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Fantasy football leagues are won on the waiver wire. Our waiver wire tools at Footballguys make it easy.
Every week, our Sigmund Bloom writes about every trending player in the NFL, moving players up and down based on what we’ve seen. For players mostly available in fantasy football leagues, he’ll provide an estimated amount of FAAB to bid on the waiver wire.
These waiver wire tips are essential in winning your fantasy football league. In this article, we’ll highlight a handful of noteworthy players. But for deeper leagues and more waiver wire additions, check out our full Upgrade and Downgrades feature.
Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
QB Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (bid 50-100%)
Penix was much better than his numbers in Week 16 because the Falcons didn't have to open up the offense to throttle the Giants. The one interception was not on him, and the offensive touchdowns came on the ground. Penix could be a better fantasy option in Week 17 in a rookie quarterback duel against Jayden Daniels with playoff implications for both teams.
QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (bid 50-100%)
Young made big contributions for fantasy as a runner and ended up posting QB1 level numbers in Week 16. The Panthers seem to relish playing spoiler and can do that again vs. the Bucs in Week 17 in a matchup that could force Young to air it out to match Baker Mayfield.
QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (bid 50-100%)
Maye was actually a solid play against the Bills in the cold, which was a great sign for his ability to produce in winter temperatures. If the weather cooperates, he's a viable Week 17 streamer at home against the Chargers.
Waiver Wire Running Backs
RB Audric Estime, Denver Broncos (bid 50-100%)
Estime had a strong game in Week 16, averaging over five yards a carry and scoring, but Sean Payton went away from the running game for some reason. Hopefully, he doesn't do that again in Week 17 since establishing the run will keep Joe Burrow on the sidelines. Estime is a viable what-the-heck flex for fantasy championships.
RB Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers (bid 50-100%)
Edwards had been quiet for fantasy since taking over for J.K. Dobbins, but he finally came through in Week 16 with two short scores. The Chargers need to keep winning to clinch a playoff berth, so Edwards has what-the-heck flex value in Week 17 on Saturday at Foxboro.
RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (bid 50-100%)
Ford was a huge hit in Week 16 despite playing in one of the worst offenses in the league. He opened the game with a 66-yard score only to see D'Onta Foreman follow with a fumble at the goal line. The Browns went to Ford at the goal line the next time they visited there, and Ford also added some value as a receiver with the Browns trailing late. Consider Ford a high-ceiling RB2 for Week 17.
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
WR Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos (bid 50-100%)
Mims would have been one of the waiver wire hits of Week 16 if Bo Nix threw a more accurate deep ball. The Broncos/Bengals game has shootout potential in Week 17, so Mims is a good pickup and play if your lineup needs upside.
WR Olamide Zaccheaus, Washington Commanders (bid 50-100%)
Zaccheaus was actually on the field more than Dyami Brown and could be emerging as the #2 target for a red-hot passing quarterback just in time for the fantasy championship. He's a what-the-heck flex in the rookie passer showdown between Washington and Atlanta in Week 17.
WR Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs (bid 50-100%)
Brown had eight targets on only 20 snaps last week. His snap count should go up in his second week back, and his target count could go way up if Xavier Worthy's injury limits him on Christmas against the Steelers.
Waiver Wire Tight Ends
TE Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
Mason Rudolph loves to target Okonkwo in the short-range passing game. He has had two straight strong PPR games with Rudolph, making him a solid TE1 against the Jags in Week 17.
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