NFL Waiver Wire: Week 17 Pickups

I can't remember another fantasy season where using the waiver wire was so important for the fantasy playoffs. Justin Jackson had a huge game Sunday, Rex Burkhead came out of nowhere to put up big stats and players like Ronald Jones and Isaiah McKenzie had very good outings. Most leagues have only their championship left to play, but the waiver wire isn't as bountiful this week as it was last week. 

Note: There are no Thursday or Saturday games this week, only Sunday and Monday games for Week 17.

QUARTERBACKS

SECONDARY TARGETS

Trey Lance, SF - It doesn't sound like Jimmy Garoppolo will go this week, and he could miss the rest of the regular season. This means Lance would get another crack at the starting job against the Texans this week. The track record in general for rookie quarterbacks this season has been awful, but Lance has had plenty of time to learn the offense and will get snaps with the first team in practice this week. He has a low floor but also a decent ceiling despite facing a good Texans pass defense. FAAB: $3-$6

HAIL MARY

Davis Mills, HOU - Mills seems to have turned the corner. It's helped that in his last three games he has had much easier matchups than earlier this season. He's scored 21.4, 18.7 and 20.6 fantasy points in those games. Tthe matchup this week with the 49ers isn't terrible. If nothing else, Mills may have done enough to be the favorite for the starting job next season. FAAB: $1-$2

Mac Jones, NE - Chances are if you've made it this far in your league, you have an elite option locked and loaded for this week. If you're really desperate, Jones could be worth a waiver add. Belichick's team rarely plays badly two games in a row, the game is in Foxboro and the Patriots are facing the lowly Jaguars. Only look here if you're desperate for an option. FAAB: $1-$2

RUNNING BACKS

PRIMARY TARGETS

Rex Burkhead, HOU - David Johnson was placed on the COVID-19 list Monday and, coupled with his hamstring injury, he's doubtful for this week's game. Burkhead rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, but the Chargers were an ideal matchup at home. Tempering expectations this week can't be overstated as Burkhead faces a tougher San Francisco team on the road. However, if Johnson is out Burkhead should be in line for another 15-plus touches, putting him at least in the conversation for a flex spot. FAAB; $5-$10

SECONDARY TARGETS

Derrick Gore, KC - Clyde Edwards-Helaire is questionable this week and it would make sense for the Chiefs to rest him given they have other viable backfield options. Gore totaled 104 yards from scrimmage (3-3-60 receiving) and would likely benefit the most from a CEH absence. He's shown he's a capable pass-catcher and he and Darrel Williams likely would split work if Edwards-Helaire misses time. FAAB: $4-$8

Dare Ogunbowale, JAC - James Robinson suffered a season-ending Achilles' injury Sunday, leaving Ogunbowale to handle the bulk of the workload. He finished with an inefficient 57 rushing yards on 17 carries but scored on a one-yard plunge. Dare should be in for a similar workload this week, though it's a tough matchup in New England. That said, Ogunbowale should get a lot of volume, which should mask any inefficiency again. FAAB: $4-$8

Boston Scott, Jordan Howard, PHI - It looks like Miles Sanders should miss this week with a hand injury and that leaves Scott and Howard to handle the workload in the Eagles' backfield. I slightly prefer Scott, who the Eagles are afraid to use at the goal line and is the better pass-catcher. The Eagles have a good matchup this week against the Washington Football Team; it's just a shame that both should split the workload evenly, making it almost a coin flip as to who will have the better fantasy game. Kenneth Gainwell also remains around and should vulture a few touches himself. FAAB: Scott - $3-$6; Howard - $2-$4; Gainwell - FCFS or $1

WIDE RECEIVERS

SECONDARY TARGETS

Kadarius Toney, NYG - I'd feel so much better about Toney if he actually had a competent quarterback throwing to him the next two weeks. The Giants should make every effort to get the ball into his hands given their lack of playmakers, so this is basically a selection based on Toney's potential. He had a team-high nine targets Sunday and should continue to see a similar number of targets the next two weeks. Toney has two plus matchups the next to weeks against Chicago and Washington. FAAB: $3-$6

K.J. Osborn, MIN -  Adam Thielen aggravated his ankle injury and played only 23 snaps Sunday, giving Osborn extra targets (seven), which he turned into 58 receiving yards and a touchdown. Thielen hopes to play this week, but it's not a great matchup for the passing offense against the Packers. Osborn's value is closely linked to the availability of Thielen, so keep an eye on the Minnesota practice reports this week. FAAB: $3-$6

Isaiah McKenzie, BUF - The absence of both Gabriel Davis and Cole Beasley opened 12 targets for McKenzie out of the slot, which he turned into 11 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately for his fantasy value, it looks like Beasley and Davis will be back this week in a favorable home matchup against the Falcons. McKenzie has clearly earned more snaps/targets  but exactly how many remains to be seen. FAAB: $3-$6

TIGHT ENDS

SECONDARY TARGETS

Gerald Everett, SEA - In a disappointing season for the Seahawks, Everett has been one of the fantasy bright spots, especially lately. In full-point PPR leagues he's scored at least double-digit in his last three games and five of his last seven. The key is opponents paying a lot of attention to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett on the outside, giving Everett room to work over the middle of the field. He has a prime home matchup this week against a Lions' team that ranks 24th against the position. FAAB: $3-$6

DEFENSES

Chicago Bears, New York Giants - I look at the game between the Bears and the Giants and see both teams as streaming options given their poor quarterback play. My lean here is to use the Bears, who at least have home-field advantage and opened as six-point favorites. The Bears also pulled out an upset win in Seattle on Sunday while the Giants look like they've completely given up on the season. FAAB: Bears - $3-$6; Giants - $1-$2