Week 17 Waiver Wire Top Pickups & Adds: Back Up Running Backs Could Have Big Volume

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For those still playing deep into Week 17, it is going to be a week to watch the injury reports, much as it was last week. There are plenty of backs that could continue to see higher volume from a backup role. There are also quite a few wide receivers out there that could make an impact in Week 17. For those looking for FAAB projections, well you are pouring whatever you have left, if you have any, into one of these potential backup running backs. Be sure to catch all our Week 17 rankings and fantasy football advice.

Mike Boone  – Minnesota Vikings

Average Ownership: 42%

This article will be out before we see what Mike Boone does in a featured role, but he is going to be the workhorse for as long as Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison are out. We are into the usual Week 17 antics where we will be dealing with a lot of names on the injury report. The Vikings are going up against Chicago in Week 17, and Boone could have a featured role again if Mattison and Cook are out. Mattison did not practice this week, and Cook got in limited time. At this rate we are trying to pick up names who have a shot at a featured role, which is the theme of the running backs listed.

Kerryon Johnson – Detroit Lions

Average Ownership: 36%

Kerryon Johnson came back against Denver, after being on IR most of the season. The Lions are home to the Packers, which is a solid matchup for Johnson, and much better than last week’s. Green Bay ranks 25th in DVOA against the run, and are allowing the 8th most fantasy points per game to opposing backs. The Lions do not have many weapons to work with and Johnson should see a decent workload. Unlike the other backs here, he is battling his health and not the news of others.

DeAndre Washington – Oakland Raiders

Average Ownership: 36%

Josh Jacobs is struggling with his shoulder, and did not play in Week 16. With the Raiders well out of the playoff picture, it seems odd to even keep Jacobs active. DeAndre Washington continues to be the fill-in option. Despite a below average matchup against Denver, Washington would see high enough volume to start for those still playing fantasy. He works well in the passing game and has flashed big play upside on the ground. It is not a bad spot for Washington, especially in PPR leagues.

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Dion Lewis – Tennessee Titans

Average Ownership: 10%

Tennessee turned to Dion Lewis against New Orleans, which was a tough matchup. The Titans opted to rest Derrick Henry, who is still dealing with a hamstring issue. Houston is a bigger game than New Orleans, which was the reason given for resting Henry this week. However Lewis is one of the names we need to watch due to a possible set back or maybe this injury is worse than we are given. Lewis is an average back on the ground, but does get work in the passing game. Houston is allowing the 9th most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.

Anthony Miller – Chicago Bears

Average Ownership: 30%

Anthony Miller has been a go to guy in the passing game of late, and gets a Vikings secondary that has been very beatable this season. They are allowing the 9th most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. This bodes well for Miller this week. Over the last five weeks, Miller has seen 52 targets, catching 33 of them for 431 yards and two touchdowns. He is WR11 in that span, and still available in most leagues.

Breshad Perriman – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Average Ownership: 52%

The ownership picked up from last week, but still an honorable mention is Breshad Perriman. He didn’t find the end zone unlike his three touchdown week against Detroit, but he had a successful day against Houston. The Falcons rank 25th against the pass, and this is shootout game in the waitings. Perriman will continue to dominate targets here moving forward.

Justin Watson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Average Ownership: 10%

To point out the lesser owned wideout in Tampa Bay, Justin Watson saw ten targets against Houston, and he was the name expected to step up in Godwin’s absence. He caught five of those ten targets for 43 yards and a score. He is a WR3 threat depending on your lineup, or a FLEX option in a likely shootout. As mentioned above, it is a good matchup for the passing attack, especially given the volume they continue to throw.

Tyler Higbee – Los Angeles Rams

Average Ownership: 45%

Even with Gerald Everett listed as active, Tyler Higbee crushed again. He had 11 targets, catching nine of them for 104 receiving yards. That is now four straight games over 100 yards. Everett being back isn’t going to be a big deal as he has easily surpassed him as a receiving option and a go-to name for Jared Goff. We also have the Arizona on the horizon, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.

Dallas Goedert – Philadelphia Eagles

Average Ownership: 43%

Philadelphia’s pass catching options continue to dwindle down to the tight ends, and Dallas Goedert is a reliable option when it comes to target. He doesn’t have the monster upside, but can put together a strong PPR line. The Eagles will take on the Giants next week, which is a decent matchup for the passing game. Over the last five weeks, Goedert is TE11, with the 7th most targets of the position.