FanDuel Consensus Rankings Week 17

Photo: Dale Zanine, USA Today Sports

Welcome to Fanduel Value-Play Rankings!

Each week we ask 10 staff members to rank their top players at each Fanduel position. These rankings are based on what our DFS staff believe are the best players at each position with respect to total points they will receive compared to the dollars that they cost. These rankings can be used to help you round out your cash game and GPP lineups, or just provide a guideline for what the Footballguys.com staff believe are the best value-plays to target

If Staffers submitted Comments, they are included below the tables as well. 

Each Staffer was asked to rank 8 QBs, 12 RBs, 12 WRs, 8 TEs, 5 PKs, and 5 Defenses. For the purposes of calculating an average rank, if a player was not ranked by a particular staffer, they received a weight that was 1 point higher than the players they ranked. For example. if only 2 staffers ranked a particular quarterback, the other 8 staffers were weighted as giving that quarterback a '9' for average calculation purposes. 

FANDUEL CONSENSUS RANKINGS, WEEK 17: QUARTERBACKS

Aaron Rodgers tops the charts for value QBs this week. Rodgers has been on fire as of late, and last week he hung almost 350 passing yards and 5 total TDs on the Vikings. He hasn’t thrown an interception since week 10 and he’s going to be playing in a prime time game where if the Packers win, they win the division and make the playoffs. Meanwhile the Lions have struggled as of late and are in danger of missing the playoffs despite being in the driver’s seat for the division title for the last several weeks. They hung tough against the Cowboys in the first half last week, but completely collapsed in the second half and let the Dallas march up and down the field. Rodgers is due for another big game this week and he’s the chalk play at QB this week, even at 8800.

Matt Ryan is right behind Rodgers, playing in an afternoon game against a division rival where the Falcons can secure the #2 seed if they win and Seattle loses. Vegas expects very little defense in this game as the over/under is at 56 and the Falcons have an implied team total of more than 30 points. Much of that should come from Ryan, a guy who has 7 TDS and no Ints in his last 3 games and has been playing solid football down the stretch. At 8700, he’s a comparable alternative to Rodgers this week

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks will be playing at the same time Atlanta is, and they secure the #2 playoff spot if they win. Wilson faces the league’s worst defense in San Francisco, a team that has basically given up and they have very little to play for after a terrible season. Wilson has shaken off the 5 INT game that he had two weeks ago in Green Bay and cranked out 350 passing yards and 4 TDs against Arizona last week, one of the best defenses in the league. At 7600, he presents a little savings compared to Rodgers or Ryan, but he’s just as likely to hit value. 

Alexander

EJ Manuel: Any QB starting against the Jets is worth a look at minimum salary -- even Manuel, who is terrible, but has a big play and rushing upside.

Landry Jones: Ben Roethlisberger reportedly would prefer to sit out this week's meaningless tilt with the Browns. That leaves Jones as a 6.5 point home favorite against the worst team in the NFL.

Russell Wilson: Seattle needs a win, they have precious few healthy bodies in the running game, and the opponent couldn't be any softer.

Feery

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers has been on fire - with the exception of the snow game vs. the Bears - and I'll look for that to continue with a playoff berth on the line.

Mamula

Aaron Rodgers: Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan will be the chalk at QB this week.

Matt Ryan: With Rodgers, Ryan will be the chalk at QB this week.

Russell Wilson: Gets a prime matchup vs. the 49ers.

Hindery

Matt Ryan: The Falcons badly need this win to secure a bye and Ryan has an opportunity to make his case for league MVP. Expect a huge day against a mediocre Saints defense.

Howe

Alex Smith: Smith should cost more than this, facing a crucial game against a weak defense. He's got multiple true playmakers to throw to, and he's been running more lately, too.

Matthew Stafford: Stafford should be looking at strong volume in Sunday's must-win, and his efficiency outlook is strong against a mediocre Packers defense he shredded in Green Bay three months ago.

