If this week marks your Fantasy Football championship, we’ve got the answers to help fill those voids in your roster. Take a look!
If the commissioner of your league has Week 17 as the championship league, you might want to find a new league next year.
With teams being already eliminated from the playoffs or the teams that have their ticket punched already for the playoffs, it can get tough this week to roster some players. We already know that Todd Gurley isn’t playing but that list will grow the closer we get to Sunday.
Here is a list of players available in over half of ESPN leagues that can help you win your league. Good luck, everyone. And don’t forget to try a different league next year.
Will Fuller, Wide Receiver (available in 64% of ESPN leagues)-
It is looking like DeAndre Hopkins will miss Week 17 because of an injury. Will Fuller will be the number one option in the passing game against a weak Indianapolis Colts secondary. Both teams have nothing to play for and this could be one of the highest scoring games.
Fuller should step right in and easily see double-digit targets and he should find the end zone this week. Out of all the players on this list, Fuller is the most talented and has the highest upside of anyone. Add him because even if you don’t need him, you block your opponent from getting him.
Mike Gillislee, Running back (available in 72 percent of ESPN leagues)-
Dion Lewis is the only healthy running back for the New England Patriots heading into Week 17. This game could get ugly quick versus the New York Jets and that could mean a big workload in the second half of the game for Gillislee. If the Patriots decide to rest the starters in the second half and they just want to run the clock, they will feed Gillislee the ball. He could be a healthy scratch this week so make sure to check but if he is active, as he should see a handful of red zone carries.
Malcolm Brown, Running Back (available in 91 percent of ESPN leagues)-
The Rams have already said that they are resting Todd Gurley for Week 17. Malcolm Brown will be the workhorse this week and there will be few running backs available that will see a big workload like him. He is playing behind a top three running back in the league so he hasn’t seen the field much but if you are looking for a fill-in this week, Brown should be the player you are looking to add.
Don’t expect huge numbers this week but if he finds the end zone and rushes for over 50 yards, then you are in good shape.
Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback (available in 95% of ESPN leagues)-
If you have been playing Jared Goff or Alex Smith this season, you might need to find a replacement quarterback. Mahomes ran for 22 rushing touchdowns in his college career and if you are playing him this week, you are hoping he rushes one in the end zone. This is a risky play but since he can make plays with his legs that means he could have a monster game. He could have gotten drafted into the MLB and he has a huge arm so they could let him air it out. The Chiefs traded up to get him and in Week 17, the team will get a chance to see what the kid can do.
Akeem Hunt, Running Back (available in 98 percent of ESPN leagues)-
All signs are pointing towards the Chiefs resting their starters. The other Hunt on the Chiefs will get the start and if you play in a PPR league, he is a must add. He hasn’t been sitting on the bench all year and he has been an active part of the offense all season. He is known for being a pass catcher and it wouldn’t surprise me with all the dump-offs and other big play receivers sitting that he leads the team in receptions this week. Solid play this week and he should be safe for all formats.
Branden Oliver, Running Back (available in 98 percent of ESPN leagues)-
If Melvin Gordon can’t suit up this week, Oliver will be in for a huge workload. He averages one catch for every 10 snaps this year. If he plays 40 or 50 snaps he should get us five receptions and the Chargers still have a chance to make the playoffs. He will get the goal line work and he has shown in the past that when he gets the carries, he can put up good numbers. If you have Melvin Gordon and you are playing this week, Oliver is a must add.
Don’t let sitting starters deter your fantasy seasons. When it really counts, add these guys to help boost your numbers and hoist that championship trophy.
