Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season delivers a tight but strategically rich 9-game Draftstars slate for Monday morning (Australian time), and with fantasy championships and late-season DFS edge on the line, roster construction becomes more important than ever. Smaller slates like this naturally condense ownership around the most obvious game environments, forcing sharp players to think critically about stack construction, leverage plays, and salary allocation rather than simply jamming in projections.
The seven-game early window is headlined by Cardinals @ Bengals (53 total) — the clear shootout on the slate and a game that will dominate stacking discussions across all DFS formats. Jaguars @ Colts (48.5) and Buccaneers @ Dolphins (45.5) also offer strong offensive environments, while the two-game late window presents a stark contrast: a potential Tank Bowl between the Giants and Raiders, and the marquee Eagles @ Bills clash with real playoff implications.
With $15,000 guaranteed and $1,500 to first on Draftstars, winning lineups in Week 17 will be built through intentional stacking, correlated game scripts, and embracing volatility, rather than trying to play it safe. Below, we break down each position, highlight the best fantasy plays, and outline how to attack this slate from a strategic standpoint.
NFL 2025-26 Daily Fantasy Tips: Week 17 Monday
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow — $16,600
Joe Burrow has looked every bit like an elite fantasy quarterback since returning, shaking off early rust and immediately re-establishing Cincinnati as one of the most dangerous passing offenses in the league. Outside of one down week against Baltimore, Burrow has averaged 300+ passing yards per game over his last month, with multi-touchdown performances becoming the expectation rather than the ceiling.
This Week 17 matchup against Arizona is the dream scenario for DFS players. The Cardinals have struggled badly against the pass, ranking bottom-five in EPA allowed per dropback and regularly giving up explosive plays downfield. Their inability to generate consistent pressure has allowed opposing quarterbacks to pick them apart, particularly in high-total environments.
From a fantasy perspective, Burrow’s appeal lies in both volume and efficiency. Cincinnati throws at one of the highest rates in neutral game script, and if Arizona can keep pace offensively, Burrow could push past 40 pass attempts with ease. He’s an elite stacking option, projects for one of the highest raw scores on the slate, and is the clear QB1 target in tournaments if you’re leaning into the chalk game environment.
Trevor Lawrence — $16,140
Trevor Lawrence enters Week 17 in scorching form, finishing as the QB1 and QB2 over the past two weeks. During that stretch, Lawrence has eclipsed 600 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score in back-to-back games — a critical boost for DFS upside.
What makes Lawrence particularly attractive this week is the combination of passing volume and sneaky rushing equity. Jacksonville has leaned more heavily into designed movement and red-zone mobility, giving Lawrence a path to fantasy points even if passing efficiency dips slightly.
The matchup against Indianapolis is another major plus. The Colts’ defence has struggled mightily against competent quarterbacks, highlighted by surrendering 48 points to San Francisco on Monday Night Football last week. They rank near the bottom of the league in explosive pass rate allowed and have consistently failed to contain quarterbacks in high-tempo games.
Lawrence’s salary sits just below Burrow’s, making him an excellent pivot in tournament builds. If Jacksonville continues to push pace and attack vertically, Lawrence once again has slate-breaking potential.
QB Strategy
On a 9-game slate, quarterback is one of the most important decision points. Burrow will attract significant ownership given the total and matchup, making Lawrence a strong leverage pivot. Both are elite stacking options, and double-stacking is firmly in play. In smaller slates, prioritising ceiling over floor at quarterback is the correct approach, even if it means embracing variance.
Running Backs
Chase Brown — $14,740
Chase Brown has quietly become one of the most reliable fantasy running backs in football down the stretch. Since Week 8, Brown has finished outside the top 19 RBs just once, and last week’s explosion — a three-touchdown third quarter — showcased his true ceiling in this offense.
Brown benefits enormously from Joe Burrow’s presence. Defenses simply cannot overload the box, allowing Brown to operate with lighter fronts and increased red-zone efficiency. His workload profile is exactly what DFS players want: early-down carries, red-zone usage, and involvement in the passing game.
Arizona presents a premium matchup. Last week, the Cardinals surrendered 168 rushing yards and a touchdown to Bijan Robinson, continuing a season-long trend of struggling against physical, high-volume backs. With the game projected as a shootout, Brown should see both rushing and receiving opportunities, making him one of the safest high-priced RBs with legitimate 30-point upside.
Saquon Barkley — $14,900
Saquon Barkley’s late-season resurgence has arrived at exactly the right time. After frustrating fantasy managers earlier in the year, Barkley has now delivered three straight top-10 RB finishes, driven by sheer volume and red-zone dominance.
Over his last three games, Barkley has logged 20+ rushing attempts and a touchdown in each, even while receiving usage has dipped slightly. That kind of workload is gold in DFS, particularly against a Bills defense that has struggled mightily to stop the run.
Buffalo ranks among the worst units in the league at fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, regularly getting gashed between the tackles. In what should be a competitive, high-stakes matchup, Barkley projects as the focal point of the Eagles’ offense, giving him one of the safest floors on the slate with plenty of upside if he breaks a long run or scores multiple times.
Rhamondre Stevenson — $8,000
Rhamondre Stevenson stands out as one of the strongest salary-saving running backs on the slate, especially if rookie Trayvon Henderson is ruled out. When given lead-back duties, Stevenson has consistently demonstrated RB1 upside through a mix of rushing volume, receiving work, and red-zone involvement.
