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As the fantasy football playoffs near their thrilling conclusion, every lineup decision carries the weight of championship glory or heartbreak. Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season is a pressure-filled battlefield for fantasy managers navigating injuries, breakout performances, and challenging matchups. Wide receivers will play pivotal roles in determining who claims the league title. Here’s a look at the top-ranked picks, potential sleepers, cautionary busts, and key injury updates for this decisive week.
Key Insights
Last week, the top 10 wide receiver performers featured many familiar names. Justin Jefferson, Keenan Allen, Ja'Marr Chase, and AJ Brown all delivered standout performances that fantasy football managers have come to rely on. However, as often happens, an unexpected name broke into the WR1 ranks. In Week 16, it was Olamide Zaccheaus. He hauled in two touchdowns and racked up 24 PPR points, surprising many.
Fantasy football teams are typically powered by superstar talent. As such, managers often favor weeks where the top finishers align with the league’s elite receivers. With championship matchups on the line this week, big-time performances from star wideouts are not just hoped for—they are essential.
Here we will look at our NFL Fantasy Football Wide Receiver rankings entering Week 17 of the 2024 regular season.
Week 17 Top Fantasy Football Picks – 2024
An NFC North showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers has fantasy football managers buzzing. With two dynamic offenses squaring off indoors, expect plenty of aerial fireworks from Sam Darnold and Jordan Love. On Minnesota's side, the offense runs through Justin Jefferson. This makes him an unquestionable starter in all fantasy lineups this week.
Keep an eye on Mike Evans as well. In last Sunday’s 26-24 loss to the Cowboys, Evans hauled in five of eight targets for 69 yards. Evans has been incredibly consistent, recording at least 68 receiving yards in five consecutive games since returning from a hamstring injury. He needs just 182 receiving yards across Tampa Bay’s final two games to achieve 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight season.
Next up is AJ Brown. As long as he’s active, he’s a must-start. Brown appeared on the Eagles’ injury report last week due to knee/rest concerns but is expected to suit up. However, with quarterback Jalen Hurts sidelined by a concussion, Brown will rely on Kenny Pickett under center. Despite the change, Brown delivered a stellar 8-97-1 stat line on 15 targets in Week 16. He can perform well regardless of the signal-caller.
Another Top Pick
Amon-Ra St. Brown is another standout option. In Week 16, he caught six of eight targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. Sure, Jameson Williams stole the spotlight with 143 receiving yards. However, St. Brown remained the Lions’ go-to option with his 11th receiving touchdown of the season. Facing the 49ers in Week 17, St. Brown is primed to deliver another strong performance.
Fantasy Football Sleepers – Week 17 (2024)
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Since returning from IR, Adam Thielen has been a reliable option, scoring at least 15 PPR points in three of his last five games. As Bryce Young’s favorite target, Thielen has led the Panthers in targets for four consecutive games. Thielen is a solid Flex play with WR2 upside this week.
Jalen McMillan has emerged as a key contributor for Tampa Bay, stepping up in Chris Godwin’s absence. Yes, he hasn’t matched Godwin’s production. However, McMillan’s role in the offense has grown, particularly in the red zone. With the Buccaneers facing the Panthers’ league-worst scoring defense, McMillan has a good chance to see valuable targets in scoring situations. That makes him a viable deep-league option.
Injury Watch
Drake London exited last week’s game against the Giants with a hamstring injury. He is expected to play in Week 17 barring any setbacks. Meanwhile, Jaylen Waddle has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury in Week 15. Although he missed Week 16, there’s been no clear timeline for his return. This leaves fantasy football managers in limbo heading into Week 17. Chris Olave also remains on IR after suffering a concussion in Week 9. If cleared to return, Olave would provide a significant boost to the Saints’ offense and fantasy lineups alike. Cedric Tillman has been out for several weeks due to a concussion. He has not been placed on IR, indicating a possible return once he clears concussion protocol. Fantasy football managers should monitor his status closely.
Now, let’s dive into our NFL Fantasy Football Wide Receiver rankings for Week 17 of the 2024 regular season. Standard rankings are indicated in parentheses.
NFL Fantasy Football Week 17 Wide Receiver Rankings
25. Dontayvion Wicks, GB (@ MIN)
24. Darnell Mooney, ATL (@ WAS)
23. Jalen McMillan, TB (vs. CAR)
22. Romeo Doubs, GB (@ MIN)
21. Jameson Williams, DET (@ SF)
20. Jayden Reed, GB (@ MIN)
19. Jordan Addison, MIN (vs. GB)
18. Jakobi Meyers, LV (@ NO)
17. Khalil Shakir, BUF (vs. NYJ)
16. DeVonta Smith, PHI (vs. DAL)
15. Deebo Samuel Sr, SF (vs. DET)
14. Calvin Ridley, TEN (@ JAC)
13. Adam Thielen, CAR (@ TB)
12. Garrett Wilson, NYJ (@ BUF)
11. Jauan Jennings, SF (vs. DET)
10. Drake London, ATL (@ WAS)
9. Tyreek Hill, MIA (@ CLE)
8. Malik Nabers, NYG (vs. IND)
7. Davante Adams, NYJ (@ BUF)
6. Terry McLaurin, WAS (vs. ATL)
5. Brian Thomas Jr, JAC (vs. TEN)
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (@ SF)
3. AJ Brown, PHI (vs. DAL)
2. Mike Evans, TB (vs. CAR)
1. Justin Jefferson, MIN (vs. GB)
Looking Ahead
As Week 17 approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for fantasy football managers looking to secure their league championships. Whether relying on top-tier stars like Justin Jefferson and AJ Brown, banking on sleepers such as Adam Thielen, or navigating the uncertain terrain of injury updates, preparation and adaptability remain key. Keep a close eye on matchups, monitor the latest injury news, and trust the players who have delivered consistently throughout the season. With the right decisions, this could be the week that crowns you a fantasy football champion. Good luck!
