We are here with our Week 17 waiver wire adds. Most of you have likely crowned your winner, but I know there are some of you that are yet to do that, so I wanted to help you out if that’s the case for you. This week, due to the holidays, this is slightly shorter than previous weeks. You also need to keep a closer eye on the inactive players, as some teams rest starters for the playoffs. I hope you had a great Christmas break, however you were forced to spend it due to this virus, so let’s get into it!
Each week I am going to look at players to use that have lower ownership percentages (lower than 50%). I’m going to be using the rostered percentages from Yahoo leagues, as it’s easily publically available. These are players that I’m looking to pick up from the waiver wire for Week 17.
Each of my adds are ordered by their rostered percentages, rather than their priority.
Philip Rivers (IND, 40% rostered)
The Colts looked set to pick up a victory over the Steelers, but faltered at the end of the game. However, this week they face up against a Jacksonville team that just made the Chicago Bears look like a potent offense. I’d be happy to pick him up this week. Rivers has also been airing the ball out recently, so plenty of opportunity to score.
Derek Carr (LV, 39% rostered)
The Raiders offense has been inconsistent this season, but Carr has been able to move the ball when under center. The Denver defense isn’t the greatest in the league, making him a decent add if needed.
Honorable Mentions
- Daniel Jones (NYG, 24% rostered)
- Drew Lock (DEN, 12% rostered)
- C.J. Beathard (SF, 1% rostered)
Honestly, you aren’t reading this in need of a RB. If you were you are out of the playoffs surely? But you could be wanting to avoid a Toilet Bowl trophy, or simply to block your opponent.
Gus Edwards (BAL, 40% rostered)
Edwards certainly showed up for the Ravens this week, leading the team in carries. This week, the team are likely to return to attacking on the ground against the Bengals in a divisional matchup to end the season. Equally, the team could opt to rest some starters in this game, leading to even more touches for Edwards.
La’Mical Perine (NYJ, 11% rostered)
Perine could be given the starting role for the Jets, given that Gore has now beaten a significant NFL record, and left the game early. New England don’t have anything to play for in this week, and the Jets have found a way to win in recent weeks.
Honorable Mentions
- Malcolm Brown (LAR, 19% rostered)
- Sony Michel (NE, 18% rostered)
- Ito Smith (ATL, 14% rostered)
Sterling Shepard (NYG, 44% rostered)
Shepard is the primary receiver for the New York Giants and has been able to be somewhat productive with them. This past week he put together an impressive performance against Baltimore, finishing with 9 receptions for 77 yards and a single TD. This week the Giants matchup against Dallas, who have given up production to the position all season.
Michael Gallup (DAL, 44% rostered)
Gallup is going to be one of the hottest pickups this week, after he had a huge game against the Eagles. The matchup against the Giants isn’t the greatest, but he is worth picking up if you are in need.
Russell Gage (ATL, 38% rostered)
Gage flamed out this week against Kansas City, where he was expected to have a decent game. With Julio Jones out, Gage was expected to get a decent target share, perfect for PPR leagues. That didn’t happen, as the whole offense stalled. But he has another opportunity against Tampa this week, a team that he performed well against the week before.
Honorable Mentions
- Keke Coutee (HOU, 43% rostered)
- Jakbi Meyers (NE, 32% rostered)
- Zach Pascal (IND, 5% rostered)
- Chad Hansen (HOU, 4% rostered)
I’m hoping you have a TE in place for this week because it’s really hard out here if you don’t. Best of luck!
Jimmy Graham (CHI, 27% rostered)
Graham is worth rostering, as he seems to be getting used where it matters most- the Redzone. Graham managed to haul in two TDs this past week against Jacksonville, but he has a tricky matchup against Green Bay this week.
Irv Smith Jr (MIN, 15% rostered)
Irv Smith is a big part of this offense, getting a good number of targets- especially last week against the Saints. The matchup against Detroit isn’t the best, but it’s certainly decent enough to allow Smith to have a decent fantasy outing again.
Honorable Mentions
- Trey Burton (IND, 27% rostered)
- Dalton Schultz (DAL, 20% rostered)
- Jack Doyle (IND, 6% rostered)
- Harrison Bryant (CLE, 2% rostered) only if the CLE receivers continue to be out on COVID reserve.
Green Bay Packers (45% rostered)
Sure, the Bears offense has found something, but the Packers defense has really improved too. The Packers defense could be arguably the best unit that Mitch Trubisky will have faced since becoming the starter again. They are my favorite of all the qualifying units.
Dallas Cowboys (23% rostered)
The Cowboys have been improving in recent weeks. Able to bring pressure to the QB, and halting the early progress of Jalen Hurts’ leading the Eagles offense. This week they are travelling up to New York needing a win. I’d rather the Packers above, but the Cowboys are a decent option in deeper leagues.
Honorable Mentions
- Arizona Cardinals (43% rostered)
- Washington Football Team (41% rostered)
Only one kicker this week again, but there are plenty of guys in consideration are in the Honorable Mentions if you need
Greg Zuerlein (DAL, 46% rostered)
As I mentioned earlier, the Cowyboys need to a win to make the playoffs. Equally, Zuerlein has been great for fantasy recently. Plenty of PATs and FG attempts- you could do far worse.
Honorable Mentions
- Mason Crosby (GB, 43% rostered)
- Joey Slye (CAR, 38% rostered)
- Stephen Gostkowski (TEN, 24% rostered)
- Ryan Succop (TB, 21% rostered)
- Dustin Hopkins (WAS, 2% rostered)
So those are our waiver wire adds for Week 17. I’d certainly expect a number of them to end up in my start/ sit article later this week, and in my weekly rankings, which will be as soon as I take in the action tonight.
Image Credit: Douglas DeFelice – USA TODAY Sports
