The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free-agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.
Quarterback Upgrades
- QB Josh Allen, BUF
- QB Joe Burrow, CIN
- QB Tyler Huntley, BAL (waiver wire: 50+%)
- QB Trey Lance, SF (waiver wire: 50+%)
- QB Davis Mills, HOU (waiver wire: 50+%)
- QB Dak Prescott, DAL
- QB Carson Wentz, IND (waiver wire: 50+%)
- QB Nick Foles, CHI (waiver wire: 1%)
- QB Josh Johnson, BAL (waiver wire: 1%)
- QB Zach Wilson, NYJ (waiver wire: 1%)
Quarterback Downgrades
- QB Cam Newton, CAR (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS
- QB Justin Herbert, LAC
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF
Running Back Upgrades
- RB Rex Burkhead, HOU (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Chase Edmonds, ARI
- RB Damien Harris, NE
- RB Jordan Howard, PHI (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Justin Jackson, LAC (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Alexander Mattison, MIN
- RB Sony Michel, LAR
- RB Joe Mixon, CIN
- RB Rashaad Penny, SEA (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Boston Scott, PHI (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Devin Singletary, BUF
- RB Darrel Williams, KC (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Michael Carter, NYJ (waiver wire: 1%)
- RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (waiver wire: 1%)
- RB Dare Ogunbowale, JAX (waiver wire: 1%)
- RB Jamaal Williams, DET (waiver wire: 1%)
Running Back Downgrades
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC
- RB Darrell Henderson, LAR (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB James Robinson, JAX (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB James Conner, ARI (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Saquon Barkley, NYG
- RB DOnta Foreman, TEN (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Melvin Gordon, DEN (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Miles Sanders, PHI (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Javonte Williams, DEN (waiver wire: 1%)
Wide Receiver Upgrades
- WR Odell Beckham, LAR
- WR Tyler Boyd, CIN (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR A.J. Brown, TEN
- WR Antonio Brown, TB
- WR Tee Higgins, CIN
- WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR Michael Pittman, IND
- WR DeVonta Smith, PHI
- WR K.J. Osborn, MIN (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Byron Pringle, KC (waiver wire: 1%)
Wide Receiver Downgrades
- WR Russell Gage, ATL (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Keenan Allen, LAC
- WR Tyreek Hill, KC
- WR Van Jefferson, LAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
- WR Terry McLaurin, WAS (waiver wire: HOLD)
- WR Emmanuel Sanders, BUF (waiver wire: HOLD)
Tight End Upgrades
- TE Gerald Everett, SEA (waiver wire: 50+%)
- TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
- TE Dalton Schultz, DAL
- TE Brevin Jordan, HOU (waiver wire: 1%)
Tight End Downgrades
- TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
- TE Dallas Goedert, PHI
- TE Rob Gronkowski, TB
Quarterback Upgrade
QB Josh Allen, BUF - Allen was outstanding against the Patriots even without Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis. He's QB1 for Week 17 with Atlanta coming to town as long as the weather isn't a blizzard.
QB Joe Burrow, CIN - Burrow was close to an NFL record against the depleted Ravens secondary. He'll have a tougher matchup this week against the Chiefs but has earned QB1 status for the fantasy championship.
QB Nick Foles, CHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - The Bears could turn back to Justin Fields or Andy Dalton in Week 17, but if they don't, Foles showed he can be competent in the snow at Seattle and he can serve as a viable emergency play against the Giants.
QB Tyler Huntley, BAL - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Huntley has a shot to come off of the covid list in Week 17. It's unknown whether Lamar Jackson can play, but if Huntley is the starter, he'll be worth a fantasy start vs. the Rams if you don't have a clear QB1.
QB Trey Lance, SF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - With news of Jimmy Garoppolo's thumb injury, Lance could start in Week 17 against the Texans. He has reportedly been having great practices and could be a great play if you don't have an obvious starter for Week 17.
QB Josh Johnson, BAL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Tyler Huntley could be activated from the covid list or Lamar Jackson could be ready to play, but if neither can do, Johnson will be an acceptable emergency play against the Rams.
QB Davis Mills, HOU - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Mills continues to impress, even without Brandin Cooks in Week 16. He has a chance to get Cooks back this week and faces the 49ers. If you need an emergency quarterback, he's a solid option.
QB Dak Prescott, DAL - Prescott had an elite fantasy performance in one half against Washington as the Football Team ran out of gas. He has restored confidence in fantasy circles going into a matchup against the Cardinals.
QB Carson Wentz, IND - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Wentz was uneven, but had a few inspired throws and was an adequate fantasy quarterback in Week 16. He'll face the Raiders in Week 17 as the Colts make and is probably one of the better options on the wire if you need an emergency play.
QB Zach Wilson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1%) - Wilson had a long touchdown run and was reasonably effective as a passer considering the losses at wide receiver. He'll be a viable emergency QB1 against the Bucs.
Quarterback Downgrade
QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF - Garoppolo could be out this week and perhaps beyond with a thumb injury.
QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS - Heinicke was benched for his own protection according to Ron Rivera, but Rivera said he should start in Week 17. The chances of disaster are high enough that Heinicke should be avoided across formats.
