One. More. Week.

This is it.

Everything comes down to Week 17. Offseason content pivoted around this particular set of games. With best-ball tournaments ending this week, the potential matchups and the players you needed were a part of almost every article during the summer. But, of course, in redraft, we couldn’t draft with Week 17 in mind. Luckily, the season's chaos gives us another chance to get in on the action.

So, first off, congrats on getting to championship week. I have a few waiver pickups to help push you across the finish line.

Looking for recommended FAAB budgeting and even more Waiver Wire analysis? Head to our Waiver Hub to get all of that and more, for FREE!

Injury Round-Up

  • Packers
    • Dontayvion Wicks (chest)
  • Chiefs
    • Jerick McKinnon (groin)
  • Vikings
    • Jordan Addison (ankle)
    • T.J. Hockenson (knee)

QB

Derek Carr, Saints

Garbage points count, too!

The Saints entered the fourth quarter down 20 points against the Rams last week. Derek Carr had barely crossed 200 passing yards and had a meager 10.5 fantasy points, but in the final 15 minutes of play, he more than doubled his score.

Regardless, his pass rate was up relative to his last three games with Chris Olave back in the lineup. Plus, Carr threw for his most air yards in a single game (378) since Week 6.

Tampa Bay’s secondary has allowed 300 passing yards or multiple passing scores in three straight games. Despite this game being a divisional rematch, if we like his receivers, we should like Carr against this defense.

RB

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs

The team placed Isiah Pacheco in the concussion protocol in the third quarter of their loss against the Raiders.

In his absence, Clyde Edwards-Helaire took the RB1 role in his place. In theory, this sounds great if you can pick up CEH.

However, the Chiefs were at their worst efficiency-wise since Patrick Mahomes took over as the starter on Christmas day. Edwards-Helaire’s rushing success rate was 0.0%. While it was great to see the former first-rounder earn a 20.0% target share in their comeback effort, his pass-game usage only emphasizes how little the KC WRs are winning downfield.

CEH

Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) in motion iagainst the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

However, with all that said, facing the Bengals couldn’t be a better way for the Chiefs to get back on track.

After allowing the Vikings and Steelers to gain over 100 yards on the ground, any piece of the KC rushing attack should be on rosters for Week 17.

Chris Rodriguez, Commanders

I’ll say this upfront: if you have the space to pick up Chris Rodriguez, I’d only do it as a way to block your opponent.

Yet again, Ron Rivera had to bench Sam Howell and let Jacoby Brissett come in and command the team. And for the second straight week, the offense perked up with the journeyman QB under center.

They averaged 44.0 and 41.8 yards per drive in the fourth quarter in Weeks 16 and 17, averaging 0.51 EPA per play. As of this writing, it’s unclear if either Howell or Brissett will start, but Rodriguez did his part when given the chance.

The rookie handled 45.5% of the team’s carries with a 50.0% rushing success rate to Antonio Gibson’s 33.3%. And, to add further context, Rodriguez saw more stacked boxes (40.0% of his carries vs 22.2% for Gibson) and was still the more efficient runner.

Since Rodriguez was also able to get a little work in the passing game (one target), he’s worth the add before the Commanders face the 49ers in Week 17. Again, it’s best to keep that type of volume to yourself versus allowing your opponent to pick him up and see what happens.

You can also target Rodriguez on Underdog Fantasy, where you can get a 100% deposit match of up to $100 when you sign up below with promo code LIFE!

WR

Leftovers Worth Considering

  • Noah Brown: Led the WRs with seven targets and a 25.9% air-yard share with Nico Collins back. However, his route rate dropped (85.0% to 69.8%) with Collins back in the rotation.
  • Joshua Palmer: Tied for the team lead in targets (eight) with the most routes run of any pass-catcher for the Chargers. 

K.J. Osborn, Vikings

On the bright side, Kevin O’Connell (for better or for worse) is still letting Nick Mullens sling it. Despite throwing four interceptions, the Vikings had a +5.7% pass rate over expectation. Mullens’s turnovers make him tough to trust in the most important week of the season, but we’ll take our chances with his pass-catchers.

Osborn

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) reacts after a catch during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Addison’s ankle injury and the team quickly ruling out T.J. Hockenson leaves the squad short-handed. Without both off the field, Osborn regained his WR2 role opposite Jefferson with a 23.7% air-yard share (second on the team) and four targets.

With a matchup against the Packers, who’ve now allowed 300-yard passing games to their opponents in back-to-back games, Osborn becomes a potential WR2 for Week 17.

TE

Leftovers Worth Considering

  • Tucker Kraft: No Jayden Reed. No Christian Watson. Kraft had another six-target day at 90.0% of the routes on Jordan Love’s dropbacks. Yet again, the rookie TE earned at least one look once the team got into the red zone. He should be a top-16 option the rest of the way.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans

Admittedly, Sunday wasn’t the first game where Chigoziem Okonkwo saw six or more targets. In fact, he’s done it in four other games. But Week 16 was slightly different for the sophomore TE.

With Ryan Tannehill under center, Okonkwo saw his highest route rate (85.3%) and air-yard share (40.2%) of the season. It was one of the first times the Titans consistently deployed him as an intermediate threat. Tannehill’s +0.19 EPA per play was Tennessee's highest passing efficiency mark since Week 5.

If Will Levis needs another week to recover, Okonkwo’s viability as a streamer becomes a bit stronger.

Gerald Everett, Chargers

Lost in all of the Chargers’ recent turmoil is the fact that Gerald Everett is averaging eight targets a game over his last three. Keenan Allen hasn’t played in a few weeks. And Quentin Johnston is, well, still developing.

Per our Utilization Report, the Chargers have been at a league-average 64.0 plays per game, and Stick’s dropback rate meets expectation. With Everett continuing to earn volume, he’s at least a top-20 option for Week 17.

Waiver Wire Report