In the realm of fantasy football, wide receiver is often hailed as the deepest position. Despite the challenges posed by injuries and unfavorable matchups affecting key wideouts, fantasy football managers may find themselves delving into the depths of their roster for WR3 or flex options. Fortunately, our Week 17 fantasy WR PPR rankings aim to alleviate some of the stress during this tumultuous period.
Within the wide receiver landscape, Deebo Samuel's recent impressive performances have propelled him into the top six. Both he and his teammate Brandon Aiyuk are deemed must-starts. Additionally, AJ Brown and DK Metcalf secure spots in the top 15.
As mentioned earlier, injuries loom as the major impediment for teams striving to field star-studded lineups at the wide receiver position. The availability of Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder), Michael Pittman Jr. (shoulder), and Keenan Allen (heel) remains uncertain. Moreover, a few other high-ceiling options such as Christian Watson, Jordan Addison, and Marquise Brown might also be sidelined. This could make fantasy football managers turn to their benches or the waiver wire for solutions.
Here we will look at our NFL Fantasy Football Wide Receiver rankings entering Week 17 of the 2023 regular season.
Top Fantasy Football Picks
Despite a challenging matchup against the Ravens in Week 17, Tyreek Hill retains his top spot in our rankings. Remember that despite a formidable Jets defense weeks ago, Hill showcased his prowess with over 100 yards and a touchdown. This makes him a potential threat against the Ravens, who struggled against Aiyuk in the previous week. Completing our top five picks are CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Chris Olave, and Aiyuk. They all benefit from consistent targets and favorable matchups.
Do keep in mind that Hill was a Wednesday practice absentee. That said, his potential for an increased role becomes more significant, especially if Jaylen Waddle (ankle) is unable to play.
Lamb's impactful performance in Week 16, where he secured six catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, solidifies his role as Dak Prescott's go-to option. With at least four catches and seven targets in each of his last nine games, Lamb remains a reliable WR1 option against the Detroit Lions.
Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans, Puka Nacua, AJ Brown, and Amon-Ra St. Brown round out the lower half of the top 10.
Fantasy Football Sleepers
Players like Noah Brown, George Pickens, and Jerry Jeudy hold value in 12-team leagues. All face defenses ranked in the top 10 for fantasy football points allowed to WRs. This elevates their potential for both a solid floor and a high ceiling. Notably, Jeudy may see increased targets with Courtland Sutton (concussion) nursing an injury.
Additionally, Rashid Shaheed, Demarcus Robinson, and DJ Chark are solid plug-and-play options in favorable matchups. KJ Osborn and Cedrick Wilson Jr. also come into consideration, particularly with Jordan Addison (ankle) and Waddle ailing. Despite challenging matchups, their anticipated increase in targets and big-play potential make them viable options.
Fantasy Football Busts
Calvin Ridley, Garrett Wilson, and Amari Cooper may be difficult to bench due to their WR1 roles. However, their daunting matchups against top-three WR defenses warrant caution. Terry McLaurin's matchup against the 49ers also remains challenging given Washington's offensive struggles.
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Players like Elijah Moore, Demario Douglas, and Tyler Boyd find themselves in the start-sit bubble. They have really tough matchups this week. Joshua Palmer and Boyd might offer a bit more PPR upside if Keenan Allen (heel) and Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) remain sidelined. Still, neither boasts a particularly high ceiling.
Fantasy Football Injuries
Several key players, including Allen (heel), Chase (shoulder), Pittman Jr. (shoulder), Christian Watson (hamstring), Jayden Reed (toe), Zay Jones (hamstring), Marquise Brown (heel), and JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle), missed last week's games. Yes, none are guaranteed to play. However, Pittman, Reed, and Jones were at least listed as βquestionableβ before being ruled out. This means there's a better chance of their availability.
Michael Thomas (knee) failed to practice, casting doubt on his return this week. If he does play, he becomes a valuable flex option in a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay.
Now, let's dive into our NFL Fantasy Football Wide Receiver rankings for Week 17 of the 2023 regular season. Standard rankings are indicated in parentheses.
NFL Fantasy Football Week 17 Wide Receiver Rankings
1. Tyreek Hill, MIA @ BAL (1)
2. CeeDee Lamb, DAL vs. DET (2)
3. Justin Jefferson, MIN vs. GB (3)
4. Chris Olave, NO @ TB (4)
5. Brandon Aiyuk, SF @ WAS (5)
6. Deebo Samuel, SF @ WAS (8)
7. Mike Evans, TB vs. NO (7)
8. Puka Nacua, LAR @ NYG (6)
9. AJ Brown, PHI vs. ARI (12)
10. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET @ DAL (10)
11. Rashee Rice, KC vs. CIN (22)
12. Cooper Kupp, LAR @ NYG (9)
13. Stefon Diggs, BUF vs. NE (18)
14. Davante Adams, LV @ IND (19)
15. DK Metcalf, SEA vs. PIT (15)
16. Michael Pittman Jr., IND vs. LV (11)
17. DeVonta Smith, PHI vs. ARI (16)
18. DJ Moore, CHI vs. ATL (13)
19. Nico Collins, HOU vs. TEN (14)
20. Chris Godwin, TB vs. NO (29)
21. DeAndre Hopkins, TEN @ HOU (17)
22. Tee Higgins, CIN @ KC (21)
23. Calvin Ridley, JAC vs. CAR (24)
24. Zay Flowers, BAL vs. MIA (27)
25. Garrett Wilson, NYJ @ CLE (31)
26. Tyler Lockett, SEA vs. PIT (33)
27. George Pickens, PIT @ SEA (23)
28. Terry McLaurin, WAS vs. SF (36)
29. Adam Thielen, CAR @ JAC (26)
30. Diontae Johnson, PIT @ SEA (25)
31. Drake London, ATL @ CHI (32)
32. Jayden Reed, GB @ MIN (38)
33. Noah Brown, HOU vs. TEN (30)
34. Brandin Cooks, DAL vs. DET (35)
35. Jakobi Meyers, LV @ IND (37)
36. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA vs. PIT (50)
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