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The way we approach fantasy drops is taking a slight or not-so-slight change in week 17. It’s time to weed out anyone who doesn’t have the potential to start, but you sure don’t want to let anyone go. one that can be used against you either.
Check out your opponents list and charge in anyone you think they might want to add, sending bench runners to the waiver wire for good. Let’s look at some players who may have made it this far in your squads, but may be let down before that sweet league game.
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jamal williamsRB, Lions (91% listed on Yahoo)
There were some juicy fantasy heroics from Jamaal Williams in 2022, but his time on the rosters is over. While the 27-year-old may have played a part in getting you this far at some point in the season, hopefully you’ll have better options at RB in Week 17. The use and production of Williams tends to drop, as he hasn’t passed for 37 yards since Week 12 and cleared the pylon since Week 13. His throws have also been down in each of the last three contests, going from 16 to 13 to nine weeks 14 to 16.
The Lions are getting a better backfield game this week with the Bears, who are 26th in RB schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed, and the odds of the RBs being out of production like last week are lower. However, with By Andre Swift back in the mix and Williams struggling with a leg injury, we’re about to hope Williams slips for a touchdown, and that kind of addiction isn’t ideal for a fantasy championship. If your opponent really needs RB and you think Williams could be used against you, push him to the end of your bench, but chances are if he’s in the last game he’ll have better choice at the position and so will you.
Cordarelle Patterson, RB, Falcons (85% registered)
There are 85% of Yahoo managers still fielding Cordarelle Patterson, and her time in the fantastic sun ended early this year. Rookie Tyler Allgeier has passed the 31-year-old 40-24 since their Week 14 bye. To make matters worse, Patterson’s usual work in the receiving game has been minimal, with just two catches for 14 yards since the bye and just 13 receptions for 79 yards this season, a drastic change from the 52-548 line. -5 via aired last season.
On paper, this week looks like a wonderful game against the Cardinals, who are last in RB AFPA, but the Falcons will most likely hand the bulk of the work to Allgeier in this one, to assess Atlanta’s backfield future. Patterson is heavily touchdown dependent heading into Week 17, and like Williams above, that’s not ideal for Championship Week.
Derek Carr, QB, Raiders (70% registered)
Chances are you won’t be in your league title game with Derek Carr as your QB, but stranger things have happened, especially in 2022. The ninth-year QB just won a game at three interceptions, a season high, and is averaging a rough fantasy 11.4. points per game over the past three weeks.
To make matters worse, Carr gets a tough one in Week 17 against a solid 49ers defense, a unit that hasn’t allowed any QB to score more than a fantastic 15.3 points since. Matthew Staffordis 17.4 back in Week 8. Carr is better on the waiver wire to end the season with hopes of a fresh start in 2023. If you need QB help in your championship, look Daniel Jones or Brock Purdy.
Antonio Gibson, RB, Commanders (83% enrolled)
It’s been four contests since Antonio Gibson led Washington’s backfield in touches, with Brian Robinson seeing 78 opportunities to Gibson’s 37 since Week 12, and Jonathan Williams is now in the mix for backup duties with five. touches last week against Gibson’s seven. The third-year guard seems to have fallen out of favor with Ron Rivera and the COs coaching staff, and it’s hard to count on him for viable fantasy production this week.
Hopefully the 83% of you fielding Gibson have better options to consider for him, and if not, there are some decent players on the waiver wire like Tyler Allgeier, Zack Mossor Chuba Hubbard.
Treylon Burks, WR, Titans (45% registered)
You’ve kept the rookie so long, so it may be hard to say goodbye, but it really shouldn’t be too painful to drop Treylon Burks this week. Coming back from concussion protocol, Burks didn’t catch any of his targets and had a 15-yard run against the Texans.
The talent is there and he has a bright future but this season wasn’t meant to be as Burks has had to deal with various health issues and now the loss of Ryan Tannehill due to an ankle injury. With Dallas on tap in Week 17 and rookie Malik Willis under center, it’s not recommended that Burks break a fantastic starting lineup. Move on and grab someone else who has at least a chance of having their number called if needed.
Say goodbye to those injured players
Here are some drop-worthy guys who either aren’t adjusting for Week 17, or if they do, aren’t worth hanging on to anymore:
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Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans
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Tua TagovailoaQB, Dolphins (watch him this week, but it’s not looking good)
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Chris Olave, WR, Saints
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henry hunterTE, Patriots
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Tyler BoydWR, Bengals
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Jonathan TaylorRB, Foals
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Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans
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nico collinsWR, Texas
This list could go on and on, but it’s pretty hard to assess all of your unique lists heading into this final week. This column has been a pleasure to write once again this season, and it has been my pleasure to have helped you all in any way throughout your fantasy football journey in 2022.
Feel free to ask me any outstanding questions on Twitter @@JenEakinsNFL.
This article originally appeared on 4for4.com
More from 4for4.com: Streaming tight end for week 17
A proud alumnus of the UGA Grady College of Journalism, Jennifer Eakins has worked in the sports industry for over a decade. She has worked with CNN Sports, the Atlanta Hawks and the Colorado Rockies. Her first fantasy football draft was in 1996, where she selected Ricky Watters with the first overall pick, and she’s been a fantasy freak ever since.
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