Finding the right Fantasy Football Week 17 waiver wire targets can make or break your season. With injuries, breakout performances, and shifting depth charts after Week 16, the waiver wire is packed with must-add players who can give your roster an edge. Whether you’re looking for a running back to replace an injured starter, a wide receiver with breakout potential, or a quarterback stream for Week 17, we’ve got you covered with the top waiver wire pickups you need to prioritize.
Michael Carter, RB (ARI)
Rostered: 42%
Michael Carter has emerged as the Cardinals’ lead back after Bam Knight’s injury, taking over the early-down workload and logging significant snap counts over the past two weeks. In Week 15, Carter carried 14 times for 56 yards and added four catches for 38 yards, while playing 80% of the offensive snaps. He followed that with 11 carries for 65 yards in Week 16 against Atlanta, despite not seeing a single target. Arizona’s offensive line has struggled with injuries all season, which could limit his rushing upside, but Carter remains the most reliable back in the rotation. Corey Kiner and Emari Demercado are still on the roster, but their involvement remains limited and situational. Carter’s touches have consistently translated to yardage, giving him a moderate floor even in games where the Cardinals fall behind early.
With a Week 17 matchup against the Bengals, who have allowed the most rushing yards to running backs this season, Carter presents intriguing upside. Fantasy managers should consider Carter a volatile but necessary add, especially in deeper leagues or in teams facing RB injuries. His role as the primary early-down back, combined with his snap share, gives him a chance to deliver meaningful fantasy points. Carter’s production is enhanced by his pass-catching ability, with 19 receptions since Week 11, though targets can be inconsistent. He remains a high-upside flex or low-end RB2 option for Week 17. Overall, he’s a volume-driven addition with a strong matchup this week.
Raheim Sanders, RB (CLE)
Rostered: 0%
Raheim Sanders has suddenly become the Browns’ lead back following Quinshon Judkins’ gruesome ankle injury, compounded by Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford being sidelined. Sanders logged 11 carries for 42 yards and a four-yard reception in Week 16 against Buffalo, showing flashes of the speed and vision that earned him 1,443 rushing yards at Arkansas in 2022. While the rookie is untested at the NFL level, injuries have opened the door for a volume-driven Week 17 workload against the Steelers. Sampson remains the nominal starter if healthy, but his uncertain status leaves Sanders as the likely bell-cow candidate. The Browns’ offensive line has been decimated by injuries, which could suppress his upside, yet volume and goal-line touches are likely to keep him fantasy relevant.
Sanders’ involvement as both a runner and occasional receiver gives him a scoring floor that can stabilize shallow benches. Managers in must-win situations or with thin backfields should consider him immediately, while those with established RB1s can only use him as insurance. If Sampson returns, a committee is likely, limiting Sanders’ ceiling, but for now, he offers a legitimate path to points in standard and PPR formats. Sanders is a strong addition on the waiver wire for any desperate for running back depth during playoff week. Overall, he’s a boom-or-bust play who could reward bold managers with his volume this week.
Tyler Shough, QB (NO)
Rostered: 18%
Tyler Shough has quietly established himself as one of the more consistent quarterbacks, scoring at least 17 fantasy points in each of his last four games. The rookie completes 66.7% of his passes on the season, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt, and adds value on the ground with 135 rushing yards and two touchdown runs over his last five games. Shough has performed admirably despite a depleted Saints receiving corps, with Chris Olave being his primary target while most other options have been injured. In four of his last six games, he ranked among the top 15 fantasy quarterbacks in standard leagues, with six touchdowns and three interceptions over that span. Shough is not a top-12 option for traditional leagues, but he is the best available choice on the waiver wire.
Week 17 presents a favorable matchup against the Titans, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Shough’s production has been bolstered by his ability to extend plays and use his legs to create scoring opportunities. Managers with injured quarterbacks or those seeking a replacement should prioritize Shough over other unproven or matchup-challenged options. Shough’s consistency and dual-threat skills make him a reliable, high-upside waiver wire quarterback. He is well-positioned to maintain fantasy relevance through the season’s final week.
Parker Washington, WR (JAC)
Rostered: 23%
Parker Washington had a breakout Week 16 performance, catching six passes for 145 yards and a touchdown against Denver. He has steadily carved out a role as the third wide receiver in Jacksonville’s 11-personnel sets, playing over 60% of snaps in recent games after inconsistent involvement since the Jakobi Meyers trade. Washington has shown flashes of production throughout the season, including an 8/90-0 game against the Raiders and a 5/71-1 game versus the Cardinals. Though his performance came against a tough Denver secondary, it demonstrates his ability to capitalize on mismatches when top receivers like Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. are healthy. His snap share, target volume, and air yards indicate he is capable of contributing meaningful fantasy points in deeper leagues.
Fantasy managers should view Washington as a low-end WR3 or high-upside Flex for Week 17. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17, a defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, giving Washington a favorable matchup. While he is unlikely to surpass Meyers or Thomas Jr. in the long term, his recent usage spike shows he can produce as a streaming option. Washington is a compelling choice for those needing a FLEX wide receiver or targeting high-upside pickups in consolation brackets. He remains a low-cost, high-upside addition for fantasy managers in need of volume receivers.
