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It was a successful Week 16 in terms of recommendations as everyone came through for us. There is a lot of unknown in Week 17, so we need to focus on teams that are playing for something or players who are looking to reach milestones. Time to finish the regular season strong.
Running Backs
Cash Game Option:
New York Giants Saquon Barkley ($15,400) – All the rage this week will be paying down at running back with the numerous value we have across the league. This just means we can pay up for a stud that will come with lower ownership. Barkley’s price is perfect this week and he continues to be a workhorse for the Giants offense. There’s a strong chance the Cowboys rest a lot of their starters as they are locked into the fourth seed in the NFC and have nothing to gain by playing their regulars. Barkley is approaching many records in his first season, most notable 2,000 scrimmage yards which would make him the third rookie in NFL history to do so. This is what we are looking for in Week 17 and there’s no doubt the Giants will do everything in their power to make sure this happens. Even though the rushing hasn’t been there in recent weeks, the ability of Barkley to catch the ball in the passing game allows him to always have a high floor and we know the ceiling is tremendous. Fire up Barkley in all formats in Week 17.
Tournament Option:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Peyton Barber ($7,000) – Barber doesn’t get many people excited which is why he is getting way overlooked in a prime match-up against a Falcons defense that we have picked on all season long. I’m not stopping now and Barber is basically free in Week 17. When there is a lot of unknown, I want to identify players who will touch the ball and it’s hard to find anyone in the league this week that will be involved as much as Barber. The running back has touched the ball at least 15 times in every game since Week 11. I challenge anyone to find me 10 running backs in the football who can say that. The Bucs are one point favorites, have a team implied total of 26.5 and the over/under is 52. I think this game gets way overlooked yet it checks every box that we are looking for. The last time Barber faced the Falcons, he rushed for 82 yards and caught four passes for 24 yards and a touchdown. This price is too cheap and allows us to fit in the studs we need in Week 17.
Wide Receivers
Cash Game Option:
Los Angeles Rams Robert Woods ($12,900) – The price never changes too much despite Woods always performing at a high level. The wide receiver has scored at least 13.10 FantasyDraft points in every game since Week 10, but is not priced that way. The 49ers defense ranks 25th in pass defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders and the Rams need to win in order to secure a first round bye. Woods makes a nice safe option with tremendous upside in cash games and comes with a strong price tag. He should be considered a building block in Week 17.
Tournament Option:
Kansas City Chiefs Tyreek Hill ($15,700) – The price tag is expensive which is why Hill is more of a tournament option. However, this is an absolute smash spot for Hill as he faces a Raiders defense that is ranked 31st in pass defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders. As Evan Silva of RotoWorld points out, the Raiders have allowed the most touchdowns to wide receivers and Hill dropped a would be 52-yard touchdown the last time these two teams squared off. The Chiefs have everything to play for and they need to get back on track heading into the playoffs. I love this offense this week and we need exposure in cash games and tournaments.