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Top Players to Add in Week 17
Whether it was a solid draft, a savvy trade, or a slick pick off the waivers, you have brought your fantasy team to the finals. Or maybe you’re just gunning for the consolation playoffs. For Week 17, I’m switching it up a little to give you all the players I think could help you if you need someone to plug into your flex for championship week.
Note: D.J. Chark and James Cook are rostered in more than 50% of leagues, but both are worthy additions to this list if available in your league.
1. Jahan Dotson, WAS – Dotson has been a top-24 receiver in his last three games, and he should continue to draw plenty of targets. Dotson is a worthy flex regardless of who’s under center for the Commanders in Week 17.
2. Tyler Allgeier, ATL – The Falcons remain committed to the run, and Allgeier should have plenty of opportunities in championship week. In addition to being the preferred option on the ground, Allgeier also saw five targets compared to Cordarelle Patterson’s one. Tyler Allgeier has a guaranteed workload, which is all you can ask for in a flex spot.
3. Zack Moss, IND – Speaking of guaranteed workload, Zack Moss is worth considering as the new lead back for the Colts. In Week 16, Moss handled 14 of Indy’s 15 rushing attempts. The downside is the Colts’ offense, but Moss should operate as the RB1 against a middle-0f-the-pack Giants’ rush defense.
4. Rashid Shaheed, NO – Shaheed is not a name I expected to see on this list, but the rookie speedster could be a viable option with Chris Olave (hamstring), Jarvis Landry (IR), and Michael Thomas (IR) all unavailable. If Olave can’t get back on the field for Week 17, Shaheed (and probably Taysom Hill) are worth considering.
5. Hunter Renfrow, LV – Renfrow found the end zone in his second game back from injury, and I’m including him here because of his track record. It’s hard to know what Derek Carr is going to do from week to week, but Renfrow could find some opportunities with Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs attracting the attention of San Francisco’s defense. He carries a lot of risk, but Renfrow is only a year removed from being a top-12 wide receiver.
Other players to consider: He’s a risk for a goose egg, but Chase Edmonds could be in for a lot of receiving work if Denver falls behind Kansas City early. Chuba Hubbard is second on the depth chart but should get 10+ carries as Carolina remains one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL. In the same vein, Gus Edwards should see plenty of opportunity as the Ravens’ RB2 against Pittsburgh.
Streaming Positions
Tight End
Greg Dulcich (50% rostered) was ruled out of Denver’s Week 16 loss with a hamstring injury, but he’s a lock for targets if he plays in Week 17. It’s not pretty in Denver, but the tight end position is as disappointing as ever. The Jets have named Mike White as their Week 17 starter, so Tyler Conklin (27%) has a good shot at fantasy relevance. The matchup is about as good as you can ask for, too: the Seahawks are allowing the second-most points to the tight end position this season. Juwan Johnson finally fell back to earth in Week 16 (1 rec, 9 yards), but the lack of receiving options in New Orleans at least provides an opportunity for targets against Philadelphia.
Quarterback
Brock Purdy (37%) has thrown two touchdowns in each of his starts, and the Raiders give up plenty of points to opposing offenses. New Orleans has been better against the QB position in recent weeks, but Gardner Minshew has the weapons to get it done if Jalen Hurts is held out in Week 17. With their playoff spot secured, Philadelphia could give Hurts more time to recover from hi SC joint sprain.
Defense
I didn’t expect the Rams to do that in Week 16, but I’ll take the victory lap for recommending them. At the risk of tempting fate, I’m going to go the other way and bet against Baker Mayfield in Week 17. The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a solid week against the Colts, and I think it’s more likely the Rams revert back to what they’ve been most of the season. However, my top picks for championship week are Jacksonville taking on Houston and the New York Giants at home against the Colts.
(Photo by Douglas Stringer/Icon Sportswire)
Been using this site as my primary source for the past 3 seasons and I’m in my 3rd back to back to back championship game. Won the last 2 seasons. My team is horrible this year but I’ve made it here.
Jalen has been my QB and Dak my backup so he helped me last week but a little hesitant about the Thursday night game. I also desperately need a defense and Jags and Giants are available.
Should I add Minshew with my top priority to buy time to see if Jalen plays? Or should I secure a defense first?!