As we gear up for the final week of the fantasy football regular season, Week 17 is packed with critical matchups that could decide playoff spots and championships alike. Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating the pivotal games of the week, featuring projections, critical starts, and players to bench.

Key Matchups to Watch

**Chiefs at Steelers - Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET** Hollywood Brown is emerging as a potential game-changer, having received significant targets but not fully capitalizing on his route potential. Monitor his role closely, as increased route participation could lead to a breakout performance against a beatable Steelers defense. If George Pickens is active, he’s a must-start—however, tread cautiously with Najee Harris.

**Ravens at Texans - Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. ET** Look out for Mark Andrews, who continues to be a top-tier red zone target with an impressive touchdown record. On the flip side, Joe Mixon might not be the reliable option he once was as the Ravens have stifled running backs throughout the season.

**Seahawks at Bears - Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET** D’Andre Swift has stumbled in recent weeks, and fantasy owners need to evaluate if it's time to pivot away from him in favor of other options.

**Dolphins at Browns - Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET** Expect a resurgence from Jerry Jeudy if Jameis Winston takes the helm for the Saints. He's a solid WR2 with the upside for a breakout against Miami.

Players to Start

- **Jalen McMillan:** Over the last three weeks, McMillan has racked up 50.1 fantasy points, ranking him among the top receivers. He's clearly found his footing and should be confidently started.

- **Tyjae Spears:** With Tony Pollard struggling with injuries, Spears has stepped up to take a larger share of running back duties. He’s showcased his capability in goal-line situations and presents a solid RB2 option this week.

- **Matthew Stafford:** Keep an eye on Stafford as he faces the Cardinals. A history of bouncing back against weak defenses makes him a solid streaming candidate, especially with top targets like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua ready to capitalize.

Bench Options

- **Joe Mixon:** Matchups against tough defenses have hindered his performance lately. Given the Ravens' low average rushing yards allowed, it would be wise to consider other running backs for this week's starting slots.

- **D’Andre Swift:** Despite previous expectations, his recent output hasn’t met the standard needed for a fantasy starting role.

Players to Monitor

- **Breece Hall:** His usage increased as seen in last week’s game, so if you need a boost at running back, Hall could be a hidden gem.

- **Matt Judon:** Keep tabs on defensive players, especially in matchups that might dictate a high pass volume, giving your defensive players more opportunities for points.

As always, fantasy football involves strategic decisions, so ensure to check final injury reports and last-minute updates as the first games kick off. Good luck, and may your fantasy team achieve victory this week!