This is it. The week we all have been waiting for, the grand finale, the beginning of the end, the time when champions will be crowned and losers will be left with a big, fat frown. Welcome to your day of reckoning. Welcome to fantasy championship week.
Before we begin, I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas. For those that do not celebrate, I still hope you were able to enjoy the festive period in any way possible. This is the grind time, as many of you know, yet a time that I truly enjoy getting so much done in so little time. Hooray for so few hours in the day.
Now that the festive period is over, we now look forward to the start of a brand new year. 2021 has been a year of great change for me, on a personal and professional level. Personally speaking, one of the biggest things from this year is the many new friends I have made over the course of the year. On the other side of that coin I have also lost friends this year, people in my life that I truly never would have seen going without. Despite the initial pain, those losses have only made me stronger and I continue to push on even without them in my life. My grandmother, who I lost this year, always used to say to me “the people in your life are in your life for a reason. The good ones stay, and the bad ones always end up going”. Boy, was she right.
Professionally speaking, I have all of you lovely, beautiful, amazing people. When I started here at Talking Points Sports, I never thought this column would become such a big part of my week like it has become. Yet every week since I have been here, this column has been a fixture. Throughout the offseason, I will be putting out more fantasy football columns on offseason news, players to look at for 2022 fantasy drafts, and so much more. Because the season is over, doesn’t mean the grind ends. The grind never stops. Those who sleep will never win fantasy championships, so join me on this offseason ride as we aim to win even more fantasy championships in the Year of Our Lord 2022. I cannot wait to see you all there.
The preamble of sorts will be short and sweet, considering we have lots more to get to. For now, I want to wish every single one of you a very Happy New Year. The last year and a half have been challenging on the mind, body, soul, and spirit, for every single one of us. The best way to get through this, however, is together. Love each other, care for each other, and most importantly, be there for each other in any way imaginable.
For 2022, I am issuing you all a challenge. For 2022, I am asking we all become better communicators. Pick up the phone, call someone you love, and let them know how much they mean to you. A friend you haven’t seen in a while, go out for a drink with them and catch up. A relative that you don’t really see all that much, call them up and be more active in their lives. A grandparent, who will light up the second they hear your voice, give them a call. From personal experience, grandparents are the very best listeners. Trust me on that one, I would give anything in the world to have that in my life again. It is little things like that which can make anyone’s day, hell even life, so much better.
Now, it is time to get to business. It is time to win some money, some prestige, some glory, some championships. Here are the final starts and sits for fantasy football 2021, week 17, championship week.
Quarterback Starts for Week 17
Despite the lack of weapons, and a surprisingly slower second half of the regular season, I am rolling with Tom Brady this weekend as a top-end starting option. Brady gets to rekindle a past love this week, and that is beating up on the New York Jets. Since the Buccaneers week 9 bye, Brady has only posted 20+ fantasy points twice. Four of those starts have also been total duds for Brady with less than 15 fantasy points recorded. However, this week, I have to get Brady into every championship lineup I can. It is the New York Jets. It is Tom Brady. What more can you ask for? Brady clocks in as my QB5 this week.
After a record setting day last week versus Baltimore, give me all of Joe Burrow this week versus the Kansas City Chiefs. For one, you don’t need me to tell you about the massive potential for points here. You have Burrow, who posted 500 yards last week, taking on Patrick Mahomes and company in Cincy this week. Two, the Chiefs give up the 6th most points to opposing quarterbacks. Burrow comes in as my QB12 this week.
Maybe one of the only times I will actually say this given my history with him as a sit, Russell Wilson projects favorably for me this week. When doing projections with Wilson, I found myself amazed at the numbers I have him projected for. I have Wilson down for 250 yards passing and two touchdowns, while that isn’t amazing it will get the job done for fantasy managers who want to play the floor game at the quarterback position. There are many higher ceilings this week, however those that want to play it safe should turn to Wilson. Wilson slots in as my QB14 this week, a fine start.
Other QB Starts This Week: After missing Monday Night Football because of COVID-19, Taysom Hill returns this week for the Saints and he is a start for me. Hill provides the safety of Wilson and the ceiling of Brady, and it comes with his rushing ability (which we have discussed exactly 1,976,843 times in this column). Hill is my QB15 this week, if he can clear protocols. Fire up Jalen Hurts this week for the Eagles, as he faces a Washington Football Team that was simply destroyed by Dallas last week. Hurts should have no problems producing here, my QB8. Perhaps a sneaky start, not one I would do but for those that may be desperate, how about Mac Jones taking on Jacksonville in Foxborough. Jacksonville stinks, and the Patriots will be within friendly confines. It is really risky, yet he may be worth the flier. Jones is my QB18 this week. Oh and that Ryan Tannehill revenge game this week, love that for Mr. Tannehill. Tannehill is my QB17 this week.
Start of the Week: Tom Brady
Quarterback Sits for Week 17
While it may be tempting, I cannot trust Trey Lance even in a plus matchup versus the Texans. There are worthy gambles, and not worthy gambles, in fantasy football. Starting Lance, who we have seen very little from, would be considered a not worthy gamble. He may be good, but the probability that Lance is good this week is about the same as him being bad. That is how I see it, and not in the starting realm for me this week. Lance comes in as my QB20 this week.
Derek Carr comes in as a sit for me this week against the Indianapolis Colts. This Colts defense is really damn good, and they are going to be playing with the full weight of the team on their backs with no Carson Wentz this week, as of now, due to COVID-19. Not to mention, Carr is also dealing with a rib injury suffered in Sunday’s win over the Denver Broncos. Good defense plus a medical red flag equals no go for me with Carr this week, my QB22.
Other QB Sits This Week: I am fading Kirk Cousins where I can this week against the Green Bay Packers. Lambeau Field will be rocking for this one, and Cousins already is shorthanded with news that Adam Thielen is done for the season with an ankle injury. In a prime spot, I can’t trust Cousins to deliver the goods. Cousins ranks as my QB15 this week. Despite wanting to throw guys out for last licks on Monday Night Football, I understand it I really do, I cannot trust Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has done nothing of note this season, and just lacks that special something for me. I don’t know, maybe it is that Ohio State bias showing. Mayfield sits as my QB27 this week. And while we are at it, sit Ben Roethlisberger this week, my QB23.
Sit of the Week: Ben Roethlisberger
Running Back Starts for Week 17
Damien Harris comes in as a strong running back play this week for the Patriots against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have struggled to the position in recent weeks, allowing New York Jets running back Michael Carter to post a 100 yard rushing day against them last week. In the last five games, the Jags have allowed four rushing touchdowns. Harris was a beast last week versus the Bills, and with question marks surrounding the availability of Rhamondre Stevenson for the contest, I like Harris as a top 12 option in all formats this week.
Sony Michel checks in as a start for me this week as the Rams travel east to take on the Ravens. Michel figures to have the backfield all to himself Sunday, with Darrell Henderson expected to miss the contest. Cam Akers is questionable for Sunday, which in itself is a miracle given he is possibly back after rupturing his Achilles five months ago. While it is possible Akers plays, it is more likely he sits giving Michel backfield reps by himself against a Ravens defense that has allowed a rushing touchdown in each of their last two games. Michel is my RB9 this week, and he should be started with confidence.
Rashaad Penny also gets the all-clear this week for Seattle as he takes on the Detroit Lions. Penny was exceptional last Sunday versus the Bears, racking up 135 yards on 17 carries and registering a touchdown. That is two out of Penny’s last three games of 100 or more rushing yards. The Seahawks want to have a more balanced offensive approach, and Penny has been the primary beneficiary of this newfound balance. Penny should get plenty of opportunities this championship weekend, and comes in as my RB14.
Other RB Starts This Week: With no Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the Chiefs, Darrel Williams is slated to be the main ball toter for the Chiefs against the Bengals. In a contest where there should be points scored, I want to play all my Chiefs and all of my Bengals (within reason). Williams is my RB17 this week. Devin Singletary gets the Falcons on Sunday, and now that he is the sole running back in Buffalo, he has all of my confidence. Singletary is my RB19. Consider me sold. If he plays, Elijah Mitchell does project favorably for me this week as well against the Houston Texans who conceded two rushing scores a week ago to Justin Jackson.
Start of the Week: Damien Harris
Running Back Sits for Week 17
Here we are again, Saquon Barkley. I truly believe the talent is still there with Barkley, I just think the Giants flat out stink. In this matchup with the Bears, the same team Barkley tore his ACL against a year ago, Barkley must have some sort of payback on his mind. However, I cannot bank on Barkley in my championship lineups. Barkley is penciled in as my RB23 this week. He needs a touchdown to return any value, and even then, it may not be a great return.
Throw me on the New York hater bandwagon I guess, but Michael Carter is on the bench for me against the Buccaneers. For one, Tampa has been fantastic against running backs in the last three weeks, with no 100 yard days or touchdowns conceded in those last three weeks. They concede the eighth fewest points to the position. Second, how long will the Jets be able to actually run the ball in this game? The Bucs and Terrific Tom are going to make this game a track meet, and that is not the game the Jets will want to play, but may have to play. Carter is my RB27 this week, which puts him much lower than the Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR).
Cordarrelle Patterson has significantly cooled off for the Atlanta Falcons, and this week versus Buffalo, I really do not see much upside. Look, I understand Patterson’s impact for the Falcons. Credit to head coach Arthur Smith for bringing him in and utilizing his unique skill set in ways to benefit the team. However, the Bills are one of the best run defenses in football and in another match that may become too much for Atlanta, I really don’t know how much of a ceiling Patterson has here. It doesn’t help either that Patterson hasn’t recorded more than twenty rushing yards in two straight games. Patterson finds himself as my RB21 this week, his lowest rank for me since the very start of the season.
Other RB Sits for This Week: Devonta Freeman is a no-go this week versus the Rams. For one, I think Tyler Huntley has to throw or use his legs to keep the Ravens competitive in a game they simply have to have. Two, the Rams will look to stop the run on all fronts, likely being bad news for Freeman. I have Freeman as my RB28 this week. Please, do not start Dare Ogunbowale this week versus New England. I would truly be stunned if the Jags come close to scoring, let alone keeping this game competitive. Ogunbowale is my RB39 this week. Ouch.
Sit of the Week: Dare Ogunbowale
Wide Receiver Starts for Week 17
If you read The Bird’s Nest last week, you saw A.J. Brown’s name in this same spot a week ago. How did that one work out? Brown is a smash play this week versus Miami, has he has brought life back to this once dormant Tennessee offense. Brown looks fresh and healthy, all good signs for his fantasy managers. The journey with Brown this year has been testing at many times, but if you are still alive with him, this may be the week Brown rewards your patience in the form of a fantasy title. Brown is my WR6 this week.
From one A. Brown to another A. Brown, fire up Antonio Brown this week versus the Jets. Returning last week for the first time since week 6, Brown was every bit the superstar we know him to be. Brown racked up 10 catches for 101 yards versus the Panthers, and now takes on the Jets. On a points-per-game basis this year, Brown comes in as the WR5. With no Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, or Leonard Fournette. Cash money, as the kids say. Brown is my WR9 this week, and that could be low.
Oh Amon-Ra St.Brown, I love you. St. Brown has been magical over the last four weeks, and is in prime position for another big day against the Seahawks. Over the last four weeks, only some guy by the name of Cooper Kupp has hauled in more catches than St. Brown has. That is pretty damn impressive. Now, he gets to take on a vulnerable Seahawks defense with Jared Goff expected to return. Yes, please, and thank you. St. Brown, my WR17 this week, is a home run play and could be looked at as the man who single handedly won championships if he pans out here.
Other WR Starts This Week: A PPR machine, Hunter Renfrow is a go for me against the Colts. While I am not super high on his quarterback, I like Renfrow for his floor and his ceiling. A lock for 7 catches at least, I would expect that number here against the Colts with maybe a score as well. Renfrow is my WR19 this week. Jaylen Waddle needs to be plugged into every fantasy lineup around this week against the Titans. Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite target, he should get plenty in this matchup and is a near lock to score. Waddle is my WR14 this week.
Start of the Week: Jaylen Waddle
Wide Receiver Sits for Week 17
If there is no Carson Wentz for the Colts this week, I can’t trust Michael Pittman to catch passes with regularity from Sam Ehlinger. I want to love Pittman this week, this was supposed to be his big spot to really deliver for fantasy managers. But with potentially no Wentz here, I cannot trust it. Now if Wentz plays, consider this section totally invalidated. He has until Saturday to clear COVID protocols, and for the sake of Pittman, I am hoping Wentz can clear. If Wentz clears, Pittman is my WR18. If Wentz doesn’t clear, Pittman is my WR25.
