I like Cooks in both your fantasy championships as well as DFS cash and tournament lineups for Week 17.

It was a nice bounceback game on Christmas against the Cardinals as he had eight catches for 82 yards on 12 targets after being ejected in the previous game. He hasn't scored since Week 9 against the Jets and Hayward has allowed just 54% of passes to be caught and allowed just 23 receiving yards in the last three weeks combined. Hayward is currently on the Covid list, but with the relaxed protocols I am assuming he will be good to go. I am still starting Pittman in my season long championship matchup if Carson Wentz is able to quarterback, but expectations should be tempered and he isn't someone to consider for any DFS contests no matter who is under center.

He continues to be less than inspiring as far as having a big game and he still hasn't scored a touchdown this year, but Treadwell has had 50 or more receiving yards in five straight weeks now and has given you nine to eleven fantasy points in every game since Week 12. He isn't likely to light the world on fire by any stretch against the Patriots in Week 17, and I like it even less that it is a Florida team heading to New England in early January. While Treadwell has been decent for a while, I am off the bandwagon this week and he belongs on your fantasy bench.

He got a little bit of a bump with Travis Kelce out last week, but Hardman still finished with three catches for 31 yards and scored a touchdown for the first time since Week 3. Hardman still only had five targets, and that was his most since Week 9. With Hill and Kelce both back active this week, Hardman will return to his normal role, which doesn't offer any fantasy relevance. He should revert to your fantasy bench and not come close to any DFS lineup for Week 17.

He had just four catches for 37 yards, but Beckham did score for the third time in four weeks and has been a touchdown hog since coming to the Rams. He hasn't put up big catch or yardage numbers, but sometimes the touchdown is all you need. He gets the pillow soft matchup against the Ravens secondary that suffered even more injuries in Week 16. Right now it is hard not to like all Rams receivers in this game as Matthew Stafford should be able to bounce back in a big way against this mash unit that the Ravens are calling a secondary these days.

He missed last week due to a positive Covid test, but is set to return for his team in a huge game. Big Mike is one of the more Jekyl and Hyde type players as he has had some huge games and some equally big let downs. Denver is one of the tougher secondaries in the league to score on, but Justin Herbert had great success against them in Week 12. Williams was targeted eight times in that game but only caught four for 39 yards. I am not going to consider him for any DFS builds, but if you are in your fantasy championships, Williams has helped you along the way and even in a less than ideal matchup I would give him a start for your title!

The absence of Bryan Edwards opened up some more opportunities and Jones kind of took advantage of it with six catches for 50 yards against the Broncos last week. He now has seven or more targets and five or more catches in four of the last five weeks. He still hasn't scored since Week 1, and 67 yards is his season high. The matchup is easier this week against the Colts who have allowed a whopping 29 passing touchdowns in 15 games, but Xavier Rhodes has allowed a lot of big plays this season (eight plays of 25+ yards), and it just feels right with Jones this week. This is a total gut call, but I feel like even with Edwards returning that we are looking at Zay's best game of the season and he could also find the end zone.

The Dolphins ran into a very tough Saints defense on Monday night, but Parker didn't have a single target? Oooooof! Marshon Lattimore had a great game for sure, but this is still a tough pill to swallow. The Dolphins offense isn't really ever high-powered, but they are better than they showed Monday. The Titans have allowed 21 passing touchdowns this season, but I don't expect Tua to throw for more than one in Week 17. Parker becomes a really tough guy to trust for your fantasy championship and is only in play in DFS if something were to happen to Jaylen Waddle.

The dude is on fire as he has either 100 yards or a touchdown (or both) in every game but one since his Week 8 dud against the Cowboys. He had eight catches for 169 yards and two scores against these Packers back in Week 11, and had scored in three straight weeks before not finding the end zone last week. However, this is now complicated by the fact that Kirk Cousins is out and Sean Mannion is in. He has yet to have much experience in the NFL, but he's gotta know to throw it to Jefferson right? It is in Green Bay, but with Adam Thielen done, Jefferson has to be the focal point of the pass game. Given this little bit of uncertainty I now take him out of DFS lineups this week but certainly can help ride you to your fantasy championship.