Knotts

EJ Manuel: At $5k, he is playing for his NFL career. He needs just 10 points to hit value on this slate

FANDUEL CONSENSUS RANKINGS, WEEK 17: rUNNING BACKS

The Cardinals may not be playing for a playoff spot, but David Johnson is about as consistent as they come and he’s basically a guy that you can pencil in for 100 yards from scrimmage and a TD against any opponent. Last week against Seattle he had almost 140 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs against the Seahawks in a game that should have gone much differently with Seattle in the playoffs and the Cardinals playing for pride. This week against the Rams who are playing for a better draft pick, look for Johnson to continue his run toward the league MVP.

DeAngelo Williams appears to be healthy, and he is slated to see a lot of playing time this week as the Steelers are locked into the #3 playoff seed and will be resting their starters in a game against the lowly Cleveland Browns. Cleveland finally broke their winless streak last week, and they have no incentive to play hard, given they are still in line for the #1 overall draft pick. Williams should have an easy time against a soft defense, where both teams are just playing to finish out the season without injury. He’s value priced at just 4500 as well, making him an extremely attractive cash game play this week. 

Mamula

David Johnson: David Johnson has been Mr. Consistency, the fantasy MVP this season.

Devonta Freeman: Great matchup and the Falcons have a 31.25 team total, the highest of the week.

DeAngelo Williams: If he is confirmed the starting RB and is expected to see the bulk of the carries, he is a must play at minimum salary.

DeAndre Washington: Broke out with 2 TDs last week. Still min-priced. Check to see what Raiders plan with Latavius Murray is for Week 17

Alex Collins: If Rawls is out of limited, Collins becomes an interesting player vs. a terrible run defense.

Knotts

Spencer Ware: Needs just 79 yards to get a $300k bonus, have to think he does everything he can to get there

Howe

DeAngelo Williams: The Steelers don't hedge their running game; either Bell or Williams will utterly dominate the ball in every game. FanDuel's pricing doesn't account at all for the Steelers' Week 17 worthlessness.

Derrick Henry: Perhaps this line of thinking belongs on Narrative Street, but I expect the Titans, long since out of the playoff picture, to redefine "run-heavy" Sunday - and to further audition their prized rookie.

Feery

Devonta Freeman: A track meet is in the forecast down in Atlanta, and Freeman presents a great way to gain some exposure to it.

Hindery

Rob Kelley: The Giants have absolutely nothing to play for and Washington is almost guaranteed to be in if they win. It sets up a perfect game script for a big day on the ground for Kelley.

Alexander

DeAngelo Williams: LeVeon Bell is expected to sit, leaving Williams to carry the load against the Browns awful rush defense.

Bilal Powell: Buffalo ranks dead last in rush defense DVOA and Powell has been receiving monster workloads. Make sure he's practicing by the end of the week.

Ronnie Hillman: Hillman is one of the worst running backs in the NFL, but he's minimum priced and the last man standing in San Diego's backfield.

David Johnson: Arizona's been out of it for weeks and hasn't lightened Johnson's load yet. Don't expect them to start now.

Shaun Draughn: Carlos Hyde is out and the 49ers will be playing catch-up, which plays to Draughn's strength as a pass catcher.

Spencer Ware: Keep an eye on the practice reports and be ready with Charcandrick West if Ware sits.

Zach Zenner: Showed why so many scouts were high on him last week against Dallas. Detroit would be wise to keep riding him, even if Theo Riddick is ready.

FANDUEL CONSENSUS RANKINGS, WEEK 17: wIDE rECEIVERS

With Aaron Rodgers at the top of the QB chart, it makes sense that his favorite target Jordy Nelson would be at the top of the WR list as well. Nelson’s been on a tear as of late, and he has at least 1 receiving TD in 7 of his last 9 games, and has 2 TDs in two of his last three games. He had 150 yards receiving last week against the Vikings and his salary is still just 8200 this week. He makes an excellent stack with Rodgers in a game that the Packers will be extremely motivate to not only win, but make a statement and run the score against the Lions.