The matchup against the Jets’ depleted run defense only strengthens his case. New York has struggled to stop interior rushing, and Stevenson’s physical style plays perfectly against that weakness. At just $8,000, he doesn’t need a ceiling game to pay off — but the upside is clearly there if New England leans on him as expected.
RB Strategy
Running back is where roster balance matters most this week. Paying up for at least one elite back like Brown or Barkley makes sense, while Stevenson offers a strong mid-range option to round out builds. On smaller slates, workhorse backs in good matchups remain king, especially those with multi-touchdown equity.
Wide Receivers
Chris Olave — $14,820
Chris Olave has silenced the doubters in emphatic fashion, currently sitting as the WR6 on the season after a dominant late-year run. Concerns around quarterback play and health have faded, as Tyler Shough has shown clear chemistry with Olave and a willingness to feed him in high-leverage situations.
Last week alone, Olave turned 16 targets into 10 catches, 148 yards, and two touchdowns, marking his fourth touchdown in four games. His target share and red-zone usage have both spiked, making him one of the most reliable alpha receivers in fantasy.
The matchup against Tennessee is ideal. The Titans have become a pass-funnel defense, selling out to stop the run while allowing perimeter receivers to thrive. Olave’s route tree and ability to win at all levels make him extremely difficult to contain, giving him one of the highest ceilings at the position this week.
Jakobi Meyers — $10,810
Jakobi Meyers continues to be one of the most dependable wide receivers in fantasy, offering a stable target floor with modest upside. Operating as a primary option in Jacksonville’s passing attack, Meyers consistently commands high-percentage targets and plays a key role on third downs and in the red zone.
Against Indianapolis, the matchup sets up nicely. The Colts have struggled to defend perimeter receivers and have allowed consistent production to WR2 types all season. While Meyers’ touchdown equity may fluctuate, his ability to rack up receptions makes him an excellent cash-game and small-field tournament option at this salary.
Alec Pierce — $9,890
Alec Pierce remains the definition of boom-or-bust, but on a slate like this, his upside is extremely appealing. Coming off a hyper-efficient two-touchdown performance, Pierce continues to operate as Indianapolis’ primary deep threat.
Jacksonville’s defence has been vulnerable to vertical passing, and Pierce’s role as a field-stretcher makes him a strong correlation play when stacking Jaguars or running back opposing passing attacks. He won’t see elite volume, but his ability to turn limited targets into splash plays keeps him firmly in tournament consideration.
WR Strategy
Wide receiver ownership will condense quickly on this slate. Paying up for a true alpha like Olave makes sense, while pairing him with mid-range options like Meyers or volatility plays like Pierce can help differentiate builds. Prioritise receivers tied to quarterbacks you’re already stacking whenever possible.
Tight Ends
Harold Fannin Jr. — $10,580
Harold Fannin Jr. has been one of the breakout stories of the season. Once buried behind David Njoku, Fannin has emerged as a featured weapon, seeing 31 targets over his last three games and scoring three touchdowns over his last four.
The matchup against Pittsburgh is quietly appealing. Since Week 10, the Steelers have allowed the 10th most fantasy points to tight ends, often struggling to cover athletic players in the middle of the field. Fannin’s role, usage, and recent production all point toward another strong outing.
Hunter Henry — $8,710
Hunter Henry continues to offer a steady, affordable option at tight end. He remains heavily involved in New England’s passing game, hauling in 6 of 7 targets last week and maintaining red-zone relevance with six touchdowns on the season.
Against the Jets, Henry should once again see consistent short-area targets, with potential for increased red-zone looks. At this price, he doesn’t need a ceiling game to pay off, making him a strong salary-saving alternative.
TE Strategy
Tight end is relatively thin on this slate (sans McBridge), making Fannin the preferred upside option. Henry works well in balanced builds where salary needs to be allocated elsewhere. Avoid punting too far down at TE in smaller slates unless it directly supports a high-ceiling stack.
Defence / Special Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers — $6,080
This game sets up perfectly for the Steelers’ D/ST. With a 34-point total, brutal weather expected in Cleveland, and the Browns starting rookie QB Shadeur Sanders behind a battered offensive line, everything points toward sacks and turnovers.
Cleveland’s implied total sits at just 15 points, and Pittsburgh will apply pressure relentlessly. This is the safest defensive play on the slate with legitimate double-digit upside.
Jacksonville Jaguars — $5,540
While this game carries a higher total, Jacksonville’s defence has been quietly elite for DFS purposes. Over the last seven weeks, they’ve averaged 10 Draftstars points per game, with a floor of six.
They generate pressure consistently and force mistakes, making them a strong option if you’re looking to save salary while maintaining upside.
D/ST Strategy
On small slates, defence matters. Paying up for Pittsburgh is completely viable, but Jacksonville offers strong leverage at lower ownership. Prioritise sack and turnover potential over matchup totals alone.
Slate Strategy & Roster Construction
This slate will be defined by how players attack the Cardinals @ Bengals game. Full game stacks will be popular, so consider partial stacks or pivots to Jacksonville or Buffalo to gain leverage. Correlation is critical — pair quarterbacks with pass-catchers and bring it back with opposing players whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Week 17 is about embracing variance. Don’t be afraid to stack aggressively, chase ceilings, and build lineups that can realistically finish first — not just min-cash. With fewer games on the slate, every decision matters. Build intentionally, trust the process, and enjoy one of the most strategic DFS slates of the season.
Suggested NFL Draftstars Lineup
