Fantasy Football Week 17: Start or Sit Malik Nabers and Tony Pollard

As we dive into Week 17 of the fantasy football season, making the right start/sit decisions can be crucial for your playoff success. Whether you're looking for a sleeper to cover for injuries or evaluating your key players, we’ve got the detailed insights you need right here.

Malik Nabers: Should You Start or Sit?

Performance Overview

Malik Nabers, wide receiver for the New York Giants, has had a rollercoaster of a season, making headlines not just for his rookie stats but also for his ability to perform amidst a struggling team. In Week 17, he faces a match-up against the Indianapolis Colts. While previously not a consistent top performer, Nabers has shown potential when targeted appropriately. In fact, last week he set the Giants record for rookie receptions in a season.

Unfortunately, the situation has been less than optimal. Injury updates indicate that Nabers deals with a toe injury which sidelined him during practice earlier in the week. Despite this, he is active for the game against the Colts, which adds some ambiguity to his potential performance.

Current Ranking: Nabers is ranked 17th among wide receivers in PPR formats this week. His projected stats into the game suggest he could potentially score 15.3 fantasy points based on an estimated 3 receptions for 90.8 yards and 0.5 touchdowns.

Expected Target Volume

Given the team's unpredictable offense, which has often leaned heavily on Nabers, the outlook indicates that although he may receive several targets, many could be low-value due to the struggling Giants offense against a decent Colts defense. The Colts, while not dominant, have improved in their secondary play, making deep connections more challenging.

Tony Pollard: A Fade for Week 17?

Performance Overview

Turning to the running back situation, Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans presents a different dilemma. With Tennessee looking towards rebuilding for the 2025 season, Pollard's role seems to be diminishing as the team shifts focus to rookie Tyler Spears. In the latest matchup against the Colts, Spears out-produced Pollard in touches (13 to 10), showcasing the Titans' investment in developing younger talent while reducing Pollard’s opportunities.

Current Strategy: Given Pollard's declining role, fantasy analysts advise fading him in your lineups for Week 17. His inconsistency and the Titans' focus on Spear's development indicate that Pollard may not deliver the fantasy points you need when it matters most.

Matchup Insights: Giants vs Colts

Giants’ Outlook

The Giants enter this game with significant injuries, ruling out players like linebacker Micah McFadden and center John Michael Schmitz. This depletion adds to the challenges facing the Giants as they attempt to maintain their offensive strategy against the Colts, who have shown signs of struggle as well.

Colts’ Defense

The Colts unit manages a decent defense, maintaining a relatively strong opponent completion percentage on deep passes and showing effectiveness in intercepting attempts. However, they have been inconsistent regarding pressure and overall defensive grades throughout the season. Notably, Indianapolis has averaged a non-blitz pressure rate of 24.8%, which is among the lowest in the league, giving the Giants a slight opportunity if they can execute a disciplined game plan.

Conclusion: Make Your Decisions Wisely

In summary, fantasy managers should contemplate the histories and projected performances of both Malik Nabers and Tony Pollard before finalizing their lineups for Week 17. While Nabers has the capacity to outperform expectations if he gets quality targets, Pollard's decreasing involvement coupled with the Titans' strategic shifts points towards benching him. Evaluate your options carefully, and utilize the Start/Sit Assistant tools to tailor your roster decisions to maximize your playoff chances!