When Mike Evans takes the field on Sunday, the playoff hopes of Tampa Bay will still be alive. Granted, it’s a long shot and it even requires Washington and New York to tie, but it start with Tampa winning their game against the Panthers. Carolina has had a disappointing season, and their defense has been a big part of why they missed the playoffs after being the heavy Super Bowl favorite last season. Evans has been one of the most targeted WRs this season and he should continue that trend through this week’s game as well.

Eli Rogers checks in at just 4700 this week, but with Antonio Brown sitting out this week, Rogers will be the #1 WR for the Steelers this week against an unmotivated Cleveland Browns team. Granted, he’ll have Landry Jones throwing to him, but Rogers should still have a high floor when it comes to targets and receptions, and at just 4700, he is a great value play this week.

Golden Tate is a little more expensive at 5700, but he’s playing in the Sunday Night Dogfight between the Lions and the Packers with the division title in the balance. The Lions are going to have to throw if they want to win this game, and Tate has been one of their top receivers with 28 receptions and almost 400 yards receiving over their last four games. Tate should be the focal point of the Detroit passing game, not matter what the score and at 5700, he’s a great value play this week.  

Hindery

Julio Jones: With major value opportunities open all over the board, look to fit Jones into as many lineups as possible. It's a huge game for the Falcons and Jones is capable of a monster game. With a win, he can rest next week on the bye.

Knotts

Eli Rogers: Antonio Brown is out, Rogers will be the top target

Steve Smith: Steve Smith's last game for one of the most emotional players in the NFL? Sign me up

Howe

Allen Robinson: Robinson has seen strong volume for most of the year, despite the monstrous underperformance. He's well worth this cost on opportunity alone, and he remains a strong weekly stab at big plays and short touchdowns.

Michael Crabtree: Crabtree fits the mold of the dependable possession target that backup passers tend to lock onto. The matchup is daunting, but there could be exceptionally strong volume at play in a game the Raiders need to win.

Alexander

Golden Tate: Playing in a game that matters. The best bet to burn Green Bay's flammable secondary.

Eli Rogers: We're unlikely to see LeVeon Bell, Antonio Brown, Sammie Coates Jr, or Ladarius Green for the Steelers this week. Rogers is pretty much all that's left and he runs the high percentage routes an inexperienced QB like Landry Jones is likely to lean on.

Odell Beckham Jr Beckham needs 86 yards to pass Randy Moss for most receiving yards by an NFL player over his first three seasons. It's risky since the Giants are locked into the fifth seed, but you know Beckham would love to get in the record books at the expense of arch rival, Josh Norman.

Brandon LaFell: The only viable receiving target for the Bengals with A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert out. Faces a dejected Baltimore team unlikely to get top cornerback Jimmy Smith back.

Anquan Boldin: You're looking for players in games that matter this week. Boldin qualifies and gets a great matchup.

Allen Robinson: It looked like the Jaguars figured out how to get Robinson going last week, and he gets a terrible secondary that just got elimintated from playoff contention.

Sammy Watkins: The Jets have no one in the secondary to play with Watkins and Manuel can get it to him deep.

Feery

Jordy Nelson: A Rodgers-Nelson stack makes a ton of sense this week, as they've connected for five scores over the past four games.

Mamula

Jordy Nelson: Expect the Packers to lean on Jordy Nelson with the division on the line.

Mike Evans: Great matchup vs Panthers. The last time he played them he went for 89 yards and 1 TD.

Tyreek Hill: Andy Reid is making sure that Hill is a part of the game plan each week.