QB Justin Herbert, LAC - Herbert struggled mightily against the Texans defense and only a garbage time score helped him put up a solid fantasy stat line. The Broncos are up next and they gave him trouble earlier in the season. He might not be your starter in the championship.
QB Cam Newton, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Newton is officially part of a platoon with Sam Darnold, so he can be dropped heading into Week 17, even in 2QB/Superflex leagues.
Running Back Upgrade
RB Rex Burkhead, HOU - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Burkhead was the MVP in the win over the Texans for anyone who was forced to start him with David Johnson out. He'll at least be a what the heck flex against the 49ers this week and should be added just to keep him out of enemy hands.
RB Michael Carter, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1%) - Carter ran strong against the Jaguars and showed that the Jets running game is making strides. He's only a desperation play against the Bucs, but the future is looking bright for the fourth-round pick.
RB Chase Edmonds, ARI - Edmonds was the leading receiver for the Cardinals and clear lead back in the Arizona running game. James Conner might be able to go in Week 17 against Dallas, but if he can't, Edmonds is an automatic start for the fantasy championship.
RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - Gainwell has a chance to be the #2 back against Washington and perhaps more involved in the passing game and goal-line offense. He's a viable desperation play if Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders can't go.
RB Damien Harris, NE - Harris showed no ill effects from his hamstring injury and basically was the Patriots offense in the loss to the Bills. Rhamondre Stevenson could return this week, but Harris should still be in fantasy lineups against the Jaguars.
RB Jordan Howard, PHI - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Howard suffered a stinger in Week 16, but the team is optimistic that he might be able to play in Week 17. He would be a boom/bust RB2/Flex if he can with Miles Sanders out.
RB Justin Jackson, LAC - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Jackson carried a lot of teams through to the championship even though the Chargers were blown out by the Texans. Even if Austin Ekeler is ready to play in Week 17 against the Broncos, Jackson has RB2/Flex appeal.
RB Alexander Mattison, MIN - Mattison wasn't overwhelming, but he scored and was still a fantasy asset. He could start in Week 17 if Dalvin Cook isn't cleared from the covid list. It will go right down to the wire to see if Cook is able to play.
RB Sony Michel, LAR - Michel was the clear lead back with Darrell Henderson getting hurt yet again. He should be good enough to start as an RB2 against the Ravens this week.
RB Joe Mixon, CIN - Mixon was finishing drives and had the big play in the passing game to put Joe Burrow over 500 yards. He'll face a tougher Chiefs defense this week, but has finally earned the unconditional trust of fantasy players.
RB Dare Ogunbowale, JAX - (waiver wire: 1%) - James Robinson left with an Achilles injury, leaving Ogunbowale as the next man up. He scored and got what was there against the Jets, making him a viable desperation RB2/Flex in Week 17 against the Patriots.
RB Rashaad Penny, SEA - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Penny got fitted for snow tires and ran well against the Bears. He'll be a solid RB2 with upside against the Lions.
RB Boston Scott, PHI - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Scott is in line to start against the Football Team next week if Miles Sanders can't play through his broken hand and Jordan Howard can't play through his stinger.
RB Devin Singletary, BUF - Singletary was the clear lead back, scored, and was a big part of the passing game in the win over the Patriots. He'll be a solid RB2 against the Falcons in Week 17.
RB Darrel Williams, KC - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Williams will take over as the starter for the Chiefs against the Bengals unless Clyde Edwards-Helaire can play through his collarbone injury.
RB Jamaal Williams, DET - (waiver wire: 1%) - D'Andre Swift wasn't ready to return in Week 16 and Williams ran ahead of Craig Reynolds, so he should be the best Week 17 desperation play in the Lions backfield.
Running Back Downgrade
RB Saquon Barkley, NYG - Barkley continues to get outshined by Devontae Booker and is only a desperation play against the Bears this week.
RB James Conner, ARI - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Conner was unable to go because of a heel injury. He could play in Week 17 against the Cowboys, but will only be a low ceiling RB2.
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC - Edwards-Helaire left Week 16 with a collarbone injury. X-rays showed no break, but he could still miss Week 17 as the Chiefs have clinched the division.
RB DOnta Foreman, TEN - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Foreman scored, but was otherwise ineffective against the 49ers. He's only a desperation play against the Dolphins this week.
RB Melvin Gordon, DEN - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Gordon was held in check by the Raiders. He could have a better go of it against the Chargers who were just torn up by Rex Burkhead. Consider Gordon a flex this week.
RB Darrell Henderson, LAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Henderson hurt his knee at the end of a nice run and might be unavailable for Week 17. He will run behind Sony Michel if he can play.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson, ATL - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Patterson was held in check by the Lions run defense, but he'll have a chance to go at the soft underbelly of the Bills defense this week. He's a boom/bust RB2/Flex, but trending down since he isn't involved much in the passing game anymore.
RB James Robinson, JAX - (waiver wire: DROP) - Robinson went down with an Achilles injury. Hopefully, he'll be ready for Week 1 next season.
