In the world of fantasy football, nothing is more disheartening than witnessing a key player in your starting lineup underperform at the worst possible time. As Week 17 approaches, it's crucial to identify potential pitfalls that could sabotage your championship hopes. This article delves into six players who might disappoint despite recent success or perceived favorable matchups.
Potential Pitfalls for Week 17 Fantasy Starters
Jared Goff (Quarterback – Detroit Lions) vs. San Francisco 49ers: Despite his impressive performances over the past few weeks, Goff faces an uphill battle against the formidable 49ers defense. San Francisco has been particularly stingy against quarterbacks, limiting them to just 14.6 fantasy points per game this season. Fantasy managers should carefully weigh the risks before relying on Goff for their championship game.
Chuba Hubbard (Running Back – Carolina Panthers) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After a standout performance against the Buccaneers in Week 16, Hubbard now faces the same tough defense once again. Tampa Bay has tightened its grip on opposing running backs since their bye week, allowing only 48 rushing yards and 10.6 fantasy points per game. Hubbard’s previous struggles against this division rival suggest he may not be a reliable option this week.
Rico Dowdle (Running Back – Dallas Cowboys) vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Dowdle’s recent hot streak came to a halt last week when he encountered one of the league's top run defenses. Now, he faces another elite unit in the Eagles, who have surrendered only 14.7 fantasy points per game to running backs this year. The Eagles’ defensive prowess makes Dowdle a risky play for Week 17.
Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver – Cleveland Browns) vs. Miami Dolphins: Jeudy’s production took a nosedive last week when Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced Jameis Winston at quarterback. Even if Winston returns, the Dolphins present a challenging matchup, having limited wide receivers to 24.3 fantasy points per game. Fantasy owners should proceed with caution when considering Jeudy for their starting lineup.
Khalil Shakir (Wide Receiver – Buffalo Bills) vs. New York Jets: Although Shakir has contributed significantly to the Bills' recent success, his upcoming matchup against the Jets poses a significant challenge. New York has been effective in containing wide receivers, giving up only 23.8 fantasy points per game. Shakir’s poor performance against this division rival earlier in the season indicates he may struggle again.
Jake Ferguson (Tight End – Dallas Cowboys) vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Ferguson’s inconsistency has been a recurring issue throughout the season. With Dak Prescott out due to injury, Ferguson’s opportunities have diminished, resulting in subpar performances. Facing the Eagles, who have limited tight ends to just 7.7 fantasy points per game, Ferguson is unlikely to provide much value this week.
From a journalist's perspective, these potential landmines highlight the importance of adapting to changing circumstances in fantasy football. It’s essential to stay informed about matchups, injuries, and team trends to make the best decisions for your roster. By recognizing these risks, fantasy managers can avoid costly mistakes and enhance their chances of success in the crucial Week 17 matchups.