RADIO
Quarterback Matchups We Love - Jayden Daniels
One week after being on the temper expectations list, Daniels has a chance to win fantasy championships for players. The Falcons defense has not been anything special all season. The offense is still a work in progress. As such, it feels like the Commanders could have their way with this team.
Daniels has regained his pre-rib injury form. Expect a high rushing baseline and plenty of fantasy fun to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Buckle up, this should be good.
Quarterback Matchups We Love - Jordan Love
Love has been quiet over the last several weeks as the Packers have ridden running back Josh Jacobs to victory. However, the Packers are unlikely to be able to do so against a stout Vikings front in Week 17. This game may be a track meet with two potent offenses going at it through the air.
The Vikings have been vulnerable on the back end of their defense. Love has so many options to throw to, it is a wonder that he is ever able to make a decision. They should all find space to operate against this defense. This should be a week in which Love shows you his fantasy potential.
Quarterback Matchup to Temper Expectations - Jared Goff
Goff has been a nice streamer in recent weeks, but this is a different beast. For all their problems all season, the 49ers have maintained a solid defense. Additionally, this game is on the road. Goff is notoriously better at home or in a dome.
This may be a week where you can cut Goff loose to pick up another player that could benefit your team in championship week. Goff has had some nice games this year, but his lack of rushing makes it difficult to trust him in tough matchups.
Running Back Matchups We Love - Tony Pollard
Pollard has quietly put together a solid season. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards, and has been a top-20 fantasy running back. He is going to draw an excellent matchup in Week 17 against the Jaguars.
The last time Pollard faced this team, he ran for over 100 yards at 4.86 yards per carry. The only thing missing was a touchdown. With such a juicy matchup ahead, Pollard should be a high-end RB2 this week.
Running Back Matchups We Love - Saquon Barkley
As if you were not going to start Barkley, but this matchup is too good to ignore. The Cowboys have not been very good defensively all season and have serious issues stopping the run. The laSt time these two teams met, Barkley was held to just 66 yards rushing. If you recall, that game got out of hand quickly and the Eagles rested their starters.
At this point Barkley is pushing for the all time single-season rushing record. You think the Eagles don’t know that? Barkley is another player who may end up winning fantasy championships with a monster performance this week.
Running Back Matchup to Temper Expectations - Rico Dowdle
Dowdle has enjoyed success of late. However, when you consider the matchups against low-end defenses, it makes a lot more sense. Dowdle’s volume has been excellent over the last five weeks, but the Eagles present an extremely challenging defense for the Cowboys’ offense.
The last time these two teams met, the Cowboys had to abandon the run and take to the air. That left Dowdle out of the fantasy fun. Given where he was drafted, you may have a better option this week.
Wide Receiver Matchups We Love - Jauan Jennings
Jennings found himself in a tough matchup last week but is in a plus-matchup this week. The Detroit Lions had a stout defense earlier this season but injuries have ravaged this unit and left them vulnerable. Jennings has taken over the No. 1 wide receiver role in this offense. He should be targeted early and often.
The Lions offense is going to score points. There is no doubt about that. The 49ers will need to keep up and should not have a problem doing so. As such, Jennings belongs in championship lineups.
Wide Receiver Matchups We Love - Tyreek Hill
I am old enough to remember when Hill was a certified fantasy stud. Those days seem to be behind us with the Dolphins taking a different offensive approach. Despite Hill’s disappointing season, he is in a great position to succeed this week.
The Browns have been a very vulnerable defense this season. Hill has not had the explosive plays flow this year, but look for him to catch a bomb in this game. Either way, Hill should get loose for several catches in this game. He should at least deliver WR2 value.
Wide Receiver Matchup to Temper Expectations - Garrett Willson/Davante Adams
Wilson and Adams have been fun to watch lately, but that may end in Week 17. The Bills are playing on another level right now. The Jets’ offense does not inspire the same confidence as the Rams or the Lions whom the Bills were in shootouts with in Week 14 and Week 15. It could be a long day for the boys in green.
Volume could save these players but the touchdown opportunities will likely be lacking. You are unlikely to bench either one, but adjust the rest of your lineup accordingly.
Tight End Matchup We Love - T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson has been relatively quiet since his return from injury in Week 9. However, the target numbers are great and eventually the yardage and the touchdowns will flow. Green Bay has a great defense, but they have been vulnerable to tight ends. Hockenson has a great matchup this week.
Both teams should be able to score on the other in this game. The Vikings are going to need all hands on deck in an extremely important game for both teams. Hockenson should deliver double-digit fantasy points with upside for more.
Tight End Matchup to Temper Expectations - Jake Ferguson
Odds are, if you made it this far, it was not on the back of Ferguson. He had a solid game in Week 16, but Ferguson could be in more trouble in Week 17 when the Eagles host the Cowboys.
The last time these two teams played, it was a slaughter fest. Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush had the worst game of his career. Rush only managed to throw for 45 yards and the NFL world was put on watch for the Eagles defense. If you made it to your championship, consider looking at a replacement for Ferguson this week.
