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For most of you, this is Championship Week. Here’s hoping you have a stacked lineup for the biggest game of your fantasy season and don’t have to make any waiver claims. But if you do need to work the waiver wire to fill a lineup spot, we’ve got you covered. We have a full menu of free agents for your perusal.

In addition to the waiver recommendations we’ve been giving you throughout the season, we’ve also been recommending players to stash and players to drop. But we’re done with the stashes and drops. We have reached the terminus of the fantasy season, my friends. There’s no more planning ahead.

We realize that some of you play all the way to the final whistle in Week 18. A small percentage of leagues hold championship games in Week 18, and some leagues have a two-week championship with Week 17 and Week 18 both counting toward final results. We’re not going to abandon those of you with skin in the game in Week 18. We’ll have a waiver column next week, too.

Here are the fill-ins we like best for Week 17 …

Check out our Free Agent Finder to quickly find the top free agents in your league

Week 17 Waiver Wire Grade: B

(Players chosen based on having early-week consensus rostership below 50%. Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)

Week 17 Waiver Wire Rankings

Running Backs

Written by Bo McBrayer

Zack Moss: 44% rostered

• Next opponents: @NYG, HOU
• True value: $14
• Desperate need: $22
• Budget-minded: $6

Analysis: The alarming rate at which Jeff Saturday plunged the ball into Zack Moss‘ gut in Week 15 was a direct warning to those who don’t believe that volume pays the bills. Although Moss could not muster more than four yards per carry in that contest, he will likely bear the brunt of the Colts rushing attack heading into his Week 17 clash with the middling Giants. His touchdown upside as a bruising goal line back is more than zero. Heading into your fantasy football championship, there isn’t much left to pick from. Moss is immediately startable.

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Khalil Herbert: 40% rostered

• Next opponents: @DET, MIN
• True value: $12
• Desperate need: $19
• Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: As I predicted in last week’s column, Khalil Herbert‘s return from the IR was an easing-in versus a stout Buffalo run defense. The Virginia Tech alum garnered six rushing attempts and three targets, though there was nowhere for him to trek on any of them. The Detroit Lions saw their suddenly stiff run defense turn back into a pumpkin versus the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. They had better buckle up, because the Bears will establish the run in a very similar fashion. Herbert is a more explosive playmaker than teammate David Montgomery. I am very bullish on his breakout prospects in the most important slate of the fantasy season.

Tyler Allgeier: 49% rostered

• Next opponents: ARI, TB
• True value: $12
• Desperate need: $19
• Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: This might be the best pickup of Week 17 at the RB position. The rookie from BYU was predictably bottled up on the ground vs. the Ravens on Sunday, but his production in the passing game was a new wrinkle. Allgeier was targeted a season-high five times and hauled in four receptions for 43 yards, in addition to his 74 yards on the ground. This shift in responsibility indicates that Atlanta is unlikely to retain the services of Cordarrelle Patterson next season, since he was clearly the second fiddle to Allgeier in Week 16. Arizona is a very favorable matchup for RBs, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to the position this season.

Chuba Hubbard: 38% rostered

• Next opponents: @TB, @NO
• True value: $8
• Desperate need: $13
• Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: Although not a fan of Chuba Hubbard‘s game, I simply cannot ignore how good the Panthers were on Sunday at opening huge running lanes for him against a Lions defense that had been a lot better at shutting down RBs over the past few weeks. Hubbard eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the first time this season on only 12 attempts. Unfortunately, the positive game script meant he was not targeted in the passing game. The Buccaneers are next for the Panthers and their three-headed rushing attack. D’Onta Foreman and Raheem Blackshear were also relevant in the 300-yard rushing barrage in Week 16, with Foreman again leading the backfield with 21 attempts. The game will likely decide who hosts a playoff game as NFC South champions. Taking a shot on the home run hitter Hubbard is desperate, but crazier things have happened in championship week.

Wide Receivers

Written by Derek Brown

Jahan Dotson: 23% rostered

• Next opponents: CLE, DAL
• True value: $5
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Since Week 13, Dotson has been balling. He has a 20.1% target share over that span while running a route on 100% of the Commanders’ dropbacks. Over his last three games, Dotson is the WR12 in fantasy points per game, ranking 11th in PFF receiving grade and 22nd in yards per route run (minimum five targets). The Browns have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game this season to perimeter wide receivers. Since Week 14, the Cowboys have given up the third-most fantasy points per game to outside receivers. Dotson should smash his final two matchups of the regular season.

Richie James: 17% rostered

• Next opponents: IND, @PHI
• True value: $4
• Desperate need: $6
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Since Week 14, James has been the WR24 in fantasy points per game. He has commanded a 24.5% target share over the last three games while ranking 34th in yards per route run (per PFF). James could help punch your fantasy team’s ticket to the championship parade against a Colts secondary that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to slot receivers since Week 10.

