It's Week 17, which is Fantasy Super Bowl week in a lot of leagues. But for NFL players, it not only isn't Super Bowl week, but it's a meaningless game for quite a few of them. Here we are on Tuesday afternoon, with the first game kicking off just 24 hours from now, and there's already a long laundry list of guys who might not play.
James Conner (knee) seems unlikely to play. He's not healthy, and the game is meaningless. Unfortunately, it will be a day or two before we know if Trey Benson (ankle) can fill in, or if it will be some combination of Michael Carter (mostly) and DeeJay Dallas. Hopefully we'll have some clarity on Benson soon.
Josh Allen (elbow, hand) is probably fine; he's been playing with a broken bone in his non-throwing hand for a while. The elbow injury cropped up against New England, but most reports have suggested he'll be OK. Something to keep track of, however, if you're counting on Allen in fantasy Super Bowls.
Jalen Hurts (concussion) is in the protocol. Kenny Pickett (rib) is also hurt. Need to confirm that Hurts can get through the protocol before using him this week. Starter for the Eagles might be Tanner McKee. Line up an alternative backup option if possible.
Aaron Rodgers (knee or ankle) is reportedly iffy. Not a big deal usually, but Rodgers has actually been producing of late, and the Bills defense has fallen apart lately, in part due to injury. If you're counting on Rodgers in a superflex league, might be worth seeing if Tyrod Taylor is available.
David Njoku (knee) left the Browns last game due to injury. He's the lone viable pass catcher with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback. However, Thompson-Robinson (calf) isn't certain to play either. His absence, and Jameis Winston starting, would be a plus for the offense. We won't have clarity on that one for a couple of day, but if you're playing this week, don't drop Winston or Jerry Jeudy just yet.
Drake London (hamstring) supposedly could have returned to last week's game if necessary. Maybe so, but his practice status will want to be confirmed. Falcons have a must-win game so he's playing if healthy.
Christian Watson (leg) left last night's game. Nobody much noticed because the game was a painful eyesore that was over in the second quarter. Watson isn't appealing in Green Bay's crowded receiving corps, but his absence would make others more viable.
Kenneth Walker (ankle) left the last game, and was listed as a DNP on Monday's estimated practice report. Seattle faces the Bears on Thursday. Those with Zach Charbonnet, rejoice! He might be starting and featured. A situation to monitor.
Fantasy Index Weekly will be out soon with provisional rankings on some of these players, and we'll discuss more later in the week (and update on Friday). But these are some of the key situations to be thinking about if you're making some final waiver claims tonight. Good luck, and have a great holiday season.
--Andy Richardson