Week 17 FanDuel NFL Tournament Pivots

Running Back

Chalk

We won't see as many high-end running backs as quarterbacks taking a seat this week, but the ones who are resting are significant. We already know that Todd Gurley will be on the sidelines, and it is likely that Le'Veon Bell sits, as well, though Mike Tomlin has not confirmed this. It would not be shocking to see Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette rested, either. Even if they do play, it would be extremely risky to use them. So, where are people looking this week? Again, we must first look at players who have something to play for.

The New Orleans Saints secure the NFC South with a win, so Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram will once again be dealt a heavy load. Both should prove to be popular against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that allowed four huge games to opposing running backs from Week 12 to Week 15. LeSean McCoy should also prove popular against a Miami Dolphins defense that he scored 23.6 FanDuel points against in Week 15. The Buffalo Bills can still get into the playoffs via a couple scenarios, so McCoy will be at his best. Ezekiel Elliott has nothing to play for, but neither does his opponent. He may not be as highly owned as the three just-listed plays but should prove popular enough.

At the cheap end, there are a few injury-related plays that should produce chalk. DeMarco Murray has a torn MCL but is apparently a game-time decision. The Tennessee Titans get in with a win, so a little gamesmanship is not shocking to see, but forcing a guy to play on a torn MCL? That's just cold. Decency says that Murray will sit and that Derrick Henry will be the lead back against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. If he does get the rock, he'll be a very popular play against a team he gashed for 92 yards and a score in Week 2. At only $5,800, he could easily be the highest-owned back of the week should Murray sit.

Pivots

C.J. Anderson, $6,900 (vs Kansas City Chiefs)

Though the Denver Broncos' season is done, C.J. Anderson's fantasy value shouldn't be. While team-win incentives may be the first narrative people cling to in Week 17, personal incentives should not be overlooked. Already with a career high in rushing yards for a season, Anderson needs only 54 to hit 1,000 for the first time in his career, and the team wants to get him there.

Anderson tweeted an apology to the Denver fan base for the team's poor play, and you know he'll want to let them end the season on a mile-high note. He scored only 9 FanDuel points on 16 touches against the Chiefs in Week 8, but he did average 5.2 yards per carry that game, and this week should be much more conducive to seeing a heavier workload as the Broncos are favored by 3.5. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Chiefs rest a few defensive players, as well, which could make Anderson's day easier.

There is certainly a chance that Anderson is pulled after he hits 1,000, so using him in cash games is out of the question. However, it's entirely possible the Broncos let him go for glory.

Jamaal Williams, $6,700 (at Detroit Lions)

Fantasy players are so fickle. We drool over a player's output one week and drop him without a thought the next. Such is business, I suppose, but players would do better to have longer memories. Jamaal Williams was a tournament star for three straight weeks, a streak which ended with tough matchups against the Panthers' and Vikings' top-three rated run defenses.

DFS players looking for bargains, however, should love that he just played two difficult games in a row. His poor output caused a $600 price drop from his Week 15 high of $7,300 and will likely limit his ownership numbers going forward despite an otherwise fantastic matchup on the horizon.

The Lions rank 31st against the run this season in terms of FanDuel points allowed to backs, and they have nothing to play for this week. With Aaron Jones likely out, it would be shocking, frankly, to see Williams with fewer than 20 to 25 touches. This is the type of Week 17 game that could quickly turn into a shootout, and if it does, Williams will be a big part of it, especially in the passing game. Even if it doesn't, he doesn't need a massive game here to return value at his $6,700 price tag. With people looking towards a slew of other backs this week, Williams should sneak under the radar and provide a good return on value.