Fantasy football advice, Week 17: Who to start/sit for Lions vs. Packers

There's certainly a lot riding on Sunday's NFC North finale.

Both the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers are bound for the playoffs, but there are still plenty of implications in their game Sunday. The winner will have first-round playoff bye, while the loser is bound for the NFC's No. 6 seed in the playoffs and a tough road game next week. That means Sunday's game is likely to be hotly contested.

Detroit running back Joique Bell and wide receiver Calvin Johnson both ought to play Sunday despite being listed on the week's injury report. For the Packers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the week's report, though there's no reason to expect he'll miss Sunday's game.

The Packers will play host Sunday, with the game scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Let's take a look at the fantasy considerations:

LIONS

Start 'em: Even when he's been healthy, Calvin Johnson hasn't been his super-elite self this year, but he's still a WR1.

Start 'em?: How could you trust Matthew Stafford in fantasy? It's been so up and down, that he's hard to trust. ... Now that he's not the only healthy and available running back, Joique Bell could see his numbers dip a bit, but ultimately you're likely still starting him. ... Golden Tate is a fine flex play, though without a lot of upside. ... Matt Prater has been a perfectly fine kicker since joining Detroit. ... The Lions' defense has been strong this year, but Green Bay is always a tough opponent.

Sit 'em: He had a good Week 16, but there's no real reason to cast your lot with Reggie Bush in Week 17. ... Eric Ebron has really struggled; he hasn't had more than two fantasy points in a game since Week 4.

PACKERS

Start 'em: Ultimately, even against a good defense, you're using Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb -- though if you're playing in daily fantasy games, take a look at the wide receivers' histories against Detroit and tread lightly. ... Mason Crosby has been an elite kicker much of the year.

Start 'em?: The Packers' defense has had its moments this year, but against Detroit they're far from a sure thing.

Sit 'em: If they were the team's No. 1 options, you'd like James Starks and Davante Adams, but as it is, both are too low to have much faith in. ... Andrew Quarless has almost no upside.

SUMMARY

Start in every league: Calvin Johnson, Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby

Start if you're desperate: Matthew Stafford, Joique Bell, Golden Tate, Matt Prater, Detroit defense, Green Bay defense

Bench: Reggie Bush, Eric Ebron, James Starks, Davante Adams, Andrew Quarless

Source SBNation.com - All Posts http://www.sbnation.com/2014/12/28/7452367/fantasy-football-sit-start-advice-week-17-lions-vs-packers-joique-bell-golden-tate