Hard to believe that week 17 is here already. Like every week, we will kick of the positional focus pieces by looking at some quarterback plays. However, keep in mind the advice I outlined last week, and be leery of the guys with nothing left to play for. Below, I will highlight the guys whose playoff hopes are still alive and well. It is worth noting, that these will not necessarily be value plays, just the guys I like the most.

Ben Roethlisberger – $6,900

Pittsburgh needs some help to get into the playoffs in the form of a NYJ lose. Regardless, they need to do their part and win on the road in Cleveland. Big Ben had a pedestrian performance last week, much to the chagrin of fantasy owners. A lowly Baltimore team completed the season sweep of the Steelers, surprising almost everyone, as the Steelers were being touted as the team that no one wanted to face come playoff time. I just can’t picture Roethlisberger being held in check again this week. The last time he faced the Browns back on week 10, Big Ben was 22/33 for 379 yards with 3 td’s and 1 INT, good for almost 31 fantasy points. I see Roethlisberger and the Steelers returning to form and looking like the squad that had fans of other teams worried. I think that Pittsburgh’s motivation to get into the playoffs will be greater than the motivation the Browns have to play spoiler. Hitting his season average of 21.7 fantasy points will give owners over 3x the return on Big Ben this week. I like him to hit just around 4x his value on Sunday.

Ryan Fitzpatrick – $5,400

Here’s the New York Jets playoff scenario; win and their in. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league lately. Over his last four starts, he is averaging 312 yards and 2 td’s. There’s not many other guys I would want leading my team into a must win game this week. Did I mention that he only has 1 interception over his last 4 games as well? Last week he faced a stout Patriots defense and threw for 296 yards and 3 td’s, and finished with 24 fantasy points. He rewarded owners with a return greater than 4.5 times his value. This week his salary was only bumped up by $200, and at only $400 above the minimum, how can you not love starting him? I plan on building a lot of rosters around the red hot Fitzpatrick this week.

Brian Hoyer -$5,100

Reports are indicating that Hoyer will clear the concussion protocol and be back on the practice field Wednesday. The Texans also need a win to clinch their division, and have the good fortune of facing the Jaguars at home. A Jaguars team that ranks 29th against the QB and allows 269 yards on average through the air. Priced at only $100 above the minimum, Hoyer should provide owners with a great return on his value this week. He comes into this matchup averaging 16.6 fantasy points per week on the season. Just reaching that average would be good for 3.2 times his value. Keep an eye on the injury report to make sure that he will be good to go on Sunday. If he is, insert him in your lineup, sit back and watch him pay dividends on Sunday as the Texans look to clinch the AFC South.

-DFS Pete