With Week 16 officially in the books, there are more names you need to know on this week’s waiver wire ahead of the championship game. You may be dealing with injuries 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 into the playoffs.
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Top Priority Waiver Wire Pickups (If Available)
Jalen McMillan WR (TB)
43% Rostered
Jalen McMillan continues to deliver for fantasy managers, scoring 16.7 PPR points in Week 16 against the Cowboys. This marks his third consecutive game with at least 16 fantasy points, fueled by four touchdowns and 191 yards on 14 catches. While Tampa Bay may lean more on the run against Carolina in Week 17, McMillan’s recent production makes him a priority pickup, especially for those dealing with injuries to other receivers. In a pivotal game for the Buccaneers, his scoring streak and chemistry with Mayfield could continue to shine. He’s proven himself as a must-start option for championship week.
Trey Benson RB (ARI)
20% Rostered
Trey Benson becomes a potential Week 17 gem, with James Conner leaving Sunday’s game after racking up 26.6 fantasy points against the Panthers. Arizona has little incentive to rush Conner back with the playoffs out of reach, which sets up Benson for a significant workload—provided he can recover from the ankle injury that sidelined him in Week 16. Fantasy managers should monitor injury reports closely, as Michael Carter could step in again after totaling 48 scrimmage yards in relief. The Week 17 matchup against the Rams is favorable, as their defense ranks 22nd in DVOA and has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards to running backs. If healthy, Benson offers high-upside potential in a must-win fantasy week.
Worthy Waiver Wire Pickups
Drake Maye QB (NE)
21% Rostered
Drake Maye delivered another solid fantasy outing in Week 16, throwing for 261 yards, rushing for 30 more, and scoring twice. His dual-threat ability makes him a consistent high-floor option regardless of opponent. Heading into Championship Week, Maye faces a favorable home matchup against the Chargers, who have given up a staggering 67 points and 861 total yards over their last two games. With his rushing upside and steady production, Maye is a strong consideration for deep leagues. His Week 16 performance reinforced his reliability as a fantasy starter.
Chig Okonkwo TE (TEN)
8% Rostered
Chig Okonkwo continues to shine, posting a season-high 19.1 fantasy points in Week 16 with 9 catches for 81 yards. This is Chig’s second straight week with 10+ targets and now has 17 catches over his last two weeks resulting in two performances over 13.5 fantasy points. Chig now faces a Week 17 matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed tight ends 13.77 fantasy points per game and 7 touchdowns this season. His increasing role in the Titans’ offense and Jacksonville’s vulnerability to the position make him one of the best streaming options at tight end. Okonkwo’s recent performances suggest low-end TE1 potential and a valuable pickup off of the waiver wire.
Patrick Taylor Jr. RB (SF)
40% Rostered
Patrick Taylor played 81% of the snaps for the 49ers in Week 16 but struggled to produce, finishing with just 24 rushing yards and a 1-yard catch on five targets. If Isaac Guerendo remains sidelined, Taylor will once again lead the backfield against Detroit in Week 17 making him an intriguing addition off of the waiver wire. I am not convinced that Taylor will be as good as the other 49ers backups due to struggles in run blocking and a tough matchup against the Lions’ stout run defense. While I won’t consider Taylor a starter this week, it is never a bad idea to slot in a 49ers lead back into your starting lineup if needed.
Hollywood Brown WR (KC)
34% Rostered
Hollywood Brown was heavily targeted in his season debut, hauling in 5 of 8 passes for 45 yards despite playing just 27% of the snaps. His 20% target share and 57% target rate on routes run suggest strong involvement in the Chiefs offense going forward. The main concern with Brown is if his increase in snaps this week will be enough to be startable against a tough matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown is worth a waiver wire add due to his strong workload despite limited snaps in the Chiefs offense. The limited role will make him a viable boom-or-bust option for fantasy managers needing upside.
Ameer Abdullah RB (LV)
24% Rostered
Ameer Abdullah has quietly delivered back-to-back strong performances, totaling 19.5 and 19.6 fantasy points in the last two weeks. He’s been effective as a dual threat, tallying 46 rushing yards and a touchdown alongside 12 receptions for 105 yards and another score. Abdullah is more valuable than Alexander Mattison in PPR formats, with Mattison being more valuable in other formats due to his early down role. The Raiders face the Saints next week providing Abdullah with more flex appeal. The Saints’ defense has allowed over 35 receiving yards per game to running backs over their last four contests while allowing five backs to score over 10 points, Abdullah offers a safe floor and sneaky upside for Week 17.
Indianapolis Colts DEF
51% Rostered
The Colts present a top streaming option for Week 17, despite some recent struggles. They face a Giants offense that has allowed a top-eight fantasy defense in four of the last five games. Whether it’s Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, or Tim Boyle under center, the Colts defense is primed for success against a mistake-prone New York squad. Lock alone has taken 11 sacks and thrown four interceptions in his last three starts, making this a highly favorable matchup. The Colts are the number one defensive streamer ahead of championship weekend and should be a high priority on the waiver wire.
Miami Dolphins DEF
46% Rostered
The Dolphins draw a juicy Week 17 matchup against the Browns and struggling quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Cleveland’s offense has been abysmal, averaging just 8.5 points per game in Thompson-Robinson’s starts. In his career, DTR is averaging 3.9 yards per attempt, one of the lowest marks in NFL history. He’s taken five sacks and thrown two interceptions in his last outing, and Miami’s defense should capitalize. While the Dolphins have been inconsistent defensively, this matchup makes them a compelling streaming option
Honorable Mentions
Quarterbacks
Bryce Young (CAR) 7% Rostered
Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) 17% Rostered
Running Backs
Gus Edwards (LAC) 51% Rostered
Alexander Mattison (LV) 47% Rostered
Michael Carter (ARI) 1% Rostered
Audric Estime (DEN) 9% Rostered
Wide Receivers
Rashod Bateman (BAL) 22% Rostered
Olamide Zaccheaus (WAS) 2% Rostered
Romeo Doubs (GB) 48% Rostered
Xavier Hutchinson (HOU) 1% Rostered
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry (NE) 55% Rostered
Brenton Strange (JAX) 27% Rostered
Defenses
Las Vegas Raiders 38% Rostered
Jacksonville Jaguars 16% Rostered
Kickers
Will Reichard (MIN) 13% Rostered
Wil Lutz (DEN) 20% Rostered