NFL Week 17 Top Plays

By Will Colello

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Quarterback

Matt Ryan $22,700

Matt Ryan is a guy who is having a terrific season, but has still stayed rather under the radar. He takes on the Saints this weekend, who have struggled mightily against the pass all season long. The Falcons have clinched the division, so make sure you watch out for possible resting players. With that being said, I doubt they rest anyone when home field is still in play. Ryan has been consistent all season long, and will no doubt have another nice game against the Saints. This one will be at home too, where he has historically played better. He can be used in both cash games and tournaments.

Matthew Stafford $14,750

Stafford was hot against the Cowboys for about a half and then went right downhill during the 2nd half. Stafford has played well all season long, but has been on a TD drought over the last month or so. He faces off with a Packers team this week, who just gave up 382 yards to Sam Bradford. This game means a ton, as the winner will be the division champion. Stafford is going to be up for this game, and I expect a ton of yards. This game will likely be high scoring, and you can go with either QB. Stafford is a lot cheaper, and has the same upside.

Running Back

Le’Veon Bell $24,650

The Steelers have already clinched the division title, but need a win to stay over the Texans if they win. For this reason, the starters will likely play. Bell has been a monster since returning, and we expect no less against the Browns who have been atrocious all year, and Bell is sure to dice them up given the opportunity. He can catch, run, score and do whatever else is needed to get the ball in the endzone. He is a safe bet for a TD here, and I would say he is a virtual lock for 150 total yards, with an upside of 250 and 2 TD’s. He is gonna cost you a ton, but you won’t care when he throws up a 40.

Alex Collins $6,000

This one is definitely a tournament option, but I think the upside is crazy. The Seahawks have clinched, and Rawls has not looked good. With Collins getting 7 carries in both of the last 2 games, he looks to be getting worked into the offense and has been more productive than Rawls. He can catch the ball as well, so there is always more upside in that facet. The 49ers are an atrocious defense against the run, so you have to think the Seahawks will finally have a good game on the ground. Depending on who gets the starter reps this week, Collins could be one of my top tournament plays.

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Wide Receiver

Golden Tate $12,500

I often like to combine my QB and WR in cash games and tournaments, and Tate is my favorite way to go here. Tate has been targeted 40 times over the last 4 games, and I expect him to be targeted in the double digits against the Packers. Stafford will likely throw 50 times in this one, and he has been staring Tate down constantly. The Packers have a poor pass defense, and I think the Lions take full advantage. Adam Thielen raked in 202 yards and 2 TD’s, and Tate is in the same role this week. While I wouldn’t expect that, I expect a big game.

T.Y. Hilton $12,400

Hilton is way too under-priced here, and against the Jaguars, you have to give him a look. The Jaguars defense has been good against the pass, but have given up most of their points to slot receivers. Hilton is just that, and is also targeted the 5th most this season. Luck loves Hilton, and targets him all over the field. He has plenty of upside, and at only 12.4K, he can be used in cash as well. This isn’t the best match up possible, but the price and targets make him a tremendous play.

Tight End

Travis Kelce $11,250

Kelce has had some big yardage games, but finally got into the endzone and made it into a huge performance. The Chargers have been prone to TE’s, so Kelce could be in for another good game in week 17. Alex Smith has looked at him heavily in the redzone, which is always good for a ceiling. The Chiefs are still in contention to win the division, so they will have the starters out there all game long. Kelce will get targets, and his price is very fair.

Greg Olsen $11,000

Olsen is the one guy that has been more consistent than Kelce, but hasn’t flashed the same upside. In cash games, he is a really good way to go. Olsen had 11 targets against the Falcons, and turned that in for 6 catches. The Panthers face the Buccaneers, who definitely struggle against TE’s. You can plug him in and feel safe that you will get a double digit fantasy performance.

Defense

Steelers $6,950

The Steelers face the Browns, so there is not too much more to say. The Browns are horrible, and will remain horrible this week. They got there first W of the year last week, so they should be pretty relaxed and not too worried about what the Steelers do. I expect the Steelers to destroy here and everyone should be able to get there own. RG3 is a turnover machine, and these guys should take advantage.

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