Week 17 Waiver Wire Pickups & Adds

December 23, 2019

Pierre Camus' fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds and sleepers ahead of Week 17 of the 2019 NFL season. Running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), quarterbacks (QB) and tight ends (TE) to target or bid on.

If you're still playing fantasy football for any purposeful reason in Week 17, first of all, bless your soul. If there is any week that the waiver wire is not just useful but essential, it's this one. Several high-profile players will be rested, unknown names will emerge for a one-game showcase before crawling back into obscurity. Last year, we saw players like Zay Jones, Josh Reynolds, Blake Jarwin, and C.J. Anderson (remember him?) go off. Let's try to determine the top adds for the final week of what has been a crazy 2019 season.

Each week, we will advise you which players to consider picking up on waivers that are owned in approximately 35% or fewer of Yahoo leagues so that you can make an educated decision about how to improve your fantasy football team. This list is not meant to be exclusive of all add-worthy players. For a more comprehensive list, check out our weekly Waiver Wire Lightning Round by position, ordered by priority. If higher-owned players not listed here are available in your league, feel free to treat them as higher-priority pickups.

As always, keep checking back here for updated waiver recommendations and always keep tabs on our NFL Player News feed. Be sure to also check out our weekly rankings and analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all options heading into the coming week.

Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options

Daniel Jones, New York Giants - 19% owned

It looks like Eli Manning's farewell tour with the Giants has come to an end. Jones wasn't even listed last week because news of his return from injury broke after waivers ran in most leagues but he is healthy and back as the starter. He did a pretty good job of proclaiming himself the quarterback of the present and future with a five-touchdown game against Washington. Sadly, the highest-scoring QB of Week 16 was barely owned and hardly started anywhere. It's not too late to rectify that situation and add Jones in time for a showdown with rival Philadelphia for a chance to spoil their playoff hopes.

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals - 9% owned

For three quarters, it looked like Dalton was going to deliver another dud. Then, he was suddenly imbued with the Force and slayed the Dolphins in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime before ultimately losing, yet winning the Battle for Burrow. Dalton's 396 yards were the second-highest of his career, surpassed only by the 418 he posted in Week 1 of this season. It was the sixth time he's thrown at least four touchdowns in a game. Much of this can be attributed to the opponent but Dalton should also get credit for bouncing back from a rough Week 15. Next week's opponent, Cleveland, isn't much tougher. Dalton is one of the better streaming options after Jones.

Case Keenum, Washington Redskins - 1% owned

It seems unlikely that the Skins will push Dwayne Haskins to start in Week 17 after he was carted off the field on Sunday with an ankle injury. That would leave Keenum to fill in one more time and prove that he still has value as an NFL quarterback. They also have a chance to ruin Dallas' season for good, which is always nice motivation for a divisional rival. The Cowboys hadn't allowed a 300-yard passer since Week 6 before Carson Wentz hit the mark, so the ceiling isn't going to be very high. In these uncertain times, Keenum could be a player to consider in two-QB leagues if you don't trust players like Mitch Trubisky or Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Others to consider: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins (31% owned); Drew Lock, Denver Broncos (6% owned)

Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options

Patrick Laird, Miami Dolphins - 38% owned

The Fins will have no choice but to go back to Laird as their featured back after rookie Myles Gaskin injured his ankle against the Bengals. Laird did his usual thing in this game, which is rush for about two yards per carry (eight for 17 yards) and catch a pass or two for minimal gain, in this case, one reception for one yard. Laird is guaranteed to get touches but not necessarily points, especially considering the fact they will play the Patriots.

Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers - 29% owned

It's truly amazing that the Steelers are still in the hunt for a Wild Card spot with the offense they've been sporting all year. They are 25th in points scored, 30th in total yards, and 27th in rushing offense. Leading rusher James Conner injured himself yet again, so he will enter Week 17 with a questionable tag yet again. That leaves second-leading rusher Benny Snell with a chance to capitalize if Conner doesn't play. As usual, keep an eye on practice reports to determine if Snell is worth starting.

Brian Hill, Atlanta Falcons - 14% owned

He showed his big-play ability again in limited time, running for 66 yards on seven carries. The Falcons ran all over the Jags in Week 16, which was expected based on how bad their run defense has become this year. It won't be as easy against the Bucs next week but the hope is that the Falcons give Hill more carries than Devonta Freeman in a meaningless season-ending matchup and can rip off another long run or two.

