Week 17 FanDuel NFL DFS Picks - Main Slate (2024): Jayden Daniels, Brock Bowers, Bucky Irving, Brian Thomas Jr.

With three games already in the books, three more contests will be played on Saturday in Week 17. As is the norm at this point of the season, more than a few players won’t be available for one reason or another. However, their absences will at least provide some valuable opportunities for DFS participants.  

In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 17 daily fantasy football lineup picks for FanDuel and the 2024 NFL season. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.

Be sure to also check out our weekly DraftKings DFS lineup picks and other great NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you WIN BIG!

FanDuel Quarterbacks - Week 17 DFS Picks

Jayden Daniels – vs. ATL ($8,500) 

The Falcons are coming off a massive 34-7 win over the New York Giants. With that in mind, the Birds need a win to enhance their chances of securing the top spot in the NFC South.

But the Commanders, winners of their last three games, are looking for a strong push toward the playoffs. Of course, things begin and end in Washington with Daniels.

Pretty wild that Jayden Daniels is just the second QB in NFL history to throw for 250 yards, 5 TDs and rush for 75 yards in a game. It was his 15th career start, and he accomplished this against the NFL's top defense. pic.twitter.com/K1vYDj5tE0

— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) December 23, 2024

Outside of two interceptions, the signal-caller looked good against the Philadelphia Eagles, throwing for 258 yards and five touchdowns and adding 81 yards off nine carries. With Atlanta surrendering 28 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks during the 2024-25 campaign, expect Daniels to be featured in a ton of DFS lineups in Week 17. 

Baker Mayfield - vs. CAR ($8,200) 

The Bucs need some wins to surpass the Falcons for the No. 1 spot in the NFC South. While the Panthers have shown that they shouldn’t be underestimated, there’s a good chance Tampa will come away with the win.

Still, for that to happen, Mayfield will need to play better than he did when he faced Carolina at the beginning of December. The odds are high that he will, though, so fantasy managers should give him another chance in Week 17.

Keep the former Oklahoma Sooner in mind against a Panthers’ defense that has allowed nearly 30 points per game this season, easily the worst in the National Football League. 

Also Consider: Sam Darnold ($7,700) 

FanDuel Running Backs - Week 17 DFS Picks

Bucky Irving – vs. CAR ($8,000) 

Rachaad White has logged more offensive snaps that Irving this season. However, the latter has played considerably better.

He has had an impressive inaugural year, running for 920 yards and seven touchdowns and catching 41 of his 43 targets for 320 yards. With Tampa in need of a victory in Week 17, Irving should get his share of touches versus the Carolina.

Bucky Irving is absolutely ridiculous
pic.twitter.com/1uoRuvgP3R

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 15, 2024

Irving had the best game of his career when these clubs met back in Week 13, with the rookie amassing 152 yards off 25 carries. Granted, DFS managers may not see that level of production. But surpassing at least 100 yards on the ground isn’t unrealistic.  

Tyjae Spears - at JAC ($5,800) 

INJURY UPDATE: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Tony Pollard has the flu and is unlikely to travel with the team. His availability for Week 17 is in serious jeopardy.

Tony Pollard has been playing through an ankle injury. While that trend could continue in Week 17, Spears should continue to find work out of the backfield.

Not only has Spears seen more touches than Pollard in the last two weeks, but he’s been nearly just as good, most recently accumulating two touchdowns in the Week 16 loss to the Colts. DFS managers should keep him on the radar, especially if Pollard is ruled out. 

Also Consider: Saquon Barkley ($9,600), Jonathan Taylor ($8,400), Kendre Miller ($6,200) 

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FanDuel Wide Receivers - Week 17 DFS Picks

Brian Thomas Jr. - vs. JAC ($7,500) 

There hasn't been much to feel good about in Jacksonville. However, Thomas’ play this season is at least something Jags' fans get can behind.

Brian Thomas Jr. with over 1000 receiving yards this season! pic.twitter.com/UjGygKGM08

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

He is arguably the best young wideout in the National Football League, leading all rookies in receiving yards (1,088) and receiving touchdowns (nine), with four of those end-zone trips occurring in the last four weeks. Look for Thomas to continue to get it done against the Titans, a team that has only three wins this season. 

Adam Thielen - at TB ($6,200

The Panthers didn’t have Xavier Legette in the overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. As a result, there were extra targets up for grabs. While David Moore was more involved, Thielen remained the team’s top receiving option, finishing with five catches for 43 yards and a touchdown.

With Legette uncertain for the Week 17 meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the door could be open for Thielen to lead the way once again versus a Bucs’ defense that has had issues slowing down opposing wideouts this season. 

Also Consider: Justin Jefferson ($9,000), Mike Evans ($8,600), Jordan Addison ($7,000), Jakobi Meyers ($6,600), Calvin Ridley ($6,300) 

FanDuel Tight Ends - Week 17 DFS Picks

Brock Bowers - at NO ($7,600) 

Bowers has had an exceptional 2024-25 campaign. In 15 appearances, he has 101 catches (137 targets) for 1,067 yards and four touchdowns.

1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ yards receiving for the rookie TE Brock Bowers! pic.twitter.com/atJlbYcHNU

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Although the Raiders aren’t going anywhere near the postseason, Bowers needs a few more potent performances to increase his odds of winning this year’s Rookie of the Year award. He also may be the safest option at the tight end spot in Week 17.  

Also Consider:  Jonnu Smith ($6,800), T.J. Hockenson ($5,700) 

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