With Week 17 officially in the books, many have already locked up a fantasy football championship while some others are advancing to the championship. You may be dealing with injuries, teams resting their starters or just need to cycle players out on your bench. Whatever it is, the waiver wire is there to help you win in the fantasy football championship. Let’s take a look at some of the best players that should be added this week on waivers to help lift your team to a championship.
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Top Priority Waiver Wire Pickups (If Available)
Jalen McMillan WR (TB)
52% Rostered
Jalen McMillan has been on a tear in fantasy football, emerging as a top waiver wire target. Over the past four weeks, he has averaged 4.8 receptions on 6.3 targets for 60.5 receiving yards and 17.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, ranking as the WR10 during that span. McMillan has six touchdowns in his last four games, scoring in each contest, including a two-touchdown, 20.5-point performance against the Panthers in Week 17. He has seen 28 targets and recorded at least five catches in three straight games, making him a reliable flex option The rookie faces the Saints in a critical Week 18 matchup, with New Orleans allowing 38.5 fantasy points per game to wide receivers over the last six weeks. McMillan is the number one waiver wire add with a plus matchup and a track record of success.
Ameer Abdullah RB (LV)
35% Rostered
Ameer Abdullah has been a surprise breakout over the past month, scoring 56.8 fantasy points in his last three games. He delivered a career-best 23 touches against the Saints, racking up 115 rushing yards on 20 carries, plus three receptions for 32 yards. Abdullah has tallied 298 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in his last three games, becoming the Raiders’ lead back during the season’s final stretch. Averaging 11.7 fantasy points per game over his previous seven contests, Abdullah faces a favorable Week 18 matchup against the Chargers, who have struggled against running backs recently. With Los Angeles likely to play its starters to secure the No. 5 seed, Abdullah has RB2 potential in the season finale.
Worthy Waiver Wire Pickups
Russell Wilson QB (PIT)
44% Rostered
Russell Wilson has a favorable Week 18 matchup against the Bengals, who have struggled to contain quarterbacks this season, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Earlier this year, Wilson torched Cincinnati for 414 yards and three touchdowns, earning a season-high 30.9 fantasy points. Though his production has dipped recently, the absence of WR George Pickens contributed to his slowdown. In Pickens first week back, Wilson was able to score 17.7 points against a tough Chiefs defense. I expect the Steelers to treat this like a playoff game and unleash their offense in a potential shootout with the Bengals making Wilson a solid streaming option.
Chig Okonkwo TE (TEN)
29% Rostered
Chig Okonkwo has emerged as a reliable target in Tennessee’s offense, totaling 43.9 fantasy points over the past three weeks on 28 targets. This spike in usage marks a significant departure from his earlier role, where he rarely saw more than six targets per game. With strong chemistry with QB Mason Rudolph, Okonkwo’s recent involvement ensures a steady fantasy floor with his 26% first read share in the last three games. He faces a Texans defense in Week 18 that allowed him to score a 70-yard touchdown earlier in the season in limited touches. The Texans have allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends over the past month, boosting Okonkwo’s appeal.
Antonio Gibson RB (NE)
12% Rostered
Antonio Gibson outpaced Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 17, logging more snaps and touches amid concerns over Stevenson’s fumbling issues. Jerad Mayo made it clear heading into the week that Stevenson lost his starting role due to the fumbling problems. In a lopsided loss to the Chargers, Gibson carried the ball 12 times for 40 yards, demonstrating his lead-back potential. With a Week 18 matchup against a Bills defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs, Gibson could deliver RB2 value in PPR leagues still playing. His dual-threat ability and increasing role make him a sleeper option for fantasy managers in need of a running back.
Olamide Zaccheaus WR (WAS)
34% Rostered
Olamide Zaccheaus has surged in fantasy relevance, scoring three touchdowns and 47.3 fantasy points across his last two games. He’s been heavily involved in Washington’s passing attack, even out-targeting Terry McLaurin over that span. Facing a Cowboys defense that recently gave up big games to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Zaccheaus is a strong flex play for Week 18 in a divisional showdown. With Noah Brown likely to miss another game, I expect his utilization to be similar tolar to what we have seen during his stretch of strong play. With Washington still fighting for playoff positioning, Zaccheaus is a sneaky flex play in Week 18.
Michael Carter RB (ARI)
3% Rostered
With James Conner exiting Week 17 with a knee injury and Trey Benson still sidelined, Michael Carter stepped up with 13 carries for 70 yards and added two receptions. The Cardinals, already eliminated from playoff contention, have no incentive to rush their top backs back into action. If Conner and Benson remain out, Carter will likely lead the backfield in a tough Week 18 matchup against the 49ers. The 49ers defense has been vulnerable as of late and Carter’s experience as a dual-threat back makes him a valuable option for Arizona in a depleted backfield. Carter could be a great fill-in at running back this week off the waiver wire.
Marvin Mims Jr. WR (DEN)
3% Rostered
Marvin Mims has turned heads recently, averaging 63.8 receiving yards per game over his last six contests. He posted a breakout game in Week 17, catching eight passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. With four scores in his last six games, Mims has become a dangerous deep threat and a versatile weapon for the Broncos. Facing a Chiefs team with little to play for in Week 18, Mims offers high-upside WR3 potential. His increasing snap count and involvement in the offense suggest he has a higher floor than in the past. With Denver looking to secure a playoff spot, Mims could see even more opportunities this week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers DEF
45% Rostered
The Buccaneers’ defense dominated in Week 17, recording five sacks and allowing just 204 yards in a 48-14 win over the Panthers. They face the Saints in Week 18, likely led by rookie QB Spencer Rattler, who has thrown five interceptions and taken 20 sacks in six games. Tampa Bay needs a win to secure the NFC South and should be highly motivated, making their defense a strong streaming option. The Saints’ offensive struggles have been well-documented, making this matchup one of the most favorable for any fantasy defense this week.
Honorable Mentions
Quarterbacks
Bryce Young (CAR) 18% Rostered
Joe Flacco (IND) 6% Rostered
Running Backs
Khalil Herbert (CIN) 8% Rostered
Cam Akers (MIN) 47% Rostered
Trey Benson (ARI) 19% Rostered
Ray Davis (BUF) 11% Rostered
Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) 2.8% Rostered
Carson Steele (KC) 2.5% Rostered
Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) 14% Rostered
Wide Receivers
Brandin Cooks (DAL) 15.6% Rostered
DeMario Douglas (NE) 21% Rostered
Romeo Doubs (GB) 47% Rostered
Nikko Remigio (KC) 1% Rostered
Alec Pierce (IND) 14% Rostered
Tight Ends
Mike Gesicki (CIN) 14% Rostered
Will Dissly (LAC) 23% Rostered
Defenses
Houston Texans 48% Rostered
Washington Commanders 35% Rostered
Kickers
Brandon McManus (GB) 29% Rostered
Wil Lutz (DEN) 16% Rostered