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens - 10% owned

If you stashed the Bus all year, now it might finally pay off. Mark Ingram left with a calf injury and has already been declared out for Week 17 now that Baltimore has clinched home-field advantage. Edwards should see the lion's share of rush attempts, even if Justice Hill is also involved. He is going to be the red-zone back, so standard-league owners should pay particular attention. Entering Week 16, Edwards was second on the team with 22 RZ carries, five behind Ingram but two ahead of Lamar Jackson. The matchup isn't great, as the Steelers are top-five against running backs and will be fighting for their playoff lives, but the volume makes him worth considering.

Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles - 10% owned

Scott has caught 13 passes the last two weeks, which should draw interest in fantasy circles. It would be more interesting if he could muster more than 46 yards on all those receptions though. His rushing numbers have gone down each of the last two weeks, as Miles Sanders has emerged as the featured back that Philly fans have been clamoring for. Scott is a low-ceiling play that should only be considered in deep PPR leagues.

Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots - 5% owned

Burkhead has been known to come on at the end of the year and he's doing it again, scoring in each of the last two games. His usage remains steady at around eight touches per game, which isn't inspiring. The matchup with Miami is good, however, and he always has a shot to reach the end zone.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 4% owned

Ingram being ruled out for Week 17 also makes Hill an RB3 option for PPR leagues. Edwards may see more carries but he is a complete non-factor in the passing game. Hill also has the speed and pass-catching ability to be a dynamic threat in this offense given the opportunity; he may finally have it.

Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts - 2% owned

Wilkins was able to run for 84 yards and a touchdown as the Colts trampled the Panthers in Week 16. They could do the same to the Jags in Week 17, as their run defense in equally bad. Jacksonville just gave up 135 rushing yards to Atlanta, which is not exactly a smashmouth team, and are averaging 30.2 fantasy points allowed to running backs each week. There's enough room for Marlon Mack and Jordan Wilkins to be fantasy studs in the season finale.

Travis Homer, Seattle Seahawks - 0% owned

This is the pickup you're looking for. Seattle has now lost Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson for the season, leaving their backfield and playoff hopes on the back of Hurricane alum Travis Homer. He had all of three NFL carries under his belt before Week 16 when he was forced into action. He only tallied 16 yards on five rushes, along with 26 yards on six catches. Through sheer volume in a run-heavy attack, Homer has to be considered the top waiver add of the week, even though they have a tough matchup with the 49ers. A Marshawn Lynch reunion shouldn't affect Homer in Week 17, as he'll need a week to get re-acclimated to the league and is being signed for the playoffs.

Others to consider: Dion Lewis, Tennessee Titans (27% owned); Chris Thompson, Washington Redskins (13% owned); Ryquell Armstead, Jacksonville Jaguars (1% owned); Qadree Ollison, Atlanta Falcons (0% owned)

Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options

Randall Cobb, Dallas Cowboys - 30% owned

Who's more pissed off right now, Cowboys fans or Amari Cooper's fantasy owners? This was a smash spot against the Eagles secondary but it was Cobb outproducing Cooper by almost 50 yards despite seeing five fewer targets. Cobb has fluctuated wildly from week-to-week and is hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint. That said, the Cowboys will have to pull out all the stops to win their final game and Cobb could be heavily involved.

Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers - 15% owned

We saw JuJu Smith-Schuster return but he wasn't much of a factor, catching two passes for 22 yards. He clearly isn't 100%, as he indicated earlier in the week. Regardless, Johnson has re-emerged recently as a reliable pass-catcher, going for at least 60 yards in three straight games along with two touchdowns. The Steelers will be going all out to earn a playoff berth in Week 17, while Baltimore could be playing with a second-string defense to stay fresh for the divisional round. Johnson has great upside, although it does come with risk based on Pittsburgh's QB situation.

John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals - 13% owned

He didn't reach the end zone but Ross came away with a respectable 84 yards on six receptions. He could have done more, based on his 13 targets that were fifth-most among all receivers in Week 16. Ross is still a boom-bust play but the fact he's getting so much action is encouraging. A home matchup with the Browns doesn't do anything to keep him out of the streaming conversation.

Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles - 9% owned

Are the Eagles really going to win the division with Greg Ward as their WR1? It appears so. Ward caught four passes for 71 yards in a Week 16 victory over Dallas and is literally the only healthy wideout on the roster. If Zach Ertz doesn't play due to his ribs injury, Ward could see even more action than Philly fans or coaches ever wanted. His arrow is pointing up.

Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons - 9% owned

There's a good chance that Gage proves to be a league-winner in Week 17. The classic case of production by default, Gage has gotten on the field because of Calvin Ridley's injury and could see his share of action in the final game of the season against a Bucs secondary that ranks as the most generous to opposing receivers. Gage has five catches in each of the last two games and could top that with a great yardage output in Week 17.