FANDUEL CONSENSUS RANKINGS, WEEK 17: TIGHT ENDS

With Kansas City playing for the #2 seed in the AFC, they have a strong motivation to win this week against the Chargers and Travis Kelce is almost a no brainer to be the top fantasy TE. Kelce has had 100 or more receiving yards in five of his last six games, and last week he crushed the #1 passing defense in the league for 160 yards and a TD. Given the value you find at other positions this week, Kelce is easy to fit into your salary cap and will be a staple in most cash lineups this week.

Eric Ebron Is in interesting play this week given the fact that the Lions will be going all out against the Packers in the final game of the regular season. Ebron has 20 receptions in his last four games, and last week he had 8 receptions for 93 yards against the Cowboys. He might not be the must start that Kelce is this week, but he has a reasonably high floor and his team will be throwing the ball until the final minute of the game. If you are looking to save money at TE, Ebron is probably your man. 

Feery

Travis Kelce: Sometimes it makes sense to go along with the wisdom of the crowd, and this is one of those cases. Kelce is on fire, and there's no reason for him to slow down this week.

Howe:

Travis Kelce: Kelce is indeed a beast, and his volume has easily survived the team's blend of playmakers. He's pricey among tight ends, but still coming a little too cheaply, especially in such a crucial game.

Mamula

Travis Kelce: Great matchup and the Chiefs are still playing for the playoffs

Antonio Gates: Will be chalk this week as he goes for the TE TD record.

Hindery

Antonio Gates: It's risky to buy in too heavily to "narrative street" but Gates needs two TDs to set the all-time tight end record and is likely playing in the last game ever in San Diego.

Knotts

Antonio Gates: Chargers last game in San Diego and Gates could break the touchdown record

Alexander

Antonio Gates: Gates, as you've probably heard, is one TD shy of tying Tony Gonzalex for the all-time tight end touchdown record. He's got a tough opponent this week, but Philip Rivers will force it to him.

FANDUEL CONSENSUS RANKINGS, WEEK 17: KICKERS

Matt Bryant is the ‘free space’ play this week, with the Falcons expected to score more than 30 points and he’ll be kicking in a dome in a game the Falcons need to win to secure the #2 spot in the NFC. Salary cap shouldn’t be an issue, so Bryant Is the plug-and-play option this week.

If you’re looking for lineup differentiation, Cairo Santos, Stephen Gostkowski, Steve Hauschka or Mason Crosby make excellent alternatives. All are priced in the 4600-4700 price range and all are on teams that are playing for a better playoff spot this weekend. 

Howe

Steve Hauschka: The Seahawks could be playing for a bye, so they'll be going full-steam at the sacrificial 49ers. Hauschka stands to benefit from whichever path they use.

Feery

Matt Bryant: I'd rather spend up for a reliable kicker in a high-scoring matchup than roll the dice on an inconsistent low-priced option, and Bryant should justify his hefty price tag this week.

Hindery

Justin Tucker: The Bengals have done an excellent job of keeping their main AFC North rivals out of the end zone and forcing field goals. The Steelers' Chris Boswell hit 6 field goals against the Bengals a couple weeks ago and Tucker hit 4 long ones in the teams' previous meeting. 

FANDUEL CONSENSUS RANKINGS, WEEK 16: DEFENSES

The Rams and the 49ers have two of the lowest implied team totals this week, with a projected total of about 17 points. Arizona is still one of the best defenses in the league and although they are not playing for a playoff spot, they should still be coming hard against the Rams this week. The 49ers have nothing to play for and face a Seattle defense that took a beating last week at the hands of the Cardinals. The Seahawks are playing for the #2 overall spot and will be looking to crush the 49ers as revenge for last week’s performance. 

Hindery

Cleveland: The Browns are dirt cheap and Landry Jones is awful. A sneaky GPP play against the Steelers backups.

Mamula

Arizona: Prime matchup vs. the Rams and only $4700 on FD

Feery

Arizona: The Rams offense can implode in an instant, and that always makes the opposing defense an intriguing play. 

Good luck this weekend!

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