In what is a huge game for both teams, Dallas and Arizona figures to be one of the best contests of the weekend. Yet, I can’t wrap my head around the Christian Kirk lovefest. It is very feast or famine with Kirk, and I do not want to place my fantasy life in his hands. Since the Cardinals lost DeAndre Hopkins in week 8, and yes I know he came back versus the Rams, Kirk has had more than 15 fantasy points twice. On top of that, Kirk has only scored one touchdown. What am I missing that has Kirk as WR22 in ECR this week? I have Kirk as my WR29, and that may be high.
The Washington Football Team is a mess, and that stinks for Terry McLaurin. I really, really, rate McLaurin as a player. The problem is he is on a bad team, with bad quarterbacks, in a really bad offense. Add in that Washington got flat out destroyed by Dallas last week, but it wasn’t the score that worried me, it was how Washington looked. They simply gave up, and played like they had absolutely nothing to play for. This was a team two weeks ago that was a game outside the playoff hunt, and now they are a longshot to get in. I can’t trust McLaurin against the Eagles, who held McLaurin in check two weeks ago. Sit McLaurin in your fantasy championships, my WR30.
Other WR Sits This Week: Despite a nice patch of form, Russell Gage checks in as a sit for me this week. With the Falcons taking on Buffalo, this is going to be a really tough spot for Gage to produce. Gage is my WR33 this week. While Van Jefferson has had a nice year, he is simply too boom or bust for me to consider him a start versus Baltimore this week. Jefferson is my WR31.
Sit of the Week: Terry McLaurin
Tight End Starts for Week 17
Even with the rotating door at quarterback in Baltimore, you are starting Mark Andrews this week. The number one ranked tight end in fantasy this season, Andrews has simply been sensational. Although the Rams haven’t allowed a touchdown to a tight end since week 10, that simply doesn’t worry me at all. Tyler Huntley will target Andrews all game long, and that means big numbers for Andrews. Andrews is my TE1 this week.
In his return against an old foe, Zach Ertz gets the nod for me this week versus Dallas. What really encourages me about Ertz is how heavily targeted he has been during the last two weeks by Kyler Murray. Ertz has been targeted 24 times, and I would expect a 10-12 target day coming here versus Dallas. Ertz ranks as my TE6 this week.
Other TE Starts This Week: Dalton Schultz is a fine start for Dallas against Arizona, as this Dallas offense seems to have finally started to click again. Do not expect a 56 point outburst again, but I can see Schultz getting his in this game. Schultz is my TE10 this week. Kyle Pitts could be a sneaky start this week, as he is going for the rookie receiving record by a tight end. Sitting at 949, he is chasing Mike Ditka’s 1100 yards set in 1961. While unlikely, expect the Falcons to try and get Pitts that mark, which could lead to heavy targets from Matt Ryan. Pitts checks in as my TE9 this week.
Tight End Sits for Week 17
The Denver Broncos are a bonafide mess, and no matter who starts at quarterback, I cannot trust Noah Fant this week. Even in a plus matchup versus the Chargers, Fant simply doesn’t have the floor to be considered a good start here. Fant slides in as my TE16 this week, his lowest mark of the season in my ranks.
The one area that the Tennessee Titans do defend quite well is the tight end position. That is not good news for Mike Gesicki, who has really let fantasy managers down this year in a big way. Only two touchdowns this year, Gesicki has become a real boom or bust play, and in this big of a spot I cannot be going for that sort of volatility. Gesicki is my TE14 this week.
Other TE Sits This Week: While I like the matchup, the Bears offense is a spiraling mess. Cole Kmet is a real talent, and while I do like him next year, I cannot trust him this week. Kmet is my TE19 for the week. Do not start Jared Cook this week either, even in an okay matchup versus the Broncos. I know it may be tempting to get in on the Chargers offense that desperately calls for a rebound, but do not do it. Trust me. Cook is my TE15 this week.
That is a wrap on the Bird’s Nest for 2021. To everyone who has read the columns, thank you so very much for your support. It means the absolute world to me. 2022, here we come. See you all next year!