Justin Watson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 6% owned

Not many people jumped on Watson as the second pass-catching option in Tampa, much to my surprise. He caught five passes for 43 yards and a touchdown on Saturday, finishing with 10 targets on the day. He gets another favorable matchup with the depleted Atlanta secondary in Week 17 and should be one of the higher-priority adds on this list, at least in 12+ team leagues.

Hunter Renfrow, Oakland Raiders - 5% owned

The rookie took three weeks off due to injury and then returns to post the best game (his first 100-yard effort) of the season. Renfrow caught seven passes on nine targets for 107 yards with a touchdown to boot. It didn't help anybody this week but it could next week when multiple star wideouts are expected to sit.

Steven Sims Jr., Washington Redskins - 1% owned

I may not get every recommendation right but this is definitely one to chalk up for the win column. Sims was a strong sleeper based on his increasing target and snap totals the past couple of weeks. Sure enough, he went for 64 yards and two touchdowns in Week 16. He is firmly on the WR3 radar against Dallas.

Kelvin Harmon, Washington Redskins - 0% owned

Washington accommodated multiple receivers on the stat line in their loss to the Giants, something that hasn't often happened this year. Harmon was one of three Redskins WRs to go over 50 yards, catching five of six targets. If Keenum leads the team in Week 17, we know he'll sling the ball with reckless abandon. That could make Harmon worth a shot in deep standard leagues.

Jarius Wright, Carolina Panthers - 0% owned

If D.J. Moore doesn't play in Week 17 after suffering a concussion, Wright has some appeal in very deep leagues. That assumes Will Grier improves a great deal in his second start though.

Others to consider: James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers (33% owned); Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions (26% owned); Chris Conley, Jacksonville Jaguars (23% owned); Kenny Stills, Houston Texans (17% owned); Alex Erickson, Cincinnati Bengals (7% owned); Albert Wilson, Miami Dolphins (1% owned)

Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options

Noah Fant, Denver Broncos - 32% owned

Rookies... am I right? In the last several games, Fant has two 100+ yard efforts and three games of 15 or fewer yards. Week 16 proved to be one of the latter, as he caught just two passes for 10 yards. He's been battling a shoulder injury, which may have something to do with his ineffectiveness. He'll again be a risk-reward pick versus Oakland.

Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins - 28% owned

Chase the targets. We've preached this all season and it always pays off eventually. Gesicki flew under the radar because he wasn't productive the last two weeks but he had been getting a steady diet of targets. In Week 16, he parlayed a team-high 12 targets into 82 yards and two scores. He would be a firm TE1 option if not for the fact that Miami plays New England in the final game. The Patriots are not one to roll over no matter the circumstance so proceed with caution.

Jonnu Smith, Tennessee Titans - 15% owned

Smith was partly helped out by the fact that Derrick Henry sat out, forcing a bigger reliance on the passing game. He made his day on a 41-yard touchdown early on and then wound up with just three catches on the day. Smith has come on lately and can be considered a strong streamer in Week 17 as the Titans face the Texans, the same team he just put up 117 total yards on.

Kaden Smith, New York Giants - 2% owned

Smith bears mentioning because he found the end zone twice and caught six passes for a suddenly potent Giants offense. Adding him this week could prove to be a trap, though. He just faced one of the worst defenses against his position and now will have to face one of the toughest in Philly. I've got a bad feeling about this.

Blake Jarwin, Dallas Cowboys - 1% owned

Just because he scored three times in Week 17 last season doesn't mean he'll do it again. Then again, the Boys will face a Washington defense that allows the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends and just gave up two touchdowns to Kaden Smith. Could lightning strike twice? Probably not but hey, it's Week 17 so you never know. Never tell me the odds.

Others to consider: Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals (7% owned); Hayden Hurst, Baltimore Ravens (2% owned); Trevon Wesco, New York Jets (0% owned); Seth DeValve, Jacksonville Jaguars (0% owned)

Team Defense - Waiver Wire Options

Indianapolis Colts Defense - 45% owned

There's no way this unit will top their last game with five sacks, three picks, and two special teams touchdowns. They do get to square off with a Jaguars team that has failed to total 300 scrimmage yards in four straight games. For leagues that count points against, this is a solid pick.

Atlanta Falcons Defense - 23% owned

Who's on the schedule last? Oh, it's Jameis Winston and the Bucs! Even this secondary should be good for a couple of picks against the gambler.

Cincinnati Bengals Defense - 2% owned

If your league counts turnovers only, you could consider Cincy against Baker Mayfield and his 18 INT. You could also consider not playing in a league that holds its championship round in Week 17.

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