Week 17 is here, and for many fantasy football enthusiasts, that means it’s championship week! If you’ve made it to the finals of your league, a huge congratulations is in order! But hold on—there’s no time to rest on your laurels. Instead, it’s time to dive back into the action and tackle the first item on your Week 17 to-do list: filing those all-important waiver claims.
Injuries and underperformance can derail even the best fantasy teams, so if you’ve lost a key player or are frustrated with someone who just isn’t producing, the waiver wire is your friend. It might not be ideal, but with a keen eye for matchups and players stepping into larger roles, you can find starter-level production that could make all the difference in your championship quest.
Last week, we highlighted players like Tyjae Spears and Jerome Ford, who turned out to be fantastic waiver pickups. Both found the end zone in Week 16 and delivered strong fantasy performances. This week, we’re back with another batch of potential game-changers to help you secure that title!
Top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 17
Roster percentages are based on Yahoo! fantasy leagues, and these players could be just what you need to clinch victory.
Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals (18% Rostered)
The Cardinals’ running back situation is looking shaky heading into Week 17. Trey Benson is nursing an ankle injury, but James Conner’s knee injury from last week’s game against the Panthers complicates things even further. If Benson can return, he’s poised to step in as Arizona’s lead back. Keep a close watch on the injury report this week!
FAAB Recommendation: 20-25% of your budget
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Washington Commanders (0% Rostered)
Zaccheaus just had his best game of the season, racking up 24 PPR points with a 5/70/2 stat line. With Noah Brown sidelined, he’s taken on a more significant role in the Washington offense, ranking second on the team in targets over the last two games. Against a shaky Atlanta defense, he could be a solid emergency Flex option.
FAAB Recommendation: 5-10% of your budget
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans (6% Rostered)
Okonkwo has been a target magnet recently, with 21 targets in the last two weeks. He’s caught 17 passes for 33 PPR points during that stretch. As Mason Rudolph’s go-to guy, Okonkwo is emerging as a legitimate TE1 option with his high-volume role.
FAAB Recommendation: 5-10% of your budget
Who are the top quarterback waiver wire targets?
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (7% Rostered)
Bryce Young has had his ups and downs lately, but he’s coming off one of his better performances against the Cardinals, throwing for two touchdowns and adding a rushing score. With the porous Tampa Bay defense on deck, he’s an intriguing streaming option this week.
FAAB Recommendation: 2-5% of your budget
Who are the other top running back waiver wire targets?
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints (46% Rostered)
With Alvin Kamara missing Week 16 and potentially being shut down for the rest of the season, Kendre Miller is in line for a significant workload. Facing a feast-or-famine Raiders defense, Miller could be a solid RB2 option if given enough touches.
FAAB Recommendation: 20-25% of your budget
Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers (48% Rostered)
Edwards may have had a standout 43-yard run last week, but his fantasy value hinges on his role as the Chargers’ goal-line back. With Justin Herbert in top form, Edwards could see multiple goal-line carries again this week.
FAAB Recommendation: 10-15% of your budget
Who are the other top wide receiver waiver wire targets?
Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots (3% Rostered)
Boutte is emerging as a key player in the New England offense, consistently earning 6-plus targets in six of his last eight games. After posting a season-high 20.5 PPR points last week, he could be in for another big performance if he continues to get downfield looks from Drake Maye.
FAAB Recommendation: 2-5% of your budget
Robert Woods, Houston Texans (0% Rostered)
With Tank Dell sidelined, Robert Woods stepped up for the Texans, securing four targets while running 58% of the routes. If John Metchie remains out, Woods could find himself in a full-time role, providing a reasonable floor against the Ravens.
FAAB Recommendation: 2-5% of your budget
Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals (3% Rostered)
Iosivas has been the WR3 for the Bengals, but with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins drawing most of the attention, he’s had a tough time earning targets. However, his size makes him a red-zone threat, and he could score if given the opportunity.
FAAB Recommendation: 2-5% of your budget
Who are the other top tight end waiver wire targets?
Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans (56% Rostered)
With Tank Dell out, Dalton Schultz capitalized on the opportunity, drawing eight targets and scoring a touchdown last week. The Ravens have struggled against the pass, making Schultz a potential star in this matchup.
FAAB Recommendation: 5-10% of your budget
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (49% Rostered)
Hunter Henry is a must-roster tight end due to his consistent target share. He has led the Patriots in targets in four of the last five weeks, making him a valuable asset in larger leagues.
FAAB Recommendation: 2-5% of your budget
Who are the top defense waiver wire targets and streamers?
Indianapolis Colts (47% Rostered)
The Colts face off against the Giants in what could be a battle of struggling offenses. With the Giants’ offense underperforming, the Colts are a prime target for defensive streamers this week.
FAAB Recommendation: 1-2% of your budget
Las Vegas Raiders (10% Rostered)
The Raiders are also in streaming consideration as they face a Saints team that has struggled offensively. With Spencer Rattler at the helm, the Raiders could capitalize on this matchup.
FAAB Recommendation: 1-2% of your budget
As you prepare for your fantasy championship, remember that the waiver wire can be a treasure trove of opportunities. Stay sharp, make those claims, and aim for glory!
