As the majority of fantasy football leagues approach their conclusion, one pivotal matchup remains for those vying for supremacy and coveted prize winnings. As such, selecting the right quarterback for your roster becomes paramount in securing a championship. Of course, our Week 17 fantasy QB rankings are poised to guide you toward that crucial decision.
The anticipated return of CJ Stroud, recovering from a concussion, enhances the depth of our rankings. This offers a broader array of potential stars and sleepers. Sure, the matchups present limited viable streaming options that might challenge your regular starter. Still, they spare bubble quarterbacks from particularly unfavorable matchups.
Take note that Brock Purdy and Dak Prescott secure positions in the top five. They should capitalize on favorable matchups against the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions, respectively. Patrick Mahomes, albeit narrowly, retains his top-five spot as well. He continues to grapple with statistics that fall short of his established standards. Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield also claim positions within the top 10.
Here we will look at our NFL Fantasy Football Quarterback rankings entering Week 17 of the 2023 regular season.
Top Fantasy Football Picks
Jalen Hurts claims the top spot heading into Week 17 with a favorable home matchup against the Cardinals. However, hot on his heels are Prescott, Lamar Jackson, Purdy, and Mahomes.
In Week 16, Hurts showcased his prowess by completing 24 of 38 passes for 301 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown, setting a new NFL record with 15 rushing scores for the season. Hurts is poised to be a top-three fantasy football quarterback in the upcoming matchup against the Cardinals.
Prescott's consistent performance continued in Week 16. He completed 20-of-32 pass attempts for 253 yards and two touchdowns, along with a rushing effort. Despite the Cowboys' 22-20 loss to the Dolphins, Prescott remains a solid QB1 option against the generous Lions pass defense.
Josh Allen remains a must-start, too. That's despite facing a statistically challenging matchup. Meanwhile, Justin Fields, Stroud, Stafford, and Mayfield round out the top 10 with highly favorable matchups.
Fantasy Football Sleepers
Bubble quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Stafford have potential must-start appeal this week. Additionally, consider streaming Derek Carr. He has been on fire with 537 passing yards and six touchdowns over the past two weeks against a vulnerable Buccaneers defense.
Baker Mayfield and Jordan Love find themselves in favorable spots. However, they may not qualify as traditional “streamers” based on ownership percentages.
Yes, some quarterbacks with top matchups could be tempting. That said, caution is advised with options like Bryce Young, Russell Wilson, Tyrod Taylor, Easton Stick, and Taylor Heinicke. For these guys, the risk may outweigh the reward.
For those seeking alternatives, Jake Browning and Gardner Minshew (vs. Raiders) may offer statistically below-average matchups. However, they present decent floors based on their recent performances.
Fantasy Football Busts
Trevor Lawrence faces uncertainty due to injuries and potential absences of key receivers. These make him a major risk against the Panthers' formidable defense.
Tua Tagovailoa is a boom-or-bust option this week, with big-play potential but a track record of struggling against top defenses. Jared Goff and Joe Flacco also present higher risks than usual. Goff is dealing with road struggles and Flacco faces the Jets' No. 2 pass defense.
Fantasy Football Injuries
In the injury landscape, CJ Stroud (concussion) is likely to return against the Titans, while Zach Wilson (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday night. For his part, Mason Rudolph should start for the Steelers.
Other quarterbacks like Will Levis (ankle) and Kenny Pickett (ankle) are on the mend, with their availability contingent on their recovery progress throughout the week.
Lawrence (shoulder) is questionable once again, potentially paving the way for CJ Beathard to start. Purdy (stinger) should play against the Commanders, but Sam Darnold could be a viable streamer if Purdy is unable to go.
Now, let's dive into our NFL Fantasy Football Quarterback rankings for Week 17 of the 2023 regular season. Standard rankings are indicated in parentheses.
NFL Fantasy Football Week 17 Quarterback Rankings
1. Jalen Hurts, PHI vs. ARI (1)
2. Dak Prescott, DAL vs. DET (2)
3. Lamar Jackson, BAL vs. MIA (3)
4. Brock Purdy, SF @ WAS (4)
5. Patrick Mahomes, KC vs. CIN (5)
6. Josh Allen, BUF vs. NE (6)
7. Justin Fields, CHI vs. ATL (8)
8. CJ Stroud, HOU vs. TEN (7)
9. Matthew Stafford, LAR @ NYG (10)
10. Baker Mayfield, TB vs. NO (12)
11. Tua Tagovailoa, MIA @ BAL (14)
12. Kyler Murray, ARI @ PHI (9)
13. Jared Goff, DET @ DAL (17)
14. Nick Mullens, MIN vs. GB (28)
15. Jordan Love, GB @ MIN (13)
16. Derek Carr, NO @ TB (11)
17. Geno Smith, SEA vs. PIT (16)
18. Russell Wilson, DEN vs. LAC (18)
19. Gardner Minshew II, IND vs. LV (24)
20. Joe Flacco, CLE vs. NYJ (23)
21. Trevor Lawrence, JAC vs. CAR (15)
22. Jake Browning, CIN @ KC (19)
23. Bryce Young, CAR @ JAC (20)
24. Taylor Heinicke, ATL @ CHI (27)
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