Condolences if you've already faced Jerome Ford, Breece Hall, David Njoku, CeeDee Lamb, or Joe Flacco (or if you started Tony Pollard or Jahmyr Gibbs). Regardless of your current lead or deficit, things can change in a hurry during Week 17's Sunday action, so you need to be on your toes all day with a fantasy football championship on the line.
Fortunately, there won't be many weather worries outside of some light snow/rain and a little bit of wind in a couple of spots (more on that below). Injuries are a major worry, though, with guys like Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), Josh Jacobs (quad), Keenan Allen (heel), Jaylen Waddle (ankle), Courtland Sutton (concussion), Christian Watson (hamstring), Josh Palmer (concussion), and Hollywood Brown (heel) already ruled "doubtful" or "out," and key players such as Alvin Kamara (illness), Kenneth Walker III (shoulder, illness), Isiah Pacheco (concussion), Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle), Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder), Michael Pittman Jr. (shoulder), DK Metcalf (back), Puka Nacua (hip), Jordan Addison (ankle), Zay Flowers (hip), Jerry Jeudy (illness), and Cole Kmet (knee) all "questionable."
As we have been every week this season, we'll be here to help all Sunday morning, reacting to injury news, monitoring the active/inactive lists for any surprises, watching the weather, and providing start 'em, sit 'em advice based on all the latest developments.
Fantasy football live news for NFL Week 17
Live updates will begin at 9 a.m. ET.
Injury updates for NFL Week 17
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Puka Nacua (hip) is expected to play against the Giants. Both Nacua and Cooper Kupp are must-starts in this favorable matchup, and Demarcus Robinson has flex appeal, too.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Alvin Kamara (illness) is expected to play against the Buccaneers. He remains a must-start in all formats.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Kyler Murray (illness) is expected to play against the Eagles. He's a low-end QB1 in 10- and 12-team leagues thanks to the favorable matchup and his rushing floor.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) is expected to play against the Steelers. He's a mid-tier RB2, especially if his touches are slightly reduced because of the injury.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Jerry Jeudy (illness) is expected to play against the Chargers. He's a low-end WR3/flex thanks to the favorable matchup. Teammate Marvin Mims Jr. (hamstring) is not expected to play, making Brandon Johnson a legit flex sleeper in deep leagues.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that DK Metcalf (back) is expected to play against the Steelers. He's a must-start as usual.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) is unlikely to play against the 49ers, but a final decision will not be made until after pre-game warmups. Brissett isn't a worthwhile starting option anyway, and the outlook of Washington's other skill players doesn't change with Sam Howell under center.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Isiah Pacheco (concussion) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) are both expected to play against the Bengals. Pacheco remains a must-start RB1, while Edwards-Helaire is a low-end flex in deep leagues.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Michael Pittman Jr. (shoulder) is expected to play against the Raiders. He's a must-start as usual.
Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reported late Saturday night that Zay Flowers (hip) is expected to play against the Dolphins. He's a high-upside WR2/3 in all formats.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported late Saturday night that Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) is not expected to play against the Ravens. De'Von Achane and Jeff Wilson Jr. will split touches in his absence, with Achane having RB1 upside despite the tough matchup and Wilson Jr. settling in as a solid flex.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Cole Kmet (knee) woke up sore and is a "game-time decision" against Atlanta. He's a must-start if he's active, but backup Robert Tonyan would be a risky, boom-or-bust fill-in.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Jordan Addison (ankle) is expected to play against Green Bay. He's a boom-or-bust WR3/flex.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) is trending toward playing against Kansas City, but a final decision won't be made until after a pre-game workout. He's a must-start if he's active, and his presence boosts Jake Browning's outlook.
NOTABLE EARLY INACTIVES: Josh Jacobs, Raheem Mostert, Trevor Lawrence, Zay Jones, Jaylen Waddle, Jacoby Brissett, Zack Moss, Michael Mayer, D'Onta Foreman, Darnell Mooney, Hunter Henry
NOTABLE OFFICIAL EARLY ACTIVES: Cole Kmet, Michael Pittman Jr., Alvin Kamara, Puka Nacua, Kyler Murray, Zay Flowers
Weather updates for NFL Week 17
For a full breakdown of all of the Week 17 weather worries, click here.
