This is Fantasy Sleepers Week 17!
If you are still reading this article, you are not looking for a player to stash but a player to stream. While using a lower-rostered player in a Championship game can be stressful, Week 17 heroes emerge every year. Fantasy title games are a one-week season. With so many players banged up this late in the season, replacement players can be vital for our team’s success.
If you need a spot start that can function as a fantasy life preserver to save your championship dreams, I have got you covered. There are some fun options at WR and TE this week, while QB and RB are a challenge.
NOTE: ALL PLAYERS ARE AVAILABLE IN AT LEAST 75 PERCENT OF YAHOO LEAGUES.
Quarterbacks
Jacoby Brissett | Washington (1%)
Washington is making a change at QB this week, with Sam Howell being benched for Jacoby Brissett. Brisset has led Washington to two near comebacks over the past two weeks. In Week 15 Washington trailed 28-7 to the Rams and ended up losing 28-20. Last week, Washington trailed 27-7, and Brissett led a 21-0 run before falling 30-28.
In the two losses, Brissett passed for 228 yards and three TDs with no interceptions. Look for Brissett to lead an aggressive Washington passing attack this week in a “what have we got to lose” game against San Francisco. Brissett is a fun streaming option especially for Superflex managers. I am using him in a big spot this week.
Jarrett Stidham | Denver (3%)
Stidham replaces Russell Wilson this week in a late season out of nowhere plot twist. Denver faces off against the LA Chargers and their bottom two secondary. Stidham has a chance to put up a strong stat line and build some momentum heading into the offseason. If Denver selects a QB in Round 1 of the NFL Draft, Stidham will have a shot at being a bridge QB if the rookie is not ready.
Running Backs
Justice Hill | Baltimore (19%)
Hill had 13 touches in Baltimore’s big win over San Francisco in Week 16. He led Baltimore in carries and had three targets.
Hill can be counted on for another week of double-digit touches in a potential shootout against Miami. He is not exciting, but there are few players this widely available that will have this sort of touch floor.
Emari Demercado | Arizona (3%)
Demercado has contributed in back to back games. In Week 15, he ripped off a 49 yard TD run. Last week, he caught seven passes. If you are desperate and in a deep league, Demercado has some juice and a weekly role in the offense. If Philadelphia builds a large lead, Demercado could see even more work than usual as a receiver.
Wide Receivers
KJ Osborn | Minnesota (26%)
I love Osborn this week and I am using him in a few spots. Every year we see Week 17 standouts who were not fantasy considerations a month back.
For 2023, Osborn fits the bill. T.J. Hockenson is done for the season, and Jordan Addison will either miss the game or be limited. Osborn is the ultimate attrition play. He should see a 20-25-percent target share. Last week against Detroit, Osborn caught five passes for 95 yards and a TD. Osborn is a WR3 this week with upside.
Demarcus Robinson | LA Rams (23%)
Robinson is red hot in his fantasy production and has become a big part of the Rams’ offense. He has scored a TD in four straight games. In last week’s win over New Orleans, Robinson posted season highs in catches (six) and yardage (82 yards). The Kupp-Nacua-Robinson combo is working, and the Rams’ passing game is trending up. There is some volume risk with Robinson, but there is risk in using any sleeper. Trust in Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay and use Robinson if you are in a jam.
Jameson Williams | Detroit (22%)
Williams is trending up and seeing increased utilization as Detroit heads to the postseason. Detroit plays Dallas this week in a potential shootout environment. We have not seen a smash game from Williams yet, but this could be the moment for the young speedster. He has been targeted 13 times over the past two games and is a threat to receive a manufactured rushing opportunity as well. He had a career-high with five catches in last week’s win over Minnesota.
DeMario Douglas | New England (22%)
I wrote about Douglas frequently this season in the Waiver and Sleepers article, so it is only fitting I would write about him this week. Douglas had his most productive game since Week 10 in last week’s win over Denver. He finished the game with five catches for 74 yards, including a 41 yard reception. New England is looking to play spoiler this week in Buffalo, and Douglas could see increased targets and manufactured touches around the line of scrimmage to keep the pressure off of Bailey Zappe. He is a floor play, but one we can bet on this week.
DJ Chark | Carolina (8%)
Revenge game against his old team? Check. Coming off of a random Two TD game last week? Check. Playing against a bottom-five secondary? Check.
While the other WRs listed are “safer,” Chark may be the most fun name on this list. If you are in need of a dart throw, Chark could find the end zone against his old team.
Tight Ends
Tucker Kraft | Green Bay (19%)
Yahoo managers force me to write about Kraft every week as he remains available in 81-percent of leagues. Kraft is a safe bet to return low end TE1/high end TE2 value this week. He has had four catches and at least 57 receiving yards in three straight games. Minnesota has been tough against opposing TEs, but Kraft could see additional usage with multiple Green Bay WRs banged up. Kraft is a must roster player in Dynasty.
Juwan Johnson | New Orleans (19%)
Johnson is trending up and could come up big this week as New Orleans faces off against Tampa Bay. He has scored a TD in back to back games and posted a season-high of 48 receiving yards in last week’s loss to the Rams. The matchup is also outstanding. Tampa has been the No. 4 most fantasy friendly defense against opposing TEs this season.
