Fantasy plays: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 17

By Week 17 in fantasy football, there’s no room for guessing. Depth charts have settled, tendencies are exposed and every decision carries championship weight. This week’s fantasy plays focus on players positioned to deliver — and the familiar names whose matchups make them too risky to trust when it matters most.

Start: Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs Miami

The Buccaneers are playing for their playoff lives in this one, so expect them to come out firing on all cylinders. With a full complement of pass catchers at his disposal and up against a top-10 QB matchup Dolphins squad, Mayfield is in a prime position to deliver for fantasy owners and Tampa fans alike.

Other locks:

— Brock Purdy vs Bears

— Drake Maye vs Jets

— Jacoby Brissett vs Bengals

Avoid: Justin Herbert, Chargers vs Texans

This is a spot where name value outweighs fantasy reality. Houston’s pass rush creates constant pressure, which has consistently caused problems for the Chargers’ offensive line. Herbert’s weekly ceiling has been capped in recent weeks by conservative play-calling and inconsistent red zone efficiency, outside of last week’s game versus Dallas, and the Texans are one of the better teams in the league at forcing underneath throws and limiting big plays. In championship week, you’re chasing upside — and Herbert simply doesn’t offer it here.

Start: Omarion Hampton, Chargers vs Texans

Hampton has emerged as the Chargers’ most trusted early down back, and his workload has stabilized at exactly the right time. Houston’s run defense has been far more vulnerable between the tackles than through the air, making this a natural spot for Los Angeles to lean on the ground game. Hampton’s value isn’t flashy, but volume plus goal-line opportunity makes him a rock-solid RB2 with a realistic path to 18 to 22 touches.

Other locks:

— James Cook vs Eagles

— Travis Etienne vs Colts

— Chase Brown vs Cardinals

Avoid: Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings vs Lions

Jones’ fantasy value is heavily touchdown-dependent at this stage, and the Lions are one of the best teams in the league at limiting rushing scores. In a week where margins are thin, Jones carries far more downside than upside.

Start: Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins vs Buccaneers

This is the type of matchup where Waddle can tilt a fantasy championship. Tampa Bay’s secondary has struggled to defend speed receivers who can win quickly off the line and Waddle remains Miami’s most potent option when defenses prioritize stopping the run or shading coverage elsewhere. His weekly floor has been volatile, but the ceiling here is undeniable — and this game environment favors aggressive passing from both sides. The Dolphins will want to see what they have in quarterback Quinn Ewers, so I expect him to pass early and often.

Other locks:

— Tee Higgins vs Cardinals

— Jauan Jennings vs Bears

— CeeDee Lamb vs Commanders

Avoid: Terry McLaurin, Commanders vs Cowboys

The matchup is definitely not a problem, but who the Commanders will be starting under center certainly is. Josh Johnson, the third-string QB for Washington is scheduled to start, and even the Cowboys should be able to manage him efficiently.

Start: Hunter Henry, Patriots vs Jets

Henry has become a focal point of New England’s passing game, particularly in high-leverage and red zone situations. The Jets’ defense has allowed tight ends to work the middle of the field when outside receivers are taken away, and Henry’s route participation remains strong. While he may not have a huge game, the combination of steady targets and touchdown equity makes him a dependable TE1 in a volatile position.

Other locks:

— Trey McBride vs Bengals

— Juwan Johnson vs Titans

— Theo Johnson vs Raiders

Avoid: Mark Andrews, Ravens vs Packers

Andrews just hasn’t been the tight end we’ve come to know over the years for the past several weeks. He’s only gotten 50 or more yards in a game once this season, and it hasn’t happened since Week 3. Completely TD dependent, Andrews just doesn’t offer enough upside to roll with him.

This column was provided to The Associated Press by RosterWatch, www.rosterwatch.com

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) catches a touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) evades a tackle by Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) and offensive tackle Bobby Hart (66) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes is expected to miss a second consecutive game with an ankle sprain, leaving undrafted rookie Cobee Bryant and backup C.J. Henderson in key roles for Monday night's game against the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams.

Coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that Hughes is unlikely to return this week. “We probably won't see him this week, for sure,” Morris said.

Bryant and Henderson were forced into important roles for the Falcons (6-9) in last week's 26-19 win at Arizona. Henderson, who was signed from the practice squad the day before the game, clinched the win with a late interception.

Henderson was needed because A.J. Terrell left the game with a sore shoulder. Morris said Terrell, who returned to the game, will “be fine” to start against the Rams.

Even with a healthy Terrell, Hughes' expected absence means the Falcons' depth at cornerback will be tested this week. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, an MVP contender, has thrown 40 touchdown passes with only five interceptions. Receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams have a combined 174 catches, including 22 for touchdowns.

The Rams (11-4) lead the NFL in total yards and scoring and rank second in passing.

Cornerback Clark Phillips III was designated to return from injured reserve on Wednesday. Phillips, who has seven career starts, spent 10 weeks on IR with a triceps injury and illness. He participated in Wednesday's practice.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) runs near Atlanta Falcons cornerback C.J. Henderson (39) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) scores a touchdown against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Cobee Bryant (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)