Week 17 of the fantasy football season is here, and we're back with another crop of start/sit options. A lot of players will be held out or see diminished roles, giving others rare opportunities. With that in mind, we'll pick running backs who should exceed expectations in Week 17, along with three you should probably sit.
Start
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
DeMarco Murray has a torn MCL, and though the team was holding out hope that Murray could miraculously play on Sunday, he was ruled out on Friday. Henry is going to get the bulk of the work against a Jacksonville team that might be resting players throughout the game. Although Henry has stumbled in previous must-play scenarios, he is, without question, a must play.
Alex Collins, Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Collins has cooled off a bit in the past two weeks, but with the Ravens hanging on to a playoff spot and facing the team allowing the most rushing yards per game in the league (131.5), the rookie is poised for a rebound. The Bengals rank 30th in fantasy points allowed to running backs in PPR leagues.
Kenyan Drake, Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are dead last in points allowed to running backs, and Dion Lewis took full advantage last Sunday. Now, it’s Drake, who has been brilliant almost every week for Miami since Damien Williams got hurt, who gets a shot at ruining Buffalo’s season. Drake had 22 points in his first meeting with the Bills.
Sit
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Mike Tomlin isn’t playing him, and neither should you.
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sean McVay isn’t playing him, and neither should you.
Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Andy Reid probably isn’t playing him, and neither should you.