NFL Week 17 Recap: Injuries, Standout Stars, And Fantasy Grades

NFL Week 17 of the fantasy football season came with plenty of surprises, as we saw some players shine in the most important week of the season while others completely fell flat. With league championships on the line, the stakes were high. Some players delivered in a big way, earning a place in fantasy managers’ hearts (and lineups) forever, while others left us questioning why we trusted them at all. Let’s dive into the winners, losers, injuries, and grades from this action-packed week.

The Big Winners of Week 17

1. Baker Mayfield (QB) and Mike Evans (WR) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield came through when it mattered most, delivering a monster game against the Carolina Panthers. He threw for 359 yards, five touchdowns, and racked up a season-high 34.56 fantasy points. It wasn’t just about the numbers—Mayfield was on fire, completing 84.4% of his passes and looking like the QB1 we all hoped he’d be.

Mike Evans joined the party, catching two touchdowns and racking up 97 yards on eight receptions. He scored 29.7 fantasy points, proving yet again that he’s a reliable option in crunch time. With another favorable matchup against the Saints in Week 18, both Mayfield and Evans are must-starts.

2. Joe Burrow (QB) and Tee Higgins (WR) – Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow put the Bengals on his back and fantasy managers on cloud nine, scoring 36.98 points in a thrilling win. Despite taking seven sacks and dealing with top-notch coverage from Pat Surtain II on Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow delivered a clutch performance.

Tee Higgins was the real star, though, with 40.1 PPR points, thanks to 171 receiving yards and a touchdown. If you had either of these two in your lineup, you probably advanced to your championship. With the Bengals still in playoff contention, Burrow and Higgins are locked in as top fantasy options for Week 18.

3. Malik Nabers (WR) – New York Giants

Even though the Giants have had a tough season, rookie Malik Nabers has been nothing short of phenomenal. He posted a career-best 36.1 PPR points this week, catching seven passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. This kid has shown he’s ready to dominate, even with shaky quarterback play. Facing an Eagles team likely resting their starters in Week 18, Nabers could finish his rookie season with another big game.

4. Trey McBride (TE) – Arizona Cardinals

It finally happened—Trey McBride scored a touchdown! After 92 catches without finding the end zone, McBride went off for 12 receptions and a career-high 30.3 PPR points. Sure, there was an unlucky pass-off-the-helmet interception, but let’s focus on the positives. McBride is now a solid TE option heading into Week 18.

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5. Lamar Jackson (QB) – Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson made history this week, becoming the NFL’s all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards. Oh, and he scored 29.42 fantasy points, crossing the 400-point mark for the season. He’s been a fantasy superstar this year, and with the Ravens still battling for the AFC North, Jackson will have all the motivation to put up another big game in Week 18.

6. Ladd McConkey (WR) – Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers rookie is heating up at the right time. McConkey had a breakout game with 94 yards, two touchdowns, and 29.4 fantasy points. He’s shown he can win at every level of the field, and with a favorable matchup against the Raiders in Week 18, he’s a solid WR2 option.

7. DeVonta Smith (WR) – Philadelphia Eagles

No Jalen Hurts? No problem. Smith stepped up with 30.0 PPR points, catching touchdowns from both Kenny Pickett and backup Tanner McKee. Unfortunately, with the Eagles having clinched their playoff spot, Smith might rest in Week 18.

8. Marvin Mims Jr. (WR) – Denver Broncos

Marvin Mims Jr. had his best game of the year, posting 103 yards and two touchdowns for 30.2 points. With the Broncos set to face a Chiefs team likely resting starters, Mims is worth a look as a high-upside WR3 in Week 18.

9. Adam Thielen (WR) – Carolina Panthers

Thielen turned back the clock, catching five passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He scored 28 fantasy points and proved that even in his later years, he’s a savvy route-runner who can find the end zone. He’s a solid WR3/Flex heading into Week 18.

Source: NFL Week 17 fantasy football winners and losers, injuries, grades

The Letdowns of Week 17

1. Joe Mixon (RB) – Houston Texans

Mixon had a nightmare game, finishing with just 5.9 points in a blowout loss. The Texans have already locked up their playoff seeding, so don’t expect much from him in Week 18.

2. Rhamondre Stevenson (RB) – New England Patriots

It was a brutal day for Stevenson, who fumbled his way into Bill Belichick’s doghouse. He managed just 0.1 points before being benched in favor of Antonio Gibson. Stevenson is a risky start in Week 18, even with a decent matchup.

3. Aaron Rodgers (QB), Davante Adams (WR), and Breece Hall (RB) – New York Jets

The Jets were a mess this week, and it showed in their fantasy production. Rodgers threw two picks and scored just 0.48 points, Adams had only 9.7 points, and Hall barely contributed with 6.3 points. It’s hard to trust any Jets players heading into Week 18.

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4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) – Seattle Seahawks

After two great weeks, Smith-Njigba came crashing back to Earth with only 6.2 points. He does have a favorable matchup against the Rams in Week 18, so there’s hope for a bounce-back.

5. Cooper Kupp (WR) – Los Angeles Rams

It’s been a tough few weeks for Kupp, and this game was no different. With just 3.9 points, he’s become an afterthought in the Rams’ offense. He’s a risky play in Week 18.

6. De’Von Achane (RB) – Miami Dolphins

Without Tua Tagovailoa, Achane struggled, managing only 5.8 points. If Tua returns in Week 18, Achane’s value could rise.

Injury Updates

1. Isiah Pacheco (RB) – Kansas City Chiefs

Pacheco exited with a rib injury and is unlikely to play in Week 18 as the Chiefs rest their starters.

2. James Conner (RB) – Arizona Cardinals

Conner aggravated his knee injury, making him doubtful for Week 18. Rookie Trey Benson could step in if healthy.

3. Kendre Miller (RB) – New Orleans Saints

Miller suffered a concussion, leaving the Saints with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Williams to handle the backfield in Week 18.

NFL Week 17 Recap: Injuries, Standout Stars, and Fantasy Grades

Grades: Who Excelled and Who Failed?

A Grades:

C.J. Gardner-Johnson (DB) – Philadelphia Eagles: Two interceptions, including a pick-six, highlighted his dominant performance.
Tampa Bay Offensive Line: They gave Mayfield all the time in the world and paved the way for a strong rushing attack.

F Grades:

Colts Defense: They allowed a Giants offense led by Drew Lock to score 45 points. Enough said.
Aaron Rodgers (QB) – New York Jets: Rodgers had one of the worst games of his career, from interceptions to penalties to sulking. It was a disaster.

Looking Ahead to Week 18

The final week of the season brings unique challenges, with some teams resting starters and others fighting for playoff spots. Pay close attention to injury updates and team motivations to make the best decisions for your lineup. Whether you’re playing for a championship or just trying to end the season on a high note, Week 18 will be one to watch!