He was one of few guys who went on the Covid list and cleared the same week and was able to play but had just two catches for 33 yards in a tough matchup against the Bills. While the team is awful, the Jags secondary isn't the worst part of the team as they have allowed just 230 yards per game and 20 passing touchdowns in 15 games. The Patriots offense seems to be slumping a little coming out of their late bye, and while none of their receivers are worth considering for DFS games, I could see a scenario, although not a great one, where you would consider Bourne for your championship flex spot. He has had a few good games this week, and while this isn't the easiest matchup, it certainly isn't a bad one.

It was certainly a big part of having a rookie quarterback under center playing his first game, but Callaway still disappointed with just four catches for 46 yards in Week 16 against Miami. Book was harassed all game long and rarely had time to throw. Callaway now hasn't scored in five weeks, and hasn't taken advantage of Deonte Harris suspension at all. He had just two catches for eight yards against the Panthers the first time, but that was Week 2 with Jameis Winston at quarterback. The Panthers have allowed 22 passing touchdowns this season, but give up the second fewest passing yards per game. I really don't want my fantasy championship resting on the hands of a guy that is so boom or bust but with the Panthers secondary in such shambles I could see him being a flex or a DFS dart throw.

This team SUCKS! Wow! It really makes no difference who the quarterback is, they are all absolutely awful. Golladay had just three catches for 22 yards last week against the Eagles and he still hasn not scored a single touchdown all season long. And given the quarterback play of late, I wouldn't expect him to find paydirt in 2021. The matchup doesn't really matter at this point I am not trusting a Giants receiver. There are so many out that you'd think Golladay has to be productive, but I just can't trust him. He could be your fantasy championship flex, but I would look in another direction.

The amount of fantasy love that Berrios got last week was a sad statement on how much impact injuries and Covid have had on this fantasy football season. He didn't disappoint though for those of you who get credit for return yards or touchdowns as he did return a kickoff the distance. However, outside of that he was fairly ordinary with five catches for 37 yards. The sadder part is that led the team. Elijah Moore won't be back, and Jamison Crowder might not be either. The Bucs are probably going to pound the Jets so there could be a good amount of garbage time, but I really hope you have better options in your fantasy finals than Berrios. I am not considering him in any fantasy format for Week 17.

The Eagles are starting to throw the ball more now as Hurts has had 25+ attempts in three straight weeks after having under that for four straight. With Miles Sanders hand jacked up and the running game compromised, I could easily see that again. That is great news for those with Smith as he gets the mother of all fantasy matchups with Washington. Smith had just three catches for 40 yards against them two weeks ago, but Washington certainly looked absolutely awful Sunday night against the Cowboys, and I expect Philadelphia to throw plenty, and Smith is the top target. He had 80 yards and a touchdown last week against New York and I expect similar production again this week. I feel great about him for your fantasy championship roster and I will definitely be putting him in some DFS tournament lineups.

The touchdown saved his game, but in a rare instance, I am going to say that Johnson did not have a good game. He had a couple of drops and lost a fumble and if it wasn't for that garbage time touchdown it would have been a really bad outing. His value has even been hurt by Big Ben's sharp regression as he has just 89 yards in the last two weeks combined, by far his lowest total in any two weeks this season. In fact, he has topped 89 yards in six different single games alone so that is how bad he has been lately. I still will trust him in both DFS and your fantasy championship with full confidence because he is a near lock for ten targets a game, he is by far the most reliable receiver on the field, the Browns secondary has allowed among the most passing touchdowns in the NFL this season, and he had six catches for 98 yards against them in Week 8. I know the Steelers have looked bad lately, but Johnson is still a great option.

He did have a touchdown, and the conditions were certainly not ideal in Seattle on Sunday, but Metcalf did finish the game with just two catches and 41 yards. And the touchdown was for 41 yards so his other catch was for nothing. Yes, the matchup is super tasty against the Lions, but he has come up small before in good matchups like against Houston and Washington. At this point, Metcalf has played his way out of DFS consideration. However, with his talent it would be really hard to sit him against the Lions in a fantasy championship. Despite his struggles this year, you have to roll with him one more time and hope for the best.

