Welcome to our IDP Start & Sit article for Week 17 of the 2023 fantasy football season!
It’s time, it’s time…it’s VADER TIME….. I mean, it’s winning TIME (those who got that 1990’s Pro Wrestling reference…kudos)!
It’s Week 17, folks. It’s win or lose. Here are my IDP Fantasy Football Starts & Sits for Week 17 (2023) for your pivotal IDP Fantasy Football Championship matchups!
Starts
Isaiah McDuffie (GB) @ MIN
- With De’Vondre Campbell doubtful and likely out for this game, fire up one of the most consistent and reliable backup linebackers in the NFL, Isaiah McDuffie.
- In games he’s been called upon to start for either Campbell or Quay Walker, McDuffie has totaled 41 solo tackles and 22 assisted tackles while averaging 13.1 PPG using FantasyPros IDP scoring.
Nate Landman (ATL) @ CHI
- Over the past three games, Landman has tallied 13 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles and has averaged 12 PPG.
- He has been, by far, the more efficient tackler in recent weeks than his counterpart, Kaden Ellis, thus giving him plenty of upside this week versus The Bears.
Khaleke Hudson (WAS) vs. SF
- Speaking of upside, it doesn’t get higher than what Khaleke Hudson has been providing fantasy managers with the past two weeks while filling in for Jamin Davis.
- Having posted 13 and 15 tackles in back-to-back games, Hudson has a huge opportunity to reach that mark again versus a run-heavy 49ers offense. His prowess in tackle efficiency while playing in coverage gives him an added boost this week.
Sits
T.J. Edwards (CHI) vs. ATL
- Posting a below-average 9.7% tackle efficiency in Week 16, Edwards has been bailed out by splash plays in order to maintain IDP relevance in recent weeks. Take those away, and he has been playing like any other average linebacker, posting under ten tackles a game. You deserve more certainty during championship weekend.
Germaine Pratt (CIN) @ KC
- Historically speaking, Pratt has never had double-digit tackle performances when playing the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Going back to 2021, his highest total tackle mark was eight total tackles versus KC in 2021.
Pete Werner (NO) @ TB
- Over the past three weeks, Werner has finished as the LB217, LB224, and LB116 on the week. In other words, not someone I feel comfortable rolling with in Week 17.
Starts
Boye Mafe (SEA) vs. PIT
- Mafe and his 16% win rate from Week 16 will be licking his chops going up against Broderick Jones this week, who, over the past two weeks, has allowed two sacks and seven pressures.
Harold Landry (TEN) @ HOU
- Poor Charlie Heck of the Houston Texans, the same Charlie Heck who, over the past two weeks, has allowed 16 pressures to his quarterback and has given up a sack in that time span.
- He’ll be facing off against a resurgent Harold Landry, who over the past four weeks has tallied 16 solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, and 4.5 sacks.
Jerry Hughes (HOU) vs TEN
- With Jonathan Greenard declared out this week, look for Hughes to take on the starting role and demolish Jaelyn Duncan of the Titans. Duncan has allowed four sacks in two weeks making Hughes a SMASH PLAY this week.
Sits
Baron Browning (DEN) vs. LAC
- A difficult matchup against Rayshawn Slater of The Chargers makes Browning a sit/fade for me this week.
Travon Walker (JAX) vs. CAR
- In terms of pass-blocking, Taylor Moton of The Panthers has played exceptionally well only allowing two pressures over the past three weeks. Not good news for Travon Walker.
Chase Young (SF) @ WAS
- HAHAHAHAHA….um sorry. No revenge game narrative here for Chase Young, who has been absolutely useless for the 49ers since acquiring him earlier in the season.
Starts
Kamren Curl (WAS) vs. SF
- The 49ers are one of the most friendly teams in the league in terms of tackles allowed to the safety position. With what feels like all the defensive starters for Washington out in the secondary this week, Curl is very much a solid volume play this week, especially in helping in run support.
Kerby Joseph (DET) @ DAL
- Joseph will have his hands full in coverage this week versus Dallas, which means there will be plenty of opportunity to capitalize from his 9 total tackles, 2 PDs, and 2 INT performance from Week 16.
- Let’s also not forget he plays a high percentage of snaps in the box, helping elevate his tackle and fantasy point floor.
Brandon Jones (MIA) @ BAL
- Dominating box snaps for the Dolphins the past few weeks, Brandon Jones is the DB5 in FantasyPros IDP PPG the past few weeks with an average of 18.3 on 12 solo tackles and two assisted tackles.
- Baltimore allows the third most tackles to the safety position in the NFL, making Jones an excellent matchup-based play this week.
Sits
Julian Love (SEA) vs. PIT
- Pittsburgh is bottom in the league in tackles allowed to safeties making Love a sit for me this week.
Jordan Poyer (BUF) vs. NE
- In fact, the same goes for Poyer.
Jordan Fuller (LAR) @ NYG
- In fact, in fact……the same rationale goes for Fuller!