For many folks, the fantasy season has drawn to a close, but some leagues play through Week 17, meaning some owners out there are trying to read the tea leaves when it comes to players working through injuries this week.
Let me guide you through that process, then, as you seek to earn a fantasy championship.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
After two MCL sprains this year, it seems insane that Marcus Mariota might actually suit up for the Tennessee Titans in a meaningless season finale against the Indianapolis Colts.
But the possibility remains, according to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com:
The Titans had Marcus Mariota take some dropbacks at less than full speed on Monday and will evaluate him from there. Mariota missed the Houston game with a sprained right knee, and it seems unlikely that he’ll resurface for the finale, considering interim coach Mike Mularkey said with “any bit of doubt, he will not play.”
I wouldn’t anticipate having Mariota available for this game. The Titans would be nuts playing him if he’s less than 100 percent. Risking the health of your franchise cornerstone in a game that means nothing—especially since losing the game and getting the top overall pick would be ideal anyway—is pure and utter madness.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills
See above. This game basically means nothing for the Buffalo Bills, and Rex Ryan already noted that “it probably doesn’t look real good” when asked about LeSean McCoy’s status for this game, per CBS New York and the Associated Press.
So, yeah, assume McCoy won’t be available to you. Go ahead and nab Karlos Williams if he’s somehow still available.
Matt Jones, RB, Washington
You can make a strong argument that you shouldn’t be starting Matt Jones even if he is healthy, mired in a backfield platoon as he is. But Week 17 is also a meaningless game for Washington, which is locked into the No. 4 seed in the playoffs, so it’s hard to imagine the team giving him a big workload.
I’d recommend assuming Jones won’t play and going in a different direction if you were planning on starting him for some reason.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but the Carolina Panthers really have no incentive to rush Jonathan Stewart back from injury, especially considering Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker have filled in for him and played well.
If I were Carolina, I’d rest him for one more week. If I were you, I’d be prepared to sit him.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson expects to play this weekend despite battling through ankle injuries.
“I’m not going to sit just because,” Johnson said, per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. “It’s usually something bugging (me) if I’m out of the game. Something that won’t allow me to play, for the most part. So I look forward to playing Sunday.”
So, you should be starting him too. No need to keep this guy on the bench if he’s out on the field.
Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Eifert was cleared by the Cincinnati Bengals and said he planned on playing this week, per Geoff Hobson of the team’s website.
Cincy may decide to rest him or use him sparingly with a playoff spot locked up. But with the possibility of a earning a first-round bye if they get some help this weekend, the Bengals will probably utilize all of their weapons.
If Eifert is out on the field, you pretty much have to start him. Get him in those lineups.
All fantasy stats, ownership percentages and points-against totals via ESPN standard leagues.
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