Fantasy Football Recap Week 17: 12 Things You Need to Know

Jan 01, 2024

Week 17 Recap: 12 Things You Need to Know

Jessica Rapforgel-USA TODAY Sports

Week 17 of the NFL season landed on New Year’s Eve this year adding levity to fantasy championships celebrations. It was very fitting to end the calendar year and the fantasy year at the same time. Several strong late-season performers kept up their pace while a few stars fizzled out when needed the most. By now, you likely know your fantasy fate. So, strap in as we summarize it all for the final time this year.

Top Players

Lamar Jackson saved his best for last to help bring home fantasy championships. Capping off an excellent fantasy season, Jackson threw for five touchdowns on Sunday against Miami. He added another 321 passing yards to his already career-high total. Jackson rushed six times for 35 yards as the Ravens closed out 2023 with the best record in the NFL.

Patrick Queen on Lamar Jackson:

“MVP. There ain’t nothing else to talk about. He look real quarterbacky. If anybody else says otherwise, they just don’t like Lamar. They don’t like us, they don’t like Baltimore, they don’t like Lamar.”

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 31, 2023

Kyren Williams carried the load for fantasy teams in their championship matchups. The second-year back rushed for a career-high three touchdowns. He also totaled 101 yards, hitting triple digits for the sixth straight week. Williams was a definite league winner.

D.J. Moore had a spectacular game in the fantasy championship. He pulled down nine of a season-high tying 13 targets. Moore compiled 159 yards receiving and made a nice 7-yard touchdown grab to open the scoring against Atlanta.

Davante Adams reminded managers that it’s never too late to score fantasy points on Sunday. He caught six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown on the Raiders’ last two possessions. Adams ended the day with 13 receptions for 126 yards and a pair of receiving scores. He was targeted a season-high 21 times.

Jordan Love kept the lights on late as he led the Packers past the rival Minnesota Vikings. Love set a season-high in fantasy points by throwing for three touchdowns and 256 yards. He also rushed twice for two yards and a touchdown.

Flop Players

Stefon Diggs delivered yet another dud for the fantasy finale. He was targeted seven times. Diggs caught four of them for 26 yards. Diggs has only reached double-digits in PPR scoring once in his past seven games.

Derrick Henry concluded his roller-coaster fantasy year with a second bust in the past three weeks. Henry did not deliver for managers during the fantasy playoffs. The days of him running over the Texans are over as Houston pulled his card again. With 42 yards on 12 carries on Sunday, Houston held Henry to 51 yards on the season.

“Derrick Henry plays the Texans D twice in the fantasy playoffs!”

2 games:

28 carries, 51 yards
5 targets, 4 catches, 1 yard
0 TDs

— Pat Thorman (@Pat_Thorman) December 31, 2023

George Kittle could not contribute to fantasy championships on Sunday. He brought in three Brock Purdy passes for 29 yards. It was the third time in four games that Kittle had three or fewer catches.

Pop Players

Justice Hill had a breakout performance during championship week. With Keaton Mitchell going to injured reserve, Hill had an opportunity to contribute and he took advantage. Hill set a career-high with 112 total yards. He caught all five of his targets including a 20-yard touchdown catch.

Drop Players?

Christian McCaffrey exited the 49ers’ victory in the third quarter after sustaining a calf injury. He stayed on the sideline trying to work through the injury. However, McCaffrey did not return to the game.

Alvin Kamara was questionable heading into Sunday after dealing with an illness during the week. He made the start but hurt his ankle shortly before halftime. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game during the third quarter.

DeVonta Smith left the Eagles’ loss in the fourth quarter with a foot injury. He had been having a relatively quiet day with three catches for 30 yards. Smith reportedly left the stadium on crutches.