Blake Corum, RB (LAR)
Rostered: 41%
Blake Corum has been on a hot streak, scoring five touchdowns and averaging 82 rushing yards per game over his last four outings. He has consistently posted 7.5 yards per carry during that span, showing efficiency despite a lack of high-volume opportunities. Corum typically plays a one-third snap rotation behind Kyren Williams, but the Rams’ high-powered offense allows him to produce fantasy-relevant numbers. Over the past several games, the Rams have rotated the two backs by drive, giving Corum a predictable share of opportunities while maintaining explosiveness on the field. He has become a touchdown-dependent but efficient RB2 or flex option, scoring at least 13.1 fantasy points in four straight games. Corum’s production has been aided by his ability to break long runs and gain significant yardage on limited touches.
Against Atlanta in Week 17, he faces a defense allowing the 13th-most fantasy points to running backs, providing a favorable matchup. The Rams are entering the week as heavy favorites, and it ensures both running backs will see double-digit carries, solidifying Corum’s relevance. For fantasy managers, Corum represents a reliable flex option whose production is heavily tied to him getting in the end zone. He remains under-rostered at 41%, making him an attractive pickup ahead of championship week. Managers should view him as a low-end RB2 or high-end flex who can contribute meaningful points without needing full workload shares. He is well-positioned to continue his hot streak against an exploitable Falcons run defense.
Chris Rodriguez Jr, RB (WAS)
Rostered: 29%
Chris Rodriguez Jr. returned from a Week 15 to lead the Commanders’ backfield in Week 16. He had a strong day in the loss, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles. Rodriguez played 28 of Washington’s 54 offensive snaps, leading all backs and establishing himself as the primary early-down option. Jeremy McNichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt played secondary roles, with Croskey-Merritt logging 11 snaps and McNichols seeing 15. Over the last five games, Rodriguez has consistently earned double-digit carries, providing a stable floor in fantasy. With his lead role, Rodriguez has scored 10-plus points in two of his last three games, providing steady RB3 production.
His upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, who have allowed the seventh-most points to running backs, enhances his fantasy appeal. Last week, the Cowboys’ defense regressed without their star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and if he misses again, it is a favorable matchup for Rodriguez and the Commanders/ The Commanders’ backfield rotation continues with Croskey-Merritt as a backup, but Rodriguez is firmly entrenched as the top option when active. Managers with thin RB benches or those in need of streaming backs in the playoffs should consider adding him immediately. His role in a consistent backfield rotation provides a moderate floor with touchdown upside.
Luther Burden, WR (CHI)
Rostered: 16%
Luther Burden has been Chicago’s most productive wide receiver in recent weeks, catching 23 passes for 308 yards from Weeks 9-15. He has run a majority of his routes in 11 personnel, surpassing Olamide Zaccheaus in involvement while showcasing his ability to produce despite limited snaps. Burden missed Week 16 due to an ankle injury, but his availability for Week 17 will dictate his fantasy value. If healthy, he could step back into a leading role in the Bears’ passing game, especially with Rome Odunze also nursing injuries. The Bears face a favorable matchup against the 49ers, who have allowed the third-most receiving yards and second-most receptions to slot wide receivers. Burden’s slot alignment and route-running ability position him well to exploit that weakness. Fantasy managers should monitor injury reports closely, as his participation will determine whether he is a high-upside WR3 or a risky add.
Burden has shown the ability to contribute meaningful fantasy points when given an expanded role. The Week 17 matchup could turn into a shootout, further enhancing his upside if he suits up. In the absence of Odunze or other starters, Burden’s snap share and target volume should increase. He has demonstrated a capacity to make explosive plays, including multiple 70-plus yard games this season. Managers in need of a wide receiver for the final week should prioritize Burden if he practices during the week. His talent, combined with a favorable matchup, gives him legitimate Flex upside. Burden represents one of the top waiver-wire options available for Week 17 if he is cleared to play.
Troy Franklin, WR (DEN)
Rostered: 49%
Troy Franklin is set to assume a major role in Denver’s passing game after Pat Bryant suffered a concussion in Week 16. He logged 66 yards on four receptions versus the Jaguars, which is nothing crazy but still solid WR3 production. Franklin ranks third in the NFL in deep targets and eighth in red-zone targets this season, highlighting his big-play potential and scoring upside. He has consistently run the second-most snaps and routes behind Courtland Sutton, showcasing his reliability in the offense. Franklin’s Week 17 matchup against a struggling Chiefs defense is favorable, as Kansas City ranks 18th in pass defense DVOA and is bottom-10 in sacks. The Broncos’ offense should be in an aggressive position, giving Franklin ample opportunity to continue his productive trend. With WR2 snaps now secured, he has legitimate Flex or low-end WR2 value in most leagues.
Fantasy managers should consider Franklin a high-upside waiver-wire option, particularly for teams streaming receivers in the playoffs. He has produced in multiple games this season, including Week 11 against Kansas City, with four catches for 84 yards on eight targets. Franklin’s involvement on deep and red-zone targets gives him a higher ceiling than a majority of streaming options. Franklin offers a combination of talent, opportunity, and matchup that makes him an attractive Week 17 option. He is capable of contributing double-digit points this week, which could be a massive boost for many teams. Overall, Franklin is one of the more consistent and high-upside wide receivers available on the waiver wire.
