Yahoo DFS Football: Week 17 Picks

Yahoo DFS Football: Week 17 Picks

This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Football series.

The Sunday-only NFL main slate for Week 17 features all 32 teams. While some teams will be resting their stars in the season finale, there are still plenty of options ready to pop in Sunday's games, including a couple of affordable running backs and one of the league's elite wide receivers.

TOURNAMENTS (GPP – GUARANTEED PRIZE POOL)

QB: Nick Foles, PHI at WAS ($28): Foles is coming off a masterful 471-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Texans. At just $28, it's worth looking his way in the hopes of a repeat performance as the Eagles attempt to claw their way into the playoffs. After all, Foles is no stranger to stepping up in big moments.

RB: Dwayne Washington, NO vs. CAR ($10): With both Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram likely to be rested by the Saints in Week 17 -- New Orleans has already locked up the NFC's top seed -- the team could give Washington all the reps he can handle at running back. His career average of 2.8 yards per carry doesn't inspire much confidence, but Washington's volume should be high enough to earn serious consideration at the minimum $10.

WR: Doug Baldwin, SEA vs. ARI ($17): Seattle has little to play for in Week 17, having already clinched a road playoff game with no ability to move up or down from such a scenario. Coach Pete Carroll has never rested starters in such situations before, however, so don't be surprised to see a full game from all of the team's regulars against the 3-12 Cardinals. Baldwin's been a disappointment while playing through injury for most of the season, but he's playing his best football of the campaign at the moment, having reemerged as the Seahawks' clear No. 1 wide receiver with 11 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns over the past two weeks.

Other Against-the-Grainers

QB: Sam Darnold (NYJ, $27); Philip Rivers (LAC, $35)
RB: Rod Smith (DAL, $11); Derrick Henry (TEN, $32); Chris Carson (SEA, $25)
WR: Tre'Quan Smith (NO, $13); DeAndre Hopkins (HOU, $29); Robert Foster (BUF, $13)
TE: Ian Thomas (CAR, $12); Chris Herndon (NYJ, $14)
DST: Buffalo Bills ($12); Dallas Cowboys ($12)

CASH GAMES (H2H, 50/50s and DOUBLE UPS)

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers, GB vs. DET ($33)

Rodgers has thrown for exactly 442 yards twice this season -- last week against the Jets and in his first meeting of the season with the Lions. Bothered by injuries for most of the year, the star quarterback finally looked like himself last week, not only buying time to pass with his legs but also scoring a pair of rushing touchdowns. Rodgers would like to end his disappointing season on a high note, and a Lions team that he has dominated over the years is unlikely to stand in his way.

Running Back

C.J. Anderson, LAR vs. SF ($13)

Anderson racked up 167 yards and a touchdown on the ground last week with Todd Gurley sidelined by a knee injury, and there's a good chance the Rams will hold Gurley out again this week to ensure he's healthy for the postseason. If Gurley indeed sits, Anderson should have no problem significantly outperforming his $13 valuation against the 4-11 49ers.

Damien Williams, KC vs. OAK ($19)

Williams has been terrific as Kansas City's lead back over the past two weeks, rushing 23 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns while adding 13 receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. With the Chiefs needing a win to lock up the AFC West, Williams and the rest of the starting offense will be out there against a Raiders defense that's allowing the third-most rushing yards (143.3) and second-most points (28.8) per game this season.

Wide Receiver

Antonio Brown, PIT vs. CIN ($30)

Brown's a can't-miss option at $30 given the situation. The Steelers need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, and they'll face a Bengals team that allows third-most passing yards (275.7) and most points (29.3) per game in the league. Brown already has 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns on 104 catches, so he's primed to thrive in this favorable matchup. Freeing up the money for him should be a piece of cake with all the affordable options on the table this week.

Robby Anderson, NYJ at NE ($16)

Anderson has 312 receiving yards and three touchdowns over the past three weeks, managing at least 76 yards and a score in each of those games. If the two-touchdown underdog Jets fall behind as expected, Anderson should get all the targets he can handle from quarterback Sam Darnold, who's looking much more comfortable in the latter stages of his rookie season. The speedy wideout will likely turn those targets into production against New England's 23rd-ranked secondary.

Mike Evans, TB vs. ATL ($25)

Evans comes into this season finale ranked third in the league in receiving yards with 1,418. He only has six touchdowns this year after scoring 12 in two of the previous four campaigns, but the talented wide receiver is more than capable of capping his year with a tremendous all-around performance against an Atlanta defense that allows 254.1 passing yards per game. He's an excellent value play at $25, priced below 11 other wide receivers.

Tight End

Jared Cook, OAK at KC ($22)

Cook's one of the few offensive weapons at Derek Carr's disposal, and he should get plenty of looks against a Chiefs team that's likely to pile up points while also surrendering a handful. Kansas City's 280.6 passing yards allowed per game are second-most in the league, and Cook's no stranger to success against this opponent, having posted 100 yards and a touchdown in the Dec. 2 meeting between these teams.

Defense/Special Teams

Houston Texans, HOU vs. JAX ($21)

The Texans need to win to secure a home playoff game (with a first-round bye still in play as well), so their defense should put in a spirited performance against the sputtering Jacksonville offense. The Jaguars have scored just 45 points over the past four games, and putting Blake Bortles back under center is unlikely to help the situation much. Meanwhile, the Texans come in ranked 11th in sacks (40), eighth in interceptions (14) and first in fumbles recovered (13) this season.

Honorable Mentions

QB: Ben Roethlisberger, (PIT, $39); Tom Brady (NE, $33)
RB: Sony Michel (NE, $20); Jaylen Samuels (PIT, $22); Saquon Barkley (NYG, $33)
WR: Davante Adams (GB, $33); Kenny Golladay (DET, $22); Courtland Sutton (DEN, $14)
TE: Travis Kelce (KC, $31); Zach Ertz (PHI, $23)
DST: Pittsburgh Steelers ($15); Los Angeles Rams ($15)

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Sasha Yodashkin plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: Youngsash, DraftKings: Yashdogg,Yahoo: Sasha, Fanball: Yashdogg.
RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only NFL Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire NFL fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sasha Yodashkin
Sasha has been contributing NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB and Tennis content to RotoWire since 2015, with an emphasis on DFS. He is a huge New York sports fan who has been playing fantasy sports since middle school.
2024 NFL Draft: NFL Draft Props for the First Round
2024 NFL Draft: NFL Draft Props for the First Round
NFL Draft Props and Betting Odds: Where Will Jayden Daniels Land?
NFL Draft Props and Betting Odds: Where Will Jayden Daniels Land?
7 Rookies Smart Dynasty Fantasy Football Owners Are Drafting (Video)
7 Rookies Smart Dynasty Fantasy Football Owners Are Drafting (Video)
Ryan Grubb and the History of College Coaches Headed to the NFL
Ryan Grubb and the History of College Coaches Headed to the NFL
10 Sneaky Tricks For Your Upcoming Rookie Draft (Video)
10 Sneaky Tricks For Your Upcoming Rookie Draft (Video)
NFL Draft Decisions: Navigating Make-or-Break Moments
NFL Draft Decisions: Navigating Make-or-Break Moments