The Dallas Cowboys have ridden a three-game winning streak to an 11-4 record, a guaranteed playoff spot and an outside shot at a first-round playoff bye if they get some Week 17 help. Washington, meanwhile, is playing out the string on another lost season, and Sunday's game against Dallas will just go to decide draft order for them.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 17: Cowboys vs. Washington
The Cowboys have very little to play for, as far as playoff seeding. That could make Sunday’s game interesting.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is listed on the team's injury report and, with a first-round bye so improbable, might not play a full game Sunday. Even less likely to go 100 percent is running back DeMarco Murray, who is still dealing with his hand problems. For Washington, quarterback Robert Griffin III has been limited in practice this week, though he's expected to be fine for Sunday.
Washington will play host Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
COWBOYS
Start 'em: There's no real reason for Dallas to seriously limit Dez Bryant or Jason Witten. They might not play all four quarters, but both should play enough to be helpful for fantasy.
Start 'em?: If you are diving deep, Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray are likely to play at least a little in Sunday's game, and both are elite. You'd rather a guy you knew would play a full game, but those two could put up numbers in part time. ... If Murray is limited, Joseph Randle and/or Lance Dunbar could see increased play. Both are super risky, but with some reward. ... Dan Bailey hasn't had more than 11 fantasy points in a game since Week 6. ... The Cowboys' defense has played decent lately, and Washington's offense doesn't scare anyone.
Sit 'em: Last week's randomly productive game seems like a fluke for Terrance Williams, who had been basically anonymous since October.
WASHINGTON
Start 'em: It's been up and down for Alfred Morris, but playing a defense that doesn't have a lot of reason to go all-out to stop him makes him interesting this week. ... DeSean Jackson has enough when-healthy upside that you really ought to use him when you can.
Start 'em?: Washington will likely play Robert Griffin III the full game Sunday, either to build some momentum for 2015 or to showcase his trade prospects. He's an interesting QB2 with upside. ... Kai Forbath has had his moments lately. You can probably do better, but he has some value to offer.
Sit 'em: When Jackson is on the field, Pierre Garcon just doesn't offer a lot. ... Jordan Reed has been terrible far more often than he's been not-terrible. ... Even against a Dallas team that might sit down its key contributors, it's hard to put any faith in the Washington defense.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Alfred Morris, DeSean Jackson
Start if you're desperate: Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar, Dan Bailey, Dallas defense, Robert Griffin III, Kai Forbath
Bench: Terrance Williams, Pierre Garcon, Jordan Reed, Washington defense
