X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 17 Quarterback Pickups and Streamers: Standard and Two-QB Leagues

Matt's quarterback waiver wire pickups and fantasy football streamers for Week 17 of the 2017 NFL Season. Target these streamers for standard and two-QB leagues.

Happy Holidays Rotoballers! With Week 16 almost in the books, it's already time to turn an eye toward the waiver wire in Week 17. As always, this column will aim to highlight Week 17 waiver wire adds and streamers for quarterbacks, players that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire. Sadly, this installment brings us to the end of our quarterback streaming adventures this season. I hope you were able to have enough success that you will feel comfortable waiting on the position in drafts again next year so we can attack the position by streaming yet again.

In the past few seasons, streaming the quarterback position has become a popular team management strategy. The guaranteed volume at the quarterback position makes it the easiest position in fantasy football to project, which therefore makes it a position that isn't too hard to stream. Everyone has had a star wide receiver who inexplicably only sees three targets in a game.

The quarterback position, on the other hand, sees volume that is easier to forecast as even the lower ranked players will see a minimum of 20-25 passing attempts, even in a low-volume passing offense. All ownership percentages come from Yahoo! and are current as of December 24.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

One-QB Leagues - Week 17 Waiver Wire Streamers

Nick Foles, PHI vs. Dallas Cowboys

50% owned, FAAB Budget: whatever you have left.

This recommendation is subject to change based on how Foles performs against the Raiders on Monday night, but he was impressive enough in Week 15 to merit mentioning without knowing how that game will go. Foles did his best Carson Wentz impersonation against the Giants in Week 15 as he finished with 237 passing yards and four touchdowns. If he chokes on Monday night against a weak Oakland pass defense, move him down into two-quarterback streaming territory.

To finish off the regular season, the Eagles will take on a Dallas defense that has really struggled against the pass, allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the position and ranking 20th in the league in DVOA before Week 16's action. Foles is surrounded by the weapons and offensive system which should allow him to have plenty of success in the final week of the NFL regular season.

 

Tyrod Taylor, BUF @ Miami Dolphins

39% owned, FAAB Budget: whatever you have left

Taylor was solid against the New England Patriots in Week 16, passing for 281 yards and adding another 16 yards on the ground in his team's loss. While he didn't manage a touchdown, it appeared he should have had one to Kelvin Benjamin but the catch was overturned on a questionable call by the officials. Either way, Taylor has enough working in his favor to consider in Week 17.

The Bills will travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins in Week 17. With this being the end of December and all, there's something to be said for using a quarterback who will be playing in the sunshine of southern Florida instead of having to deal with freezing temperatures and snow when trying to throw the ball. The Dolphins have been an inviting defense for opposing quarterbacks this season, allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game and ranking 27th in pass defense DVOA before Week 16.

 

Jimmy Garoppolo, SF @ Los Angeles Rams

29% owned, FAAB Budget: whatever you have left

We knew Garoppolo was good but what he did against an excellent Jacksonville defense in Week 16 was completely amazing. Garoppolo went head-to-head against a Jaguars pass defense that was allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and came out victorious. The young signal-caller finished with 242 yards and three total touchdowns to lead his team to a surprising victory over the playoff-bound Jags.

Garoppolo draws another tough matchup against the Rams in Week 17 but after what he did last week the matchup does not concern me. With the Rams having one of the most explosive offenses in the league, we know for sure that Garoppolo will have to throw often to keep up on the scoreboard. Fire up Garoppolo in all formats in Week 17.

