- Very risky linebacker options in Week 17: There are several LBs that have helped fantasy teams this season but reduced playing time poses a big risk in the most important week of the season.
- Trust the process: A few big-name defensive linemen disappointed in Week 16, but there’s a reason for optimism in a bounce-back for most, so IDP managers shouldn’t toss them aside in the championship round.
- Pivoting at safety: A number of key IDP safeties are banged up so fantasy managers should be aware of who, and who not, to pivot to in case they can’t go this week.
Estimated Reading Time: 14 mins
This is it. The most important fantasy football week of the year. Championship week is no time to make mistakes and blow a shot for fantasy glory so be sure to dive into the rankings and all available research to leave no stone unturned and secure a 2022 fantasy championship.
Check the PFF.com rankings page for any updates closer to game time.
JUMP TO A POSITION:
LINEBACKER
RANK | TIER | NAME | TEAM | OPP | NOTES |
1 | 1A | Micah Parsons | DAL | @ TEN | TNF |
2 | 1A | Roquan Smith | BLT | PIT | SNF |
3 | 1A | Devin White | TB | CAR | |
4 | 1A | Zaire Franklin | IND | @ NYG | |
5 | 1B | Foyesade Oluokun | JAX | @ HST | |
6 | 1B | Jordyn Brooks | SEA | NYJ | |
7 | 1B | Rashaan Evans | ATL | ARZ | |
8 | 1B | Nick Bolton | KC | DEN | |
9 | 1C | C.J. Mosley | NYJ | @ SEA | |
10 | 1C | Alex Singleton | DEN | @ KC | |
11 | 1C | T.J. Edwards | PHI | NO | |
12 | 1C | Fred Warner | SF | @ LV | |
13 | 2A | Josey Jewell | DEN | @ KC | |
14 | 2A | Dre Greenlaw | SF | @ LV | |
15 | 2A | Cody Barton | SEA | NYJ | |
16 | 2A | Bobby Wagner | LAR | @ LAC | |
17 | 2B | Matt Milano | BUF | @ CIN | MNF |
18 | 2B | Eric Kendricks | MIN | @ GB | |
19 | 2B | De’Vondre Campbell | GB | MIN | |
20 | 2B | Logan Wilson | CIN | BUF | MNF |
21 | 2C | Christian Kirksey | HST | JAX | |
22 | 2C | Frankie Luvu | CAR | @ TB | |
23 | 2C | Tremaine Edmunds | BUF | @ CIN | MNF |
24 | 2C | Christian Harris | HST | JAX | |
25 | 3A | Shaq Thompson | CAR | @ TB | |
26 | 3A | Drue Tranquill | LAC | LAR | |
27 | 3A | Lavonte David | TB | CAR | |
28 | 3A | Nicholas Morrow | CHI | @ DET | |
29 | 3B | Patrick Queen | BLT | PIT | SNF |
30 | 3B | Isaiah Simmons | ARZ | @ ATL | |
31 | 3B | Kaden Elliss | NO | @ PHI | WW |
32 | 3B | Monty Rice | TEN | DAL | TNF |
33 | 3C | Luke Masterson | LV | SF | WW |
34 | 3C | Demario Davis | NO | @ PHI | |
35 | 3C | Germaine Pratt | CIN | BUF | MNF |
36 | 3C | Bobby Okereke | IND | @ NYG | |
37 | 4A | Robert Spillane | PIT | @ BLT | SNF |
38 | 4A | Joe Thomas | CHI | @ DET | |
39 | 4A | Devin Lloyd | JAX | @ HST | |
40 | 4A | Quay Walker | GB | MIN | |
41 | 4B | Troy Andersen | ATL | ARZ | |
42 | 4B | Jordan Hicks | MIN | @ GB | |
43 | 4B | Ja’Whaun Bentley | NE | MIA | |
44 | 4B | Quincy Williams | NYJ | @ SEA | |
45 | 4C | Zaven Collins | ARZ | @ ATL | |
46 | 4C | Jamin Davis | WAS | CLV | |
47 | 4C | Kyzir White | PHI | NO | |
48 | 4C | Alex Anzalone | DET | CHI | |
49 | 5A | Willie Gay Jr. | KC | DEN | |
50 | 5A | Jerome Baker | MIA | @ NE | |
51 | 5A | Jaylon Smith | NYG | IND | |
52 | 5A | Anthony Barr | DAL | @ TEN | TNF |
53 | 5B | Kenneth Murray | LAC | LAR | |
54 | 5B | Jon Bostic | WAS | CLV | Q |
55 | 5B | Ernest Jones | LAR | @ LAC | |
56 | 5B | Damone Clark | DAL | @ TEN | TNF |
57 | 5C | Devin Bush | PIT | @ BLT | SNF |
58 | 5C | Jahlani Tavai | NE | MIA | |
59 | 5C | Tony Fields II | CLV | @ WAS | |
60 | 5C | Myles Jack | PIT | @ BLT | SNF |
There are several linebackers that are riskier plays this week due to limited playing time. Some are coming off good fantasy games, so it could be easier to be tricked by their box score but IDP managers should approach with caution because they could be limited again in Week 17.
Devin Lloyd (LB39) stands out after landing nine tackles and an interception in Week 16 on just 70% of his team's defensive snaps, as Chad Muma continued to work his way onto the field. Lloyd should remain ahead of Muma on the depth chart, but Lloyd's opportunity to hit big is significantly limited if he goes entire drives without getting on the field.
Jordan Hicks (LB42) has also played less in recent weeks as rookie Brian Asamoah’s snaps slowly rise. Hicks has been able to produce decent tackle numbers but on less than 70% of his team's snaps, it is all too easy for Hicks to put up a dud on any given week now.
Quincy Williams (LB44) is a fairly efficient tackler, but he also needs to be considered a low-floor play, evidenced by his three-tackle game in Week 13. Williams doesn’t typically offer a whole lot more than tackles so choosing a linebacker that plays is likely to be the more productive option.
Ernest Jones’ (LB55) playing time has taken a decent hit, as he’s been on the field for less than 50% of his team's defensive snaps in each of the past two weeks. Jones was a relatively strong deeper league play but as that opportunity dips below half the snaps, he becomes a massive risk in the fantasy championship game.
Myles Jack (LB60) returned to the lineup in Week 16 but only played 30% of his team's defensive snaps, which came on early downs. Jack’s productivity in the first half of the season should be forgotten, so he should be avoided entirely this week.
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