As the NFL season approaches its conclusion, Week 17 presents crucial decisions for fantasy football managers, especially those vying for championship glory. Among the players to consider are wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Emeka Egbuka, both of whom have compelling cases to start this week.
Early in the season, Egbuka showcased impressive performance, ranking among the top fantasy receivers during the first ten weeks. However, his production has since declined within a struggling and injury-riddled Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense that currently sits 22nd in the league for passing efficiency. Despite this, Egbuka faces a potentially beneficial matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who have also been inconsistent defensively. This week could mark a turning point for Egbuka, who has only surpassed double-digit fantasy points once in the latter half of the season. Nevertheless, he has maintained a strong average of nearly eight targets per game, leading all rookie pass-catchers as of Week 17. The emergence of Mike Evans as the primary target in Tampa”s passing game has hindered Egbuka”s opportunities, but the favorable matchup could ignite a resurgence for the rookie.
On the other hand, Diggs has been a linchpin for the New England Patriots, proving to be a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Coming off a remarkable outing where he caught nine of ten targets for 138 yards, Diggs is poised to make a significant impact in the final week. With only 131 yards needed to reach his first 1,000-yard season since 2023, he has every incentive to perform. Facing a struggling New York Jets defense enhances his potential for a strong fantasy showing. Diggs has eclipsed the 100-yard mark multiple times in recent games, proving he can deliver consistent results.
When weighing the two options for Week 17, the choice leans towards Diggs. Egbuka”s recent struggles and the Buccaneers” offensive issues present a significant risk, while Diggs benefits from a more favorable matchup and has demonstrated a higher floor and ceiling in his performances. Thus, managers should confidently start Diggs over Egbuka for the final week of the season.
