Fantasy Football Matchups We Love - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 17 Include Jayden Daniels, Saquon Barkley, Jauan Jennings, Tyreek Hill, more

Quincy's top fantasy football matchups for Week 17 of 2024. His favorite start 'em, sit 'em picks and predictions -- strong start/sit matchups that he loves.

This is the biggest week in fantasy football season. Most league Championships are played in Week 17 to avoid a situation where good teams are resting their starters in Week 18. As such, everything is on the line for most fantasy players who are still alive.

This is the time where nothing matters but winning one more game. There is no point in holding players that are not going to contribute to your lineup. Pickup whoever you need to plug in to your lineup. Alternatively, pickup whoever your opponent needs to plug in to theirs.

With so much at stake, let's take a look at who has the best and worst matchups this week. This list will encompass lineup locks and players that may be on the bubble. At this point in the season, you must remain flexible. Start the players who will get you points and do not fall into the name recognition trap.

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Fantasy Football Quarterback Matchups We Love

Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders
Opponent: ATL
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 26th

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.

Starting michael penix over Jayden Daniels in the playoffs for fantasy may be the dumbest thing I have ever done

— Emilio Matos III (@Emilio_0113) December 22, 2024

Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers
Opponent: at MIN
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 6th

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.

Fantasy Football Quarterback Matchup to Temper Expectations

Jared Goff - Detroit Lions
Opponent: at SF
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 5th

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.

Fantasy Football Running Back Matchups We Love

Tony Pollard/Tyjae Spears - Tennessee Titans
Opponent: at JAX
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 31st

INJURY UPDATE: ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Pollard has the flu and is unlikely to travel with the team on Saturday.

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.

Saquon Barkley - Philadelphia Eagles
Opponent: DAL
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 25th

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 as they coasted to victory.

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.

Saquon Barkley through 15 Games:

Rushing:
314 Carries
1,838 Yards
5.9 YPC
13 TDs

Receiving:
31 Catches
276 Yards
2 TDs

Does he have a chance at the #MVP Award at +1500?🤔 pic.twitter.com/rU0LiO1bM4

— Heater Sports Network (@Heater_Sports) December 23, 2024

Fantasy Football Running Back Matchup to Temper Expectations

Rico Dowdle - Dallas Cowboys
Opponent: at PHI
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 2nd

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.

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Matchups We Love

Jauan Jennings - San Francisco 49ers
Opponent: DET
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 29th

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.

Tyreek Hill - Miami Dolphins
Opponent: at CLE
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 27th

INJURY UPDATE: Dolphins' QB Tua Tagovailoa was downgraded to DOUBTFUL early Saturday afternoon. 

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.

Tyreek Hill in big games https://t.co/dVOMqZqkVL pic.twitter.com/tlpVfSrjIL

— Sasha Lobinobskiy (@lobigroypp) December 21, 2024

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Matchup to Temper Expectations

Garrett Wilson/Davante Adams - New York Jets
Opponent: at BUF
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 21st

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 against 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.

Fantasy Football Tight End Matchup We Love

T.J. Hockenson - Minnesota Vikings
Opponent: GB
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 23rd

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.

Fantasy Football Tight End Matchup to Temper Expectations

Jake Ferguson - Dallas Cowboys
Opponent: at PHI
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 4th

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.

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