All things considered, the weather forecast for the last day in December is pretty mild. There's some light snow possible for Falcons-Bears and Patriots-Bills, though the latter might be more rainy than snowy (and, thus, uglier for football purposes). There could also be some rain for Steelers-Seahawks, but it doesn't look like anything too serious. Falcons-Bears will likely be the windiest game of the week with gusts up to 20 mph, and Bengals-Chiefs could see 15-mph winds.
Overall, the weather is unlikely to factor into your start-sit decisions unless you want to play it ultra-safe with your kicker and avoid someone like Younghoe Koo or Tyler Bass, but that's probably not necessary.
Who should I start in fantasy football today?
Advice based on 12-team, half-point PPR leagues
The recommendations below are from Vinnie Iyer's Week 17 start 'em, sit 'em column.
Must-starts
QB: Jalen Hurts, Eagles (vs. ARI), Dak Prescott, Cowboys (vs. DET), Lamar Jackson, Ravens (vs. MIA), Josh Allen, Bills (vs. NE), Brock Purdy, 49ers (at WAS), Justin Fields, Bears (vs. ATL), Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (vs. CIN), Matthew Stafford, Rams (at NYG)
RB: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (at WAS), Kyren Williams, Rams (at NYG), Rachaad White, Buccaneers (vs. NO), Jonathan Taylor, Colts (vs. LV), Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (at DAL), Travis Etienne, Jaguars (vs. CAR), D'Andre Swift, Eagles (vs. ARI), James Cook, Bills (vs. NE), Kenneth Walker, Seahawks (vs. PiT), Bijan Robinson, Falcons (at CHI), Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots (at BUF), Alvin Kamara, Saints (at TB), Ty Chandler, Vikings (vs. GB), Javonte Williams, Broncos (vs. LAC), Breece Hall, Jets (at CLE), Isiah Pacheco (vs. CIN), Zamir White, Raiders (at IND), Joe Mixon, Bengals (at KC), Derrick Henry, Titans (at HOU)
WR: CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (vs. DET), Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (at BAL), Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (at DAL), Deebo Samuel, 49ers (at WAS), Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (at WAS), Mike Evans, Buccaneers (vs. NO), Puka Nacua, Rams (at NYG), Chris Olave, Saints (vs. LAR), Cooper Kupp, Rams (at NYG), DeVonta Smith, Eagles (vs. ARI), Justin Jefferson, Vikings (vs. GB), A.J. Brown, Eagles (vs. ARI), Rashee Rice, Chiefs (vs. CIN), DK Metcalf, Seahawks (vs. PIT), Stefon Diggs, Bills (vs. NE), Davante Adams, Raiders (at IND), DJ Moore, Bears (vs. ATL), Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (vs. CAR), Garrett Wilson, Jets (at CLE), Tee Higgins, Bengals (at KC), Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (vs. LV), DeAndre Hopkins, Titans (at HOU), Diontae Johnson, Steelers (vs. CIN), Terry McLaurin, Commanders (vs. SF), Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (vs. JAX), Nico Collins, Texans (vs. TEN), Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (vs. PIT), Zay Flowers, Ravens (vs. MIA)
TE: Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. CIN), George Kittle, 49ers (at WAS), Trey McBride, Cardinals (at PHI), David Njoku, Browns (at NYJ), Sam LaPorta, Lions (at DAL), Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (vs. DET), Isaiah Likely, Ravens (vs. MIA), Dallas Goedert, Eagles (vs. ARI), Evan Engram, Jaguars (vs. CAR)
D/ST: Browns (vs. NYJ), 49ers (at WAS), Bills (vs. NE), Chiefs (vs. CIN), Ravens (vs. MIA), Bears (vs. CHI), Broncos (vs. LAC)
Smart sits
QB: Tua Tagovailoa (at BAL), Geno Smith (vs. PIT), Mason Rudolph (at SEA), Jake Browning (at KC)
RB: Aaron Jones (at MIN), Gus Edwards (vs. MIA), Devin Singletary (vs. TEN), Khalil Herbert (vs. ATL), Tyjae Spears (at HOU)
WR: Drake London (at CHI, George Pickens (at SEA), Jakobi Meyers (at IND), Tyler Boyd (vs. KC), Gabe Davis (vs. NE), Odell Beckham Jr. (vs. MIA
TE: Dalton Schultz (vs. TEN), Darren Waller (vs. LAR), Dalton Kincaid (vs. NE), Taysom Hill (at TB), Logan Thomas (vs. SF)
D/ST: Raiders (at IND), Packers (at MIN), Seahawks (vs. PIT), Patriots (at BUF), Falcons (at CHI)
Read more coverage from Sporting News' team of fantasy football experts, including Week 17 rankings for PPR and standard formats, sleepers, busts, DFS picks, and other projections below.
