Strangely, some fantasy players like to make fun of the formats other fantasy players use. Small leagues are a popular target, as if a 10-team league isn't a "real" league (ironic since we're talking about fantasy football).

Another is week 17 championship games. If you can get past the terrible shame of participating in such a league, you might have a meaningful game coming up this week. And yes, there's fun (and prizes) to be had when many leagues have stopped playing.

The argument against an extra week is pretty clear. Why play a game on a week where some of the best players have no intention of doing anything on the field? You might as well schedule the championship during the last preseason game, right? The starters will make a quick appearance and head to the sideline. What's the point?

And that's a very good point, except it's not totally accurate. This year, maybe a third of the playoff teams will be resting starters, and many of their players weren't exactly first-round picks. I don't think Blake Bortles or any Philadelphia receiver is the most important cog in your title wheel. Sure, you'll miss guys like Todd Gurley, Zach Ertz, Todd Gurley, Kareem Hunt, Todd Gurley, Tyreek Hill and Todd Gurley. Did I mention Todd Gurley? That guy's pretty good.

It's tough to lose starters like that. But 2/3 of the playoff teams are going all out on Sunday, plus a few more teams who are still on the bubble. Additionally, the Jaguars are resisting public acknowledgement of resting players. And that doesn't even count the 49ers, who are just having fun and probably wish there were a few more weeks in the season. Even the Lions have come out and said they don't see a reason to rest starters. So it's not like you won't have anyone to play.

So what do you gain from a week 17 championship? How about an extra week of the fantasy season? Why are we so eager to end the season after waiting so long for it to roll around again? Adding to the season gives owners a little more margin for error, and possibly more teams fighting for a playoff spot.

Or you could add teams to the playoffs and create a bye for the top seeds. Or do that thing where the championship is two weeks long. That format can alter strategies and lineup decisions since you'll know if you're ahead or behind, and you'll have several days to make changes accordingly.

I'm not saying you have to do any of those things, but they're options. You might find that what you gain from extra football is much greater than what you lose.

But whether you like it or not, many owners have games this week. So how do you approach it? Like almost every other game, really. You might be missing a couple of guys (at the most), and you'll just have to try to replace them. But here's the thing: Your opponent will likely have the same problem, and there's no rule against picking up players you don't need to prevent them from being used against you. And you can jettison backups and resting starters to pick them up. Make great use of the waiver wire this week, even if you won't start any of the guys you pick up.

Here's what you can't do: Whine and complain on Sunday if you lose. These are the rules you agreed to follow when you signed up, and they're not so prohibitive that they ruin your chance at a title. You absolutely can win, even without your best player. If Antonio Brown owners can do it, you can, too.

And if you think week 17 championships are for dummies, what are you doing this week? Maybe counting your winnings (congrats) or licking your wounds (sorry) or doing nothing. Other owners are still playing the game, and some of them use an extra week of the regular season to qualify. Is that really so terrible?

I've played in plenty of week 16 championships, so I understand the argument that fewer NFL teams are eliminated at that point. It's a compelling rationale. But I like week 17 championships as well. I'm in two of them this week, and I had the high score among all playoff participants in both leagues. If that had been championship week, I'd be celebrating. Now I have another game and guys to replace. I might lose both games and end up congratulating someone else. And that's okay. I knew the rules, and I still have a chance to win. If it doesn't happen, it'll be bad luck, or poor lineup decisions or maybe referees that still aren't sure what constitutes a catch.

But I couldn't really blame the week 17 championship format. I have more games to play, and if I don't win, it'll be for the same reasons other owners didn't win in week 16, or week 15 or week 7. But win or lose, I got an extra week of fantasy football, and that's pretty cool, too. If you also have a game coming up, good luck this week.

Does your league hold its championship in week 17? Do you love it or hate it? Any special strategies? Share your thoughts below.