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What's up, ballers? This week I will look at the best Week 17 wide receiver waiver wire pickups and rank some keepers/dynasty players for next season. I will also recommend a few players on waivers whom you should avoid. I wish you best of luck in your championship battle this week!
Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) – Week 17
Organized by priority
Doug Baldwin (SEA) – Owned in 40% of Fleaflicker leagues
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On the season, Doug Baldwin has been very inconsistent for fantasy owners, but there are a few factors that explain why I'm recommending him this week. In Week 7, Baldwin had 11 catches, 123 yards and a TD against St. Louis, also his Week 17 opponent. Last week, the Rams gave up 391 receiving yards to the Giants, which was a season worst. The Seahawks are playing for home field advantage in the playoffs, and I expect a heavy dose of the starters in Week 17. Lastly, with Jermaine Kearse out due to injury, Baldwin will get the lion's share of the opportunities. Overall I, expect solid WR3 numbers with WR2 upside.
Baller Move: Add in standard & PPR leagues 12+ teams
Eddie Royal (SD) – Owned in 35% of Fleaflicker leagues
When the San Diego Chargers lost Keenan Allen to injury in Week 15, it was clear that someone would need to step up into the open role. Now that Week 16 has come and gone, we can see that Eddie Royal is filling the void. Royal had a fantastic game with 10 catches on 12 targets for 94 yards and a TD. With the Chargers fighting for a playoff spot in Week 17, I see Royal playing a big part in their offense again. The Chiefs defense is in the middle of the pack for opposing WRs, and they've shown they're vulnerable to short intermediate routes. I anticipate seven catches and 60 to 70 yards receiving, placing him in the WR3 conversation.
Baller Move: Add in PPR leagues & standard leagues 14+ teams
Marquess Wilson (CHI) – Owned in 6% of Fleaflicker leagues
With the loss of WR Brandon Marshall to injury, Marquess Wilson has been given an opportunity to start the past two weeks opposite Alshon Jeffery. During that time, Wilson has averaged 7.5 targets, five catches, 41 yards, while scoring five TDs. Last week, Wilson had his best game of the season versus a stingy Lions defense. This week, Wilson will have another opportunity to build upon Week 16's solid start with Jay Cutler back at starting QB. If you are in a PPR, keeper or dynasty league, Wilson is a player to be targeting on waivers. In Week 17, expect around five catches and 50 yards receiving versus the Vikings, making him a nice WR3/4.
Baller Move: Add in deep PPR leagues
Other options to consider if the above recommendations aren’t available (in priority order): Charles Johnson (MIN), Robert Woods (BUF), Marqise Lee (JAX)
Next Season Considerations
Bruce Ellington (SF) – Owned in 2% of Fleaflicker leagues
It was very clear in Week 16 that the San Francisco 49ers planned to feature rookie Bruce Ellington. Sadly, Ellington sustained a hamstring injury in the third quarter and we didn't see him on the field again. Before the injury, though, he made plays with both his receiving and rushing abilities (125 total yards, two TDs). This season, Ellington has had a quiet campaign, but it's possible he could emerge next season as the 49ers WR3. If you play in a keeper or dynasty league, this is a prime time to grab Ellington on the cheap via waivers before his stock rises in the spring.
Baller Move: Add in dynasty & keeper leagues
Other keeper/dynasty options to consider: Donte Moncrief (IND), Stedman Bailey (STL)
Wide Receiver To Avoid
Rueben Randle (NYG) – Owned in 49% of Fleaflicker leagues
With all the preseason buzz about Rueben Randle this season, it's easy to call him a 'bust' on many levels. Throughout 2014, Randle has disappointed consistently, with few highlights. However, in Week 16, Randle finally put together a game that showed his upside, with six catches on six targets for 132 yards and a TD. This week, Randle will be facing a Eagles defense which has given up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing WRs, making him an intriguing deep league waiver pickup. But in Week 6 against the Eagles, Randle had five catches and 58 yards, which I expect he'll repeat in Week 17. If you are in a shallow league, stay away from Randle, as he could disappoint you once again.
Honorable mention avoidable WRs: Riley Cooper (PHI), Terrance Williams (DAL)
Good luck! If anyone has any specific questions or is looking for any assistance, hit me up @businesssoxroto. See you next season, RotoBallers!
