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Fantasy football

Your complete fantasy football guide to Week 17

Many fantasy football championships were decided last weekend, leaving little on the line in the final Sunday of the regular season. But there are a few leagues who have two-week cumulative scoring in the finals ... and of course, there's always daily fantasy.

Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin will make his first start since 2013 when he faces the Denver Broncos in the regular season finale.

So with only a few games on the field actually having any potential impact, picking the best fantasy lineup may very well be tougher this week than any other all season.

So let's begin our weekly roundup by answering the question everyone wants to know ...

Who should I start?

The best thing to do is check our updated Week 17 rankings, courtesy of FantasySharks.com.

Fantasy football rankings: Week 17

Who’s in?

-- Tony Romo and Darren McFadden. The Cowboys have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC so they won't push their starters, including quarterback Dak Prescott, more than a handful of series. That will give Romo an opportunity to see game action for the first time since injuring his back in the preseason. Third-stringer Mark Sanchez could also take some snaps. With all the uncertainty, avoid all Cowboys this week -- with the possible exception of backup running back McFadden, who's talented enough to rack up some decent yardage (and score) behind perhaps the best offensive line in the league.

-- Julio Jones. He was eased back into action last week after missing two games with turf toe. With the Falcons looking to secure the NFC's No. 2 playoff seed, Jones should be a major part of the offense. He's had a full week of practice and should be as close to full strength as possible against a Saints defense that's ranked 30th vs. the pass.

Who’s out?

– Ben Roethlisberger. The Pittsburgh Steelers are locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC, so they won't even pretend to put a full lineup out there against the Browns. that includes Roethlisberger and star running back Le'Veon Bell. Landry Jones will start at quarterback with DeAngelo Williams and Fitzgerald Toussaint splitting touches in the backfield. 

-- Lamar Miller. The Houston Texans have the AFC's No. 4 spot secured so they won't have to push Miller, who's battling an ankle injury. Better to save him for their playoff opener next week. Alfred Blue will see the bulk of the carries in Miller's place.

Who’s questionable?

-- Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Both dynamic Raiders receivers practiced in limited fashion this week -- Cooper with a sore shoulder and Crabtree with an ailing ankle. Oakland could still improve its playoff seeding with a win, so expect an all-out effort against AFC West rival Denver. But don't expect too much considering the Broncos' excellent pass defense and the fact that backup quarterback Matt McGloin will be making his first start in place of the injured Derek Carr.

-- Stefon Diggs. This is a relatively new development after Diggs played last week (and even caught a TD pass). He's dealing with a hip injury and is doubtful after not practicing all week. Adam Thielen, who caught 12 passes for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week looks like an excellent play at home against the Chicago Bears. 

Every week, we highlight the top injury concerns fantasy owners are facing. But remember, everything is subject to change, so be sure to make one final check before kickoff.

Fantasy injury report: Playoff picture more important than health

The best thing to do is keep an eye on USA TODAY Sports' NFL home page and follow USA TODAY Fantasy Sports on Twitter.

USA TODAY Fantasy (@USATODAYfantasy) | Twitter

Where’s the extra edge?

– Still torn over which borderline players to sit or start? Marc Caviglia of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football examines some of this week’s tough calls.

Week 17 start/sit: Jerick McKinnon ready to make his move

– For The Win's Steven Ruiz has this week’s fantasy studs, duds and sleepers. 

Week 17 fantasy studs, duds and sleepers: Pick up DeAngelo Williams right now

-- If you're looking for some players who could emerge unexpectedly this week and be worth starting in deep leagues ... or who could put you over the top in daily fantasy, check out these deep sleepers from TheFantasyGreek.com.

Paul Perkins, Steelers backups could be Week 17 deep sleepers

How's the weather? 

The conditions can have a major impact on how each game unfolds. Keep up-to-date in real time with NFLWeather.com.

What about the matchups?

Here are the NFL rankings in average yards gained and allowed through the first 16 weeks of the season.

The offensive and defensive matchups for Week 17 games with offensive and defensive rankings through the first 16 weeks.
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