He didn't have a touchdown for the first time in five weeks, but Samuel certainly made an impact as he had nine catches for 159 yards and five carries for 32 more yards. His 11 targets were his most since Week 7 and it appears that the Niners are ready to use him more as a receiver than a runner which had been the case for weeks. This is one of the top matchups on the slate, and Deebo has been one of the best stories of the year in fantasy football. There is a little wrinkle with Trey Lance at quarterback, and that could possibly give Deebo a few less carries. However, he is getting the important ones in the red zone. There is ZERO reason to think that the Texans can hold him back and 150 total yards and a touchdown is definitely in the realm of possibility. 
 

In what should have been a surprise to no one, Brown triumphantly returned after an injury and suspension to have ten catches for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers last week. He had to step up, and I'm sure he reveled in playing the hero as the focal point of the passing game. With this cupcake matchup and the two top receivers still out, Brown projects to be one of the top receiving options on the Week 17 slate, even with the ankle tweak. He only has one game all season with less than five catches or less than 60 yards, and his rapport with Tom Brady says he is going to easily get double digit targets again. Brown should be a must start in your fantasy championships and should really be in every one of your DFS lineups.

Welcome back Mr. Brown! He hadn't played since Week 11 and Brown exploded in his return with 11 catches for145 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. After having little impact in the first half, San Francisco had no answer for him in the second half. The matchup will get tougher for him this week against Howard and the Dolphins. Howard has allowed just 54% of passes his way to be caught and while he has allowed seven touchdowns this season, he hasn't surrendered one since Week 8. That being said, he is the only decent receiver on this team and I expect the Titans to throw a good amount in this game and I feel like Brown will follow up last week with another strong game. Give me all the Brown in both season long and your fantasy football championships!

Washington got Taylor Heinickie back, but it didn't help much as he had just three catches for 40 yards in Week 16 against the Cowboys. He hasn't scored in five weeks, and the Washington offense just keeps getting worse and worse. I don't expect any big bounceback this week against the Eagles who have actually been a pretty strong secondary as far as yards per game this season. McLaurin had just two catches for 51 yards against them two weeks ago, and if he matched that line or did worse I wouldn't be surprised at all. McLaurin has turned into a risky flex in your season long championship in Week 17 and even that isn't a sure thing.

He has had a handful of duds throughout the season and Green gave all of fantasy football coal on Christmas when he finished with just one catch for 33 yards. It was the fourth time this season that he had just one catch in a gmae. The good news for anyone considering him is that he has followed each dud with at least 70 yards in the next game, but he hasn't scored since Week 6 and Dallas has allowed 18 passing touchdowns in 14 games. He has had some good games, but the Cardinals are trending down at the wrong time of year and their offense is a big culprit of that. I would definitely look in another direction in both season long and DFS games in Week 17.

He had just one catch for five yards last week against the Lions and it isn't likely to get much better this week. The matchup is much tougher, and the Falcons passing game just doesn't lend itself to thinking about anyone outside of Kyle Pitts and Russell Gage. We have already given this more attention than it deserves.

He had a good first drive before disappearing most of the game before a four yard touchdown late in Week 16. He finished the day with four catches on five targets for 26 yards and that score. He now has 31 yards in the last two weeks after his 103 yard breakout against the Browns. In fact, he has topped 40 yards just that one time since Week 10. His touchdown last week was also his first all season and as much as I think Bateman is very talented, he isn't someone that I feel comfortable resting my fantasy championship or a starting spot in my DFS lineups at all for the crucial Week 17.

Even with Cole Beasley and Gabe Davis out, Sanders still managed just two catches for 20 yards on four catches against the Pats. Sure, the matchup gets easier, but Isaiah McKenzie was the next man up last week and I don't see Sanders having a meaningful role for the remainder of the season especially with everyone back now. Terrell is one of the top rated corners this season by Pro Football Focus and Sanders should be nowhere near your starting lineup in any fantasy format.

