Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings: Matchups, Box Score Projections for Stars We Love
We're three games into Week 17, and the early outcomes have heavily impacted the NFL playoff race. The same is true in fantasy, where most season-long leagues are in the middle of championship week.
From here on out, every lineup decision is critical. Fortunately, most top stars will be available if healthy.
That doesn't mean, however, that every lineup call will be easy. Managers who drafted well could be picking between elite players this week, and not every matchup is equal. Here, we'll examine the top remaining plays of Week 17, dive into our favorite matchups and make some box-score projections.
All rankings and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.
Quarterback
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 275 passing yards, 2 TDs, 55 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
2. Jayden Daniels, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 260 passing yards, 2 TDs, 75 rushing yards
3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 315 passing yards, 2 TDs
4. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 300 passing yards, 2 TDs
5. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings: 275 passing yards, 2 TDs
6. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos: 250 passing yards, 2 TDs, 10 rushing yards
7. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts: 150 passing yards, 2 TDs, 49 rushing yards
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: 245 passing yards, 2 TDs
9. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: 240 passing yards, 2 TDs
10. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: 215 passing yards, 1 TD, 35 rushing yards
Matchup to Love: Bo Nix at Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix may not have begun the season in many starting fantasy lineups. However, he's progressed tremendously well under head coach Sean Payton and is now worthy of championship week consideration.
While Nix shouldn't be started over surefire fantasy stars like Josh Allen or Jayden Daniels, he's likely in store for a solid day against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals defense has struggled to contain opposing passers all season—well, at least, until it faced third-string Cleveland Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson in Week 16.
Cincinnati has surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
The Bengals have also struggled against the run (21st in yards allowed), so Denver may look to pound the ball with its committee backfield. However, Nix should find enough opportunities to deliver a solid fantasy performance.
Running Back
1. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles: 5 receptions, 160 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
2. Jahymr Gibbs, Detroit Lions: 4 receptions, 155 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
3. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals: 4 receptions, 145 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
4. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: 4 receptions, 140 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
5. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams: 4 receptions, 130 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
6. De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins: 3 receptions, 138 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
7. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: 3 receptions, 135 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
8. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 receptions, 125 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
9. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers: 4 receptions, 110 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
10. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers: 3 receptions, 115 scrimmage yards, 1 TD
Matchup to Love: Saquon Barkley vs. Dallas Cowboys
Look, if Saquon Barkley is on your roster, you're starting him in Week 17. That's a given. However, he's still a top option with a matchup that should have managers thrilled.
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Barkley is also likely to be the primary focus of the Eagles offense this week. He's been in that role often this season, but he'll likely need to carry the load this week, as quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in the concussion protocol.
Philadelphia played most of Week 16 without Hurts, and Barkley racked up 150 yards and two touchdowns on the ground alone. He should have a similar outing against the Cowboys this week.
Wide Receiver
1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: 8 receptions, 130 yards, 1 TD
2. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: 6 receptions, 140 yards, 1 TD
3. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams" 6 receptions, 135 yards, 1 TD
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: 5 receptions, 142 yards, 1 TD
5. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; 6 receptions, 130 yards, 1 TD
6. Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 receptions, 135 yards, 1 TD
7. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders: 6 receptions, 123 yards, 1 TD
8. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: 6 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD
9. Davante Adams, New York Jets: 6 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD
10. Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers: 7 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD
Matchup to Love: Terry McLaurin vs. Atlanta Falcons
Sunday's game between the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons will have a playoff atmosphere. Washington has 10 wins but hasn't secured a playoff spot yet. The Falcons need two wins over the final two weeks to secure the NFC South.
Expect both teams to rely on their playmakers in a must-win situation. For the Commanders, that will likely mean a heavy dose of Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin.
Against a terrific Eagles defense last week, McLaurin came through with five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. He may see a similar target share against Atlanta, but he could potentially double his yardage total because of the Falcons' knack for surrendering big plays.
The Falcons rank 18th in net yards per pass attempt allowed and have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024.
Tight End
1. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders: 10 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD
2. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals: 6 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD
3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers: 5 receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD
4. Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins: 5 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD
5. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions: 5 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD
6. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings: 5 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
7. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans: 6 receptions, 88 yards
8. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots: 6 receptions, 78 yards
9. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns: 5 receptions, 72 yards
10. Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers: 4 receptions, 69 yards
Matchup to Love: Chigoziem Okonkwo at Jacksonville Jaguars
Managers can trust top-tier tight ends like Brock Bowers and George Kittle this week. Those who have been streaming at the position, however, should consider Tennessee Titans standout Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Okonkwo is coming off a nine-catch, 81-yard performance against the Indianapolis Colts and is headed into a very favorable matchup. Tennessee will visit the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
While Okonkwo hasn't been a reliable weekly starter or a true focal point of the Titans offense, he's been heavily targeted (21 times) over his last two games. That trend should continue against Jacksonville, and Okonkwo should top double-digit fantasy points for the third straight week.
*Fantasy scoring information via FantasyPros