Gridiron Showdowns: Expert Picks & Strategic Breakdown for Week 17

Week 17 NFL Showdown: Jets Take Flight and Packers Clash with Vikings

As we gear up for the final week of the NFL regular season, we're looking at a full slate of 16 games, each one packed with potential for daily fantasy sports glory. The action kicks off with the New York Jets soaring into FirstEnergy Stadium to face off against the Cleveland Browns. With an over/under set at 34.5 and the Browns favored by 7.5, this Thursday night game, starting at 8:15 PM EST, promises to be a gritty showdown in the gridiron trenches.

Fast forward to the grand finale, where we'll see the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings go head-to-head in a frosty duel at US Bank Stadium. The over/under is pegged at a tantalizing 46.5, with the Vikings edging out as 2-point favorites. This epic Sunday night clash, set to commence at 8:20 PM EST, will undoubtedly be a nail-biter, with key players on both sides looking to make their mark. So, buckle up, folks! It's going to be a wild ride in the world of NFL daily fantasy sports this week.

Top Quarterbacks on the Slate

Jalen Hurts, Eagles - Projected 25.4 pts

With an impressive average of 19.4 points over his last three games, Jalen Hurts is a force to be reckoned with. His recent performance against the Giants saw him rack up 301 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and an unfortunate interception. This week, he's up against the Cardinals, a team that's ranked 12th in the league for pass defense. They're allowing an average of 231.5 yards per game and 1.8 passing touchdowns. This matchup could prove to be a challenging one for Hurts, but his recent form suggests he's up to the task.

Josh Allen, Bills - Projected 23.1 pts

Josh Allen has been consistently delivering, with an average of 21.2 points over his last three games. His performance against the Chargers saw him throw for 237 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. This week, he faces the Patriots, a team that's ranked 14th in the league for pass defense. They're allowing an average of 236.8 yards per game and 1.3 passing touchdowns. Allen's consistency and ability to deliver under pressure will be key in this matchup.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs - Projected 23.1 pts

Despite a slightly lower average of 16.7 points over his last three games, Patrick Mahomes remains a top pick. His last game against the Raiders saw him throw for 235 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. This week, he's up against the Bengals, a team that's ranked a lowly 28th in the league for pass defense. They're allowing an average of 271.1 yards per game and 1.3 passing touchdowns. This could be a golden opportunity for Mahomes to rack up some serious points.

Running Back Rundown

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers - Projected 25.5 pts

Christian McCaffrey is a force to be reckoned with, averaging a solid 27.7 points over his last three games. His latest performance against the Ravens saw him rushing for 103 yards, scoring a touchdown, and making 6 receptions. This week, he's up against the Commanders, a team that's been struggling to defend the run, ranking #23 in the league and allowing an average of 122.7 yards per game. With their defense also giving up 0.9 rushing TDs per game, McCaffrey's prospects look promising for this week's slate.

Kyren Williams, Rams - Projected 21.4 pts

Next up, we have Kyren Williams of the Rams. Williams has been consistent, averaging 19.1 points over his last three games. In his recent outing against the Saints, he rushed for 104 yards and scored a touchdown. This week, he's facing the Giants, a team that's been having a tough time defending the run. They rank #29 in the league, giving up an average of 134.2 yards and 1.4 rushing TDs per game. This could be a golden opportunity for Williams to rack up some serious points.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts - Projected 20.1 pts

Lastly, we have Jonathan Taylor from the Colts. Taylor has been averaging 15.3 points over his last three games. His last game against the Falcons saw him rushing for 43 yards and scoring a touchdown. This week, he's up against the Raiders, a team that ranks #22 in the league in defending the run, allowing 122.2 yards per game. With their defense also giving up 0.9 rushing TDs per game, Taylor could be set for a solid performance this week.

Top Wide Receivers to Watch This Week

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins - Projected 21.3 pts

With an average of 20.4 points over his last three games, Tyreek Hill is a force to be reckoned with on the field. His last game against the Cowboys saw him rack up 99 yards with 9 receptions, although he didn't manage to find the end zone. This week, he's up against a Ravens defense that's been solid against the pass, ranking 9th in the league and allowing only 221.9 yards and a single passing TD per game. But if anyone can break through that defense, it's Hill.

