As the fantasy football playoffs reach their climax in Week 17, the Indianapolis Colts defense emerges as a must-start option, particularly against the struggling New York Giants. The Colts have shown remarkable defensive prowess, consistently scoring double-digit fantasy points in recent weeks. Their upcoming matchup against a Giants team plagued by injuries and a poor offensive line positions them as a potential league-winning choice for fantasy managers.
Conversely, Rico Dowdle of the Dallas Cowboys faces a challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite his impressive performance in recent games, Dowdle's upcoming game may force him to rely on his passing skills due to the Eagles' strong defense against the run. Meanwhile, rookie Bucky Irving has been a revelation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, boasting impressive stats and an excellent matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled defensively against running backs.
Deebo Samuel Sr. is also highlighted as a player to watch, having recently broken out of a slump. With a favorable matchup against the Detroit Lions, who have been vulnerable in the passing game, Samuel could be a key player in fantasy lineups. On the other hand, Kimani Vidal of the Los Angeles Chargers might see increased opportunities due to injuries in the backfield, making him a sleeper option against the New England Patriots.
Finally, Courtland Sutton of the Denver Broncos looks to bounce back against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have struggled defensively. With both teams vying for playoff positions, Sutton's performance could be pivotal. Additionally, Diontae Johnson's recent move to the Houston Texans positions him as a potential asset for fantasy managers looking ahead to Week 18.