He does have 30 targets in the last three weeks, but Anderson still isn't instilling any confidence in fantasy players as he had just five catches for 58 yards last week against the Bucs. He has just three games all season with more than 50 receiving yards, and although one of them was against the Saints in Week 2, I want no part of Anderson in either season long or DFS contests on a team that is just rotating below average quarterbacks.

Yay he is cleared off the Covid list, now ask me if I care. He has one touchdown that was back in Week 2 and he has been over 40 receiving yards just three times all season. The Giants secondary is pretty bad and beat up, but there is no way that you can possibly trust this guy especially since he has played just one game since November 8th. If for some reason he does play well, I'm happy to take the L and say the thought process behind sitting him was correct, but my guess is he will have three catches for between 40-45 yards without a touchdown.

He just had the Ravens number this week as he had seven catches for 125 yards against them last week, and he absolutely torched them twice this season. Chase does have eight or more targets in three of the last four weeks, but it won't be easy this week against the Chiefs. Kansas City has been damn tough in the second half of the season, especially against the pass. Chase is incredibly talented though, and has picked it up a little after a dreadful stretch in November and eaerly December. Chase is never a guy you sit, especially in your fantasy championship, but I think I have very little exposure to him in DFS contests for Week 17.

He still isn't fantasy relevant, but Higgins does have five or more targets in three of the last four weeks and eight catches in the last two weeks combined. He still has only topped 50 receiving yards twice all season, and had just two catches for 27 yards back in Week 8 against Pittsburgh. The Steelers secondary is failing down the stretch, but you still can't consider Higgins in either your fantasy champioship or any DFS lineup.

The only guy who didn't seem to pop off in the Week 16 beating of the Washington Football Team was Gallup as he had just two catches for 53 yards on Sunday night. He has just one touchdown all season long and has topped 50 receiving yards just three times in 2021. Arizona is slumping, but their secondary still has played decently. Gallup is a possible flex for your fantasy championship, but he is far from a sure thing as we head towards Week 17.

Oye! With two of the Broncos top three receivers set to miss this game, someone has to get more run and it will probably be Hinton. But between Courtland Sutton, the two tight ends, and the two running backs, I wouldn't expect another receiver to have any impact. Don't worry about Hinton or anyone else on the team for this matchup.

He has just two catches in the previous four weeks, but Hodge will probably see a little more of a role with Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond on the Covid list. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that the role will make him even remotely close to fantasy worthy, but he could possibly have two or maybe even three catches and 25 yards. He is not on the fantasy radar at all heading into Week 17.

He missed last week due to Covid, but Valdes-Scantling should be back in there for Week 17 and it couldn't come at a better time. He has five or more targets in four straight weeks and has 50 or more yards in three of the last four games. The first game in that streak was against these Vikings where he had four catches for 123 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota on a season high ten targets. The Packers are still playing for that first round bye and will be putting their all on the field. Dantzler has had a pretty decent season, but Valdes-Scantling will be a fairly solid dart throw in Sunday night's DFS showdown slate.

The rookie had three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers, but that was without Brandin Cooks who will return this week. Collins has just two games all season with more than 50 receiving yards, and has more than four catches once all year. The Niners secondary can be very soft but it is still impossible to trust Collins either in your fantasy championship or any kind of DFS lineup for Week 17.

He scored his first touchdown of the season on Christmas and finished with four catches for 51 yards against the Cardinals. He was helped by Zach Pascal being out, but only the touchdown gave him a solid fantasy day. He hasn't had more than five targets in any game this season, and even though the Raiders secondary isn't horrible, I wouldn't trust Hilton in any matchup in 2021 even if Carson Wentz is at quarterback.

He had one of the best games of his season with eight catches for 74 yards in Week 16, but that was against the Jets and without Laviska Shenault. The matchup gets WAY tougher this week against the Patriots who have been one of the best passing defenses in the league, despite what Josh Allen did against them last week. Trevor Lawrence is so far from Josh Allen it isn't even funny, and there is not a single Jaguar that I will consider playing in either the fantasy championship or a DFS contest in Week 17.

