Our full free agent list is loaded with a few more late-season breakouts (Jahan Dotson, Trenton Irwin, Richie James Jr., Shane Zylstra) and injury replacements (Hassan Haskins, Justin Jackson), but it’s mostly made up of potential Week 17 streamers. You likely don’t need a waiver-wire fill-in at QB (which is a good thing because the pickings are slim), but we have some interesting players at WRs, TE, and D/ST if you want an option with a better matchup. We’re trying to help everyone win a fantasy title, so some of our suggestions are only for those in very deep leagues, but rest assured, they’re all in favorable situations. As usual, the streamers are grouped by position and can be found at the end of the list.
There’s no more “saving” waiver claims – use as many as you need in order to get all the players you want ahead of your fantasy championship game. That includes players you want to “block” your opponent from getting. In some cases, that could be of higher priority than your own pickups, but those types of moves can always backfire, so don’t go overboard.
MORE WEEK 17 PICKUPS: Full waiver list | FAAB planner
At the very least, you should ensure you have backups and potential pivots for every possible situation. In order to do this, you might need to cut “good” players, as having an RB handcuff is more important than a middling starter you would never play. It’s usually best to cut those players later in the week so your opponent can’t pick them up and start them, but if you’re not worried about that, then by all means drop them during the initial waiver rush and grab your reinforcements early.
WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 17
Unless otherwise noted, only players owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues are considered.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons. Allgeier continued his domination in Atlanta’s backfield, handling 22 touches for 117 total yards against the Ravens. Cordarrelle Patterson had 10 fewer carries and four fewer targets, so it’s pretty clear who the “lead back” is in Atlanta. That gives Allgeier plenty of upside in a favorable Week 17 matchup against Arizona, so if you’re in one of the 52 percent of Yahoo leagues where he’s still available, make him your top waiver claim.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers. Despite starting, Hubbard still saw nine fewer carries than D’Onta Foreman (21) in Week 16, but he made the most of his touches, posting a career-high 125 yards. He won’t have as easy of a time in Week 17 against a Bucs’ defense that allows the sixth-fewest fantasy points to RBs, but his steady workload still makes him a potential flex in 12-team leagues.
MORE WEEK 17 PICKUPS: Full waiver list | FAAB planner
Royce Freeman, RB, Texans. Freeman operated as Houston’s clear lead back for the second-straight week, running 16 times and catching his lone target. Unfortunately, that resulted in just 39 total yards, but Tennessee’s second-ranked run defense is a big reason for that. He should have an easier time in Week 17 against Jacksonville’s good-but-not-great run defense, making him a deep flex option in standard leagues.
WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Justin Jackson, RB, Lions. Jamaal Williams suffered a leg injury in the second half against Carolina and failed to return. It’s unclear if he couldn’t play or if he was simply held out because of the score, but his availability for Week 17’s matchup against Chicago shouldn’t be taken for granted. Jackson has already been more involved than owners of Williams and D’Andre Swift would like, and he would likely see 10-12 touches while splitting time with Swift. Chicago allows the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs, so Jackson would be a legit flex consideration in 12-team leagues.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders. Dotson had at least six targets and scored in his third-straight game, finishing with six catches (nine targets) for 76 yards and a TD against the 49ers. The talented rookie is finishing the season as he started it, and he’s a potential flex in virtually any matchup at this point. That includes next week against Cleveland’s slightly above-average pass defense.
For more waiver/free agent suggestions, including a host of potential streaming options, check out our full Week 17 list.
