Start 'Em & Sit 'Em_ is the ultimate weekly look at NFL matchups and how they'll affect your **_fantasy football_**\team. \**_Fantasy_** superstars such as Le'Veon Bell and DeAndre Hopkins will not be featured. NFL researcher **_Careen Falcone_** and former #2 FF World Player Rank and NFFC Platinum and Ultimate Champion **_Derek Pierson_** have contributed to the column. For your final lineup decisions, check our _**_lineup rankings_**.
START 'EM
Start of the Week
Vinatieri hasn't been the most consistent kicker in **fantasy football** this season, but he can be useful when the matchup is favorable. That's the case this week, as the **Colts** battle a **Texans** defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to kickers on the road. The future Hall of Famer is a free agent in most leagues.
Prater has been on a slide in recent weeks, scoring eight or fewer fantasy points in each of his last four games. I like him to rebound at home this week, however, as the **Packers** have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to kickers. Back in Week 9, Prater beat Green Bay for an impressive 12 fantasy points at Lambeau Field.
Start 'Em:**Justin Tucker** vs. **Bengals**, **Dustin Hopkins** at Giants
Sleepers:**Josh Lambo** at **Titans**, **Nick Rose** vs. Raiders
SIT' EM
Sit of the Week
Bailey, one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, has been anything but since his return from an injured groin. While he did score 16 fantasy points a week ago, the veteran missed on two conversions in a loss to the **Seahawks**. Next up is a date with the **Eagles**, who have allowed an average of 5.8 fantasy points to kickers at home.
Once one of the top kickers in **fantasy football**, Crosby has been his numbers (and value) take a dive this season. He's failed to score double digits in all but one game this season, and questions about the **Packers** offense with **Brett Hundley** at the helm have continued. Crosby is an obvious fade in a meaningless contest at Ford Field.
Sit 'Em:**Chandler Catanzaro** at **Patriots**, **Brandon McManus** vs. Chiefs
Busts:**Jake Elliott** vs. **Cowboys**, **Graham Gano** at Falcons
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning **_fantasy football_**_ analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the **_Fantasy_** Sports Writers Association (FSWA) **_Hall of Fame_**. Do you want the most up-to-date **_fantasy football_** news, updates and analysis? Follow Michael on both Twitter **_@Michael_Fabiano_** or **_Facebook_**!_
Original NFL.com article: http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootball/story/0ap3000000898911/article/start-em-sit-em-week-17-kickers