 

Two-QB Leagues - Week 17 Waiver Wire Streamers

Jacoby Brissett, IND vs. Houston Texans

13% owned, FAAB Budget: whatever you have left

The Houston Texans have been the gift that keeps on giving for fantasy quarterbacks this season. Brissett has seen his play fall off in recent weeks but he's also had a brutal stretch of games against some excellent pass defenses. Since Week 13, Brissett has faced Jacksonville, Buffalo, Denver, and Baltimore. All of those pass defenses were ranked in the top-15 in the league in DVOA before Week 16 with Jacksonville and Baltimore ranking 1-2 respectively. After surviving that murderer's row, Brissett has earned this plum matchup against Houston. On the season, the Texans are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and ranked 23rd in pass defense DVOA before Week 16. Brissett is a rock-solid option in two-quarterback leagues this weekend.

 

T.J. Yates, HOU @ Indianapolis Colts

1% owned, FAAB Budget: 1%

Yates is only an option in extremely deep, two-quarterback leagues, but he's on the radar if you are desperate this weekend. The veteran backup will finish out the season for the Texans after they lost Tom Savage to a season-ending concussion. Yates predictably didn't play well against the Jaguars in Week 15 but he was solid against the 49ers in Week 14, finishing with two touchdowns.

The main reason to target Yates in Week 17 is his prime matchup against a weak Colts pass defense. Indianapolis has struggled to contain opposing passing games this season, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game and ranking 30th in DVOA. Their run defense, however, has been quite solid, ranking 14th in DVOA. This could funnel additional work to Yates, DeAndre Hopkins, and the Houston passing attack in Week 17.

 

Cut Them Free

If your league is still playing into Week 17, any quarterback on your roster who you would not consider starting is eligible to be cut. Just don't cut anyone who your opponent could presumably add and use against you in the final round of the fantasy playoffs. As always, this list doesn't mean "must-cut", it means the player is a candidate to be cut if there's a better option sitting on the wire.

Guys who I would consider cutting due to poor play or matchups: Jameis Winston, Eli Manning, Andy Dalton, Marcus Mariota, Joe Flacco.

 

Strategy for Streaming Quarterbacks

Many factors come into play when identifying streamers. These include recent performance, overall upside, talent, opponent matchup, and Vegas totals. Every week, we’ll take a look at six streaming QB options: three for one-quarterback leagues, and three for two-quarterback leagues. The focus will be on streaming for the upcoming week, but there will also be players who break out and should be owned the rest of the season. As always, the goal with streaming is to eventually find a player who can be an every week starter for your team.

Options for one-quarterback leagues could be just about anyone outside of the bigger names at the position. Obviously, no one is going to be able to stream players like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady because they are owned in all leagues. The premium placed on the position in two-quarterback leagues changes expectations for streaming the position. In two-quarterback leagues, most starting NFL quarterbacks are already owned, so the pickings are going to be slim on waivers. Therefore, the players who are recommended for two-quarterback leagues will be lower-owned and most likely not attractive options in one-quarterback formats.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Victor Scott II

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Listening to Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
Marcelo Mayer

to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery
Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Ty Gibbs

is Mediocre at a Track Where his Grandfather's Team Won 19 Times
Ross Chastain

Despite Qualifying 33rd, Ross Chastain Not As Strong a DFS Option As Usual
Carson Hocevar

Will Carson Hocevar's Speed Overcome His Lack of Racecraft?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Not Enough Attrition at Richmond for Shane Van Gisbergen to Be Viable
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking for Another Solid Richmond Race
Austin Cindric

After Strong Iowa Run, Austin Cindric Might Surprise
Corey Heim

Probably Too Inexperienced to Contend at Richmond
Daniel Suarez

Won't Benefit From the Same Strategy Play This Year
Erik Jones

Was Slow at Richmond Even When He Had Fast Cars
Zane Smith

Not a Great DFS Option on Paper, but Typically Outperforms His Expectations
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Dylan Beavers

Called Up by Orioles
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Jhoan Duran

Takes Comebacker Off Foot, X-Rays Negative
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Matt Chapman

Goes to Injured List
George Springer

Likely Returning on Saturday
Max Muncy

Lands on 10-Day Injured List
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Jacob Misiorowski

Activated and Starting on Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Chase Burns

Hits 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP