Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 17 (Fantasy Football)

After enduring sixteen long weeks of sacrificing our professional and social lives for the game we love, we have finally arrived at the pinnacle of the season. At long last, your perseverance has paid off, and you have successfully secured your spot in the fantasy football championship round. Numerous valiant contenders have fallen in their pursuit of reaching this climactic moment. Frankly, your entire league is currently envious of your position. Yet, only one team can emerge as the ultimate champion, proudly wearing the crown and hoisting the trophy high throughout the offseason. Months of meticulous draft preparation, tactical waiver wire maneuvers, and strategic lineup decisions have all led to this defining moment. Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip? The time has arrived to claim what is rightfully yours and heed the wise counsel of Eminem. Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to Week 17’s golden pickups, destined to propel you to championship glory.

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Running Backs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs – While Clyde Edwards-Helaire may never fulfill his initial draft expectations, he has showcased notable performances in the latter part of this season. During Kansas City’s surprising Week 16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the seasoned running back rushed four times for six yards and caught all three of his targets, amassing an additional 42 yards. Despite seemingly modest statistics, a noteworthy development emerged later in the game. Isiah Pacheco, the lead back, exited the game in the second half due to a suspected concussion, and his return remains uncertain. If Pacheco fails to clear concussion protocol for Week 17, Edwards-Helaire could step into the role of the team’s primary running back, with Jerick McKinnon already on the IR with a groin injury. Given these circumstances, it is strongly recommended to prioritize Edwards-Helaire as an addition, particularly with the prospect of facing a vulnerable Cincinnati Bengals defense.

Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears – Throughout the season, predicting the lead running back for the Chicago Bears has become increasingly challenging. As Week 16 approached, the news of D’Onta Foreman‘s absence opened the door for more opportunities, with Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert in the spotlight. Despite both players impressing in a win against the Arizona Cardinals, it was Herbert who particularly shone. Handling the majority of the team’s rushing duties, he carried the ball 20 times for 112 yards and a touchdown, adding nine yards on one reception. Unfortunately for his fantasy prospects, the favorable matchup against the Cardinals will not repeat next week. Despite this, if you are in need of a running back this late in the season, Herbert appears to be a solid candidate for high volume. His next challenge awaits against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Washington Commanders – Have yourself a day Mr. Rodriguez! Stepping in for the injured Brian Robinson Jr., rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. delivered a standout performance in a Week 16 loss to the New York Jets. Despite limited opportunities this season, Rodriguez made the most of his enhanced role, gaining 58 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns on ten carries. He also caught one of two targets for an additional seven yards. While a late-game ankle injury sidelined him and likely cost him another rushing touchdown, Rodriguez could offer flex appeal in Week 17 if Robinson remains sidelined, assuming he does not face lingering setbacks. However, expectations should be tempered in the face of a Week 17 matchup against the formidable San Francisco 49ers defense.

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Wide Receivers

Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams – In last week’s edition of this article, we highlighted Demarcus Robinson‘s recent hot streak. Heading into Week 16, he had three consecutive games with 40+ receiving yards, each featuring a touchdown. Despite concerns about his role with Tutu Atwell‘s return, Robinson dispelled doubts in a Week 16 victory against the New Orleans Saints. He had his most impressive showing of the season, catching all six of his targets for 82 yards and a touchdown. With a scoring streak extended to four games, Robinson seems to have solidified a permanent role in the offense, earning the trust of Matthew Stafford. The next challenge for him to maintain this momentum comes in a Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants.

Rashid Shaheed, WR, New Orleans Saints – If you are scouring the waivers during championship week, it is likely you need a spot starter. When seeking a desperate option, it is advisable to target someone with a high ceiling to inject volatility into your lineup. Few players in the league fit this bill better than Rashid Shaheed. The speedy wide receiver has shown glimpses of explosive performances throughout the season, although recent injuries have hampered his fantasy outlook. In a Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Shaheed caught five of nine targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. Despite sharing the field with Chris Olave, Shaheed remains a favored target for Derek Carr, with his elite speed always offering a chance for a deep ball connection. If you are in need of a spot starter that can lead you to gold, Shaheed brings intriguing upside in a Week 17 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Demario Douglas, WR, New England Patriots – Demario Douglas has consistently demonstrated glimpses of his potential throughout the season. His exceptional elusiveness and effectiveness with the ball in his hands make him a tantalizing option for fantasy purposes. Unfortunately, his reliability has been hindered by subpar quarterback performances and a mix of injuries that have sidelined him for multiple games. Despite these challenges, recent weeks have seen a resurgence in his form, positioning him as the team’s lead wide receiver. In a Week 16 victory against the Denver Broncos, Douglas secured five receptions out of nine targets, amassing 74 yards. Notably, he has achieved 70+ receiving yards in two of his last four games, emerging as a favored target for Bailey Zappe. The upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, in a game where the team is expected to be chasing points, will serve as a crucial test for Douglas to sustain his current impressive streak.

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Tight Ends

Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers – Securing reliable streaming options at the tight end position can prove challenging, but Tucker Kraft has emerged as a dependable option in recent weeks. Notably, the talented rookie has recorded four receptions for 57+ receiving yards in his last three games. In a Week 16 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Kraft hauled in four of six targets for 60 yards. The injury-ridden Green Bay wide receiver room has opened up additional opportunities for targets, and Kraft seems to be a significant beneficiary of this situation. With Jordan Love performing at a high level, Kraft inspires trust heading into a Week 17 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans – A few weeks back, we highlighted Chigoziem Okonkwo‘s increased targets in the Tennessee Titans’ offense, leading to notable production. Given his compelling athletic profile and expanded role, it seemed inevitable that the young tight end could have a splash performance on the horizon. In Week 16, during a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Okonkwo had his best performance of the season. He finished the game in perfect form, catching all six of his targets for 63 yards and a touchdown. This marks his second game in the last four where he has surpassed 60 receiving yards. If you are seeking a streaming option in the championship round, he seems like a viable choice, albeit requiring steel underpants. The athletic tight end aims to conclude the season on a high note in a favorable matchup against the Houston Texans.

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Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

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Final Thoughts

I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who placed their trust in me this season. My first year writing for The Fantasy Footballers has been nothing short of a dream come true. Guiding you through the weekly quest for the best waiver wire pickups, from Puka Nacua to Kyren Williams, has been an incredible ride. As judgment day arrives with the championship round beginning, remember to seize the moment. Ensure your bench is fortified with every possible advantage to claim the top spot. Personally, I have made it a tradition to pick up Ryan Fitzpatrick each season for that extra championship push. Though he is no longer active on the field, his magic has proven pivotal for my team in several seasons. May you discover your own magic in the week ahead and emerge triumphant in your league’s championship.