It is 16 weeks into the fantasy football season and the waiver wire will be a hotbed of activity during the last week. Any good champion will need to go to the waiver wire to acquire players to make their team even better. Here are the Fantasy Football: players to add for week 17. (All stats and rankings are for standard, non-decimal scoring)
1. C.J. Anderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Gurley was pulled from the lineup at the last minute last week, even though multiple reports said that he would play. The Rams didn’t need him to beat the Cardinals and likely won’t need him to beat the 49ers, although they should be trying to win, as a loss could let the Bears get the second seed. In Gurley’s absence, Anderson rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown.
Anderson is worth the pickup, but Gurley’s status throughout the week will need to be watched. He is owned in just 35.9% of ESPN leagues.
2. Seattle defense
Defenses aren’t usually on this list, but every position matters in the championship weeks. Seattle is 17th ranked fantasy defense, but they are playing against the Cardinals who are the easiest fantasy matchups for defenses. For owners that stream defenses each week to play matchups, or for defenses with bad matchups, the Seahawks’ defense could be added.
They will likely have a big week and should be added even if it is to prevent another owner from getting them. The Seattle defense is available in almost 70% of ESPN leagues.
3. Jalen Richard, RB, Oakland Raiders
While Doug Martin is still the lead back, owners desperate for a running back may want to look at Richard. He specializes in catching the ball out of the backfield and is going against a Chiefs’ defense that gives up a lot of points to running backs. Richard is a risk, but does have two double-digit scoring games in the last four outings.
Richard is available in over 50% of ESPN leagues.
4. Robert Foster, WR, Buffalo Bills
Foster has been coming on as of late for the Bills. The wideout has double-digit scoring efforts in three of the last five weeks. He is reliant on the big play, but has two 100-yard receiving performances in that five-game span and had another game with 94 yards.
While he is another risky move, he is worth the pickup with several key players out for week 17. He is owned in just 22% of ESPN leagues.
5. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
While quarterbacks don’t usually make this list, in week 17 fantasy owners may be getting desperate. Quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Carson Wentz have gone down and week 17 means that others may not start. Allen would be a solid pickup for week 17 with the Bills playing the Dolphins.
Playing against the Patriots last week didn’t go well for Allen, but before that, he had four straight weeks of at least 18 fantasy points. Allen is available in over 60% of ESPN leagues.