Week 16, the semi-finals of the fantasy playoffs, is just about wrapped up. We are one step closer to that championship week. This article will discuss the key players worth picking up that could help you win that championship. We will discuss what they have done and why they are important players to pick up on rosters.
The Week 17 waiver wire is starting to have names you will want to pick up to help your championship lineup. There is a nice mix of players who all produced in Week 16 and could help you in Week 17.
Trey Benson/Michael Carter, RB – ARI
Our top waiver wire pickup for Week 17 is whoever is the starter for the Cardinals. James Conner left Week 16 with a knee injury and did not return to the game. We don’t know how severe the injury is, but this could open the door for a new starter in Week 17. The Cardinals will face off against the Los Angeles Rams, who is an average run defense this year. The Cardinals are going to stay competitive, as it could be an opportunity for them to hurt the Rams’ chances at the playoffs. Trey Benson could be the starter, but he is also dealing with an injury after missing Week 16. Conners’ workload is 20 touches per game, which could put big production on Benson. If you want to plan even further, then look at Michael Carter. Carter was called up this week and saw production after Conner went down. Carter was used as a receiving back and saw 5 receptions for 30 yards. One of them could have RB2/Flex value if Conner doesn’t play.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR – TEN
A familiar name pops back up for Week 17 as we head over to the receiver. Titans receive Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, a Flex player worth picking up this week. The Titans passing game once again offers some consistent value with Mason Rudolph at quarterback. After a two-week absence from the endzone, Westbrook-Ikhine found it once against in Week 16. The one concerning stat is that he only has 43 yards over his last three games. The Titans do play the Jaguars in Week 17. Jacksonville allows the second most fantasy points per game to receivers this season. The last time wasn’t great for Westbrook-Ikhine playing the Jaguars, but that was with Will Levis. He could be the boom/bust option you need to help your championship roster.
Mason Rudolph, QB – TEN
You may not need a quarterback heading into Week 17, but Mason Rudolph could help if you need one. It’s the holiday season, so Mason Rudolph’s magic should be in full effect this week. He is averaging 18 fantasy points per game in 6-point-per-passing touchdown leagues in four starts this season. He’ll face off against Jacksonville this week, and they allow the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They have allowed at least 240 or more passing yards in 4 of the last five games. Rudolph should be able to provide strong floor play for any team fighting for a championship in Week 17.
Juwan Johnson, TE – NO
Our tight end pickup for Week 17 should be Juwan Johnson. We haven’t seen Johnson play in Week 16, but if he can produce, he should only help build his case. The Saints’ tight ends have been a focal point of the offense all season, as the offense can’t keep any healthy receivers. Johnson has averaged 8.9 fantasy points over the last three weeks as a consistent option. He’ll face off against the Raiders in Week 17. The Raiders are a bottom-five defense against fantasy tight ends this year. The Raiders have been better the last two weeks, but they are still a team that has allowed high yardage and touchdowns to the position all season. Johnson could be an option if you need a tight end.
Robert Woods , WR – HOU
Another waiver wire pick-up for Week 17 is Robert Woods. Houstons’ second-year receiver Tank Dell suffered a dislocated knee, which should likely end his season. That means someone must step up for Week 17 for the Texans as they play on Christmas. We could see youngster John Metchie or Xavier Hutchinson step up, but one is injured, and the other has had chances and failed. In Week 16, Woods had six targets, a solid opportunity for fantasy. They will play the Ravens in Week 17, which is a big matchup. The Ravens seem like an unstoppable offense, so we should see CJ Stroud throw the ball more. It’s a risky move, but Woods turns back the clocks and gives us FLEX-worthy value in Week 17.
Jalen McMillan, WR – TB
Our last waiver wire pick up was someone from the previous week in Jalen McMillan. The Buccaneer receiver will have played by the time you read this article. McMillan has done better in recent weeks, averaging 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games. The Buccaneers offense has picked up their scoring since their Bye week. In the last four games, the Buccaneers have 26 or more points in each game. McMillan has benefited in two of them so far. They will face off against the Panthers in Week 17. Despite receivers not doing much per game, the Panthers have been a more competitive team lately. Instead of Tampa Bay rolling over their divisional foe, it should be a shootout in the championship week for fantasy. McMillan is worthy of the pickup.
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