As the NFL season reaches Week 17, fantasy football leagues are gearing up for championship matchups. Team rosters are crucial this week, especially when deciding between top wide receivers like Stefon Diggs and Emeka Egbuka. This article evaluates both players to help fantasy managers determine who to start.
Analyzing Emeka Egbuka’s Prospects
Emeka Egbuka, a rookie wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, started the season strongly. Through the first ten weeks, he was among the highest-scoring fantasy receivers. However, his performance has decreased due to injuries and inconsistency within the team’s offense.
As of now, the Buccaneers’ passing game ranks 22nd in the league. Nonetheless, Egbuka faces the Miami Dolphins’ defense, which also struggles. Egbuka has had only one game with double-digit fantasy points since mid-season but has maintained an impressive average of nearly eight targets per game. This volume is significant and puts him in a favorable position.
Stefon Diggs: A Strong Alternative
Stefon Diggs, the experienced wide receiver for the New England Patriots, has been a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Coming off a standout performance where he caught nine of ten passes for 138 yards, Diggs is poised for another strong showing in Week 17.
With an eye on reaching his first 1,000-yard season since 2023, Diggs needs only 131 yards to hit this milestone. His upcoming matchup against the New York Jets’ defense is beneficial, as they remain one of the league’s weakest defensive units. This could allow Diggs to surpass 100 yards once again, marking his third such performance in six games.
Decision Time: Start Diggs or Egbuka?
- Emeka Egbuka: Has struggled with consistency but holds high target volume.
- Stefon Diggs: Proven track record; comes off a strong performance with favorable matchup.
In summary, Diggs should be the preferred choice for fantasy managers in Week 17. Despite Egbuka’s potential to bounce back, his recent struggles and matchup against a resurging Dolphins defense make him a risky start. Diggs offers a higher floor and ceiling, making him the more reliable option for the final week of the fantasy season.
