Welcome to Week 17 of the 2023 season IDP Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em series. For those new to the article, know that Play or Pine will cover IDPs which might seem like an obvious start. The reason is that IDP leagues vary so much; one-time use for the season, 2 IDP starters in 10 team leagues, 11 starters in 14 team leagues, and roster requirements of various sorts throughout the world. So if one seems obvious it could be because the projections indicate this could be their best week of the season.
Not the best week for Play or Pine, but not the worst week either. Four out of six players were successful plays, but two were not, and Jalen Carter was a big risk with no reward. Devin White did wonderful despite being a bust, and Kerby Joseph was a top three defensive back for the play. A quick review before a focus on the final week for most teams.
As always, if you are struggling with a decision you can checkout our rankings for each Week. Or, if you want a more personal touch, reach out on social media. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server.
Results From Last Week
Week 16 Starts
- DL Aidan Hutchinson (DET) 11.00pts – 4 QB hits, 1 PD
- DL Jalen Carter (PHI) 0.75pts – 1 tackle
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair (TEN) 13.00pts – 8 tackles, 2 TFL
- LB David Long (MIA) 5.00pts – 3 tackles, 1 QB hit
- DB Markquese Bell (DAL) 12.50pts – 8 tackles, 1 TFL
- DB Kerby Joseph (DET) 29.45pts – 9 tackles, 2 PD, 2 INT, 22 INT Yards
Week 16 Sits
- DL Nick Bosa (SF) 10.50pts – 3 tackles, 3 TFL
- LB Devin White (TB) 22.50pts – 4 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 QB Hits, 2 PDs, 1 INT, 10 INT Yards
- DB Charvarius Ward (SF) 5.25pts – 4 tackles
This is it, this is what most of us are playing for, championship week! It is the most stressful week of the year compounded with holiday gloom and anticipation for the new year. With that in mine lets look at one, one time use player as well as several flex finds in the IDP world.
Start ‘Em
Zach Sieler (MIA) @BAL
Sieler has been coming on strong as of late. Any pass rusher willing to utilize his skill in a Vic Fangio defense is going to be rewarded. He has at least one sack in four of his last five games as teams focus on Bradley Chubb and the Dolphins amazing secondary. Look for Sieler to get a couple tackles and possibly surprise Lamar Jackson with a sack.
Boye Mafe (SEA) v PIT
Mafe had an amazing game against the Titans last week, and is a huge part of their success in that match. It is going to continue against the terrible Steelers offensive line. The Seahawks will have to keep the Steelers offense in check to get a win, as this could be a low-scoring game. Play him as Bofe could be a league winner.
Sit ‘Em
Jadeveon Clowney (BAL) v MIA
Clowney is having a resurgence in his tenth season. It has been his best in years too. With 1.5 more sacks he will have the most he has recorded during one season in his career. He has his most tackles since 2018, and the 2023 Ravens are the best team he has been on. He recorded a sack last week but do not look for the same against Tua and the Dolphins this week. Tua has too quick of a release and the Dolphins line has protected him all year. Pine Clowney with the trophy on the line.
Start ‘Em
Jordan Hicks (MIN) v GB
Hicks is back in action after being on the IR. Due to that he is available across several leagues. Go get him as the Vikings have thrown the towel in on the season and give Hall the start at quarterback. He is at best average, and the Packers will control the game with their running attack. Both of these should give Hicks more volume and tackling opportunities. If you are in need of a linebacker go see if J. Hicks is available and play him if so.
Shaquielle Leonard (PHI) v ARI
Leonard can be played with confidence this week. He came in and had a monster game against the New York Giants to help the Eagles gain control of the NFC East again. He is available in several leagues, forgotten about or given up on after two bad games with his new team. He is learning the playbook and the play of his teammates and it showed with his highest snap count and his first sack of the season. The Eagles host the Cardinals and S. Leonard could be set for another great game.
Sit ‘Em
Will Anderson (HOU) v TEN
Anderson may have been a team booster for several dynasty leagues out there, but for the ones in the championship game DO NOT PLAY him. He did not practice Wednesday and has not played the previous two weeks. Even if he came back he would likely be limited, so pine him and be thankful you have him for next season.
Start ‘Em
Antonie Winfield (TB) v NO
Winfield is the one time use player. He has been lights out, and large reason the Buccaneers have a chance to win the division. He has been reliable ever since being drafted as a rookie and asked to deliver for their Super Bowl run. He is having his best statistical year in every major defensive category and it will continue against the New Orleans Saints with a chance to secure a playoff spot. Something Winfield has done every year he has been in the NFL.
Jalen Thompson (ARI) @PHI
Thompson is up against the Philadelphia Eagles who are looking to secure the second and possibly the first spot of the NFC. The Eagles are also working out kinks of their passing game and their defense. Jalen Thompson could see over six offensive plays and have his first double-digit tackle game of the season. He was once a leading tackler, and if the Cardinals do not put together drives he has a chance to be the surprise leading tackler of the game.
Sit ‘Em
Julian Love (SEA) v PIT
Love has been up and down all season, and you do not want your championship game to hinge on him having a good game, or even an average game. The Seahawks host the Pittsburgh Steelers and the loser of this game is out. Look for Pittsburgh to run often and throw quick outs, and play action to help whoever they play at Quarterback.
Thank you for reading our IDP Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em for Week 17 of the 2023 season.
Remember, you can check out rankings for each Week. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server.
Image Credit: Bob Donnan – USA TODAY Sports
IDP Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 10 2022
