The Las Vegas Raiders have long been eliminated from playoff contention, which means they have nothing but draft positioning to play for in Week 17.
Because the Raiders need the highest draft pick possible in order to put themselves in position to grab the best quarterback prospect in April, there is a fear Las Vegas may sit running back Ashton Jeanty in order to tank.
Las Vegas has already shut down two key players for the rest of the season in Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers, so it's not inconceivable to think Jeanty could be next.
However, a report has provided some clarity on the Raiders' plans with Jeanty, at least as it pertains to Week 17.
Is Ashton Jeanty playing today?
Jeanty is expected to play in Week 17, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, whose status has been the source of speculation with his team and the Giants vying Sunday for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to play vs. The Giants, per source," Schefter reported.
We'll get final confirmation on Jeanty's status an hour and a half before the 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday, when the Raiders release their inactives.
The major difference between Crosby's and Bowers' situations as compared to Jeanty's is that both Crosby and Bowers are dealing with knee injuries.
Jeanty is fully healthy entering the contest against the New York Giants, so it's not totally surprising the Raiders are going to deploy him.
When it comes to fantasy football, we are starting Jeanty as long as he's active. The rookie is coming off one of his best performances of the season in Week 16, when Jeanty posted 128 rushing yards, 60 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
He also draws a soft matchup against a Giants defense surrendering the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season.
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