This article is part of our Fanball Fantasy Football series.
Sunday's Week 17 NFL Fanball slate features all 32 teams. While there's no shortage of selection to pick, it's important to remember that some playoff-bound teams are likely to limit their starters' reps. The Fanball format calls for a QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, TE, FLEX WR/TE, FLEX RB/WR/TE, D/ST lineup with a $55,000 salary cap. The players below can fit into lineups regardless of strategy, as they all offer strong value relative to price.
QUARTERBACK
Russell Wilson, SEA vs. ARI ($7,800): Wilson has had to do almost everything for this offense all season given the lack of production from Seattle's bevy of running backs, and there's no reason to expect that to change in Sunday's finale against an Arizona team that ranks fourth against the run and a middling 15th against the pass. The Seahawks need a win and a Falcons loss to sneak into the playoffs, so Wilson will be going all out while some other top quarterbacks might take it easy. In addition to his passing prowess, Wilson's shown the ability to contribute significantly on the ground with team-leading totals of 550 yards and three touchdowns.
Kirk Cousins, WAS at NYG ($6,600): Cousins' final opportunity to showcase his skills to potential suitors in free agency comes against a Giants defense that allows the second-most passing yards (260.1) and fourth-most points (25.2) per game. With a 27:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio and five performances of more than 300 passing yards, Cousins brings top-tier upside at a middling price.
RUNNING BACK
Christian McCaffrey, CAR at ATL ($7,600): McCaffrey's pass-catching abilities make him an ideal running back for Fanball's PPR format, and this matchup should help highlight those skills. Atlanta allowed eight catches per game to the position the last three weeks, so McCaffrey should add a significant number to his season total of 75 receptions. He's also a serious threat to find paydirt with seven touchdowns in his rookie campaign.
Derrick Henry, TEN vs. JAC ($7,200): Henry will have an every-down role with DeMarco Murray (knee) sidelined for this finale and has all the motivation in the world to perform with Tennessee needing a win to clinch a playoff berth. The second-year running back will be the key to earning that much-needed victory against a Jaguars defense that allows the fewest passing yards but the 12th-most rushing yards per game. With an average of 4.7 yards per carry and five touchdowns this season, Henry's ready to thrive with an increased workload.
Danny Woodhead, BAL vs. CIN ($4,800): Woodhead's having a disappointing campaign, but it's possible he's saved his best for last. The receiving specialist out of the backfield has 15 catches the last three weeks and gets to face a Bengals team that allows the fourth-most catches and fourth-most receiving yards to running backs. Baltimore still hasn't secured a playoff spot, so there's also no need to fear the Ravens resting their starters.
WIDE RECEIVER
Josh Reynolds, LAR vs. SF ($3,600): Reynolds is good enough to capitalize on this matchup, but not important enough to see his snaps limited like the receivers above him on the depth chart. Coach Sean McVay already said Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp will sit this one out, so expect Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins to follow suit early, if not from the very start. Reynolds proved capable of filling in effectively while Woods missed three games with a shoulder injury earlier this season, and backup quarterback Sean Mannion is likely to find success throwing to somebody, considering two Rams receivers topped 100 yards in this season's first meeting between these teams.
Martavis Bryant, PIT vs. CLE ($6,200): Bryant is serving as the No .2 receiver behind JuJu Smith-Schuster in the absence of Antonio Brown (calf), and his big-play ability makes him worth a look against a Cleveland defense that gives up plenty of those. Pittsburgh could still secure home-field advantage in the playoffs with a win over the winless Browns and a New England loss, so expect the offensive starters to get plenty of run. Bryant carries massive upside relative to price given his skill set and the situation.
Michael Thomas, NO at TB ($8,700): Thomas has been Drew Brees' favorite target all year with 98 catches for 1,151 yards and five touchdowns. That role should translate to immense success in the season finale against a Tampa Bay defense that allows a league-high 262.5 passing yards per game. One of his five games this year with at least eight catches occurred in the first matchup between these teams, so Thomas has monstrous PPR potential this week.
TIGHT END
George Kittle, SF at LAR ($3,300): San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo-led offense is likely to find success against a Rams team that will rest some key defensive starters, and Kittle's starting to emerge as one of the young quarterback's preferred weapons. The rookie tight end has seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in the last two games, but remains extremely affordable at just $3,300. You can't get much more low-risk, high-reward than Kittle in this situation.
Antonio Gates, LAC vs. OAK ($4,700): Gates showed that he's still got some throwback performances in him, gashing the Jets for six catches, 81 yards and a touchdown last week in the absence of Hunter Henry (kidney). Henry will sit again for this must-win season finale, opening the door for Gates to exploit a Raiders defense that's allowed 66.1 yards per game and five touchdowns to tight ends this season. He doesn't have the best of wheels at his age, but Gates can still create enough space with his big body to be effective in what could be the final big game of his illustrious career.
DEFENSE
New England Patriots vs. NYJ ($3,100): New York's offense looked awful with Bryce Petty replacing an injured Josh McCown (hand) under center last week, scoring seven points in a home loss to the Chargers. Things are unlikely to get much better for the group on the road against a Patriots team that would secure home-field advantage with a win. (Besides, any debatable Jets touchdown is likely to be overturned by the officials if recent results are any indication.)
Buffalo Bills at MIA ($3,000): While the elements are unlikely to be much of a factor in Miami, Buffalo's defense will have the motivation and matchup to find success in any weather. The 8-7 Bills could snap an 18-year playoff drought with a win, and have been excellent at creating turnovers, ranking fourth with 17 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles. Meanwhile, Miami's a mess offensively with 17.7 points per game (sixth fewest) and 20 interceptions (second most).