Jawhar Jordan, RB (HOU)
Rostered: 3%
Jawhar Jordan became Houston’s lead back in Week 16 after Woody Marks missed the game with an ankle injury and Nick Chubb returned from injury. Jordan carried 15 times for 53 yards and added five receptions for 17 yards, showcasing a balanced skill set in a three-man backfield. His opportunity arose due to injuries to both Marks and Chubb, giving him a rare chance to lead the Texans’ offense in Week 15. Jordan had previously flashed big-play ability with a 101-yard game in that game, but failed to replicate it against the Raiders. Houston has rotated backs heavily this season, but Jordan’s touches indicate the team trusts him in the absence of other options. He remains a low-rostered player (3%), making him an under-the-radar add for fantasy managers needing depth. Jordan faces the Chargers in Week 17, a tougher matchup, but volume alone could sustain his fantasy relevance.
Fantasy managers should treat Jordan as a high-risk, high-reward flex or RB3 option. If Marks were to miss another game, Jordan would likely receive the bulk of touches, giving him potential touchdown and yardage upside. Houston’s backfield is volatile, but Jordan’s snaps in Week 16 showed he can handle a lead role. His contributions in both the rushing and passing game give him a moderate floor despite the tough matchup. Managers in need of a running back should consider adding him immediately, especially in deeper leagues or for consolation prizes. Jordan’s ceiling is capped by Houston’s offensive limitations and the likelihood of Chubb returning to a larger role. He remains a speculative but potentially rewarding addition for fantasy managers seeking depth or injury insurance.
Taysom Hill, TE (NO)
Rostered: 1%
Taysom Hill delivered one of the most unique and fantasy-relevant performances of the entire season in Week 16, reaffirming his role as an offensive weapon rather than a gimmick player. He logged 12 rushing attempts, four receptions, and even threw a touchdown pass, accounting for production in nearly every offensive phase. With the Saints’ running back room completely decimated by injuries, Hill operated as the team’s primary runner for extended stretches. He lined up at running back on a season-high percentage of snaps, a clear indication this usage was intentional and not situational. Hill also ran routes on over 40% of passing plays, keeping him involved even when New Orleans trailed. When given volume, Hill consistently produces elite fantasy outputs regardless of position designation.
From a waiver wire perspective, Hill is one of the highest-upside tight end options available. Tight end remains a volatile position, and Hill’s rushing role provides a scoring floor few others can match. New Orleans faces Tennessee in Week 17, a defense that has struggled against mobile players and allowed above-average rushing efficiency. Even if his usage regresses slightly, his goal-line role preserves strong touchdown equity. Hill’s positional eligibility at tight end makes his rushing workload even more valuable. Managers streaming tight ends or dealing with injuries should prioritize him aggressively. Hill stands out as a premium waiver wire add with legitimate league-winning upside.
New England Patriots, DEF
Rostered: 17%
The New England Patriots’ defense continues to be one of the most reliable units in fantasy football. They rank top 10 in fantasy points per game and have forced turnovers in three straight contests. New England has recorded double-digit fantasy performances in four of their last seven games. Their pass rush has consistently pressured quarterbacks, leading to sacks and mistakes. The defense has proven matchup-proof at times this year and is a big reason why they are in contention for the #1 seed in the AFC.
The Patriots are an elite waiver wire defense this week due to the matchup. New England faces the Jets, who are going to start rookie Brady Cook. Cook has thrown four interceptions and taken 11 sacks in two starts. The Jets offense has been a mess, regardless of who has been at QB, and with no rushing game paired with the poor QB play, they have been a goldmine for fantasy defenses. Managers streaming defenses should prioritize New England immediately. They are one of the best waiver wire adds at the position this week.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Aaron Rodgers QB (PIT) – 29% rostered
- Cam Ward QB (TEN) – 8% rostered
- Emanuel Wilson RB (GB) – 37% rostered
- Audric Estime RB (NO) – 19% rostered
- Adonai Mitchell WR (NYJ) – 19% rostered
- Mack Hollins WR (NE) – 3% rostered
- Colston Loveland TE (CHI) – 40% rostered
- Colby Parkinson TE (LAR) – 32% rostered
- Dallas Cowboys DEF – 25% rostered
- New York Giants DEF – 10% rostered
- Eddy Pineiro K (SF) – 30% rostered
Droppable Players
- Baker Mayfield QB (TB)
- Quinshon Judkins RB (CLE)
- Jordan Mason RB (MIN)
- Kimani Vidal RB (LAC)
- Kareem Hunt RB (KC)
- Jordan Addison WR (MIN)
- Oronde Gadsden TE (LAC)
Don’t Drop these Guys Just Yet
- Jacoby Brissett QB (ARI)
- Brian Thomas Jr WR (LAC)
- Emeka Egbuka WR (TB)
- Christian Watson WR (GB)
- Mark Andrews TE (BAL)
