The second round of the fantasy postseason is behind us, and now most leagues are down to the final two teams as we head into championship week. While many lineups are set, Week 16 injuries and surprise performances have created opportunities for several players who are still available in many leagues.
To help with your roster decisions, here’s a look at 10 players (and other notable pickups) to target off the waiver wire. Don’t forget to check out Fantasy Dirt with me and Lindsay Rhodes five days a week, including our deep dive into free agents every Tuesday!
Week 17 Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups
Kendre Miller, RB, Saints (ESPN – 47.1%; Sleeper – 49%; Yahoo! – 46%)
Miller was a popular waiver wire add last week, but he’s still available in over 50% of leagues across the major platforms. With reports suggesting Alvin Kamara could be done for the season, Miller is poised for a significant increase in touches. He also has a favorable matchup against the Raiders in Week 17, making him a potential flex option.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (ESPN – 48.2%; Sleeper – 57%; Yahoo! – 56%)
Spears delivered the best fantasy performance of his career in Week 15, scoring two touchdowns and posting 27.2 points. He followed that up with another strong outing against the Colts, recording three catches for 66 yards and two more touchdowns, totaling 21.6 points. Spears also had three more touches than Tony Pollard, making him a solid flex option moving forward.
Trey Benson, RB, Cardinals (ESPN – 18%; Sleeper – 24%; Yahoo! – 18%)
With James Conner leaving the game against the Panthers due to a knee injury, his status for Week 17 is uncertain. Benson was inactive in that game due to an ankle injury, but if Conner is sidelined and Benson returns, he would be the next man up. In a worst-case scenario where both are out, fantasy managers should consider adding veteran Michael Carter.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Buccaneers (ESPN – 33.1%; Sleeper – 50%; Yahoo! – 45%)
McMillan, who has been featured in previous waiver wire articles, continued his strong play with 57 yards, one touchdown, and 16.7 points in a loss to the Cowboys. The rookie has seen a combined 20 targets over his last three games, scoring no fewer than 16.7 points in each. He’s a viable flex option for Week 17 when the Buccaneers face the Panthers.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts (ESPN – 53%; Sleeper – 58%; Yahoo! – 59%)
Richardson had an impressive performance this weekend, throwing for 131 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 70 yards and another score, finishing with 20.2 points. He’s now posted 20-plus points in two of his last three games. With a favorable matchup against the Giants in Week 17, Richardson is a solid fantasy starter for championship week.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Raiders (ESPN – 47.7%; Sleeper – 56%; Yahoo! – 48%)
Mattison regained the lead role in the Raiders' backfield after both Zamir White and Sincere McCormick were placed on injured reserve. Although he shared some touches with Ameer Abdullah, Mattison led the team with 15 touches and scored a touchdown. With a matchup against the Saints in Week 17, he has flex starter potential.
Dalton Schultz, TE, Texans (ESPN – 44.2%; Sleeper – 56%; Yahoo! – 56%)
Schultz has been a tough start for most of the season but has been more reliable recently. He’s scored a touchdown and 15-plus points in two of his last three games. With Tank Dell out for the season, Schultz could see more targets. He’s a solid tight end option for those in need, with a matchup against the Ravens on Christmas Day.
Hollywood Brown, WR, Chiefs (ESPN – 29%; Sleeper - 34%; Yahoo! – 33%)
Brown made his debut with the Chiefs on Saturday, catching five passes on eight targets for 45 yards and scoring 9.5 fantasy points. Although he was limited to 20 snaps, that number should increase in Week 17. He was targeted on nearly 50% of his snaps, indicating the Chiefs want to get him involved. Brown will face the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, making him a potential asset for fantasy managers.
Patrick Taylor Jr., RB, 49ers (ESPN – 32.9%; Sleeper – 53%; Yahoo! – 47%)
While Taylor didn’t have a standout performance against the Dolphins, it’s hard to overlook a running back in a Shanahan offense. If Isaac Guerendo is unable to return for the Niners’ matchup with the Lions next Monday night, Taylor Jr. could be worth adding to your roster. Even if you don’t need him, picking him up could prevent your championship week opponent from getting him.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Titans (ESPN – 6.4%; Sleeper – 9%; Yahoo! – 6%)
It’s time to get our “Chig” on! Okonkwo has been on fire over the last two weeks, racking up a total of 33 fantasy points on a remarkable 21 targets. Before this stretch, he hadn’t seen more than six targets in any game through the first 13 contests. If this level of usage continues, Okonkwo could be a valuable addition to your roster for fantasy championship week. He’ll face the Jaguars next.
Notable Quarterbacks
- Michael Penix Jr., Falcons
- Bryce Young, Panthers
Notable Running Backs
- Tank Bigsby, Jaguars
- Audric Estime, Broncos
- Michael Carter, Cardinals
Notable Wide Receivers
- Romeo Doubs, Packers
- Calvin Austin III, Steelers
- Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos
- Ray-Ray McCloud, Falcons
Notable Tight Ends
- Brenton Strange, Jaguars
Notable Kickers
- Will Reichard, Vikings
- Jason Sanders, Dolphins
- Jason Myers, Seahawks
- Riley Patterson, Falcons
- Matt Prater, Cardinals
Notable Defenses
- Colts
- Dolphins
- Commanders
- Saints
- Chargers
- Titans
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