As fantasy football players approach Week 17, Michael Fabiano highlights five sleeper options who may not be conventional must-starts but have the potential to exceed expectations based on favorable matchups or increased playing time.
Among these players, Tyler Shough, the rookie quarterback for the Saints, has shown promise over the past month. He has consistently scored at least 17.1 fantasy points in each of his last four starts, averaging 18.5 points per game during that stretch. While it may not be wise to start him in traditional one-quarterback leagues during championship week, he could be a valuable asset in Superflex formats, especially with a favorable matchup against the struggling Titans, who have only won three games this season.
Another player to consider is Stevenson of the Patriots, who may see an increase in workload due to the possible absence of TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson sustained a concussion last week, which could keep him sidelined during fantasy championship week. Stevenson becomes a strong candidate for a starting position, particularly against the Jets, who have been poor against running backs. They have allowed the second-most fantasy points to the position in recent weeks.
Tracy Jr. faced a setback last week, scoring only 9.8 fantasy points in a loss to the Vikings. However, he had previously scored 16 or more points in three of his last four games, making him a viable flex option against the Raiders. Since Week 9, the Raiders” defense has surrendered eight total touchdowns and ranked ninth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs.
Jennings has been on a hot streak, scoring over 13 points in four consecutive games and six of his last seven overall. He has a favorable matchup at home against the Bears, whose defense has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers since Week 9. Expect Jennings to make a significant impact again this Sunday night.
While Stefon Diggs may not fit the traditional sleeper mold, he is also not a guaranteed starter this week. Nevertheless, he should remain in lineups, as he faces a favorable matchup against the Jets. Last week, the Jets” defense allowed 36.8 points to Chris Olave, and in the previous week, Brian Thomas Jr. scored 17.1 points against them. Notably, at least one receiver has amassed 17 or more points against the Jets in three consecutive weeks.
Michael Fabiano serves as a fantasy football analyst for Sports Illustrated, where his weekly rankings and Start “Em, Sit “Em articles are essential reading for fantasy enthusiasts. He co-hosts the Fantasy Dirt Podcast and has an extensive background in fantasy sports analysis, having previously worked with CBS Sports, NFL Network, and SiriusXM. Fabiano is recognized as a pioneer in the field, being the first fantasy analyst to appear on one of the four major television networks and is a proud member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association Hall of Fame.