WEEK 17 FANTASY ADVICE: Sleepers | Busts
WEEK 17 DFS: DK/FD lineups | Best values
WEEK 17 TOOLS: RotoBaller "Who To Start?" tool | Draft Sharks' Week 17 projections
Fantasy football rankings Week 17
Below are Sporting News' updated fantasy football rankings for Week 17. Rankings based on full-point PPR scoring.
Quarterback
Rank Player
1 Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. Cardinals
2 Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Lions
3 Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. Dolphins
4 Brock Purdy, 49ers @ Commanders
5 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Bengals
6 Josh Allen, Bills vs. Patriots
7 C.J. Stroud, Texans vs. Titans
8 Justin Fields, Bears vs. Falcons
9 Kyler Murray, Cardinals @ Eagles
10 Matthew Stafford, Rams @ Giants
Running back
Rank Player
1 Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ Commanders
2 Kyren Williams, Rams @ Giants
3 Travis Etienne, Jaguars vs. Panthers
4 Austin Ekeler, Chargers @ Broncos
5 Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. Raiders
6 Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. Steelers
7 Saquon Barkley, Giants vs. Rams
8 Breece Hall, Jets @ Browns
9 Alvin Kamara, Saints @ Buccaneers
10 D'Andre Swift, Eagles vs. Cardinals
11 Rachaad White, Buccaneers vs. Saints
12 Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots @ Bills
13 Bijan Robinson, Falcons @ Bears
14 Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs vs. Bengals
15 Zamir White, Raiders @ Colts
16 Ty Chandler, Vikings vs. Packers
17 De'Von Achane, Dolphins @ Ravens
18 Javonte Williams, Broncos vs. Chargers
19 Devin Singletary, Texans vs. Titans
20 James Cook, Bills vs. Patriots
Wide receiver
1 Tyreek Hill, Dolphins @ Ravens
2 CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. Lions
3 Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. Packers
4 Chris Olave, Saints @ Buccaneers
5 Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers @ Commanders
6 Puka Nacua, Rams @ Giants
7 Mike Evans, Buccaneers vs. Saints
8 Deebo Samuel, 49ers @ Commanders
9 Cooper Kupp, Rams @ Giants
10 Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ Cowboys
11 Michael Pittman Jr., Colts vs. Raiders
12 Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals @ Chiefs
13 A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. Cardinals
14 DJ Moore, Bears vs. Falcons
15 Nico Collins, Texans vs. Titans
16 DK Metcalf, Seahawks vs. Steelers
17 DeVonta Smith, Eagles vs. Cardinals
18 DeAndre Hopkins, Titans @ Texans
19 Stefon Diggs, Bills vs. Patriots
20 Davante Adams, Raiders @ Colts
21 Tee Higgins, Bengals @ Chiefs
22 Rashee Rice, Chiefs vs. Bengals
23 George Pickens, Steelers @ Seahawks
24 Calvin Ridley, Jaguars vs. Panthers
25 Diontae Johnson, Steelers @ Seahawks
Tight end
Rank Player
1 Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. Bengals
2 David Njoku, Browns vs. Jets
3 Trey McBride, Cardinals @ Eagles
4 Cole Kmet, Bears vs. Falcons
5 Sam LaPorta, Lions @ Cowboys
6 Jake Ferguson, Cowboys vs. Lions
7 George Kittle, 49ers @ Commanders
8 Darren Waller, Giants vs. Rams
9 Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. Panthers
10 Isaiah Likely, Ravens vs. Dolphins
Defense/Special teams
Rank Player
1 Cleveland Browns vs. Jets
2 San Francisco 49ers @ Commanders
3 Buffalo Bills vs. Patriots
4 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Panthers
5 New York Jets @ Browns
6 Los Angeles Rams @ Giants
7 Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cardinals
8 Indianapolis Colts vs. Raiders
9 Atlanta Falcons @ Bears
10 Denver Broncos vs. Chargers
WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers