Week 17 CheatChart | Positional Start/Sit

Welcome to the Week 17 CheatChart. In this article, I provide an easy-to-use positional matchups table and highlight potentially exploitable matchups. If you’re curious about the process you can find a full introduction HERE where I lay out the methodology.

How to Use the Week 17 CheatChart

First, find YOUR PLAYER’S TEAM in the first column. Next, follow that line to THEIR POSITION’S column. That percentage is how much better or worse you can expect them to do compared to what they typically score.

Example: Let’s say you’re deciding between Rico Dowdle (RB-DAL) and Garrett Wilson (WR-NYJ). For Dowdle, find DAL in the first column. Follow that row over to the RB column, and you’ll see his positional matchup is -18%. That’s a moderately negative matchup. Next, for Wilson, find NYJ in the first column. Follow that row over to the WR column, and you’ll see his positional matchup is 20%, which is a very positive matchup. Given both players are averaging around 12 points per game, I’d lean Wilson.

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Offensive Players to Target | Week 17 CheatChart

Love Actually

Jordan Love has been tepid for fantasy through 2024 but in Week 17 we can expect big things. He faces the divisional opponent Minnesota Vikings who have been the best matchup in the league for opposing quarterbacks. On top of that, the game has a very nice 49-point over-under and just a 1.5-point spread meaning it’s expected to be high-scoring and competitive. This is exactly the kind of situation you want when in the championships.

The Three Wise Receivers

Last week in a bad matchup the Commanders had 3 wide receivers finish within top-20 at the position. Olamide Zaccheaus, Terry McLaurin, and Jameson Crowder which is a wild trio to finish that high in 2024. This week they get the Falcons who are a top-notch matchup for wide receivers. I wouldn’t count on Jameson Crowder, his production came out of two touchdowns but Olamide Zaccheaus had 8 targets. It seems he’s the lead slot receiver with Noah Brown on IR. You can’t expect 24 points from Zaccheaus but you can expect a healthy target share and hope he capitalizes in the red zone once again.

Out of the Saddle Again

Javonte Williams scored 12 points last week on just 4 carries, thanks to being targeted 11 times. That’s likely due to the absence of Jaleel McLaughlin who sustained a quad injury in Week 15. Keep an eye on injury reports because if McLaughlin misses another game, Williams could have an even bigger week. Denver gets the Bengals who have been a great matchup for running backs and the game has a high over/under at 50. The implied game script has the Broncos trailing but not by far, so this could result in plenty of targets to their receiving back of choice.

Tight End Roasting Over an Open Fire

David Njoku continued his hot streak in Week 16 and now has a great positional matchup against Miami. Despite the game having a poor over/under, the implied game script favors him and he’s been getting a 23% target share.

Offensive Players to Avoid | Week 17 CheatChart

Not Going to Miami

Tua Tagovailoa is a risky low-end QB1 in Week 17 and should be avoided outside of superflex leagues. His positional matchup is what I would describe as neutral but there are other issues surrounding him that push him into the “avoid” column. The game’s over/under is only 40 points and Miami is expected to lead by a large margin. His top wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are banged up so don’t be surprised if Miami is extremely run-heavy. Malik Washington gets a shout-out as a deep sleeper but the Dolphins passing game should largely be avoided this week.

In for a Giant Disappointment

The Giants wide receivers have been through a lot recently with multiple changes at quarterback and this week it’s unclear who they will get. Drew Lock is the named QB1 but has been limited by a shoulder injury. If he doesn’t go then Tommy DeVito would be next in line. Neither choice is great for the receivers who have the toughest wide receiver matchup in the league. If you drafted Malik Nabers you were likely banking on him for the second half of the season but know that he’s a high risk to start in Week 17 and build the rest of your lineup around that. Wan’Dale Robinson is a deep flex play in PPR formats and Darius Slayton is unlikely to do much unless this happens to be one of his signature blow-up games.

America’s Dysfunctional Team

Rico Dowdle has been getting more than half of the Cowboys carries but it has resulted in very little fantasy output. With news that CeeDee Lamb is out for the season, the touchdown upside will be even lower than it has been. This game has a paltry 40-point over/under and the Cowboys are expected to trail. There is a chance he’s utilized more in the passing game but he’s only been averaging a 9% target share. He might be flex-worthy but don’t expect much from him.

Hunt for Another Tight End

Hunter Henry has been a mostly reliable set-and-forget tight end option this year but his lack of ceiling is apparent. In Week 17 he’ll face the Chargers who are very good against tight ends in what is expected to be a lower-scoring game. He isn’t as touchdown-reliant as many other tight ends given his average target share of 21% but he’s only scored two touchdowns on the season. It’s unlikely that he will give you much more than a 5-10 point performance which is unlikely to do much good in championships.

IDP | Week 17 CheatChart

IDP Targets | Week 17 CheatChart

For additional IDP waiver adds I’d recommend checking out Jon Glosser’s IDP Fantasy PLAYERS YOU NEED to Add for Week 17.

Team Trends | Week 17 CheatChart

Notable Rush Funnel Teams: The Bengals, Colts, Giants, Patriots, and Titans are the biggest rush funnels at present.

Pass Funnel Teams: The Dolphins and Seahawks are the clearest pass funnels right now.

IDP Targets: The Patriots are the best target for defensive linemen by a good margin, though the Giants are also a great matchup. Linebackers against the Eagles have done extremely well as of late, though the Bears and Vikings are also good options. Defensive backs have faired best against the Commanders and Patriots, though with many quarterbacks banged up looking for backups is also a great strategy.

Final Word | Week 17 CheatChart

Apologies for the shortened format this week as things were bit more chaotic that expected with the holidays and family matters. This article and cheatchart will be back next week for those of you in leagues that play into Week 18. I will also continue through the playoffs as this chart is handy for DFS lineups as well. If you’re like me, you probably have some free credits to use up from promotions you’ve previously signed up for. You can also take this as a reminder to go check your account balances.

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