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Fantasy Football: Week 17 OL/DL matchups to target and avoid

2W9CFN1 Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) talks to his teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

Stefon Diggs bounce-back: While the Buffalo Bills’ run-heavy approach has led to quieter weeks for Diggs recently, this should be a matchup where he can deliver for fantasy managers once again.

Tempering expectations for Kyler Murray: While the Philadelphia Eagles are a good matchup for opposing fantasy quarterbacks on paper, Murray’s poor numbers under pressure could be a problem.

Dominate your fantasy league in 2023: For up-to-date fantasy draft rankings and projections, check out PFF’s fantasy rankings tool!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Whether you’re looking for some important tie-breakers in fantasy start/sit decisions or an advantage in DFS, knowing which players have the most and least beneficial matchups each week can help.

Understanding which teams have the advantage in the trenches can be a key to weekly fantasy football results. These are some of the more crucial matchups to be aware of as fantasy managers head into Week 17.

Click here to see this week’s entire offensive line/defensive line matchup tool on PFF.com.

WR:CB Matchup Chart


Offensive line matchups to target

Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus New Orleans Saints

  • The Buccaneers offensive line has earned a 72.5 PFF pass-blocking grade, which is tied for the eighth-best mark in the league.
  • Tampa Bay’s offensive line has allowed a knockdown rate of 7.2% this season — tied for the 10th-best mark.
  • The Saints defensive line has earned a 69.2 PFF pass-rush grade, just 22nd on the year.
  • New Orleans has delivered a 34.1% pressure rate, which ranks 21st this season.
Key player(s) to target

QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

  • Since Week 11, Mayfield has been among the best quarterbacks in the league from a clean pocket, earning a 90.9 PFF passing grade that ranks second over that span.
  • Over that same span, Mayfield has thrown more touchdowns (12) from a clean pocket than any other quarterback, which has included a very strong 6.5% big-time-throw rate (tied for fifth).
  • Mayfield has been the overall QB9 in fantasy football since Week 11, and QB12 on the year as well, making him a solid option for those in the fantasy championship game.

 Philadelphia Eagles versus Arizona Cardinals

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