The way some fantasy football managers drafted Trey Lance this season, asking whether or not to start him in Week 17 for the championship seems like a no-brainer.
Of course, that's not exactly how this season played out.
Lance has only seen extended action twice this year as he's served as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup. Lance was 9-of-18 passing for 157 yards and two scores against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. He followed that up in Week 5 with 192 yards passing and 89 more on the ground in a loss to the Cardinals.
Now with Garoppolo out in Week 17, Lance is suddenly in the fantasy football conversation again at the most meaningful time.
Lance enters with a favorable matchup against the Houston Texans. Even as a double-digit favorite in a game that could feature more running than passing, Lance's ability on the ground makes him a factor regardless of game script.
Is he someone you start over a Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford or Joe Burrow? Or do you ride the quarterback that got you there and leave the risk to someone else?
Here's what our Action Network fantasy football expert rankings recommend.
Trey Lance Fantasy Football Rankings & Advice
With a consensus projection of 19.2 fantasy points, Lance comes in at QB10 for Week 17, according to experts Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon.
While the two experts are in some disagreement over others in the top 10, which impacts the overall consensus ranking, both are aligned on Lance projecting him No. 8 and No. 9 overall.
That makes for an interesting call for those in a fantasy football championship.
Lance is projected for more points than Week 16 hero Joe Burrow. One expert ranks Lance ahead of Hurts and Murray; the other believes he's a better option than Matthew Stafford.
There's risk in the unknown with Lance, but the upside is clear.
Be sure to check the rankings ahead of kick-off, as our experts update their projections throughout the day as news is released across the league.
