Cardinals vs. Falcons Fantasy Football start/sit in Week 17: Calls on James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Drake London

When the Arizona Cardinals take on the Atlanta Falcons today, they will be looking to end a five-game winless skid. After losing to the Baltimore Ravens last week by a score of 17-9, the Falcons have now been beaten in four consecutive matches. Last week, the Cardinals had a 16-6 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter but lost 19-16 in overtime.

Here is a list of the players from this week's Arizona Cardinals vs. Atlanta Falcons game that you should start in your pivotal Week 17 playoff lineup, along with several others about benched based on injuries and trends.

Start 'Em Sit 'Em in Week 17: Arizona Cardinals vs. Atlanta Falcons

1. Start James Conner running back

Running back James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium

In contests without Kyler Murray since 2021, James Conner has carried the value of a fantasy RB1, seeing a stunning 96% of the Arizona Cardinals' backfield opportunities. Since DeAndre Hopkins is not a contender today, James Conner might have a more productive day than typical. Conner will face a Falcons secondary that is among the three worst in the league, per the DVOA.

2. Start Tyler Allgeier running back

Tyler Allgeier of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears

For the Atlanta Falcons, Tyler Allgeier now seems to be the team's top running back, overtaking Cordarrelle Patterson. He has two top-12 performances in a row and out touches Patterson by a 40-24 edge. This week, Allgeier might be on track for another significant outing. The Arizona Cardinals permit running backs to score the sixth-most fantasy points per game.

3. Sit Marquise Brown wide receiver

Wide receiver Marquise Brown of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers

Marquise Brown was a wide receiver in half-PPR ratings from Week 1 to Week 5 before getting hurt. In Week 12, just before the Cardinals got their bye week, he recovered from his injury but has not been back to his best since then.

To be honest with Brown, the quarterback issue has gotten worse with Kyler Murray sidelined for the season. The Cardinals will start him as their 4th choice for the position this week.

Brown's finest yardage performance since his recovery was last week, when he was limited to just three receptions for 57 yards. Even with this week's favorable matchup against the Falcons, we have little confidence in him.

4. Start Drake London wide receiver

Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In his last game, Drake London led the Falcons' receiving group even though they passed the ball twice as much as they did in their previous game (London had seven catches for 96 yards). Drake London's draft credentials, stature, agility, and position all materialized, albeit a little later than anticipated. He's a reliable WR alternative for Week 17, with a lot of promise because he is due to score a touchdown.