Hunter Renfrow: 22% rostered

• Next opponents: SF, KC
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Renfrow returned solid flex value in Week 16, playing 49% of the snaps while running about 78% of his routes from the slot. Renfrow was the WR25 with 1.83 yards per route run and a 23.3% target share. His limited playing time makes him risky, but Derek Carr made sure to get him the ball when he was on the field. Renfrow should stack back-to-back solid games in Week 17 against a 49ers’ secondary that’s allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to slot receivers since Week 10.

Russell Gage: 15% rostered

• Next opponents: CAR, @ATL
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: If you’re mining the waiver wire at this time of the fantasy season, the wide receiver options are a tad riskier but can still pay off handsomely. Gage can be one of those diamonds in the rough for Week 17. Last week, Gage played 53% of the snaps while seeing a 12.5% target share and producing a WR34 fantasy finish. Gage faces a Carolina secondary that’s allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers since Week 10. Gage is a solid flex play.

Greg Dortch: 2% rostered

• Next opponents: @ATL, @SF
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Dortch finished as the WR8 last week with a 24.4% target share and three carries for 25 yards. He played 76% of the snaps as the Cardinals’ starting slot receiver. Dortch is a solid flex this week against a Falcons’ secondary that has allowed the sixth-highest yards per reception since Week 10.

Quarterbacks

Written by Bo McBrayer

Brock Purdy: 37% rostered

• Next opponents: @LV, ARI
• True value: $6
• Desperate need: $11
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: The “irrelevant” rookie from Iowa State hasn’t been a flashy fantasy performer since taking the reins of this stallion of a 49ers team, but he has been remarkably consistent. Purdy has tossed exactly two touchdown passes in all four games since Jimmy Garoppolo went down and has surpassed 200 passing yards in all but one. The 49ers are on a collision course with a second home playoff game as the 2-seed in the NFC with their favorable finishing schedule. Purdy stands to have a strong showing in Las Vegas this week against the pitiful Raiders defense. This is the streamer to have for fantasy championship week.

Mike White: 17% rostered

• Next opponents: @SEA, @MIA
• True value: $5
• Desperate need: $9
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: The nightmare is finally over. Mike White‘s ribs have apparently healed enough for Jets doctors to clear him. Zach Wilson has been relegated to the bench, hopefully for good. To those of us who roster Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, White is our fantasy savior. Wilson was the poison pill for many in these last two weeks, single-handedly ruining any fantasy value for every Jets skill player. If it’s not too late, White will act as a defibrillator for those guys in your fantasy championship and offer value as a streaming QB.

Baker Mayfield: 9% rostered

• Next opponents: @LAC, @SEA
• True value: $4
• Desperate need: $7
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: It was a toss-up between Baker Mayfield and Mac Jones for the final QB recommendation this week. The two are remarkably similar in that they often need a lot of support to return good results in fantasy. Whereas Mayfield has a slightly more difficult matchup with the Chargers (Jones draws the Dolphins), there is no comparison whatsoever in how these two QBs are performing at present. Jones’ second touchdown pass in Week 16 was on a Hail Mary pass that was tipped back to Jakobi Meyers. He was completely abysmal up to that point. Mayfield was much sharper, using a scrap heap of a receiving corps to light up the stout Broncos defense for the same number of fantasy points as Jones.

Gardner Minshew: 27% rostered

• Next opponents: NO, NYG
• True value: $6
• Desperate need: $11
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Once it was officially announced that Jalen Hurts would not face the Cowboys in Week 16, Minshew Mania was back in play. Dallas was riddled with injuries to its defensive backfield, and Philadelphia was fully stocked in the receiving weaponry department. Minshew made his share of mistakes, with two costly interceptions. He also gashed the defense through the air with 355 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a rushing score on a QB sneak. It is being reported that Hurts is unlikely to put his strained shoulder at risk in a meaningless Week 17 game with the Saints, so we will likely be taking another mullet ride with Minshew.

Tight Ends

Written by Derek Brown

Tyler Conklin: 27% rostered

• Next opponents: @SEA, @MIA
• True value: $3
• Desperate need: $6
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Conklin is a matchup-based streamer again this week. His prospects are looking up with Mike White back under center. Since Week 13, Conklin has had a 12.2% target share. This week, he faces a Seattle pass defense that has given up the most fantasy points and fifth-most TD catches to tight ends.

