Last week, fantasy football managers were treated to a thrilling display of talent at the wide receiver position. The top 10 finishers included big names like Justin Jefferson, Keenan Allen, Ja’Marr Chase, and A.J. Brown. Yet, as is often the case in the unpredictable world of fantasy, an under-the-radar player made waves. Enter Olamide Zaccheaus, who shined in Week 16 with two touchdowns and a whopping 24 PPR points.
As we gear up for the championship matchups this week, it’s worth noting that while star receivers can carry teams, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of starting a lesser-known player who unexpectedly goes off. This week, we’ve analyzed matchups to help you identify potential sleepers and solidify your lineup for Week 17.
Who are the best fantasy WRs for Week 17?
When it comes to wide receivers, there are a few standout options that fantasy managers should consider. Ja’Marr Chase is still a top choice, even with a tough matchup against Patrick Surtain and the Denver defense. Why? Because he leads the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. That kind of production is hard to ignore, no matter the opponent.
Another exciting matchup this week features the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Green Bay Packers. This NFC North clash promises plenty of offensive fireworks. Justin Jefferson is the focal point of the Vikings’ offense, and he’s a must-start in any fantasy lineup. Expect a high-scoring affair as both teams look to air it out indoors.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans have had their struggles this season, but Nico Collins has emerged as a reliable target. With injuries sidelining both Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, Collins is poised to see a significant number of targets against a vulnerable Baltimore secondary. He could be a game-changer for your fantasy team.
Who are the best fantasy WR waiver pickups for Week 17?
Looking to bolster your roster? Keep an eye on Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots. Alongside Hunter Henry, Boutte has become one of the top pass catchers in the offense. He’s consistently earned 6-plus targets in six of his last eight games, culminating in a season-high 20.5 PPR points last week. If he continues to draw downfield targets from quarterback Drake Maye, he could deliver another standout performance.
Additionally, with Tank Dell recovering from a knee injury, Robert Woods has stepped up for the Texans. He recorded four targets while running 58 percent of the routes last week. If John Metchie remains out, Woods is likely to play a significant role alongside Collins and could provide a solid floor in a favorable matchup against the Ravens.
Who are the best fantasy WR sleepers for Week 17?
If you’re searching for a sleeper, look no further than Adam Thielen. Since returning from IR, he’s scored at least 15 PPR points in three of five games. Thielen has established himself as quarterback Bryce Young’s go-to target, leading the Panthers in targets for four straight games. This week, he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who present a top-10 fantasy matchup for receivers. Thielen is a strong Flex option and could even be viewed as a WR2 in this matchup.
Another sleeper to consider is Jalen McMillan. Filling the void left by Chris Godwin, McMillan has seen an uptick in his target share and has been a red zone threat in recent weeks. With the Buccaneers facing the Panthers, who have the No. 32 scoring defense in the NFL, McMillan should be in line for a few scoring opportunities this week.
What are the biggest WR injuries for Week 17?
Injuries can shake up fantasy lineups, and this week is no exception. Drake London suffered a hamstring injury last week but is expected to play. Coach Raheem Morris indicated that London would have returned if the game had been closer, so fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief.
George Pickens has been dealing with a hamstring issue, but coach Mike Tomlin mentioned that he has a "real shot" to play against the Chiefs on Christmas. Keep an eye on updates, as his status could impact your lineup.
Zay Flowers was a DNP on Sunday ahead of the Ravens’ Christmas Day matchup. While this seems precautionary, it’s essential to monitor practice reports in the coming days.
As for Jaylen Waddle, he sustained a knee injury in Week 15 and missed Week 16. There’s currently no timeline for his return, so stay tuned for updates.
Lastly, the Saints placed Chris Olave on IR after a scary concussion in Week 9. His 21-day practice window opened last week, so there’s a chance he could return this season, which would be a significant boost for the New Orleans offense.
Week 17 fantasy football rankings
As we dive into the rankings, remember that these are based on PPR scoring and will be updated throughout the week. Here’s a snapshot of the top wide receivers for Week 17:
| RANK | PLAYER NAME | TEAM | OPPONENT |
| 1 | Justin Jefferson | MIN | vs. GB |
| 2 | Nico Collins | HOU | vs. BAL |
| 3 | Puka Nacua | LAR | vs. ARI |
| 4 | Ja’Marr Chase | CIN | vs. DEN |
| 5 | Mike Evans | TB | vs. CAR |
| 6 | A.J. Brown | PHI | vs. DAL |
| 7 | CeeDee Lamb | DAL | at PHI |
| 8 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | at SF |
| 9 | Brian Thomas Jr. | JAC | vs. TEN |
| 10 | Terry McLaurin | WAS | vs. ATL |
With championship matchups on the line, make sure your lineup is set for success. Whether you’re banking on your star players or taking a chance on a sleeper, the excitement of fantasy football is alive and well!
