As the fantasy football season reaches its final stretch, Week 17 presents crucial decisions for fantasy managers, especially those who have relied on streaming quarterbacks. For many teams, the quarterback position could determine their fate in the championship game. While elite quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Jayden Daniels are set-and-forget starters, those using streaming quarterbacks face tough decisions due to challenging matchups. Additionally, managers who have relied on Jalen Hurts will be left in uncertainty as his injury status remains unclear. With several games before Sunday’s action, Hurts’ owners must plan carefully.
NFL Sit ‘Em: Week 17 Quarterbacks
- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (at Minnesota Vikings): Love faces a high-scoring Vikings defense that has allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game. With the Packers needing a win, Love is expected to throw plenty, making him a top-10 fantasy option in Week 17.
- Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (at Chicago Bears): The Bears’ defense has struggled in recent weeks, particularly allowing multiple touchdown passes. Smith’s solid Week 16 performance (314 yards, 3 touchdowns) against the Vikings positions him to have another productive game against Chicago.
- Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Carolina Panthers): After averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game recently, Mayfield has become a solid fantasy asset. Tampa Bay’s postseason hopes rest on this game, so Mayfield will likely have to throw often, making him a good start.
- Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Young has quietly been improving, especially with his rushing ability, which could be a valuable fantasy asset against a Buccaneers defense that struggles against running quarterbacks. While not a top-tier QB1, Young can still be a serviceable option.
NFL Sit ‘Em: Week 17 Quarterbacks
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (at Pittsburgh Steelers): Despite Mahomes’ general talent, his matchup against a tough Steelers defense, which has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, may limit his fantasy ceiling. If the Chiefs lean on the run, Mahomes’ impact could be muted.
- Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (at New England Patriots): The Patriots have been strong against the pass recently, allowing minimal passing yards and touchdowns. With Herbert nursing an ankle injury and the Chargers focusing more on the running game, his fantasy upside may be limited.
- Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Detroit Lions): Purdy’s inconsistent fantasy performances and a tough matchup against the Lions, who have allowed the second-fewest passing touchdowns, make him a risky option. Additionally, with the 49ers’ playoff fate already sealed, Purdy might not play at full intensity.
Week 17 presents some tough decisions for fantasy football managers, particularly at the quarterback position. Managers with streaming quarterbacks need to carefully weigh matchups and player performance to make the right choices. Those with solid QB1s can feel confident in their lineup, but flexibility and awareness of player status, like Hurts’ injury, will be key to making it through to the championship.
