We've already seen some key running backs ruled out this week (Miles Sanders, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Antonio Gibson), and a couple key RBs in the early window are "questionable" (Damien Harris, Jordan Howard). However, it's the late-afternoon "questionable" RBs -- specifically James Conner, Elijah Mitchell, Javonte Williams, and Melvin Gordon -- who will cause the most start 'em, sit 'em headaches for fantasy football owners. We'll be here throughout the day on Sunday providing the latest updates below.
For updates on banged-up early-game RBs Damien Harris and Jordan Howard, click here; for more on ailing WRs Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, Marquise Brown, Courtland Sutton, Jakobi Meyers, and Emmanuel Sanders, click here; for the latest on Lamar Jackson, go here; for news on Kareem Hunt, click here. For the Week 17 NFL weather forecast, click here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 17 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Is James Conner playing Week 17?
UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning "there's optimism" Conner will be able to suit up against the Cowboys.
UPDATE 2: Conner is officially OUT.
Conner (heel) only managed a limited practice on Friday this week, but he's still "questionable" for Sunday's late-afternoon game against Dallas.
If Conner plays, he's a decent flex because of his high TD upside, but he's certainly a risk -- especially in PPR leagues -- given the injury and relatively tough matchup. Chase Edmonds will be a low-ceiling flex if Conner plays (with a higher floor in PPR leagues), but if Conner is out, Edmonds will be a solid RB2.
WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is Elijah Mitchell playing Week 17?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Mitchell is expected to play against Houston.
UPDATE 2: Mitchell is officially ACTIVE.
Mitchell (knee) hasn't played since Week 13, but after practicing on a limited basis all week, he's in position to suit up against the Texans.
With a phenomenal matchup and the 49ers more likely to lean on the running game with Trey Lance at QB, Mitchell is a must-start if active. If he's out, Jeff Wilson Jr. will be a solid RB2 with RB1 upside.
WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is Javonte Williams playing Week 17?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Williams is expected to play.
UPDATE 2: Williams is officially ACTIVE.
Williams (knee) was limited in practice all week, but that's been par for the course for him late in the year. He doesn't appear to be in any real danger of missing Denver's game against the Chargers.
If Williams is a surprise scratch, Melvin Gordon (thumb, hip) would be an even better play if he's active (which he's expected to). Considering how fantastic of a matchup this is, both backs are must-starts despite last week's struggles.
WEEK 17 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo
Is Melvin Gordon playing Week 17?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Saturday night that Gordon is expected to play.
UPDATE 2: Gordon is officially ACTIVE.
Gordon (hip, thumb) was limited in practice all week, but he's expected to suit up against the Chargers.
MORE WEEK 17 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup builder
Gordon is a must-start if active. If he's out, then Javonte Williams (knee) is a better play than he already is. If both backs are surprise scratches, consider Mike Boone a must-start.
