As the NFL fantasy football championship approaches in Week 17, players must make crucial decisions regarding their starting lineups. The stakes are high, with championship glory and bragging rights on the line. In this context, it is essential to scrutinize not only the performance history of players but also their matchups and current form. Here are four players to consider benching for the upcoming championship round.
Consider Benching Justin Herbert
Benching Justin Herbert during the fantasy championship may seem like a risky choice, but it could ultimately pay off if you have a more reliable quarterback option. In Week 16, Herbert delivered a respectable performance with 300 yards and two touchdowns. However, prior to this, his fantasy scores were concerning, logging 14.7, 4.34, 13.84, 13.16, and 11.4 points in the weeks leading up to this game. With a challenging matchup against the Houston Texans, who boast a top-ranked defense, Herbert may struggle to replicate his recent success.
McConkey’s Inconsistency Raises Red Flags
Wide receiver McConkey finally found his groove in Week 16, finishing with four receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. Despite this promising effort, his overall inconsistency throughout the season leads to doubts about his reliability in Week 17. In the last three weeks, McConkey has had two games where he scored fewer than five points in PPR formats. Given that he faces a Texans defense that allows the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, it is advisable to bench McConkey for this critical matchup.
Hall Faces Tough Matchup
Running back Hall has encountered significant challenges this season, largely due to the struggles of the New York Jets offense. The team’s shift to rookie quarterback Brady Cook has not helped his fantasy prospects. Hall has posted three consecutive single-digit fantasy scores, and with a daunting matchup against the New England Patriots defense in Week 17, the outlook remains grim. Despite Hall’s potential for big plays, benching him is a prudent decision as he continues to navigate a tough situation.
Harrison Jr.’s Unpredictability
Wide receiver Harrison Jr. is another player to think carefully about before including in your lineup. He is currently dealing with a heel injury, although he is expected to play against the Cincinnati Bengals. This season, Harrison Jr. has struggled with consistency, scoring in single digits five times out of eleven games while surpassing ten points in six instances. This unpredictability does not inspire confidence for a fantasy championship, making him a candidate for the bench.
As fantasy football enthusiasts finalize their rosters for Week 17, careful consideration of player performance and matchups is critical. The championship is not just about star power; it is also about making the right choices based on current form and conditions. By benching players like Herbert, McConkey, Hall, and Harrison Jr., fantasy managers can enhance their chances of securing victory in this decisive round.
