Waiver Wire Watch: Week 17

Dec 28, 2020

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I know most of you don’t play in Week 17, but for those who do, we’ve put together an abbreviated version of the Waiver Wire Watch. Instead of full analysis for each player, we’ve combined the analysis portion into one short paragraph. I’ve also taken out the FAAB recommendations because this is the final week, you probably don’t have much budget left, and if you do, feel free to spend whatever you need to fill out your roster. Lastly, if you’re still vying for a championship, good luck!

Recommendations are based on a PPR-scoring, four-point passing touchdown, 12-team league, with ownership percentages coming from Yahoo. I try to mention when a player is a better streaming play (short-term/one-week starter) versus a long-term addition. Free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) suggestions are based on a $100 season-long budget. Lastly, the great John Paulsen will edit this article every week and adjust rankings and prices if necessary. Essentially, you’re getting two minds collaborating on this piece instead of one, so lucky you.

Be sure to come back on Tuesday for John's Week 17 rankings as they may reveal other pickups for this week.

Now, with that out of the way, here are some players to target heading into Week 17.

Quarterbacks

Mitch Trubisky, Bears, 17% rostered
Kirk Cousins, Vikings, 56% rostered
Derek Carr, Raiders, 36% rostered

There aren’t a ton of great streaming options available this week due to injuries and matchups. Mitch Trubisky has scored 18-plus fantasy points in three of his last five games, including his first matchup against the Packers. He could put up solid numbers as the Bears try to keep pace with the Packers and fight for a playoff spot. Kirk Cousins gets to face a Lions team that appears to have given up, and a defense that just allowed four touchdown passes to Tom Brady in the first half. Derek Carr came back from his groin injury to post over 23 fantasy points against the Dolphins last week. Even though the Raiders have been bounced from playoff contention, Carr could put up some numbers in a favorable matchup against the Broncos banged up secondary.