Week 17 Waiver Wire Targets

As we head into Week 17, volume shifts, injuries, and late-season role changes are creating value in some unexpected places. Whether you’re filling a flex, replacing an injured starter, or chasing upside, these are the players worth considering heading into championship week.

Michael Carter (RB - Arizona Cardinals)

Expectations were high for Carter last week, but his workload came in lighter than hoped, handling just 50% of the RB carries in a three-man split. The encouraging part? He averaged nearly six yards per carry, showing clear efficiency. Now he draws a Bengals matchup that should keep him involved, and there’s a strong chance he continues to lead the backfield in carries. He profiles as a volume-leaning RB2/flex with upside.

Blake Corum (RB - Los Angeles Rams)

Corum has quietly become one of the more reliable backs down the stretch, finishing as a Top-20 RB in four straight weeks. The Rams get a favorable matchup against Atlanta, and with Los Angeles expected to control the game, both Rams backs should see steady work. Corum remains a strong RB2 option.

Troy Franklin (WR - Denver Broncos)

There’s a real chance Pat Bryant misses Week 17 with a concussion, and if that happens, Franklin would slide right back into a full-time role. Before Bryant’s role expanded post-bye, Franklin saw at least eight targets in five straight games. When Bryant missed Week 15, Franklin delivered a 6-catch, 85-yard, 1-TD line. If Bryant is out, Franklin is a strong WR3 with upside.

Dylan Sampson / Raheim Sanders (RB - Cleveland Browns)

With Quinshon Judkins done for the year, this backfield is wide open. Sampson hasn’t practiced recently due to a hand injury, but if he plays, he’s a very strong PPR RB2. Only two RBs have averaged more targets per route than Sampson, giving him a rock-solid floor.

If Sampson can’t go, Sanders would step into a volume-based flex role. Sampson is the lineup-saving option; Sanders is more of a desperation play.

Emanuel Wilson (RB - Green Bay Packers)

If Wilson is somehow still available (he probably isn’t), he needs to be rostered. Josh Jacobs was clearly limited on Sunday, and if Green Bay opts to rest him in Week 17, Wilson would immediately become a high-end RB2. This is a proactive stash with league-winning upside.

Parker Washington (WR - Jacksonville Jaguars)

Washington broke out last week with a 6-catch, 145-yard, 1-TD performance. The slot role matters, but context is important: Denver’s perimeter defense funneled targets inside, limiting Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. Meyers remains the top Jacksonville WR, while Washington is better viewed as a boom/bust WR3 in a strong Week 17 matchup.

Luther Burden (WR - Chicago Bears)

There’s a scenario where Rome Odunze misses another game, and Burden is active again. If that happens, Burden becomes a viable WR3 after showing steady improvement over the past few weeks. San Francisco has struggled against slot receivers, giving Burden a clear matchup edge.

Chris Rodriguez (RB - Washington Commanders)

Rodriguez immediately reclaimed the lead role in his return, handling 16 touches on Sunday. Now he gets Dallas at home in Week 17. Even if Marcus Mariota can’t go, the Cowboys' defense has struggled to stop anyone, giving Rodriguez a legitimate chance at goal-line work again. He’s a solid RB2/flex.

Josh Downs (WR - Indianapolis Colts)

Indianapolis has leaned heavily into 11 personnel since Philip Rivers joined the staff, boosting Downs’ route participation from 63% to 88% over the last two games. A 22% target share during that span has resulted in WR33 production. He’s a desperation flex, but the usage trend is encouraging.

Jawhar Jordan (RB - Houston Texans)

Woody Marks is expected to return soon, but if he’s out again, Jordan is the Houston back you want. He handled 17 touches in Week 15 and followed it up with 20 more in Week 16. With the Chargers allowing nearly five yards per carry to RBs entering last week, Jordan offers sneaky volume-based upside if called upon again.

Dalton Schultz (TE - Houston Texans)

If Schultz is available, you’re picking him up at the right time. He’s riding a two-game TD streak and has posted three TE1 finishes in his last four games. The Chargers have been one of the most generous defenses to tight ends over the past month, making Schultz a strong Week 17 starter.

Brenton Strange (TE - Jacksonville Jaguars)

Strange has been quietly productive, recording three Top-8 TE finishes in his last five games. He gets a good matchup against Indianapolis, though game script could limit passing volume if Jacksonville plays from ahead. He’s still a solid TE streamer with upside.

Taysom Hill (TE - New Orleans Saints)

The Saints leaned heavily into Taysom Hill near the goal line instead of their traditional RBs last week. That usage makes him a risky but intriguing option. If the Saints continue deploying him creatively, Hill has real upside — and he remains tight end-eligible on most platforms. Just understand the volatility.

Colston Loveland (TE - Chicago Bears)

If one or both of Luther Burden and Rome Odunze are sidelined again, Loveland could see a boost in targets. While the production didn’t show up last week, his route participation jumped from 66% in Week 15 to 82% in Week 16 — a strong signal for future volume. The 49ers have also been generous to tight ends.

Jake Tonges (TE - San Francisco 49ers)

With George Kittle dealing with an ankle injury, Tonges would step in as the primary replacement if Kittle can’t suit up. In the five games Kittle previously missed, Tonges recorded two Top-8 TE finishes. He’s a legitimate streamer in deeper leagues.

Bonus: Rhamondre Stevenson (RB - New England Patriots)

If Stevenson is available for any reason (still only 58% rostered on Sleeper), he immediately jumps to the top of this list. If TreVeyon Henderson can’t clear the concussion protocol, Stevenson would be in line for a smash matchup against the Jets, who have been extremely generous to opposing RBs all season.