Sit/Start Week 17: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Kickoff: Sunday, January 2nd at 1 PM ET

Location: Gilette Stadium in Foxborough, MA

Betting Odds: NE, -15, 41.5 Total on Caesar’s Sportsbook

Network: CBS

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback

Trevor Lawrence  (Sit)

Ya, it was the Jets. But some impressive throws by Trevor Lawrence last week. Saw the field well and got a good read on the defense pre-snap: far-hash flood concept, backside dig in muddy pocket, bootleg crosser, short boot right/throw deep over left. #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/ZbUu6G9ghK

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) December 29, 2021

Last week, Trevor Lawrence had one of his best games against the New York Jets. He threw for 280 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. While not a fantasy productive day, it was a good day for the struggling 1st round pick. The Patriots won’t make it easy on him this week, as they have allowed the third-fewest yards (3,135) and have picked off the ball 20 times this year. Lawrence’s rough year should continue this week; sit him.

Running Backs

Dare Ogunbowale (Sit)

Dare Ogunbowale filled in after James Robinson went down with an Achilles tear last week. He did run well last week, but the Jets are a bottom-feeder defense against the run. The Patriots are a middle-of-the-pack run defense that has allowed the fewest touchdowns (5) to running backs. I’m not starting Ogunbowale in the playoffs.

Dare Ogunbowale scores his first touchdown since 2019. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/VUsuMbXqUy

— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) December 26, 2021

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Lawrence’s receiving core is Laquon Treadwell, Tavon Austin, and now Walker Little I’m going to throw up https://t.co/rrugMlD7iW

— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) December 29, 2021

Laquon Treadwell (Start, WR3/flex), Marvin Jones (Start, WR3/flex), James O’Shaughnessy (Sit)

Laquon Treadwell has averaged nine fantasy points/game since Week 12. In those five weeks, he’s easily been the most targeted player on the Jaguars offense. Look for this to continue this week and for Treadwell to be an acceptable Flex. This week, Marvin Jones could be a good play if this game gets out of control. Last week he received 13 targets, catching eight passes for 74 yards. Look for garbage time to make him a viable Flex. James O’Shaughnessy has caught all eight of his targets over the past two weeks for 109 yards.

New England Patriots

Quarterback

Mac Jones (Start, QB2)

Mac Jones' reaction after throwing an interception to Darius Leonard 😯pic.twitter.com/QpUrQO9Ex6

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 24, 2021

Mac Jones draws a great matchup this week against the Jaguars. After throwing two interceptions last week, Jones will look to bounce back this week. The Jaguars have given up the 10th most fantasy points/game (17.7) to opposing QBs. Two of Jones’ more significant fantasy days have come against the Jets and Titans. These two teams have weak secondaries and are comparable to Jacksonville in many ways. That being said, I have no problem wheeling out Jones as a QB2 this week.

Running Backs

Damien Harris (Start, RB2), Rhamondre Stevenson (Start, Flex)

DAMIEN HARRIS HAT TRICK 🎩
pic.twitter.com/DHyTWGgWTd

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) December 26, 2021

Damien Harris is battling a hamstring injury but should go this week. Last week Harris went for three touchdowns and 100 yards against one of the better run defenses. Now going to a significantly worse one in Jacksonville makes me confidently start him as an RB2. Rhamondre Stevenson depending on if he plays more if Harris is out, should at least be a flex play this week.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Jakobi Meyers (Start, WR3/Flex), Kendrick Bourne (Sit), Hunter Henry (Start, TE1), Jonnu Smith (Sit)

JAKOBI MEYERS HAS HIS FIRST CAREER RECEIVING TOUCHDOWN!

📺: #CLEvsNE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/sKTPjxaTre

— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2021

Jakobi Meyers got six catches each in the past two games while receiving 20 targets over that span. These numbers make me realize he has WR3/flex potential every week. Kendrick Bourne has been extremely boom/bust in the past four weeks, having one week of 18 fantasy points while only scoring nine over the other three. The Playoffs are about consistency, and Bourne hasn’t been consistent. Last week the Patriots targeted Hunter Henry six-time, while not targeting Jonnu Smith once. Suppose there’s someone to trust this week its Henry who has scored nine touchdowns this year. Henry is a TE1, and Smith is a sit this week.