Week 17 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Picks: Championship Week
Merry Christmas and Happy Playoffs, fantasy football fans! Week 17 is here, and it’s time to put the final touches on your roster as you prepare for the most important week of the season—the championship. Whether you’re playing for a title or just looking for a little more excitement, the waiver wire can be a goldmine, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.
This week’s waiver wire is all about strategic pickups—blocking your opponents, playing the matchups, and securing those final spots that could win you the championship. Let’s dive in!
Quarterbacks: Block Your Opponent and Stay Flexible
The quarterback position has some intriguing options this week, especially with injuries that could shake up your opponent’s plans. Jalen Hurts (concussion) left the game early in Week 16, leaving many fantasy managers scrambling. If you’re facing an opponent who has Hurts, consider playing the waiver wire game to block their potential quarterback replacements.
Some quarterbacks to target this week include:
- Matthew Stafford (LAR): Stafford has been steady and could provide a solid option for your championship matchup, especially with some favorable matchups in the next few weeks.
- Aaron Rodgers (NYJ): If you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward play, Rodgers could be worth a look. He has a great matchup in Week 17, and if you’re in a cutthroat playoff scenario, grabbing him just to block your opponent might be your best move.
- Geno Smith (SEA): Geno has had a solid season and could be a decent plug-in if you’re desperate for a QB this week.
- Russell Wilson (PIT): Wilson has shown signs of life, and Pittsburg’s offense has improved. He’s another low-cost waiver target to consider, especially if you’re looking to block your opponent’s QB options.
Pro Tip: When you’re this close to a championship, the waiver wire isn’t just about improving your own roster—it’s about making sure your opponent doesn’t get a leg up. If you have the bench space, don’t hesitate to pick up multiple quarterbacks with favorable matchups, then drop them after the waivers reset to prevent your opponent from getting them.
Tight Ends: Streaming Options to Help Secure the Title
The tight end landscape has been tough this year, but some players are stepping up just in time for the fantasy championship.
- Dalton Schultz (HOU): Schultz has emerged as a key target in Houston’s offense, especially with Tank Dell going down with an injury. In his last three games, Schultz has accumulated 12 catches, 119 yards, and 2 touchdowns. With a solid target share and red-zone looks, he’s a great tight end streaming option in Week 17.
Pro Tip: Tight end is often a position where owners get thin, so if you need to stream one this week, Schultz is a reliable option with a decent matchup against the Ravens.
Wide Receivers: Opportunities for Flex Play in the Championship
With injuries and unexpected performances shaking up the fantasy football world, Week 16 was a great week to see some wide receivers emerge. Here are some guys who are still available in many leagues:
- Darnell Mooney (ATL): Mooney had a solid performance in Week 16, with 6 catches for 85 yards. He could be a great flex play in deeper leagues or if you need a wide receiver who can provide some upside this week.
- Josh Downs (IND): With 15 points in Week 16, Downs is emerging as a trusted target in Indianapolis’ offense. He’s had double-digit targets in recent weeks and could be an excellent last-minute pick for your championship matchup.
- Rashod Bateman (BAL): Bateman is available in many leagues and has shown flashes of brilliance. If you need a potential boom-or-bust play, Bateman could be a sneaky option in a big week for your roster.
- Olamide Zaccheaus (WAS): Zaccheaus became a top target for rookie quarterback Jalen Daniels last week with 8 targets against the Eagles. As Diami Brown continues to deal with injuries, Zaccheaus could be a sleeper option for the fantasy playoffs.
Pro Tip: Wide receiver is often the most volatile position in fantasy football, so consider picking up guys who have the potential to get a lot of volume, like Downs and Mooney. But don’t forget about blocking—if your opponent has a wide receiver need, make sure to snatch up guys like Bateman and Zaccheaus to keep them off the waiver wire.
Running Backs: Picking Up the Scraps
The running back position is always an area where injuries and backups can make a huge difference down the stretch. Here’s a list of running backs to target in Week 17:
- Trey Benson (ARI): If James Conner (hip) is forced to miss time, Benson could be the top waiver wire target. He’s shown promise when healthy and could take on a prominent role in Week 17 if Conner remains out.
- Michael Carter (ARI): If Conner and Benson are sidelined, Carter will likely handle the majority of the workload in Arizona’s backfield. He had 5 carries and 5 catches in Week 16 after Conner was forced out, making him a solid pickup for championship week.
- Audric Estime (DEN): With Javonte Williams struggling this season, Estime has emerged as a goal-line threat for Denver. If you’re in a league where you need a touchdown-dependent running back, he could be a decent flex play.
- JK Dobbins (LAC): If you’re in a dynasty or keeper league, JK Dobbins is a player worth keeping an eye on. He’s been activated by the Chargers and could see increased work in a playoff push. If Dobbins is available in your league, now is the time to pick him up.
Pro Tip: The running back position is always full of surprises at this time of year, so be proactive on the waiver wire and make sure you’ve got depth in case of injuries.
Final Thoughts: Get Cutthroat, Get Strategic
As we head into the fantasy football championship, remember that this is a week where strategy matters more than ever. Don’t be afraid to get cutthroat—block your opponents, look for mismatches, and make sure your roster is as solid as possible.
- Play the waiver wire strategically: Don’t just pick up players for your own team—make sure to grab players that your opponents need, especially at key positions like quarterback and tight end.
- Look for high-upside plays: In a week like this, sometimes it’s the boom-or-bust players that make the biggest impact. Keep an eye on emerging players who could step into a larger role.
- Stay active: Keep checking the waiver wire up until the last moment before the playoffs kick off. A last-minute pickup could be the difference between a win and a loss.
Good luck in Week 17, and may your fantasy football championship dreams come true!
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