With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks for championship weekend for Week 17 in most leagues. Whether you’re dealing with injuries or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference.
Although these options aren’t ideal, this is the final week, so some managers might be desperate at certain positions or need to stream to win your league. Week 17 might be the new Week 18, as the holiday games have passed and we have the Sunday main slate, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football to look forward to this week in a critical spot.
Running Backs to Add for Week 17
Dylan Sampson (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers): ESPN- 25%
Honorable Mention: Tyjae Spears (vs. New Orleans Saints): ESPN- 33%
With rookie Quinshon Judkins done for the season, we have seen what fellow rookie Dylan Sampson has done when he’s gotten the majority of work in the backfield earlier in the year (when Judkins was suspended). At least for PPR, if active, he could be a flex option against a Steelers defense that is struggling with injuries. He has four games of double-digit fantasy points this season. If Sampson is out, then the same can be said about Rocket Sanders, as another Browns rookie running back could be a startable option only if one is ruled out.
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 17
Kyle Williams (@ New York Jets): ESPN- 2%
Honorable Mention: Jack Bech (vs. New York Giants): ESPN- 3%
With injuries to the Patriots‘ receiving core, rookie Kyle Williams will get extended run, and we have seen him as Drake Maye‘s go-to deep ball target. While the weather could play a factor, this Jet’s secondary is favorable and could give up a few to him, as Williams has three games of double-digit fantasy points as a desperate flex start. At the very least, he is in line to score a touchdown in an offense that should be able to put up points easily.
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 17
Taysom Hill (@ Tennessee Titans): ESPN- 25%
Honorable Mention: Michael Mayer (vs. New York Giants): ESPN- 8%
This is the ultimate boom-bust option, but if you need to stream a tight end, Taysom Hill could be the answer. Or not, as it could’ve been the circumstance last week, as his potential last home game as a Saint, as to why he was given more opportunities to get the ball. This week against the Titans, it is unclear whether he will get a significant role or if they still want to give him the ball in various ways. Last week was his first impactful game this year, with 12 carries and 4 catches. However, having said that, Hill is always viable to score when active.
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 17
Geno Smith (vs. New York Giants): ESPN- 7%
Honorable Mention: Tyler Shough (@ Tennessee Titans): ESPN- 20%
Being at home for the tank bowl, not many quarterbacks get a friendlier matchup than the Giants indoors, as their defense has fallen apart and could be high-scoring with both defenses struggling. Geno Smith does have two 25+ point fantasy games for the Raiders, making him a streamable option at quarterback this week.
Defenses to Stream for Week 17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ Miami Dolphins): ESPN- 33%
Honorable Mention: Chicago Bears (@ San Francisco 49ers): ESPN- 19%
Rookie Quinn Ewers struggled heavily last week, as it could be a bounce-back game for the Todd Bowles-led Buccaneers defense, as they look to take advantage. Even with De’Von Achane, the rest of the Dolphins‘ offense was muted, and they could have a turnover-filled day despite having just two games over 10 fantasy points, one over 15, and one over 25 this season (vs. the Saints and Jets)
