Most fantasy leagues play their championship games in Week 16 -- most do. But we're an all-inclusive type of organization, and we produce the same kind of Weekly rankings for Week 17 as any other week. Some fantasy teams do in fact have meaningful games this week.
If you're in one of those leagues, best to keep an eye on the newswire. Each day, each hour it seems, brings another name player that will miss the game. Here are some notable recent developments.
We talked about the Steelers holding Ben Roethlisberger out yesterday. Other Steelers might follow. You're probably not in a Super Bowl if you've been counting on James Conner anyway, but maybe the wide receivers will also be held out or get an early seat.
As discussed in the Weekly, out shortly, the Bills might go a similar route. They'd probably like the No. 2 seed, which they can get with either a win or a loss by Pittsburgh. But if they assume the Steelers aren't going to beat Cleveland with Mason Rudolph at quarterback, they could take the chance of holding Josh Allen out. That's what I'd do anyway, and I might fire my offensive coordinator on the spot if Allen starts and the coach then proceeds to call any plays involving him carrying it within the vicinity of any opposing tacklers.
Dalvin Cook is out due to a personal matter; no other details yet. It will be either Alexander Mattison, Mike Boone or Ameer Abdullah at tailback against the Lions this week. One of those guys will get a tasty matchup, although a committee is also possible. Regardless, no Cook in Week 17.
James Robinson (ankle) is out for the Jaguars. It will be third-down back Dare Ogunbowale starting against a desperate Colts team that ranks 2nd in run defense. Could be viable for his pass catching role in PPR leagues, but he shouldn't have a big game running it.
Andy Reid indicated early in the week that some key regulars would be rested in Kansas City's meaningless finale. I think Darwin Thompson will start at running back and it's possible Byron Pringle will be the best wideout, although Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson are possibilities. Reid hasn't answered my calls, so I'm just guessing.
LaMical Perine (COVID-reserve) is out for the Jets. He was probably going to be the lead running back, since Frank Gore (lung) is also out. But Perine might/will have some close contacts missing the game -- as in, possibly other Jets running backs. Stay tuned.
Cooper Kupp (COVID-reserve) is out for the Rams. So is Jared Goff (thumb). We'll see if any other Rams wideouts are close contacts of Kupp.
The Browns have continued to have positive COVID tests. They haven't yet activated the wideouts who missed last week, and there might be other positives to come.
If you're setting a Week 17 lineup today, make sure you go back and check it before the weekend.
--Andy Richardson