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Welcome everyone to the fantasy football Week 17 waiver wire and the final edition of this year's fantasy football season! I’m here as always to help you make the best fantasy waiver pickups for Championship Week. There are a lot of other quality players to look at adding this week on the waiver wire. This article is challenging to make relevant to all the different kinds of leagues out there. There are different league sizes, scoring settings, and roster requirements, which can make things difficult. As a general rule of thumb, I'll only be looking at players with a rostership percentage of 50% or lower, according to Yahoo! rostership percentages.
One thing I'll be adding this year is a category distinction for all players. This should help you figure out which players to add based on what your waiver wire goals are. Keep in mind that players can qualify for multiple distinctions. Those distinctions will be as follows:
- BC: Breakout Candidate – This is a player who may not be startable yet, but has a good chance of breaking out and becoming a weekly starter at some point in the season. If you do not need a starter this week, these are the players you should be targeting off the waiver wire.
- WS: Weekly Streamer – This is a player who is not a weekly starter or even someone you cannot drop, but rather they are someone you can target if the matchup is right or if you're desperate for a one-time starter. This is likely to be a quarterback or tight end.
- DP: Depth Player – This is a player who reminds me of a quote from Bad Santa, "They can't all be winners, now can they?" We'd all love to have breakout players, but it's also important to have quality depth players who can be started during bye weeks and be decent injury-replacement players.
- DL: Deep League Add – This is for competitive 12-team leagues or larger.
- IF: Injury Fill-In – This is a player who will be a weekly spot starter during the starter's absence due to injuries.
- MA: Must Add – This is a player who due to any number of circumstances, now finds himself as a weekly fantasy starter and is someone fantasy managers should be adding to their teams.
- UH: Upside Handcuff – This is reserved for our running backs who could become prominent players if the primary starter gets hurt.
All of these players are listed in the order I would advise prioritizing them by position. This includes the "others to consider" sections. If you have any specific waiver wire questions, give me a follow on X @RobFFSlayer, and don’t be afraid to reach out. I’ll be completing the waiver wire column all year here at RotoBaller and I hope to help as many of you as possible win your fantasy football league.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints – 39% Rostered
Carr is fresh off his two best fantasy-scoring games of the season. He scored 25 points this past weekend after scoring 20.3 in Week 15. That's two back-to-back weeks with 20 or more points, a number he hadn't surpassed the first 14 weeks of the season. Chris Olave is playing fantastically, but it sounded as though he was quite sore after Week 16.
His status will be something to watch for fantasy managers looking to stream Carr. The Saints are on the road in Week 17 against Tampa Bay, who has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. This divisional matchup should have one of the highest implied point totals and could be a potential shootout. Carr is a great streamer and should be viewed as a high-end QB2.
Nick Mullens, Minnesota Vikings – 13% Rostered
Mullens completed 26 of 33 yards for 303 yards and two touchdowns in his first start in Week 15. He did unfortunately throw two interceptions and finished with 17.1 fantasy points. It wasn't always pretty, but he did get the job done. In a great matchup this past weekend against the Lions, Mullens, despite throwing four interceptions, still managed to walk away with 16.5 points. He threw for over 410 yards. Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson were both knocked out of the game and did not return.
Their availability in Week 17 will have a big impact on Mullens' value. He will be facing off against the Packers' defense who, for the most part, had been stingy against quarterbacks this season. However, in Week 15, Green Bay allowed a perfect passer rating to Baker Mayfield. He threw over 375 yards and four touchdowns en route to 29 points. It was his best outing of the season.
This past weekend, the Packers' defense gave up over 310 passing yards to Bryce Young. He hadn't thrown for over 250 this season. He also threw two touchdowns, which was just his second game of the year with multi-touchdown passes. His 22.2 fantasy points were the highest of the year for him. The Packers' defense has really struggled as of late. If Addison and Hockenson are back in Week 17, Mullens is a great streamer and should be viewed as a high-end QB2 if they're both active.
Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals – 45% Rostered
Browning struggled in Week 16 against their divisional rival Pittsburgh, scoring just 13.4 points. However, he was also missing Ja'Marr Chase. It's unknown if Chase will be back this weekend. Reports indicated his shoulder injury was a one to two week injury. If he's back this weekend, that'll be a huge boost to Browning's value. If Chase is out again, Browning might be someone to avoid again.
