Week 17 of the NFL season brought significant developments in fantasy football, particularly regarding player performances and injury impacts. Several players stood out, while injuries affected team dynamics, shaping the fantasy landscape as the playoffs approach.
Parker Washington and Chris Olave Shine
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ slot receiver, Parker Washington, has made a remarkable leap in performance. After only one 100-yard game in his first 39 outings, Washington has now recorded back-to-back games exceeding the century mark. Meanwhile, Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints has emerged as a dominant force, especially given the team’s struggles with injuries to key running backs and wide receivers. Olave has posted three consecutive games with over 20 points in PPR formats during the fantasy playoffs, highlighting his value as a potential league winner.
Injury Updates and Player Usage
The fantasy landscape has also been shaped by injuries to pivotal players. In the matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders, Cowboys running back Javonte Williams was limited in practice due to a neck injury and left the game early due to a shoulder issue. This opened the door for Malik Davis to take over as the primary running back. Additionally, tight end Jake Ferguson exited early with a calf injury, further complicating the Cowboys’ offensive strategy.
For the Commanders, starting running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was added to the injury report due to illness and subsequently did not play. Jacory Croskey-Merritt stepped in, dominating early-down snaps with a remarkable 89.3% rate, the highest for any Commanders running back this season.
In the game between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, the Lions’ running back Jahmyr Gibbs saw a slight reduction in snaps, playing 68.8% compared to over 80% in previous weeks. The Vikings activated Ty Chandler from injured reserve, who made his first appearance since Week 1, while tight end T.J. Hockenson missed the game due to a shoulder injury, leaving Josh Oliver to fill in.
The Denver Broncos faced their own challenges, with wide receiver Troy Franklin seeing a season-low in playing time. In contrast, the Kansas City Chiefs dealt with injuries to key receivers, but Travis Kelce remained a consistent presence, playing 97.7% of offensive snaps.
In the Baltimore Ravens matchup against the Green Bay Packers, running back Derrick Henry saw his most snaps since Week 10, reinforcing his role in the Ravens’ offense despite the team’s rotating wide receivers. Meanwhile, the Packers managed their wide receivers more evenly, with Dontayvion Wicks limited due to a concussion.
As the season progresses, the impact of injuries on player usage is becoming increasingly evident. The playoffs are fast approaching, and fantasy managers must navigate these changes carefully to maximize their lineups.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as teams finalize their rosters and strategies while dealing with injuries and player performance fluctuations. Keeping abreast of these developments will be essential for anyone involved in fantasy football as they head into the final stretch of the season.
