If you're like us, you're struggling to believe that Week 17 is already here (and almost gone). Where did the time go? However, if you're like us, you also aren't playing season-long fantasy in Week 17. We know some of you like to live dangerously in crazy leagues that tempt fate in Week 17, but take our word for it: stop. While this year hasn't shaped up for teams to rest starters, all too often stalwart rosters crumble when starters are rested for the playoffs. Anyway, here's a look at Week 17's final offering: and NFC North title bout between the Vikings and Packers.
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC
Vikings:
Bridgewater has played some of his best football over the last three weeks, with six touchdowns an no interceptions in that span. Even with his improved play, there's no reason to play him on the road in fantasy against a defense that has feasted against lesser quarterbacks this season.
Adrian Peterson is very good at football. You should start him.
Even though Bridgewater has played well lately. this is still an offense that has averaged just 27 pass attempts per game over its last three contests. That's not enough volume for the likes of Stefon Diggs or Mike Wallace to be considered a trustworthy starting option.
Rudolph got free against the Packers for a long touchdown the last time the teams playhed. He's a very touchdown-dependent option at the tight end position, so if you anticipate that happening again, feel free to start him.
Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 38 times since Week 4, the most in the league, while the Vikings defense has recorded the seventh-most sacks in that same span. With the Packers offense sputtering, the Vikings defense could be a frisky start or contrarian DFS play even though they are on the road. The return of Harrison Smith and Anthony Barr certainly helps the Vikings' cause.
Packers:
The King of the North has been struggling this year, and it's not just on his embattled corps of pass-catchers. Rodgers' play has been shaky as well, and he'll be a shaky start this week in fantasy. He's a low-end QB1 at best.
James Starks ended up in the dog house last week after a costly fumble to open the second half led to seven points for the Cardinals. Will he be back in Mike McCarthy's good graces this week? Who knows? Eddie Lacy is the safer start, but we all know the risk that comes with starting him. Lacy is a fringe RB2, while Starks is a volatile flex play for Week 17.
It's sad that this once proud group has been relegated to being lumped together in our weekly previews, but that's the state of the 2015 Green Bay Packers passing offense (which ranks 26th in the league, fyi). Randall Cobb has the safest floor, but his upside is also capped unless he finds the end zone as the Packers haven't been using him on deep routes. James Jones and his hoody performed well against the Vikings last time ... can lightning strike twice? No one should start Davante Adams. Not even the Packers.
Don't let the 38-6 thrashing last week by the Cardinals fool you -- the Packers defense has been the best part of the team this year. They took down Bridgewater six times in Minnesota last week, and could harass the young signal-caller once again on the Frozen Tundra. They'll make for a good play this week.