2013 Week 17 Fantasy Advice

If, by some miracle, you're still playing fantasy football at this point, then this advice will be important to you. If not, my Year-End Awards are coming soon, so look forward to that.

Who to Start:

QB Nick Foles (PHI) vs. DAL: Foles has become one of the league's most consistent QB's over the grind of the season, and in this win or go home game for the NFC East, he'll probably have another huge game since the Cowboys defense might be the worst in the NFL against the pass.

RB Le'Veon Bell (PIT) vs. CLE: The Browns once had a sneaky good fantasy defense at one point in the season, but that ship has sailed. Bell has become a very good fantasy performer at running back, so he could be in for a big game on Sunday.

WR Alshon Jeffrey (CHI) vs. GB: Him and Josh Gordon are the 2 best young receivers in football, and in the NFC North title game, he'll certainly make his mark against a Packers D that will be without Clay Matthews and was pretty bad to begin with.

WR Julian Edelman (BUF) vs. NE: All the way back in Week 1, Edelman had 2 TD's against the Bills. Since the Bills secondary is not really any better than it was then, there's no reason to think Edelman can't do that again.

TE Vernon Davis (SF) vs. ARZ: Despite the goose-egg on the stat sheet last week, he should have a good game on Sunday against Arizona since the Cardinals despite their proficient defense have not defended the Tight End well at all this season.

DEF Tennessee vs. HOU: If the Broncos D can hold this offense to less than 16 points, than the Titans D certainly can.

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. CAR: He played pretty well on MNF all things considering, but going up against the Panthers defense won't bode well for him on Sunday. The good news is that this tough season for the Falcons will mercifully be over.

RB Ray Rice (BAL) vs. CIN: He's been a massive disappointment in fantasy land this season, and emblematic of that was his performance against the Bengals in Week 10, when he only had 30 yards rushing. Things don't figure to be any better on Sunday.

WR Anquan Boldin (SF) vs. ARZ: Despite his TE friend being recommended to start, I'd steer clear of Boldin on Sunday because of the Cardinals ferocious pass defense.

WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG) vs. WSH: In the final year of his contract with the Giants, he's been a massive bust for his team and fantasy owners, not scoring a TD all season. His performance has been dropping ever still, so even though the matchup is favorable, he's one to avoid.

TE Jared Cook (STL) vs. SEA: Another massive fantasy bust here, and his first performance against Seattle gives you a good clue as to how this one will probably go for him: 31 yards.

DEF Kansas City vs. SD: A mixture of starters and backups will be playing in order to keep the Chiefs fresh for the Wild Card, so steer clear of this defense in a game that will probably have massive meaning for the Bolts.

3 Super Sleepers:

RB Knile Davis (KC) vs. SD: If Andy Reid gives Jamaal Charles a rest as expected, Davis will get the bulk of the carries meaning he'll see some solid numbers despite the Chargers stoutness against the run.

WR Cordarrelle Paterson (MIN) vs. DET: I don't think he's really a sleeper any more, because every week he does something amazing. The Lions secondary is pretty bad, so another big game for Paterson is on the cards.

TE Andrew Quarless (GB) vs. CHI: He's actually been a great fantasy Tight End of late for the Packers, and with the Bears struggles in every defensive department of late, Quarless could have another big game when it matters most.

Buyer Beware:

Any other Kansas City Chief vs. SD: See above.

Good Luck in Week 17 and have a Happy New Year! Thanks for reading the column every week and keeping me writing them every year since 2009. There will be playoff stuff coming next week!