Fantasy football advice, Week 17: Who to start/sit for Washington vs. Cowboys

The only team in the NFL who enter Week 17 having locked down a playoff spot and with no chance of changing it seeding is Washington, locked into the NFC's fourth seed as the NFC East champion. At 8-7, there's a tiny chance Washington will push to end its season with a winning record against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, but the team would likely be better served making sure it stays healthy for a playoff game.

Washington has running backs Matt Jones, Chris Thompson and Pierre Thomas and wide receiver DeSean Jackson on the injury report this week. Jones and Jackson look like longshots to play much, if at all, while Thompson and Thomas should suit up for more of the game. As for Dallas, the team shut down wide receiver Dez Bryant this week. Both wide receiver Cole Beasley and tight end Jason Witten should play Sunday, however, despite appearing on the injury report.

Sit ‘em: It will be hard to use any Washington players in fantasy this week, as the team has said it will start its key players, but might not give them a full go. That makes it seem prudent to opt against Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, Chris Thompson, Pierre Thomas, DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. You could get enough out of Jordan Reed in only a few series to make him worth it, but even that carries huge risk. Dustin Hopkins, too, isn't worth a look. The Washington defense will probably see a lot of its best players sit as well.

Start ‘em: The season started slow for Darren McFadden, but since Week 5, he's averaged more than 10 fantasy points a game, and that's worth starting.

Start ‘em?: Even with the offense floundering, Dan Bailey has been a fantasy helper far more often than not. ... The Cowboys' defense is mildly underrated, and if Washington sits its big names, Dallas could capitalize.

Sit ‘em: The Cowboys are one of those teams that have gone through four quarterbacks this season, each seemingly less successful than the last. Kellen Moore is the latest entrant, and he's done nothing helpful so far. ... Even with Dez Bryant on injured reserve, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley aren't likely to produce much. ... It's been a miserable season for Jason Witten, who hasn't surpassed four fantasy points in game in any of his last nine.

Start in every league: Darren McFadden
Start if you're desperate: Dan Bailey, Dallas defense
Bench: Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, Chris Thompson, Pierre Thomas, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jordan Reed, Dustin Hopkins, Washington defense, Kellen Moore, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Jason Witten