Before Week 16, Browning had scored 18.9, 23.7, and 26.6 points in his last three games. Browning and the Bengals will face off against the Chiefs in Week 17. The Chiefs have given up the sixth-fewest points to quarterbacks this season. Kansas City's offense also hasn't been as great in recent years and may not provide the kind of shootout game script fantasy managers are hoping for.
The one bright side is that the Bengals' defense has really struggled this year. They've given up the sixth-most points to quarterbacks this season. This does give an avenue where the Chiefs could run up a high point total where Browning is forced to air it out. It's a tough matchup though and the Kansas City weather could play a factor. Browning should be viewed as a mid-QB2.
Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts – 31% Rostered
Minshew laid a dud, but he was in a tough spot after Michael Pittman Jr. was ruled out late in the week after having previously passed concussion protocol. Prior to Week 16, Minshew had scored 14 or more points in four consecutive games since their Week 11 bye. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Pittman's status, but if he's back on the field in Week 17, Minshew will find himself on the streamer radar once again.
The matchup may look great on paper because the Raiders aren't a very good team, but they've quietly allowed the seventh-fewest points to quarterbacks this season. He should be viewed as a mid-QB2 this upcoming weekend only if Pittman is active. If Pittman is out again, Minshew should be avoided.
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans – 18% Rostered or Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans – 2% Rostered
Levis missed Week 16 due to a high ankle sprain. Tannehill filled in and scored just 9.8 points. He did not throw a touchdown or interception. Fantasy managers are in a tough spot trusting either of these passers because they likely won't know until later in the week who will be the starter. However, the Titans play the Texans, who were just carved up by Joe Flacco and the Browns. Before Week 16, Houston allowed the 10th-most points to quarterbacks this season. That was before Flacco dropped 24.8 points. He threw over 350 yards and three touchdowns.
Others to consider: Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns – 33% Rostered, Tommy Devito, New York Giants – 8% Rostered, Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons – 6% Rostered, Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers – 12% Rostered
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Option
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons – 47% Rostered (IF, UH, DL)
It's tough predicting how this backfield will shake out. Figuring out what head coach Arthur Smith is going to do is next to impossible. Allgeier had nine carries this past weekend for 69 yards and a touchdown. He also chipped in one reception for 19 yards. Since the team's Week 11 bye, he's had fewer than 10 carries in three games. Allgeier has been good for eight to 12 touches per game.
This puts him on the RB3 radar most weeks; however, he's been held to fewer than seven half-PPR points in 11 contests this season. Atlanta plays in Chicago this upcoming week and the Bears' defense has been playing really strong since they acquired Montez Sweat.
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears – 45% Rostered, D'Onta Foreman, Chicago Bears – 40% Rostered, and Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears – 26% Rostered
Foreman was a late inactive due to a personal matter. Little information has been provided regarding this situation. Herbert and Johnson ended up leading the way. Herbert finished with 20 carries, 112 yards, and a touchdown. He also had one catch for nine yards. Johnson had nine carries for 37 yards. He also had three receptions for 19 yards. If Foreman returns, this likely turns back into a three-man backfield.
