Week 17 historically has the highest pay lines all year in all contests. Why? Because teams that are out of it are pulling starters and defenses have checked out and are already booking flights for vacations. Therefore, it’s more crucial than ever to look for touchdown opportunities and focus on the subs that could have a fantasy impact.

Here’s the Red Zone recap:

TARGET MONSTERS:

In accordance with the holidays, Kyle Rudolph led the charge with five red zone targets last weekend. However, there was no present waiting for him under the tree. Out of his two catches in the red zone he had zero touchdowns. His teammate Stefon Diggs was 3-for-3 with a score in the end zone, but it was Adam Thielen’s 200 yard receiving day stole the show for the Vikings.

The rest of the leader board had no more than three red zone targets. Of that group, Charles Clay was the most productive. He caught two of his three targets, both for touchdowns. Clay has had a recent spurt of usefulness late in the season (12 or more points the last three weeks), but with Tyrod Taylor on the pine in favor of EJ Manuel, it is difficult to ride this train into Week 17. Antonio Brown and Sterling Shepard were both 2-for-3 in the red zone with a touchdown. Shepard has a touchdown in three of his last four games and is more cost efficient than his teammate Odell Beckham Jr. He’s the NFC version of Donte Moncrief.

MOST EFFICIENCT:

The red zone superman Jordy Nelson was a perfect 2-for-2 with two touchdowns, adding to his prolific 2016 totals. On the year he now leads the NFL in red zone targets (34), catches (21) and touchdowns (11). Not only is he easily comeback player of the year, you can make a case for him as the No. 2 wide receiver next year behind Antonio Brown based upon his red zone conversion skills. For perspective Kyle Rudolph is second with 28 targets and only Cameron Brate has double-digit red zone touchdowns (8) besides Nelson. 

Rod Streater showed up again on the report as the 49ers are desperate for an offensive weapon. He was a perfect 2-for-2 with a touchdown Saturday. Paul Richardson of the Seahawks was also a perfect 2-for-2 with a touchdown and turned in his first double-digit career fantasy day with Tyler Lockett now on IR. It’s possible he could see some carry over into Week 17 filling Lockett’s role in the offense, but he’s a clear boom or bust play. Travaris Cadet caught his second touchdown in as many games (on his lone red zone target), infuriating Mark Ingram owners yet again. His volume is too low to risk looking for a third straight week.

ONES TO WATCH:

With the Steelers sitting everyone, DeAngelo Williams season may come full circle and bookend 2016 with a fine performance against the Browns. He was averaging 20 fantasy points during Le'Veon Bell's suspension. Jordy Nelson is a must DFS own to close out the year as the Packers are playing for their chance at the playoffs. Zach Ertz will be in play as the Cowboys take their foot off the gas. Cameron Meredith and Alshon Jeffery are also targets this week as the Vikings defense has 34-plus points in back to back weeks. If you buy into narratives, Antonio Gates is looking for records and Steve Smith is playing his last NFL game. There will be an abnormal amount of back-up quarterback play between the recent injuries to Marcus Mariota and Derek Carr, and the benchings/healthy sits of others. Look for receivers on offenses playing for something with legit NFL quarterbacks to back them up. Week 17 won’t allow you to be cute and still get paid.

Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the eight-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series for baseball and football. He hosts On Target Fantasy weekdays at 12 non est, The Fantasy Black Book Tues and Thurs 8-10pm est and Sunday Game Day 8-11am on FNTSY Network Radio.