It was not only his best game of the season, but perhaps one of the best of his career as Pringle had six catches for 75 yards with two touchdowns in Week 16 against the Steelers. That certainly was aided by Travis Kelce being out, but I still think that Pringle is the third best pass catching option on the team after Kelce and Hill, both who will be back this week. With everyone healthy, Pringle has only had two games all year with more than three catches and unless something happens to one of the two studs again, he won't help you in fantasy football.

After a nice three week stretch, Jefferson has fallen apart and had just one catch for six yards against the Vikings in Week 16. He now has just five catches in the last three weeks combined and has just 29 receiving yards in the last two weeks. He will get a great matchup this week against the Ravens who can't stop anyone right now, but Jefferson is third in line of production in Los Angeles and should only be considered in the most desperate circumstances for your fantasy championship or as an ill-advised dart throw in Week 17 DFS lineups.

He missed last week due to a positive Covid test, but should be able to return for a crucial Week 17 test for his team. Guyton had scored in the last three games that he had played in, and had 85+ yards in two of those three. However, Mike Williams is returning, and he runs into a really tough matchup in the Broncos. Denver has allowed just 18 passing touchdowns in 15 games, but two of them came in Week 12 when Justin Herbert threw for over 300 yards against them. Even at home I have a little less confidence in him, and with the receiving corps back at full strength Guyton is a boom or bust play that is 90% likely to bust in Week 17.

With Bryan Edwards out, Jackson had his most targets all season with five, but finished with just four catches for 44 yards. I mean, we know who Jackson is at this point, right? He is a big play or bust type of guy. He has had three big plays all season long and the rest has been littered with fantasy garbage. As I noted earlier under Zay Jones, the Colts secondary is VERY giving to opposing offenses, but I just can't trust a guy I need to make one big play with my fantasy championship or my DFS dollars. Even in a plus matchup, I am looking in another direction from D-Jax.

Albert Wilson could be back this week after the NFL changed its Covid protocols, but I don't think it really matters who the other receiver is on the outside. I'm not even trusting DeVante Parker, I am sure not trusting who is ever behind him on the target tree. Wilson would likely get more targets, but he isn't fantasy relevant if he plays and Hollins is so far off the fantasy radar he isn't in the same atmosphere.

The loss of Adam Thielen for the year puts Osborn in a role where he certainly will get more usage. He took advantage of that last week with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. He often has made the most of it when called upon, and it makes it a very interesting matchup this week against a Packers secondary that Kirk Cousins tore apart a month or so ago. Unfortunately, Kirk Cousins won't be under center this time after a Covid positive test. A depleted Green bay secondary and added opportunity for Osborn made me feel better about him, but with no Cousins out there it is hard to trust him in the DFS showdown slate or for your fantasy championship.

Do I really even have to say anything here? I don't care if the matchup is against the Jaguars, the Patriots passing game isn't all that dynamic and Harry is easily the third option just among receivers, never mind the backs and tight ends. He is so far from fantasy relevant it isn't even funny and let's keep this train moving to the next player.

He legally changed his name to Deonte Harty recently, but I am guessing he will still be Harris on most sites. It really doesn't matter though as he isn't likely to be fantasy relevant. He just finished serving a three game suspension and the Saints offense has really not been good for most of the season. It isn't the worst matchup against the Panthers, but I am not putting my DFS money or my fantasy championship on a guy who hasn't played in a month and has only had a few boom games and mostly busted all season. Find a better player.

The receiving room is nearly empty in New York and the quarterback play is flat out awful. I am not even trusting Kenny Golladay so there is no reason to discuss any of the also rans that will be forced into service this week against the Bears. If anything, grab the Chicago defense for ALL of your lineups.

No Elijah Moore, likely no Jamison Crowder, and there will be plenty of reasons to throw as Tom Brady makes a job out of beating the crap out of the Jets. But even with a lack of options, I am still not considering Mims or any other possible Jets receiver. I can't see Zach Wilson throwing for more than 150 yards and is likely to spread it out with others outside of Braxton Berrios. Leave Mims as an afterthought as you have all season long.

Yawn! I am running out of ways to tell you that Jalen Reagor isn't fantasy worthy, and I am looking forward to only having to do it one more time next week. The good thing is that by now I am confident that you know he sucks too and probably aren't even reading this part anymore. Let's move on to someone who might be relevant this week.

