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.
