Week 17 is here, and your fantasy football season hangs in the balance. It’s championship time—one wrong move, and it’s over. One last right move? You’re hoisting a championship trophy. The waiver wire is your secret weapon, so don’t miss the chance to put one last item on Santa’s list so he can bring you a Christmas miracle.
Let’s dive in.
Others to Consider: QB Bryce Young, RB Kendre Miller, RB Audric Estime, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, WR Kayshon Boutte, WR Romeo Doubs, WR Parker Washington, WR Malik Washington, WR Rashod Bateman, WR Jalen Coker, WR Calvin Austin, TE Hunter Henry
Note: Roster % based on Yahoo! availability
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 17 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
5.) Michael Carter, RB Arizona Cardinals (0%)
Starting RB James Conner went down this week in the third quarter with a knee injury and did not return to the game. Rookie Trey Benson is also dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of action. In their place, Michael Carter handled the lead-back role in Week 16. He had limited production on the ground but showed that he still has pass-catching upside, corralling five receptions. If Conner and Benson are ruled out for Saturday’s matchup against the Rams, Carter would see a massive role with receiving upside, putting him ahead of DeeJay Dallas for me.
However, if Trey Benson is cleared to play, he will check in at No. 2 overall on this list. He would operate as a true workhorse against a Rams’ defense that gets crushed on the ground. Benson is a three-down back who would be a solid Flex play if he suits up. He’s worth the speculative add if you have space at the end of your bench and worth the start if he’s cleared on the short week.
4.) Ameer Abdullah/Alexander Mattison, RB Las Vegas Raiders (48%/23%)
This week, the Raiders RBs had nearly equal opportunities within the team’s offense. Alexander Mattison played over 50% of snaps for the first time in two months while handling 12 carries and adding an additional four catches.
Ameer Abdullah ran the ball seven times, but caught five passes on the day, as both backs managed to score touchdowns. Abdullah feels like the safer back thanks to his PPR upside, but Mattison has shown to get lead back duties despite his low YPC.
3.) Hollywood Brown, WR Kansas City Chiefs (32%)
He only played 27% of snaps in his season debut, but that didn’t stop Hollywood Brown from leading the Chiefs in targets with eight, coupled with 45 yards on five receptions. Brown is yet another weapon the Chiefs can add late into the season to give their offense and Patrick Mahomes talented weapons. On Christmas Day, they face a struggling Steelers’ defense, who just allowed three passing touchdowns to Lamar Jackson and co. just a week ago. It’s ripe for Mahomes to make a statement on Christmas and show off his new toys.
2.) Chig Okonkwo, TE Tennessee Titans (7%)
All it took was a shake-up at the QB spot, and Chig Okonkwo is playing out that sleeper role many had for him heading into the 2024 season. With Mason Rudolph, Okonkwo has amassed 21 targets in two games, resulting in 17 catches for 150 yards. He also has a great matchup in Week 17 against the Jaguars, so fire up Chig if you’re looking at a struggling TE position in your lineup.
1.) Jalen McMillan, WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers (45%)
If, by chance, rookie receiver Jalen McMillan is still available in your league, go do whatever you can to scoop him up now. With the absence of Chris Godwin, McMillan has earned QB Baker Mayfield’s trust and worked his way into the WR2 role. This has resulted in four touchdowns over his last three games, with an average of 19 fantasy points per game. The Bucs are still fighting for the playoffs, so they are playing full throttle this final week.
