Pigskin Papers: 2022 Waiver Wire Week 17
Allgeier: One of Many Rookies Coming on Late
(Published December 26, 2022)
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Welcome to the Week 17 Waiver Wire. This is my last waivers column of 2022 (sheds tear). It seems like only yesterday that I was recommending these players (among others) after Week 1: Geno Smith, Jamaal Williams, Jahan Dotson, and Gerald Everett. I started off strong 16 weeks ago and I’ll try to end on a high note also.
If you’re still reading, you’re probably playing for a championship this week. Congrats! You’re probably also pretty set with your lineup, but there are some players whose status is in question this week so some of you might need some help. Championships can hinge on big games from unexpected sources. You’ve used the waiver wire all year - no reason to stop now if you can find some help.
The Process: This week is a little different than all past weeks as I’m only trying to identify players who can help you in Week 17. I’ll also do my best to identify which players who are coming off a big week are fool’s gold. Note that this advice is primarily intended for Season-Long leagues, and NOT Dynasty leagues.
Some of the players I’ll talk about won’t be available in your league. As a general rule, I list players who are available in more than 50% of leagues. But what does that even mean? A 10 team league with 6 bench spots will have a much larger free agent pool than a 14 team league with 8 bench spots. Most leagues fall somewhere in between. This isn’t “one size fits all.”
NOTE: This column is posting before the Week 17 Monday night game.
Brock Purdy is Like the U.S. Mail. - He Keeps Delivering
Week 17 Waiver Wire:
QB: Jared Goff should not be available. If he is, he’s got a great matchup at home vs. the Bears. Note - keep an eye on the availability of Lamar Jackson and Tua (concussion protocol). UPDATE - Tua is OUT for Week 17. I’m not recommending Teddy Bridgewater at NE.
Brock Purdy makes the column for the 4th straight week. He’s still well below the 50% rostered threshold on most major platforms, so if you’re stuck, consider adding him. He’s proven to be reliable and consistent, with 2 TD passes in each start. He’s solid but unspectacular - a decent floor with a moderate ceiling. This week the 49ers are on the road to play the Raiders. They’ve allowed the 6th most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs and you know weather won’t be an issue, so it’s a favorable matchup.
Gardner Minshew played pretty well at Dallas, despite a pair of INTs. This week the Eagles are home to face the Saints, which isn’t a great matchup. Still, Philly needs the game, Minshew has talented weapons, and he’s an OK option if you’re needy.
Mike White is expected to return and start this week, with the Jets on the road in Seattle. The Seahawks are another favorable matchup. If you’re stuck this week, White is an OK flyer.
If you want to swing for the fences, or are completely out of options, others you can consider adding: Mac Jones vs. Miami, Carson Wentz vs. the Browns, and Nick Foles at the Giants (Caution - this article is posting before the Week 16 Monday night contest, Foles’s first start of 2022).
McKinnon Just Keeps Scoring
RB:
Jerick McKinnon, Tyler Allgeier and Lat Murray are priority adds if they’re available, which they shouldn’t be at this point. Others:
Chuba Hubbard is the 1(b) option for the Panthers, but they’re pounding it lately and Hubbard has at least 65 rushing yards in 3 of the last 4 games, with a few catches sprinkled in. If you need help, he’s a decent option for you.
Justin Jackson will have a nice opportunity as a complement to D. Swift if Jamaal Williams can’t suit up this week, against a Bears’ defense that has been gashed on the ground since Roquan Smith was traded, including last week vs. the Bills. They’ve allowed the 7th most FPPG to RBs on the season but that doesn't tell the story of how bad they’ve been since Week 8.
Zack Moss and Deon Jackson stay on the list from last week - we’ll see how the work is split on Monday night. The Week 17 matchup at the Giants is favorable - they’ve allowed the 4th most rushing yards and 6th most FPPG to RBs.
James Cook had one of his best games of the year at Chicago, but it was a game where the Bills mostly kept it on the ground due to the weather. The Bengals aren’t a great matchup so proceed with caution.
Khalil Herbert didn’t do much in his return last week, but if you need to take a big swing, consider him. The Lions allowed 2 Panther RBs to go over 100 rushing yards last week - in the first half! They’ve been a lot better than that for most of the year but still, Herbert is explosive and could do well this week if he gets more touches.
Derrick Henry is doubtful for Thursday night. If you’re desperate you can consider Hassan Haskins but I wouldn’t expect a ton of success against the Cowboys’ stout run defense. Q
Doubs Could Have a Big Opportunity This Week
WR: I’ll repeat the WR intro from last week - If Jahan Dotson is available, he’s a priority add. See, nothing changes from Week 2! Here are some other choices:
Romeo Doubs and Allen Lazard were dropped in quite a few leagues, with Doubs missing 4 games and Christian Watson emerging as the top receiving option in Green Bay. If Watson (hip) can’t go this week, Doubs and Lazard are both worth looking at, in a very favorable matchup at home vs. the Vikings. Minnesota has given up the most yards and 4th most FPPG to WRs, and you know Aaron Rodgers will go after their vulnerable corners. I have a slight preference for Doubs but both are viable if Watson is out and even if he plays, they’re worth thinking about if you’re stuck at WR.
Two forgotten guys who’ve had forgettable seasons happen to be guys you can consider this week if you’re needy: Brandin Cooks (vs. Jaguars) and Hunter Renfrow (vs. 49ers). Both should see decent target volume, against defenses that give up more catches and yards to WRs than you’d think. UPDATE - Derek Carr is not starting this week, so I’d avoid Renfrow.
A few other options for this week, for the needy: Demarcus Robinson (vs. PIT), Richie James and Isaiah Hodgins (vs. IND), Elijah Moore (@SEA), and Rashid Shaheed (@PHI) (especially if Chris Olave is out again).
The Tight End Who Isn’t a Tight End
TE: Taysom Hill should be rostered everywhere. if he is available, you could do a lot worse at a weak position, as the Saints conintue to find ways to use him more.
Dawson Knox has scored in 3 straight, so he is officially a thing again. Just know that his floor is low, which is true of most TEs outside of a handful of top tier options.
Juwan Johnson did nothing in Week 16, but the weather was awful and neither team could do much through the air. He was red-hot before that, and the Saints figure to be chasing points at Philly.
Greg Dulcich has had plenty of “1 for 11” type weeks, so he’s hard to trust in a championship game. Last week was an up week for him which included a TD, and the Broncos will need to throw it a lot at KC this week. He’s another player to consider if you are desperate for a TE streamer.
PK Streamers, Week 17: M. (@ATL), Y. Koo (vs. ARI), M. Badgley (vs. CHI), C. Santos (@DET), C. Dicker (vs. LAR)
D/ST Streamers, Week 16: KC (vs. DEN), WAS (vs. CLE), JAX (@HOU)
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DH
