NFL Weekly Preview Week 17 2023: Key Injuries, Difference Makers & Projected Upsets

Jalen Hurts (Thomson200, Wikimedia Commons)

Week 17 begins Thursday night. It is the weekend of Fantasy Football Finals. Here are some key injuries, difference makers and projected upsets for the week.

Key Injuries

There were two key injuries in week 16. Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson of Chariton, Iowa is out for the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament. Hockenson, the highest paid tight end in the NFL, had 95 receptions for 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon of Layton, Utah is on the injury reserve with a shoulder injury. In 2023, he had four interceptions for 38 yards, eight pass deflections, two fumble recoveries for two yards, 88 tackles (65 solo tackles and 23 assisted tackles), five tackles for a loss and one quarterback hit.

Difference Makers

The top rated quarterback in Week 17 is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. He is projected to get 233 yards passing, 55 yards rushing and two touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. The top rated wide receiver in Week 17 is Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings. On Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, he is projected to get seven catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. The top rated running back is running back Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers. On Sunday in Washington, he is projected to get 93 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Projected Upsets

I like three upsets in Week 17. They are the Miami Dolphins to beat the Baltimore Ravens, the New Orleans Saints to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons to beat the Chicago Bears. The Ravens will have short rest, the Saints have a lot of rest, and the Falcons defense is underrated.

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