The Steelers are limping to the end of the season, and it hasn’t been pretty. Claypool's value is also going in the toilet as he has had just 53 yards in the last two weeks combined. Ben Roethlisberger is really showing his age and not able to deliver the ball down the field to Claypool like he once could. He had a nice run in late November and early December, but I feel like Pittsburgh isn't going to come out of this funk. He had just four catches for 45 yards against the Browns in Week 8, and even though Cleveland has allowed 27 pass touchdowns this season, among the worst in the league, I still don't have a ton of confidence here. Claypool is a high risk/high reward play for your fantasy championships, but I would think in most rosters he is still worth a flex spot.

It was far from his best game of the season, but Aiyuk had four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown on five targets in Week 16 against the Titans. While that was a favorable matchup, it gets even easier this week against a Texans team that is surely already looking forward to the end of the season. The 49ers are still in the playoff hunt despite coughing up that game against Tennessee and they will start rookie Trey Lance at quarterback. Deebo Samuel is the top target and George Kittle should be more involved, but Aiyuk is still a solid third option and worth a start in your fantasy finals. He could be a guy to consider in DFS if you are looking for a less expensive option, but he isn't a guy I force into my roster builds

He had a nice month run and going into a game against the Bears I had high hopes for Lockett. Even though the weather wasn't great, I still was very disappointed by three catches and 30 yards. This is one of those that you throw your hands up and just turn the page and move on. Sometimes there is no explanation. Maybe it was lingering Covid effects? You'll have to watch the weather for this weekend in Seattle again (boy do I wish this was in Detroit's dome), but if it is clear I absolutely love Lockett this weekend. He is clearly the top receiver on the team, and the Lions secondary wasn't good before they suffered a few injuries. Lockett could have one of his signature explosion games this Sunday and is a dynamite play in both your fantasy championships and DFS contests.

He was a waiver wire darling after injuries to both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans but Johnson only saw one target all game and that was on a two-point conversion that didn't connect so he put up a big ol' goose egg in your fantasy semi-finals. Ouch. It is one of the best matchups this week against the Jets, but how can you trust this guy? I wouldn't even give a thought to Cyril Grayson who did actually have three targets and 81 yards, and only Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski would be on my pass catching radar at this crucial point of the season.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to mourn the loss of fantasy value of Julio Jones. Once a fantasy first round pick, Jones has fallen off the fantasy radar due to many hamstring injuries and getting passed over by a younger, better receiver. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the fantasy players who were unfortunate enough to draft Jones in leagues this season. He had just one catch last week against the 49ers, and his fantasy value has officially been pronounced dead. He doesn't even belong on a roster nevermind a starting position in any type of fantasy league going forward.

After a brief stint of fantasy relevance in late October and mid-November, Carter has gone back to oblivion over the last month and he had just one catch for five yards Sunday night against the Cowboys. He had just two catches for 12 yards two weeks ago against these Eagles and that is about what you should expect this week as well. Carter is nowhere near the fantasy radar in any format as we head to Week 17.

The Rams offense didn't even play well last week and Kupp STILL had ten catches for 109 yards against the Vikings. This week they get the Ravens who are quite possibly the worst pass defense and just lost another corner in Anthony averett to injury last week. They are barely going to have warm bodies at cornerback. Kupp is going to absolutely kill it and belongs in every lineup you have.

He was seemingly the only Cowboy receiver that didn't have a touchdown on Sunday night, but it could have been my insistent hoping and praying as I was playing against him in a semi-final matchup. The Cardinals are slowly going in the tank, and their secondary has suffered a couple injuries. Hamilton hasn't played too poorly, but allows 71% of passes to be caught and allowed 75 receiving yards last week alone. Lamb should be back to his normal huge role in the offense this week and although he hasn't scored in a month and a half I still have full confidence in him to put up big stats in this one and would play him in both your championship and DFS lineups as well.

