Another week, another goose egg on my team. Who predicted Vernon Davis would score NOTHING against the Falcons?? Unbelievable. Congratulations to those that didn't play him and get hosed, like I did. Welcome to those who are now done with their regular season fantasy football leagues, and looking for some final week fun! Let's get right into the week 17 picks for FanDuel and DraftStreet.
As a reminder, these are my picks to provide you some inexpensive value so you can grab that expensive stud you think is a guarantee to score big. Some may be high risk, but can provide a pretty high reward as well.
Quarterback
Joe Flacco, @ CIN. ($7,200 FD) In a must-win game against a Bengals' pass defense missing most of it's week 1 starters, passing is going to be the Ravens' only chance to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time in the Flacco-Harbaugh era. Flacco was hindered by his knee last week, but left off the injury report this week. He'll be more comfortable with his brace, so I expect improved play.
Kirk Cousins, @ NYG. ($6,800 FD) With the Giants defense in shambles most of the season, this match-up is almost a no-brainer. In addition, the Redskins are playing for a draft pick here. Since they traded their first-round pick to the Rams, they could shop Cousins in the off-season to make up for it. Mike Shanahan will have to feature Cousins and his arm to pump up his value as much as possible.
Running Back
Donald Brown, vs. JAC. ($5,900 FD) Brown scored on the ground and through the air last week against one of the stingiest run defenses at Kansas City. This week, the Colts host the Jaguars who give up the third most rushing yards and fourth most rushing TDs. It's a dream match-up for a RB that will have to make some noise to improve his chances of landing a starting gig next year.
DeAngelo Williams, @ ATL. ($5,800 FD) Speaking of dream match-ups, Williams faces the Falcons in a game that determines if the Panthers have a first round bye. There is not much better for a fantasy owner than a meaningful game with an inexpensive stud.
Wide Receiver
Julian Edelman, vs. BUF. ($6,700 FD) Edelman has leapfrogged Danny Amendola in becoming Tom Brady's number one look, despite ignoring his high-five. Just last week, he had seven more targets than anyone else on the team. I don't think the Pats will be able to nurse their lead like last week, so I expect more passing will be necessary, and Edelman will be the beneficiary.
Jarrett Boykin, @ CHI. ($5,300 FD) Boykin has filled in admirably for Randall Cobb, and his value gets a boost with Aaron Rodgers finally returning from his fractured collarbone. With Jordy Nelson and James Jones sure to draw most of the attention, Boykin should see a lot of opportunities to take advantage of the Bears' lack of depth.
Tight End
Martellus Bennett, vs. GB. ($4,800 FD) I could see this game being a high-scoring affair, and Dom Capers' defense focusing on Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey. This will leave Bennett open underneath all game long, including the red zone where Cutler will find him at least once. The Packers have given up a TD to a tight end in each of the past three games. With Clay Matthews out, don't expect that to stop now.
Ryan Griffin, @ TEN. ($4,500) Griffin is the team's only healthy tight end, and has led the team in both catches and yards the past two weeks. Factor in the fact that Matt Schaub also needs to be efficient this game (or he may not have a job at all next year), and Griffin will be a prolific security blanket this week.
Kicker
Matt Bryant, vs. CAR. ($5,100) The Falcons' offense has been moving the ball pretty well the past few weeks. Playing with the home crowd, I don't see that stopping just yet. However, I don't see them scoring TDs all day because Carolina's defense has been great all year (except for in the Superdome). I'm expecting quite a few stalled drives, resulting in more opportunities for Bryant.
Defense
Chargers, vs. KC. ($5,300) The Chiefs are one of the only teams that have their seeding locked up for the playoffs. With not much to really play for, we'll see a lot of Chase Daniel and Knile Davis - not exactly household names striking fear into the hearts of opponents. The Chargers' D has turned things around for the past three weeks, including an impressive game in Denver against a Broncos offense far superior to Chiefs backups.