Fansided

Fantasy Football Sleepers: 5 QB’s to Start in Week 17

By Zachary Thompson

facebooktwitterreddit
Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chicago Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chicago Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Whether you’re wrapping up your season-long league with a week 17 finale or playing one of the numerous one-week options now available on the internet, there’s still fantasy football to be played this week and in many cases prizes still to be won. As you finalize your lineups, here are five QB’s that aren’t locked in as weekly starters or elite options but who should be in line to finish the season strong with a big final week.

Nick Foles- Philadelphia Eagles

Foles has been one of the breakout performers of the year and looks to put a capstone on his season by playing his team into the playoffs with a monster game on Sunday Night Football against the Cowboys. Dallas’s D has been awful while the Eagles offense is firing on all cylinders after crushing the Bears last week. Think “irresistible force vs. a very movable object” which should make Foles an elite option second only to Peyton Manning this week.

Ben Roethlisberger-Pittsburgh Steelers

Dec 22, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Steelers offense propelled them to a big win last week in Green Bay led by Big Ben who threw for a pair of touchdowns while running for a third. He has multiple TE’s in six of his last eight games and has been one of the best QB options in the second half of the season. This week, he’ll face the Browns for the second time this season. In week 12, he threw for 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns against a Browns secondary that has been inconsistent this season. They were horrible last week making Geno Smith look good against them as they lost to the Jets. With the playoffs still a possibility, expect plenty of chances for Ben to sling it around and a solid game from him to finish the season.

Ryan Tannehill-Miami Dolphins

Tannehill was dreadful last week as Miami’s offensive line disintegrated and he was forced to leave with a knee injury. I think he’s lined up for a nice bounceback performance this week as the Dolphins face the Jets who he lit up for 331 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the road in week 13. At home with the playoffs still in the picture, Tannehill should get plenty of opportunities in Miami’s pass-heavy scheme making him a nice bargain option as he has been for most of the year.

Terrelle Pryor-Oakland Raiders

Dec 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Pryor is expected to start for Oakland in their season finale against the Broncos. His rushing ability always makes him a good fantasy option, and after Peyton Manning and the Denver offense demolishes his defense, there should be plenty of garbage time points for Pryor. He put up 18 (ESPN Standard) points against the Broncos in Denver earlier this season and has produced double-digit fantasy points in every game he’s started and finished this season except for one.

Eli Manning-New York Giants

In weekly leagues, even Eli can pay off for a one week time span. He’s been awful all year throwing picks in bunches and never getting much traction as the Giants slid quickly out of the playoff picture. However, his value has dropped off the table, and in many formats being he’s actually a value based on his really nice matchup as the G-men host the Redskins who have been a mess defensively most of the season. He’s been brutal this season, but he’s extremely cheap with upside if you choose to stack your team with expensive options at the other positions.

Home/Fantasy Football