I'm not sure if the Chiefs were just trying to keep Hill healthy for the playoffs or if it was Covid for the fact that he had just two catches on two targets for 19 yards against a less than stellar Steelers secondary. I am hoping that was also my rooting against him as I was playing against Hill in one of my playoff matchups. Hilton was torched for eight catches on nine targets at him for 75 yards and a touchdown, the fourth score he allowed this season. He does have a 103.1 quarterback rating against, and I expect this game to be played a lot in the air. Look for a nice bounceback from Hill as he clearly should have a minimum of 15 fantasy points in this one with a great chance of even more than that.

The amazing season continued for Waddle as he had ten catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. He is in the discussion for offensive rookie of the year, even though he won't win it. He has had 90+ yards in three straight weeks and has scored in two of the last three. He is the lone receiver that Tua trusts, and has a cupcake matchup against Molden and the Titans secondary. There's no reason to think that he won't have double digit targets again like he has in the last three weeks and Waddle continues to be a reliable DFS target at a reasonable price and a no brainer in your fantasy football championship round.

The Texans certainly focused on Allen as much as possible as he had just four catches for 35 yards and broke his two game scoring streak. That was literally his worst game of the season at the worst possible time. Jalen Guyton and Mike Williams will still be back, but Justin Herbert should still look to Allen early and often. The Broncos are one of the best pass defenses in the league, but Allen still had seven catches for 85 yards on ten targets against them in Week 10. I expect similar numbers if not better this time around with one of their big play threats unable to play. Allen is clearly a no-brainer in season long championships, but also will be a fine fit into some DFS cash and tournament lineups.

This kid has gone from an afterthought to basically the entire offense. It didn't even matter that Tim Boyle was the quarterback as he had nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown in Week 16. The Lions will get Jared Goff back this week, and Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond have now gone on the Covid list. That should only open up more opportunities for St. Brown as the Lions don't have another receiver that will really threaten his targets. I wish the game wasn't in Seattle, but that doesn't deter me from using this hard charging rookie in my season long championships or DFS contests heading into the second to last week of the season.

He isn't exciting in any way, as the rest of the Browns offense really isn't either, but Landry still is good for 8-12 fantasy points a week. He had four catches for 55 yards against the Packers and will get a little easier matchup this week against the Steelers. Maulet has allowed nine of the last ten passes his way to be caught and has allowed a pretty high 13.4 yards per catch which isn't great for a slot corner. Landry had five catches for 65 yards against the Steelers the first time they played, and honestly that is around what you should expect again. it is rare that he has a really big game or a really poor game which makes him boring, but also fairly reliable for your season long championship roster.

Opposing teams have put the breaks on Renfrow posting huge numbers as he had just three catches for the second straight week. Without Darren Waller, there really is no other receiver to be concerned about in this offense. Only Washington has allowed more touchdowns through the air than Indy's 29 in 15 games, but Moore hasn't surrendered one since Week 7. The Raiders passing game has become really unimaginative and easy to figure out over the past few weeks, and they just aren't doing much with the passing game. This latest cold streak has ruled Renfrow out of any DFS consideration in my book, but if you are in season long championship in PPR scoring I still think he is worth a start against this extremely soft pass defense.

I mean it is getting to the point where it is unfair to take your stats against the Ravens and figure that is normal given how banged up Baltimore is, but Boyd still had three catches for 85 yards and a touchdown in Week 16. That is now two straight games with a touchdown and three of the last four with 85+ receiving yards. Sneed returned last week after missing a couple of games with a death in the family and played pretty well. The Bengals certainly won't be able to move the ball this week the same as last, but Boyd still has played his way into flex consideration for your fantasy championship. I just don't like him enough to trust the third receiver on a team that is going against Kansas City for DFS lineups, even as hot as the Bengals have gotten.

Another guy who had a nightmare game when we were trusting him as Gage had four catches for 39 yards and a lost fumble against the Lions of all teams! I know he crushed a few of my DFS lineups. It certainly won't get much easier this wek against the Bills, especially up in Buffalo. However, I am willing to put him in my season long lineups because of one thing. Garbage time. I am figuring the Bills are going to destroy the Falcons and Matt Ryan should have to throw a bunch. With only Gage and Kyle Pitts as legitimate, reliable targets, Gage should get enough looks and production to be worth being in your lineups and getting you double digit fantasy points in PPR leagues.