They have a tough matchup against Atlanta, who has allowed the second-fewest points to running backs this season. If all three are inactive, it'll be really tough to trust any one of them. However, one of these guys will likely see 10 touches.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens – 19% Rostered
With Keaton Mitchell on IR, that puts Hill back on the fantasy radar. Hill hadn't been very efficient in his short stint as the primary back after J.K. Dobbins went down, but with no more Mitchell, Hill should get five to eight carries per game with one to three receptions. Gus Edwards and Lamar Jackson are more likely to find the end zone, but Hill should get a handful of touches in Week 17. The Ravens play the Dolphins, who have been tough on running backs this season, allowing the 10th-fewest points per game to running backs. Still, this game has shootout potential, which gives Hill a chance of getting lucky.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans – 45% Rostered (UH, DP)
Spears has typically seen six to 10 touches per game with one to three receptions per game. He's on the RB4 radar for Week 17. They play Houston this upcoming weekend, who has allowed the 19th-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals – 20% Rostered (DP, UH)
Brown has operated as Joe Mixon's backup for the past few games. From Weeks 13 to 15, Brown received between seven to nine carries in each contest. He also caught three passes in Weeks 14 and 15. This past weekend, Cincinnati got destroyed by the Steelers, but he still had six touches. There's little to no value here, but Brown should give fantasy managers six to 10 touches with two to three receptions. It's not much, but it's something.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs – 35% Rostered (UH, DP)
With Jerick McKinnon on IR, CEH is now the clear and undisputed No. 2 running back on the Chiefs roster. If you play through Week 18, he's worth the stash. Depending on his role later today, he could be worth an add. Isiah Pacheco may be on a snap/touch count, which could allow CEH to have eight to 12 touches. If that happens today, CEH could have RB3 value in Week 17. If not, he's not startable.
***UPDATE***
Pacheco was ruled out the Chiefs’ game on Monday. With Jerrick McKinnon currently on IR, Edwards-Helaire becomes the primary add this week. Since Pacheco missed the two weeks prior, CEH could find himself as the lone man left standings. If Pacheco is out, he’s a mid-RB2. He’s now a must add player.
Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders – 26% Rostered (WS, IF, UH, DL)
White played well in Josh Jacobs' absence in Week 16. Jacobs is expected to suit up later today against the Chiefs. White is the clear handcuff to Jacobs, and if Jacobs gets hurt or tweaks something, White will be worth an add. It's also possible the team limits Jacobs in his return, given their record and his contract status. White may still see eight to 10 touches, which could afford him RB3 value. However, without a Jacobs injury, White is nothing more than a handcuff. At this stage of the season, that's virtually irrelevant.
Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles – 28% Rostered (UH, DP)
Gainwell is nothing more than D'Andre Swift's backup. He typically sees five to eight touches per game. That level of volume should keep him on the RB4 radar, but there's little to no upside here with Jalen Hurts getting most of the rushing touchdowns. The Eagles play later this afternoon, so if Swift were to get dinged up, he'd be worth adding.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers – 16% Rostered / Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers – 3% Rostered (UH, DP)
There may be no better situation for a backup running back than the 49ers. If Christian McCaffrey were to get hurt in Week 16, either one of these guys would earn must-start RB2 status. The problem is, Mitchell has missed the last two weeks. Mason has been the primary backup over that time. It's unknown when Mitchell will come back. Before his injury, Mitchell had been the clear No. 2 behind McCaffrey. If CMC were to get hurt in Week 16 and Mitchell was healthy enough to play in Week 17, it's possible he wouldn't be 100% after missing the past two weeks where we'd have a split backfield. That's a lot of ifs, which is why these guys are much lower on the priority list among running backs.
Others to consider: D'Ernest Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars – 7% Rostered (UH, DP), Leonard Fournette, Buffalo Bills – 5% Rostered (UH, DL), Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys – 11% Rostered (UH, DL), Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints – 15% Rostered (UH, DL), Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals – 2% Rostered (UH, DL), Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos – 10% Rostered (DL, UH), Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints – 6% Rostered (UH, DL), Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers – 15% Rostered (UH, DL), Chase Edmonds, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1% Rostered (UH, DL), Latavius Murray, Buffalo Bills – 15% Rostered (UH, DL), Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals – 25% Rostered (DL), Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars – 4% Rostered (UH, DL)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos – 54% Rostered (WS, DP)
Courtland Sutton left the Week 16 game last night. While Jerry Jeudy has disappointed this season, he's been a starter all year. If Sutton is out, Jeudy will be the clear No. 1 target for Russell Wilson in a great matchup. The Chargers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to receivers this season. If Sutton is out, Jeudy will be a borderline WR2. Even if Sutton is active, Jeudy is a decent streaming start in a dream matchup.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions – 22% Rostered (WS, DP)
Williams is finally starting to live up to his high draft status. He has firmly worked his way up the depth chart and is operating as the Lions' clear No. 2 receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. There's still Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta in this offense, but Williams is playing starter's minutes and should be considered a low-level streamer. He's finally got the snap count and the routes. His pedigree is there and the Lions have a great offense. His downfield skill set gives him a higher ceiling on limited volume. The Lions play the Cowboys in Week 17, which looks like a potential shootout. He could find himself flirting with WR3 value in Week 17.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints – 44% Rostered (WS, DP)
Shaheed is the definition of a boom-or-bust receiver. His upside should have some appeal for underdog teams in the championship looking for a high ceiling. Shaheed can easily rip a long touchdown and can score 10+ points in one reception. That's valuable. The Saints play the Buccaneers in Week 17. They've allowed the fifth-most points to receivers this season and are a pass-funnel defense. This game could be a shootout and will likely have one of the highest implied point totals for Week 17. The potential for a high-scoring game and Shaheed's ceiling make him a solid streamer this week.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts – 51% Rostered (WS, DP)
Michael Pittman Jr. was ruled out this past weekend with concussion symptoms. Downs has been the Colts' clear No. 2 receiver this season and if Pittman misses Week 17, Downs will be in a good spot to perform for fantasy managers. The Colts play the Raiders, who have played the pass well this season. It isn't a great matchup. The Raiders are allowing the 10th-fewest points to receivers this season.
