Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early Week 17 Pickups to Add (2024)

Championship week is almost upon us! Let’s get you to the finish line with some end-of-season waiver wire leans. This piece, as always, will review some players who played on Sunday’s early slate or earlier and are rostered in fewer than 40% of leagues.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early Week 17 Pickups to Add

Audric Estime (RB – DEN)

Rostered: 8.4%

I was very high on Estime, a 2024 5th-round pick, this preseason but unfortunately he dealt with some injuries that landed him on IR through week five. Since he returned in week six, Estime is averaging 4.5 yards per carry on just over five carries per game.

Estime found the endzone for the first time in his young career on Thursday against the Chargers, he also took nine carries for 48 yards. Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton said Estime has played well enough to earn more touches. Assuming Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – DEN) is out again for the Broncos’ game next Saturday against the Bengals I’d be comfortable with Estime as a flex play in most formats.

Calvin Austin (WR – PIT)

Rostered: 3.5%

George Pickens (WR – PIT) missed week 16 and Austin had 65 yards for his second game in a row. This is pretty cut and dry. If Pickens misses next weekend, I’m cool with an Austin start. If Pickens is active, I’m looking elsewhere.

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG)

Rostered: 37.4%

Robinson has 32 targets in his last three games. Unfortunately, those targets have translated to just 138 yards. Still, Robinson is a viable flex play in PPR formats exclusively. Malik Nabers (WR – NYG) has been banged up for a few weeks and if he misses week 17 Robinson’s stock only rises.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR – TEN)

Rostered: 31.7%

Westbrook-Ikhine’s 2024 season has been a marvel. Through the first seven weeks of the season, he had 19 total yards. However, since week six, he has nine touchdowns. He found the endzone again today. His floor is extremely low, but the Titans take on a lowly Jaguars defense next weekend. If there’s any game to throw the NWI dart, it might be this one.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL)

Rostered: 12.1%

He’s here, folks! I’ll try to hide my lifelong Falcon fandom, here we go.

Michael Penix Jr.’s debut was nothing short of great. I watched every snap. His interception should have been a touchdown – it was a Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL) goalline drop. Penix looked comfortable, accurate and willing to unleash his cannon of an arm when applicable.

The Falcons are fighting for a playoff spot right now and I’d start him in any 2QB/Superflex format next weekend in Washington. In 1QB leagues, Penix is a consideration if you’re desperate. However, make sure the weather in Washington will be clear and Drake London (WR – ATL) is playing. London was in the medical tent briefly today.

Chig Okonkwo (TE – TEN)

Rostered: 6.4%

Okonkwo reaped the benefits of the Tennessee quarterback chance. Mason Rudolph (QB – TEN) fed Okonkwo 11 targets. He caught nine of them for 81 yards.

Given the precarious tight end landscape this year, I’m alright with starting Okonkwo in most formats next weekend when the Titans head to Jacksonville.

Tyler Conklin (TE – NYJ)

Rostered: 16.5%

Conklin missed week 15 with an injury but returned today with a solid fantasy performance. He caught five of seven targets for 59 yards. He was tied for the second-most targets on the Jets with Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ) after Davante Adams‘ (WR – NYJ) 13. Aaron Rodgers (QB – NYJ) wants to keep playing football in 2025, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Conklin is on the receiving end of a pass-happy offensive attack next weekend.

Indianapolis Colts Defense/Special Teams

Rostered: 27.5%

The Colts face the New York Giants next weekend, making the Colts D/ST a start in every format.

Articles NFL Waiver Wire NFL Weekly Advice Jaleel McLaughlin George Pickens Malik Nabers Kyle Pitts Drake London Mason Rudolph Garrett Wilson Davante Adams Aaron Rodgers