How Should You Handle Kyler Murray and Jared Goff?

Making lineup decisions can be the most frustrating or most rewarding part of fantasy football. Here to help you make those decisions are our positional start ’em and sit ’em picks.

Fantasy decisions are more important than ever now that we’ve reached the fantasy playoff finals! Let’s look at our Week 17 start/sit plays for the QB position.

Which QB Should You Start in Fantasy This Week?

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (at PHI)

Since returning, Kyler Murray has flashed the upside he previously had, but it hasn’t yet truly manifested in terms of fantasy production. He’s scored 20+ fantasy points in three of his six starts but has been more of a floor play than someone who can help win you your matchup.

This could be the week that flips.

Murray is in a dream spot on the road against a Philadelphia Eagles defense allowing 21.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the most in the league. They are one of just two teams allowing more than 300 yards passing per game at 306.7. The Los Angeles Rams are the other at 307.2.

This could be the game Murray throws for 300, runs for 50, and scores three times, carrying fantasy managers to titles.

Which QB Should You Sit in Fantasy This Week?

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (at DAL)

On paper, this isn’t the worst matchup against a Dallas Cowboys defense allowing 15.8 points per game to quarterbacks, the 14th-fewest in the league. But I am fully taking a narrative-driven approach to this call.

The Cowboys have now lost two straight games. They are back home where they play their best football. Therefore, I expect a heavily motivated Cowboys team to take the field wanting to stop this two-game skid.

MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor

Meanwhile, the Lions have won two straight and clinched their first division title since 1993. The No. 1 overall seed in the NFC is not out of reach, but it’s certainly not likely. Of course, they are playing to win. However, you can’t help but think that this is a spot where the Cowboys will just want it more.

If that projected game script plays out, Dallas will win this one decisively. Jared Goff, on the road, against one of the best defenses in the league, in a game the Lions don’t need to win, could spell disaster for fantasy football. This could be something like a 200-yard, one-touchdown, two-interception game from Goff, which is not going to do fantasy managers any good.

Trending Searches for QB Start/Sit

Did you know that we have a Start/Sit Optimizer here at Pro Football Network?! It’s completely free to use, and it allows you to enter up to six players to find the best option to plug into your starting lineup!

It also allows us to see the most popular trending searches, and we’ve jotted some of them down here to help provide some clarity on!

Should You Start Murray or Jordan Love?

Jordan Love started the season scorching hot, cooled off for a bit, and then turned on the afterburners once more. On the whole, he’s been a very reliable fantasy starter, including in some difficult matchups.

This week, Love gets a Vikings defense that held him in check the last time these teams met. That was also during Love’s lull. Recently, Love has been stellar, posting 20+ fantasy points in four of his last six.

The Start/Sit Optimizer has Love projected for 12.3 fantasy points. Kyler Murray is projected for 15.1. While I do think Love will far exceed his projection, I agree that Murray is the better start. Love should be good this week, but I expect Murray to be great.

Should You Start Goff or Tua Tagovailoa?

The Start/Sit Optimizer has Jared Goff projected for 16.1 fantasy points. Tua Tagovailoa is at 18.1. That would make him the clear start.

I agree that I would start Tagovailoa, but I think it’s pretty close. Both have difficult matchups against very good defenses. I’ve already covered my concerns with Goff.

MORE: Fantasy News Tracker

As for Tua, the issue is a Baltimore Ravens defense that allows 13.7 points per game to quarterbacks, the third-fewest amount in the league.

After starting the season on fire, Tagovailoa hasn’t been all that great for fantasy purposes, especially with Raheem Mostert stealing so many of the touchdowns. Tagovailoa hasn’t hit 20 fantasy points since Week 8.

I wouldn’t fault anyone for starting Goff over Tua, but I would go with the Miami Dolphins QB in this one.

Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!