Keenan Allen, Chargers - Projected 20.5 pts

Keenan Allen has been a consistent performer for the Chargers, averaging 15.7 points over his last three games. His last outing against the Broncos saw him catch for 68 yards with 6 receptions. This week, he's facing the same Broncos defense that ranks a lowly 25th in the league against the pass, giving up 255.9 yards and 1.8 passing TDs per game. This could be a big opportunity for Allen to rack up some serious points.

Stefon Diggs, Bills - Projected 20.1 pts

Stefon Diggs has been a bit off his game recently, averaging just 7.7 points over his last three games. His last game against the Chargers saw him catch for a mere 29 yards with 5 receptions. However, he's up against a Patriots defense this week that ranks 14th in the league against the pass, allowing 236.8 yards and 1.3 passing TDs per game. This could be the game where Diggs turns things around and gets back to his high-scoring ways.

Top Tight Ends to Watch This Week

Travis Kelce, Chiefs - Projected 15.9 pts

Travis Kelce of the Chiefs is a force to be reckoned with. Despite averaging a modest 10.5 points over his last three games, Kelce is coming off a game against the Raiders where he hauled in 5 receptions for 44 yards. Although he didn't find the end zone, his consistent involvement in the Chiefs' passing game makes him a reliable fantasy option. This week, Kelce faces a Bengals defense that has struggled against the pass, ranking 28th in the league and allowing an average of 271.1 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game. Expect Kelce to exploit this matchup and put up solid numbers.

Trey McBride, Cardinals - Projected 15.5 pts

Trey McBride of the Cardinals is another tight end to keep an eye on this week. McBride has been on a hot streak, averaging 17.4 points over his last three games. In his last outing against the Bears, he caught 6 passes for 31 yards. While he didn't score a touchdown, his volume of targets makes him a valuable asset in fantasy. This week, McBride goes up against an Eagles defense that ranks 26th in the league at defending the pass, allowing an average of 267.2 yards and 2.1 touchdowns per game. Given these stats, McBride is poised to have a big game and is a strong pick for your fantasy lineup.

Fantasy Point Mismatches

Let's kick things off with a look at the fantasy point mismatches. The 49ers, who are currently ranked third in the league for generating fantasy points, with an impressive average of 100.6 per game, are set to face off against the Commanders. The Commanders are struggling defensively, ranking last in the league for giving up fantasy points, with a whopping 99.2 per game. Similarly, the Chiefs, who are ranked sixth for generating fantasy points at 92.6 per game, are going up against the Bengals. The Bengals are having a tough time on the defensive end, ranking 26th in the league for surrendering fantasy points at 91.6 per game. These matchups could provide a goldmine of points for fantasy owners.

Passing Yards Mismatches

Moving on to passing yards mismatches, the 49ers, who are second in the league for passing yards with an average of 277.2 per game, are set to go head-to-head with the Commanders. The Commanders are struggling to defend against the pass, ranking 30th in the league for giving up passing yards at 272.5 per game. Similarly, the Chiefs, who are sixth in the league for passing yards at 265.7 per game, are facing the Bengals. The Bengals are having a hard time defending against the pass, ranking 28th in the league for giving up passing yards at 271.1 per game. These matchups could provide a significant boost to your fantasy team's passing stats.

Rushing Yards Mismatches

Next up, we have the rushing yards mismatches. The Eagles, who are currently ranked sixth in the league for rushing yards with an average of 131.1 per game, are set to face the Cardinals. The Cardinals are struggling to defend against the run, ranking last in the league for giving up rushing yards at 147.0 per game. Similarly, the Rams, who are tenth in the league for rushing yards at 122.1 per game, are going up against the Giants. The Giants are having a tough time on the defensive end, ranking 29th in the league for surrendering rushing yards at 134.2 per game. These matchups could provide a significant boost to your fantasy team's rushing stats.

Sacking The Quarterback Mismatches

Finally, let's take a look at the sacking the quarterback mismatches. The 49ers, who are currently ranked sixth in the league for sacking the quarterback with an average of 3.0 per game, are set to face off against the Commanders. The Commanders are struggling to protect their quarterback, ranking 30th in the league for allowing sacks at 4.0 per game. Similarly, the Browns, who are tenth in the league for sacking the quarterback at 2.9 per game, are going up against the Jets. The Jets are having a hard time protecting their quarterback, ranking 31st in the league for allowing sacks at 4.1 per game. These matchups could provide a significant boost to your fantasy team's defensive stats.