If you are reading this article in Week 17, congratulations! You are either one of the select few in the fantasy football world still competing for a prize or you just really enjoy reading this post every week; either way, you are awesome and should be recognized as such. Although you likely do not need too much help since your team has carried you this far, I refuse to bail on writing this now in case you are seeking lineup replacements or are already planning for next season in dynasty formats. My simple advice: stick with the players who got you here and enjoy the 2022 season finale. Good luck in Week 17!
Article Overview/ How to Use:
- Analysis: Highlight a variety of RBs, WRs, and TEs (< 65% rostered on ESPN and/or Yahoo) who I feel could produce fantasy value, either that specific week as a replacement in your lineup or as a bench/ stash option.
- Ranking RBs, WRs, and TEs (< 65% rostered) in order. Please note that the players who are highlighted in the article are not always my top-ranked streamers. These rankings & notes could be useful for teams in deeper leagues or as a means to fill out your “Watch List”.
- Although base rankings tend to skew toward 12-team, half-PPR leagues, I will provide clarifications if a player is best used in a specific scenario or league type.
- Recap the performances of the previous week’s highlighted players.
* Any players marked with an asterisk below have been featured in previous articles this season. If anyone discussed below is at risk of not playing or is relegated to a bench role late in the week, I will do my best to keep you all updated on Twitter (@BrandonMillerFB). All players below are under 65%-rostered as of 12/28/22.
Running Back
Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers)
Although the Panthers’ backfield remains split between Hubbard and D’Onta Foreman, the former has earned his share of touches to be trusted as a low-end RB3/ Flex ahead of Sunday’s contest at the Bucs. He has seen 12+ touches in three of the last four games, including a career-best rushing performance in Week 16 against the Lions (12 carries for 125 yards). As the preferred pass-catcher of the two backs, I feel Hubbard will be able to produce a decent floor for fantasy squads in this week’s championship round.
Royce Freeman (RB, Houston Texans)
Fantasy teams who are hurting for help at RB can speculate on Freeman due his recent uptick in volume, registering 11 and 16 carries over the past two weeks. While his 3.1 yards per carry does not exactly inspire hopes of a big performance, the Jaguars defense is 11th-worst in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs. Deploying Freeman in your lineup for the finals is a risky move, but teams in deep or non-PPR leagues may be able to benefit from the increased opportunities he has seen lately.
RB Streamers (ranked): Tyler Allgeier*, Cam Akers*, Zonovan Knight*, Hassan Haskins, Chuba Hubbard*, Gus Edwards*, Royce Freeman*, James Cook*, Zack Moss, Deon Jackson*, Jaylen Warren, Samaje Perine, Joshua Kelley, Marlon Mack, Jordan Mason, Khalil Herbert*, Kenneth Gainwell, Travis Homer, Rex Burkhead, Kyren Williams*, Alexander Mattison, Boston Scott, Pierre Strong Jr*, Ameer Abdullah, Matt Breida, JaMycal Hasty*.
Wide Receiver
Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers)
Since returning from an ankle injury that cost him nearly a month and a half, Doubs has seen five or more targets in consecutive games. That should be the minimum of volume he is expected to see this week as Christian Watson (day-to-day with a hip injury) has yet to practice this week and will likely be limited even if he plays. The Packers’ receiving options could not have any softer of a landing spot than the Vikings, who are allowing the most passing yards per game to the opposition (281.5). Start him as a WR3/ Flex if Watson sits in Week 17.
Jahan Dotson (WR, Washington Commanders)
The rookie Dotson has had a nose for the end zone with seven touchdowns in just 10 career games. Over the last three games played, he has averaged eight targets, just over 78 yards, and a touchdown per contest. With a crucial matchup on deck at home against the Browns, ride the hot hand with Dotson as a fringe WR3/WR4.
WR Streamers (ranked): Drake London, D.J. Chark*, Zay Jones, Jakobi Meyers, Rashid Shaheed, Darius Slayton*, Treylon Burks*, Chris Moore*, George Pickens*, Joshua Palmer*, Michael Gallup*, Mack Hollins*, K.J. Osborn*, Parris Campbell*, Curtis Samuel, Donovan Peoples-Jones*, Jahan Dotson*, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Van Jefferson*, Terrace Marshall*, Isaiah McKenzie*, Alec Pierce*.
Tight End
Tyler Conklin (TE, New York Jets)
Conklin should get a boost this week with the return of Mike White, who is targeting him six times per game when the duo is on the field together compared to less than four with Zach Wilson under center. The Jets’ Week 17 opponent will also be working in Conklin’s favor as the Seahawks are dead-last in fantasy points allowed to TEs. He projects as a borderline TE1/TE2 ahead of the championship round.
TE Streamers (ranked): Tyler Higbee*, Greg Dulcich*, Taysom Hill*, Tyler Conklin*, Cole Kmet*, Chigoziem Okonkwo*, Noah Fant, Austin Hooper, Jordan Akins, Daniel Bellinger, Robert Tonyan*, Hunter Henry, Cade Otton, Jelani Woods, Juwan Johnson, Logan Thomas.
Looking Back
Accountability is everything, so here is a quick look back at last week’s recommendations
Deon Jackson (RB, Indianapolis Colts): A tidbit I missed leading up to Monday night’s game against the Chargers, Jackson was reportedly very frustrated about his role in the absence of Jonathan Taylor and that did not help his causes
Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta Falcons): Allgeier continued his streak of solid rushing efforts, carrying 18 times for 74 yards (4.1 yards per carry) while providing surprising value in the passing game as well with four catches for 43 yards. He has developed into a reliable Flex option with RB2 upside to close the 2022 season.
Darius Slayton (WR, New York Giants): Slayton continued to build on his strong yards per reception numbers, catching four of six targets for 79 yards (19.8 ypr). He can be started as a low-end WR3/ Flex for teams needing help at WR in the finals.
Jakobi Meyers (WR, New England Patriots): Although Meyers did not lead the Patriots in receiving (Kendrick Bourne had six catches / 100 yards/ one TD), he was a central part of their near-comeback against the Bengals with six catches / 83 yards / one TD. I feel he is a solid play for championship games this week.
Cole Kmet (TE, Chicago Bears): Kmet was quiet for most of the Bears’ frigid game in Chicago last Saturday but was able to finish with a decent floor in PPR leagues, catching five of six targets for 27 yards. He remains a low-end TE1 for Week 17 contests.
Make sure to check out our weekly waiver wire podcast for more insights on who you should be submitting claims for heading into each Wednesday; it is a great way to get a head start on acquiring players often discussed in this article. Good luck in the finals!
(Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire)