Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season proved to be the most action-packed yet, highlighted by Christmas Day games that featured the Kansas City Chiefs triumphing over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens dominating the Houston Texans. The day was capped off with an entertaining halftime performance by Beyoncé, adding a festive flair to the holiday football action.

The excitement continued with a low-scoring matchup on Thursday Night Football between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears, followed by a thrilling triple-header on Saturday. A critical game saw the Denver Broncos face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, where quarterback Joe Burrow played a pivotal role in keeping his team's playoff hopes alive. With just over a minute left in the game and the score tied, Burrow executed a decisive run to score, leading to an overtime victory after a dramatic finish.

Burrow's performance marked a significant moment for the Bengals, as they secured their first offensive touchdown in overtime in franchise history. Meanwhile, creative plays and impressive performances were a theme throughout the week. The New Orleans Saints showcased a trick play that led to a touchdown, while the Minnesota Vikings delighted fans with a spirited dance routine.

Surprise performances included Drew Lock of the New York Giants, who delivered an outstanding game despite the team's draft aspirations. Joe Flacco stepped in for the Indianapolis Colts and put up respectable numbers despite the loss. Additionally, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals finally scored a touchdown after an extensive wait, setting a record for the most receptions in a season without a touchdown.

Highlighting the best catches from the week, players demonstrated remarkable skill with impressive grabs and toe-taps. Off the field, memorable moments included Chiefs head coach Andy Reid embodying the Christmas spirit in the locker room after clinching the AFC No. 1 seed and a humorous incident involving a duck that invaded the Buccaneers' game against the Panthers.

Aidan O’Connell led the Las Vegas Raiders to a 25-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints, marking only the fourth win of the season for the Raiders. O’Connell threw for two touchdowns and accumulated 242 passing yards. Tight end Brock Bowers made history by breaking two rookie NFL records during the game, finishing with seven receptions for 77 yards, bringing his season totals to 108 catches for 1,144 yards. This achievement surpassed the previous records held by Mike Ditka and Puka Nacua, as well as Darren Waller's franchise record for receptions in a season.

Ameer Abdullah contributed significantly with 115 rushing yards, marking his first 100-yard game in a decade-long NFL career. Daniel Carlson added four field goals, extending the Raiders' lead and securing their win despite travel delays that had them arriving late for the game.

On the other side, the Saints struggled with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler making his fifth start, completing 20 of 36 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Saints initially took the lead with a trick play but could not maintain their momentum. The game also saw injuries to key players, including running back Kendre Miller and linebacker Jaylan Ford. Looking ahead, the Raiders will face the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Saints prepare to visit Tampa Bay.

The New Orleans Saints made a significant comeback in their home finale against the Las Vegas Raiders after suffering a shutout earlier in the season. On Sunday, the Saints took an early lead with a creative trick play that showcased the team's determination to avoid another disappointing performance. Quarterback Spencer Rattler executed a clever play that began with a handoff to running back Kendre Miller, who then tossed the ball back to Rattler. The rookie quarterback then delivered a pass to tight end Foster Moreau, who scored the touchdown, marking a pivotal moment for the Saints.

This touchdown was particularly noteworthy as it ended a scoring drought for the Saints, who had not found the end zone since their narrow loss to the Washington Commanders on December 15. The scoring play was facilitated by a strong 21-yard punt return that positioned the Saints favorably at midfield. Moreau's touchdown not only showcased the team's resilience but also represented a personal milestone, as it was the longest reception in air yards of his career, according to ESPN Research.

As fantasy football managers gear up for the championship round in Week 17, identifying key sleeper options becomes crucial. This week's analysis highlights under-the-radar players who could provide significant value in matchups that may not initially seem promising. With many traditional stars already rostered, these lesser-known players could tip the scale in favor of managers looking for that final push toward victory.

Quarterback Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers is emerging as a sleeper with his recent performances, including a notable showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With a season-high 298 passing yards in their previous encounter, Young may find opportunities to exploit a weakened Buccaneers' secondary. Similarly, Mason Rudolph of the Tennessee Titans presents another streaming option, particularly against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has struggled against the pass.

In the backfield, Kendre Miller of the New Orleans Saints could see a significant workload if Alvin Kamara remains sidelined, especially against a Las Vegas Raiders team that has allowed numerous touchdowns to running backs. Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah, also from the Raiders, has carved out a role as a reliable pass-catcher, making him a viable option in PPR formats.

Wide receivers like Ricky Pearsall and Olamide Zaccheaus are also gaining attention for their favorable matchups, with Pearsall benefiting from a depleted Detroit Lions defense and Zaccheaus stepping up as the Washington Commanders' No. 2 receiver. Tight ends Foster Moreau and Daniel Bellinger are also on the radar, with both players poised to capitalize on their respective matchups against struggling defenses.

Ultimately, Week 17 presents an opportunity for fantasy managers to take calculated risks with these sleepers, potentially leading to a championship victory.

The New Orleans Saints are facing a challenging end to their season after a heavy 34-0 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Interim coach Darren Rizzi acknowledged the team's struggles, particularly due to injuries affecting key positions. With playoffs out of reach, the remaining games will focus on player evaluations as Rizzi aims to showcase his coaching potential.

Despite the loss, some players like tight end Foster Moreau have shown promise. However, the team is dealing with injuries to center Erik McCoy and guard Lucas Patrick, complicating their situation further. The Saints must win their last two games to avoid a historically poor record.