For those hardcore fantasy football enthusiasts still going at it, here is one more waiver wire column. Week 17 is tough because teams may decide to rest starters if they have nothing to play for one way or the other. With even more unpredictability than normal weeks 17 is a strange one, but good luck.
Week 16 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring)
· Dion Lewis NE – 16 carries 52 yards 1 reception 5 yards 5 Fantasy Points
· Derrick Henry TEN – 4 carries 13 yards 2 receptions 22 yards 3 Fantasy Points
· Mike Gillislee BUF – 11 carries 91 yards 9 Fantasy Points
· Christine Michael GB – 4 carries 4 yards 1 reception 1 yard 0 Fantasy Points
The volume of carries was high for Lewis, but he could not break a big one or score. Henry did not see many chances and there was no touchdown to save his box score. The Bills ran wild on the ground and Gillislee averaged a crazy 8.3 yards per carry. The Packers racked up yards through the air, leaving Michael on the outside looking in for week 16.
Week 17 Waiver Wire Picks
DeAndre Washington OAK 5.2% owned
Washington turned in an out of nowhere performance on Sunday, but he could be useful for another week. In week 16 he racked up 99 yards and two touchdowns, but still split carries with Murray and Richard. The Raiders have their playoff spot locked up and lost their quarterback to injury. As a result, they will probably feature the run heavily against the Broncos in week 17. Denver has been surprisingly susceptible to opposing rushing attacks which could meant that Washington produces again.
The Rest Of The Waiver Wire Picks
Alfred Blue HOU 19.2% owned
The AFC South was locked up by the Texans on Sunday, despite having Brock Osweiler and Tom Savage as their quarterbacks this season. It was a productive game for Blue filling in for Miller in week 16 and that should continue for another week. Miller has a nagging injury which he should rest for another week before the playoffs begin. That means that Blue should be the unquestioned starter for a week and the offense will probably revolve around him. The Texans will not risk injuring starters and a run heavy approach is likely.
Starter For A Week
Shaun Draughn SF 4.1% owned
The 49ers have a very difficult matchup against the Seahawks in week 17. They will be going into that matchup without starting running back Carlos Hyde due to a sprained MCL. This means that Draughn should take over the majority of the backfield work. Draughn is a serviceable runner as well as a decent pass catcher out of the backfield. Despite drawing a tough matchup, he should see a decent volume of work that will make him a nice flex option.
Double Down
Mike Gillislee BUF 27.7% owned
He does not need touchdowns to be productive, but Gillislee scores a lot of them anyway. Last week, the Bills gave Gillislee a nice number of carries but he was kept out of the end zone. There is a good chance that he changes that in week 17. The Jets are better against the run than the pass, but that is still pretty bad. The Bills should run them over like a steamroller and there will be plenty of carries for McCoy and Gillislee.