However, if Pittman is out, the volume that Downs should be expected to see should keep him on the WR3/4 streaming radar. He had six receptions and 39 yards this past weekend and was the most targeted Colts receiver. If Pittman is active, Downs loses a lot of appeal in a tough matchup and should be downgraded as such.
Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals – 56% Rostered (IF, WS, DP)
Ja'Marr Chase was out for Week 16 due to a shoulder injury. The Bengals got punched in the mouth by the Steelers, but Jake Browning and the Bengals' offense had been solid before this past weekend. They have the Chiefs in Week 17 in what could be a shootout of sorts. In either case, the Bengals are likely to be trailing on the scoreboard, which will be a good game script for the pass-catchers. If Chase is out again, Boyd is a streamable receiver.
Noah Brown, Houston Texans – 47% Rostered (WS, DP)
With Tank Dell on IR, Brown is firmly in the starting lineup for the Texans. C.J. Stroud is expected to return in Week 17, which will be a big help to Houston's passing offense. Their Week 17 opponent, the Titans, has allowed the ninth-most points to receivers this season. As long as Stroud is back in the lineup, Brown should be viewed on that WR3/4 radar. He'll have some upside in a great matchup.
Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers – 46% Rostered (WS, DP)
It seems as though Keenan Allen's season is done. He's missed the past two weeks with a heel injury and considering his age and the Chargers' record, it would make a whole lot of sense for him to sit out. That essentially means Palmer will operate as the team's No. 1 receiver. That volume will play and he's been solid in the past two weeks without Allen, scoring 19.3 and 7.2 half-PPR points. The Broncos are a tough matchup, but his potential volume should keep him on the WR3/4 radar for Week 17.
Others to consider: Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders – 37% (DP), Demario Douglas, New England Patriots – 22% Rostered (DP), Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns – 46% Rostered (DP), Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars – 5% Rostered (DL), Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers – 13% Rostered (DL), Zay Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars – 32% Rostered (DL), Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers – 20% Rostered (DL), Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens – 16% Rostered (DL)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers – 44% Rostered (DL)
Everett has recorded eight targets in three straight weeks. He had five receptions in Weeks 14 and 15. He had seven receptions this past weekend. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams out, Everett has become a favorite for Easton Stick. The Chargers play the Broncos in Week 17, who have allowed the most points to tight ends this season.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans – 34% Rostered (DL)
Okonkwo has six targets in three out of his last four games. He's also had at least three receptions in all four of those contests. He's gone over 60 yards in two of them. He's been playing some of his best ball all season lately. He gets the Texans in Week 17, who have allowed the seventh-most points to tight ends this season.
Other Tight Ends to Consider: Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders – 43% Rostered (DL), Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers – 10% Rostered (DL), Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders – 7% Rostered (DL), Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints – 12% Rostered (DL), Tyler Conklin, New York Jets – 17% Rostered (DL), Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams – 39% Rostered (DL)
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