The Houston Texans are clinging to their scant playoff hopes. They need a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday and some help from other teams in the running to snag the AFC's last playoff spot. The Jaguars, meanwhile, are just playing out the string on another lost season.
Fantasy football advice, Week 17: Who to start/sit for Jaguars vs. Texans
The Texans need a win and some help Sunday to make the playoffs.
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The Jaguars had some concerns over running back Toby Gerhart throughout the week as he dealt with a rib injury, but he is expected to play Sunday. The team has no other real concerns from a fantasy perspective. The Texans had basically every fantasy-relevant player on their roster listed on the week's injury report, though the only one likely to miss Sunday is tight end Garrett Graham, and his fantasy relevance is pretty low as it is.
Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, will be played in Houston. Let’s look at the fantasy considerations:
JAGUARS
Start ‘em?: The Jaguars’ defense has improved of late, and gets a backup quarterback across the field from it. It’s a fine deeper option.
Sit 'em: I'm not sure you can call Blake Bortles' rookie season a failure, but there's no possible way you can call it a big success. He's near the bottom of all fantasy rankings. ... If Toby Gerhart were to miss this game, Jordan Todman would have been interesting, but with both playing, neither will get enough touches to be helpful. ... If you're using a Jacksonville receiver, Marqise Lee is the best choice over Cecil Shorts and Allen Hurns, but none of the three promise much upside. ... Marcedes Lewis hasn't had a single big game since returning from injury. ... Josh Scobee's kicking numbers have improved down the stretch, but he's still far below starting territory.
TEXANS
Start 'em: You have to love Arian Foster here. A bad opponent, bad quarterback, a lot to play for -- the running back could go wild. ... The Texans' defense is already really good, and now gets that bad Jacksonville offense.
Start 'em?: At this point, neither Andre Johnson (struggled much of the year) nor DeAndre Hopkins (banged up of late) is much more than a so-so flex option. ... Randy Bullock is coming off his best game of the season. He's had enough good games that he's a reasonable option at kicker.
Sit 'em: The Texans didn't let Case Keenum do much of anything in his first start last week, and that isn't likely to change here. ... Ryan Griffin has been the team's top tight end, but that's still been basically meaningless for fantasy.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Arian Foster, Houston defense
Start if you're desperate: Jacksonville defense, Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Randy Bullock
Bench: Blake Bortles, Toby Gerhart, Jordan Todman, Marqise Lee, Cecil Shorts III, Allen Hurns, Marcedes Lewis, Josh Scobee, Case Keenum, Ryan Griffin