RB Miles Sanders, PHI - (waiver wire: DROP) - The Eagles are waiting to see if Sanders can play with a broken bone in his hand, but even if he can go, he probably won't get a huge workload. He's just a desperation if he's even active against the Football Team.
RB Javonte Williams, DEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - A Bradley Chubb interception set up Williams' short score, or the day would have been a loss for fantasy. He could have a better go of it against the Chargers who were just torn up by Rex Burkhead. Consider Williams a flex this week.
Wide Receiver Upgrade
WR Odell Beckham, LAR - Beckham scored and appears to be the #2 receiver heading into a matchup against the vulnerable Ravens secondary. He's worth a Week 17 start.
WR Tyler Boyd, CIN - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Boyd had a 63-yard score against busted coverage, but he wasn't done yet on what would be a historic day for Joe Burrow. He's still only a what-the-heck WR3/Flex, but Boyd has momentum going into Week 17.
WR A.J. Brown, TEN - Brown was a monster in the second half to lead the Titans to a win over the 49ers. He'll be in lineups in Week 17 against the Dolphins.
WR Antonio Brown, TB - Brown was the Bucs passing game in Week 16 for the most part. Even if Mike Evans is back, Brown will be an automatic start in Week 17 against the Jets.
WR Tee Higgins, CIN - Higgins was unstoppable and Joe Burrow threw up a lot of 50/50 balls to prove this repeatedly in Week 16. There's no way Higgins will be on fantasy benches against the Chiefs.
WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Cole Beasley will be out for Week 17, so McKenzie will reprise the slot role that led to a massive game against the Patriots and helped anyone who trusted him advance to the fantasy championship.
WR K.J. Osborn, MIN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Osborn had a drop at the goal line that led to an interception that put the Vikings behind the eight ball, but he eventually scored and will be the #2 receiver against the Packers with Adam Thielen's ankle still a problem and likely keeping him out of Week 17.
WR Michael Pittman, IND - Pittman had a strong game against the Cardinals to restore confidence in him heading into a matchup against the Raiders.
WR Byron Pringle, KC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Travis Kelce could be back next week from the covid list, but Pringle was impressive enough against the Steelers to merit a desperation start against the Bengals if you need him.
WR DeVonta Smith, PHI - It was Smith's turn to have a big game in the Eagles passing attack. Even though he and Dallas Goedert can't seem to go off in the same week, at least there's a chance of him coming through against the beleaguered Football Team defense that got blown out of the building against the Cowboys.
Wide Receiver Downgrade
WR Keenan Allen, LAC - Allen was quiet with the rest of the Chargers pass offense in the loss to the Texans. He should bounce back against the Broncos defense he posted a 7-85 line against earlier this year.
WR Russell Gage, ATL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Gage took a backseat to Kyle Pitts in the passing game and had a fumble late that almost gave the game to the Lions. He's only a desperation play in Week 17 at Buffalo after a brief period of fantasy reliability.
WR Tyreek Hill, KC - Hill did little in the win over the Steelers, but the Chiefs didn't need him to. He'll still be an automatic start in Week 17, but with lower expectations, assuming Travis Kelce is activated from the covid list.
WR Van Jefferson, LAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Jefferson has been overshadowed by Odell Beckham as of late, but he is still worth a look as a WR3/Flex against the woeful Ravens secondary.
WR Terry McLaurin, WAS - (waiver wire: HOLD) - McLaurin was a non-factor in the blowout loss to the Cowboys. He's only a desperation play against Philadelphia because of Washington's lack of consistent quarterback play.
WR Emmanuel Sanders, BUF - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Sanders was held in check by the Patriots, but will have a chance to redeem himself in deep fantasy leagues against the Falcons in Week 17 with Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis both out.
Tight End Upgrade
TE Gerald Everett, SEA - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Everett scored and was a core part of the Seattle passing game, even with Tyler Lockett back on the field. He'll be a solid TE1 against the Lions next week.
TE Brevin Jordan, HOU - (waiver wire: 1%) - Jordan looked athletic after the catch and was on the same page with his fellow rookie quarterback. He'll be a viable desperation play for Week 17 at San Francisco.
TE Kyle Pitts, ATL - Pitts had his biggest game since Week 7 and is trending up heading into a Week 17 game at Buffalo. Consider him a solid TE1 with upside for the fantasy championship.
TE Dalton Schultz, DAL - Our faith in Schultz has wavered through the ups and downs of the Cowboys offensive season, but he peaked along with them in Week 16. He'll be a solid TE1 against the Cardinals this week.
Tight End Downgrade
TE Dallas Goedert, PHI - Just when it looked like Goedert was established atop the Eagles passing game, Devonta Smith stole the headlines. There isn't enough to go around for both to get fed, but the matchup against Washington is good enough to keep him in lineups this week.
TE Rob Gronkowski, TB - Gronkowski wasn't able to get much going despite the Bucs being without two of their top three wide receivers. He has an easy matchup against the Jets this week but might not be a fantasy force if this trend continues.
TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Okwuegbunam was a dud in Week 16 despite facing the Raiders and playing with his college quarterback -- who usually forces the ball to him. He's off of our desperation play list.