Zion Tech Group

Week 17 Start/Sit Advice and Fantasy Projection


Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone fantasy managers received a boost to their projections on Saturday when the Carolina Panthers were forced to place Chuba Hubbard on IR. However, it leaves Hubbard managers scrambling to become managers of Blackshear or Boone via the waiver wire.

Of course, with only one spot freed up, most managers will be forced to choose between Blackshear and Boone. Here’s a look at both players and a recommendation.

Is Raheem Blackshear a good pick in Week 17?

Raheem Blackshear at Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers - Source: ImagnRaheem Blackshear at Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers - Source: Imagn
Raheem Blackshear at Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Source: Imagn

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Without Hubbard, the Carolina Panthers are forced to choose between Blackshear and Boone. According to Sportskeeda’s Start/Sit Optimizer, Blackshear is in for a productive day, but far from a breakout day. He is expected to earn 9.7 points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If it is between the injured Hubbard and Blackshear in Week 17, take Blackshear. At this point, he is a decent option off the waiver wire as a stand-in flex. However, you may have a bench running back with which you would be better off.

Is Mike Boone a good pick in Week 17?

Mike Boone at Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders - Source: ImagnMike Boone at Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Imagn
Mike Boone at Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders – Source: Imagn

Mike Boone is the other main option for managers looking to maintain a foothold in the Panthers backfield. According to Sportskeeda’s Start/Sit Optimizer, expect Boone to earn just 4.4 points.

At this point, most waiver wire running backs available this week on the waiver wire could earn about the same number of points. Boone should be avoided in Week 17 unless you have no other options.

Whom should I start between Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone in Week 17?

Raheem Blackshear gets the nod for Week 17Raheem Blackshear gets the nod for Week 17
Raheem Blackshear gets the nod for Week 17

Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone offer a difficult choice to managers racing with potentially the other remaining manager(s). With little time to make a choice, many are going with their gut. However, those who have taken a moment to do some research first will feel much more confident about Blackshear.

Expect Blackshear to outperform Boone in Week 17, 9.7 points to 4.4 points, per Sportskeeda’s Start/Sit Optimizer. While neither running back is expected to make managers forget about Hubbard this week, it might be enough to spell one’s way to a fantasy championship. Put simply, go with Blackshear this week.