Fantasy Football Finals (2022): Who to Start?

The competition is heating up in Week 17, for the Buffalo Bills and for fantasy football. If you’re lucky – or at least luckier than me – you’re in the finals this week. That means you need a stacked lineup to secure the win.

Quarterback: Jared Goff (DET)

My hot pick for quarterback this week is Jared Goff. While his status for Sunday’s game is still in the air, he’s an excellent candidate for your fantasy roster if he does play. In Week 16, Goff put up an impressive 31 fantasy points; he now has at least 21 points in four out of his last five games. The Lions’ defense stuggled last week against Carolina and this week’s game against Chicago could be another high-volume passing game. Throwing for an average of 263.9 yards per game, Goff may be the QB you need to secure the W.

Running Back: James Conner (ARZ)

While he is dealing with a slight illness, Arizona Cardinals RB James Connor is expected to play this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Assuming he is cleared, Connor is a must-have in your fantasy lineup. The 27-year old has finished as the fantasy RB13 or better in four consecutive games. Conner has scored at least 11 fantasy points each game since Week 10, including 21+ in three of his last four games. Connor was heavily involved in Arizona’s Week 16 game against the Buccaneers. He rushed 15 times for 79 yards and a TD, and added seven receptions for 41 yards.

Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson (NYJ)

If you’re looking for a top-notch receiver to add to your roster this week, Garrett Wilson may be your guy. With QB Mike White starting again, Wilson is looking to put up serious points. In his three games with White at QB, Wilson had 19 receptions on 30 targets, 335 yards, and two TDs, averaging 21 PPR points per game. While the Jets do have a tough matchup against Seattle, the odds may be in your favor with Garrett Wilson.

Flex: Curtis Samuel (WSH)

As a favorite of Carson Wentz, Commanders WR Curtis Samuel is a good pick for your flex. Samuel had five games with at least seven targets with Wentz as his QB earlier this season, while logging three weeks as a WR3 or better. In Week 16, he caught all five of his targets for 52 yards and a TD. He has re-emerged in the past three games with two top-24 finishes and three red zone targets. Assuming he matches up with CB Greg Newsome, who is allowing a 94.2 passer rating when targeted this season, Samuel will likely be productive against the Browns.

Kicker: Ryan Succop (TB)

Ryan Succop has always been one of my go-to fantasy kickers, and he continues to look strong heading into Week 17 with a struggling Tampa offense. The Buccaneers’ kicker connected on all four of his field goal attempts in Week 16 and made one extra-point attempt, giving him a total of 15 points. As the Bucs’ matchup against the Panthers approaches, Succop continues to look like a reliable option for any fantasy team and may just get you the extra point your team needs.

Defense: New York Giants (NYG)

While the Bills may be the only true team in New York, the Giants’ defense has been producing impressive numbers as of late. They have tallied at least four sacks in four straight games, and should easily do the same against Nick Foles and the Colts. (Foles finished with 2.72 points against the Chargers this past Monday.) The Colts have allowed 15 fantasy PPG to opposing defenses, making the Giants a great option to help defend your fantasy team’s title.

Remember to set your lineups and check those injury reports heading into Week 17. And, as always, Go Bills!

*Fantasy stats courtesy of: FantasyPros

Feature Image: Jed Jacobsohn/AP