Joe Mixon or Derrick Henry Week 17 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Fantasy football projections for WRs ahead of Christmas clash

Joe Mixon and Derrick Henry will spend their Christmas running for both the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens. The running backs will feature on Week 17's Wednesday game, which will have major implications for their playoff seeding, and also for the championship games of fantasy football.

Is Joe Mixon a good pick in Week 17?

The Texans running back is not the focal point of the offense, but it's easy to see how much Houston struggles when he's not on the field. After spending the previous years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, he already has seven games of over 100 rushing yards in a single season in Houston.

However, Wednesday's game could prove to be too much for him. He'll face the best run defense in the league, as the Ravens allow just 3.6 yards per carry on average, the lowest mark in the NFL. He has had just 80 rushing yards over the past two games and you can't expect much improvement in Week 17.

Is Derrick Henry a good pick in Week 17?

On the other side of the matchup, one of the league's most impactful running backs could be in for a great Christmas. Henry also has seven games with over 100 rushing yards this season; the difference is that he has amassed 1,636 in 2024, with 13 touchdowns as well.

The matchup is much more favorable, with the Texans' defense allowing 4.3 yards per carry. The Ravens' offense is much more likely to run the ball than their opponents, and if they jump the score early, opportunities will come for Henry, who should be in for a great day.

Whom should I start between Joe Mixon and Derrick Henry in Week 17?

Sportskeeda Start/Sit Optimizer

Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer sees no doubt, with almost double the projected yards for the Ravens' superstar. This game could get ugly for the Texans if they don't improve, and running the ball with Mixon isn't going to happen if they're behind.

Henry has been one of the league's most dominant running backs and it's impossible to bench him in 2024, so you should start him.