Juwan Johnson: 31% rostered

• Next opponents: @PHI, CAR
• True value: $3
• Desperate need: $6
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Johnson finally tossed a dud with only two targets and nine receiving yards in a blizzard in Week 16. Even with the down week, Johnson has still been the TE7 since Week 7. He should have a bounceback game against the Eagles’ zone-heavy defense. Since Week 7, Johnson has seen 54% of his target volume against zone, ranking ninth in yards per route run against zone (minimum five zone targets).

Cade Otton: 10% rostered

• Next opponents: CAR, @ATL
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $5
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Last week, Otton took over as the Buccaneers’ primary tight end despite Cameron Brate being active, which is a new development. Otton and Brate had been splitting the role. Otton played 85% of the snaps last week and had a 14.5% target share. With Tompa Brady under center, the Buccaneers will continue to throw at a high rate, so Otton has a great shot to continue to soak up the volume.

Defenses

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

New York Jets: 40% rostered

• Next opponents: @SEA, @MIN
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Jets turned in a flat performance against the Jaguars in Week 16, but Gang Green still has one of the better defenses in the league. The Jets, who rank seventh in defensive fantasy scoring, get a Week 16 matchup against the Seahawks and QB Geno Smith, who’s thrown five interceptions in his last five games and has absorbed 15 sacks over that span.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 18% rostered

• Next opponents: @HOU, TEN
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Over their last three games, the Jaguars have recorded four interceptions and 10 sacks. They’ve averaged 12.7 fantasy points over that stretch, and they get a plum Week 17 matchup against the Texans, who have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Washington Commanders: 27% rostered

• Next opponents: CLE, DAL
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Yes, the Commanders were fricasseed by the 49ers in Week 16, giving up a season-high 37 points, but the Niners have been making defenses look bad all season. It was the first time since week 4 that Washington had allowed more than 21 points. The Commanders finally got Chase Young back from a knee injury last week, and he’ll team with fellow edge rusher Montez Sweat and interior lineman Jonathan Allen to give the Commanders a fearsome pass rush. The Commanders are preparing to host the Browns, who have averaged 15 points in Deshaun Watson‘s four starts. Watson has thrown three interceptions and taken eight sacks.

New York Giants: 11% rostered

• Next opponents: IND, @PHI
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Rookie edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is turning into an impact player for the Giants. This has been an undesirable defense for most of the season, but the emergence of Thibodeaux and Week 17 matchup against a Colts offense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing defenses make the Giants an intriguing Championship Week streaming option.

Atlanta Falcons: 3% rostered

• Next opponents: ARI, TB
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Falcons’ defense ranks 30th in DVOA, but this is all about matchup. Atlanta hosts Arizona in Week 17, and with Cardinals QB Kyler Murray out for the season, either Colt McCoy or Trace McSorley will start at quarterback for the Cardinals. McSorley turned in an unsightly performance against the Buccaneers in Week 16, completing 24-of-45 throws for 217 yards, with no touchdowns, one interception and one sack. The Falcons would be a slightly less appealing defensive option if McCoy, a more seasoned veteran backup, is able to return from a concussion.

Miami Dolphins: 25% rostered

• Next opponents: @NE, NYJ
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Miami has been a middle-of-the-road fantasy defense, but it gets a favorable Week 10 matchup against the Patriots, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Kickers

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Cameron Dicker: 49% rostered

• Next opponents: LAR, @DEN
• True value: $3
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Since joining the Chargers in Week 9, Dicker has averaged 8.6 fantasy points, hitting 14-of-15 field goals and 14-of-14 extra points. He gets a warm-weather Week 17 matchup against the Chargers’ crosstown rivals, the Rams, who have given up 9.3 fantasy points per game to kickers (tied for fourth-most in the league).

Michael Badgley: 48% rostered

• Next opponents: CHI, @GB
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The high-flying Lions have averaged 29.1 points over their last seven games. Badgley has kicked 12 field goals and 22 extra points over that span. This week, he gets an indoor matchup against the Bears in a game with a Vegas total of 52 points – the highest total on the board for Week 17. There should be offensive fireworks in this one, and Badgley should factor prominently into the scoring.

Robbie Gould: 44% rostered

• Next opponents: @LV, ARI
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The 49ers have averaged 28.8 points a game during their current eight-game winning streak, so Gould offers fantasy managers a reasonably sturdy floor. Gould is 14-of-15 on field goals and 26-of-27 on extra points during San Francisco’s streak.

Riley Patterson: 3% rostered

• Next opponents: @HOU, TEN
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Patterson has booted 13 field goals over his last five games, with at least two field goals in every game during that stretch. The Jacksonville offense has really come on during the second half of the regular season, and the Jaguars get a favorable matchup with the Texans this week in a weather-proof indoor setting. The Texans have yielded the 10th-most fantasy points to kickers.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.