IDP Waiver Wire Targets for Week 17 (2021)

December 28, 2021 Nate Marcum
IDP Waiver Wire Targets for Week 17 (2021)

It feels like just yesterday that our fantasy season started, and here we already are at the finish line. I will never understand how the speed of a fantasy season is the fastest 17 weeks that I can imagine. Regardless of the speed of the season, the speed at which news travels is even faster! This past week has been a whirlwind of injuries and COVID news, but I am here to keep us up to speed.

Amidst the chaos, we are in Championship Week! If you are reading this, as with previous weeks, that must mean that you have prevailed and are just one win away from hoisting the trophy!

In previous weeks, we have discussed players that could help you that particular week, and beyond. Well, there is no beyond, assuming you don't play in a dynasty league, and if you do, maybe check back next year for Dynasty IDP discussions (we will see). For this week tho, I am simply going to mention the players that will get you that 'ship!

Before we discuss this week, let's take a look back at the Week 16 options that I recommended.

HITS AND MISSES

Charles Harris-Despite the low output (6pts), he did lead the team in pressures (4). MISS

David Onyemata-Was a nuisance in the game but only led to big games from Davenport and Jordan. MISS

Kevin Minter-Very solid week! 18 points backed by 4 solo tackles and the predicted QB hit and Sack. HIT

Zach Cunningham-Such a letdown week in a plus matchup. 71% snap share was decent. MISS

Week 17 (Championship Week)

As of 12/28, here is the shortlist of names to watch heading into Week 17 due to COVID or Injury:

DE/DT

Brian Burns-CAR

Jonathan Greenard-HST

Joey Bosa-LAC

Carl Granderson-NO

Kenny Clark-GB

Akiem Hicks-CHI

Quinnen Williams-NYJ

LB/EDGE

Darius Leonard-IND

Kamu Grugier-Hill-HST

Neville Hewitt-HST

Josh Allen-JAX

Shaq Barrett-TB

Ja'Whaun Bentley-NE

Devin Bush-PITT

Lavonte David-TB

Demario Davis-NO

Markus Golden-ARI

Myles Jack-JAX

Ernest Jones-LAR

Cory Littleton-LV

Denzel Perryman-LV

Shaq Thompson-CAR

Azeez Al-Shaair-SF

Matt Judon-NE

Cole Holcomb-WFT

DB

Khari Willis-IND

Antoine Winfield-TB

Jon Abram-LV

Nasir Adderley-LAC

Ashtyn Davis-NYJ

Malik Hooker-DAL

Chuck Clark-BAL

Chidobe Awuzie-CIN

Grant Delpit-CLE

Tracy Walker-DET

Well, I now officially have hit the IR with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome after typing 1/3 of the entire NFL's player list. All jokes aside, this is the type of information that can win or lose your Championship Week, and we didn't come all this way to let COVID stand in the way of the title. If you roster any of the above players, pay close attention to their backups. As the week progresses, check in @natemarcum for replacement options if time is guaranteed to be missed.

So let's find a few IDP Waiver Wire Targets to help us overcome the plague!

Al-Quadin Muhammad-Indianapolis Colts

Muhammad is coming off of a very positive Week 16 (6 pressures), even if it didn't translate into fantasy production. The Colts, and Muhammad, will get the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. Most notably, Muhammad will get to see his fair share of Alex Leatherwood. It is no secret that I have picked on Leatherwood on the season, and Championship week is no different! With Justin Houston on the COVID watch, the snaps could increase across the D-Line as a result.

Carlos Dunlap-Seattle Seahawks

Carlos Dunlap is reprising his role as a late-season IDP hero for 2021. If you remember last year, it was in Weeks 16,17, and the WC game that we saw Dunlap record 13 QB pressures over that time. Fast forward to this year, and we have seen Dunlap record 9 pressures, 5 sacks, and 67 combined fantasy points in Weeks 15 & 16.

This week, Dunlap and the Seahawks will get the Detroit Lions in a game that could have Jared Goff wishing he was still on COVID absence.

E.J. Speed-Indianapolis Colts

With Darius Leonard a late addition to the COVID list in Week 16, it was E.J. Speed that stepped up and played masterfully in his absence. Speed wracked up 9 tackles and a pass defended resulting in a 20 point performance. Since Leonard is an unvaccinated player, he is in line to miss Week 17 as well, and I absolutely love the matchup against the Raiders. If the Raiders are wise, they will look to utilize Josh Jacobs and keep Carr upright. A run-heavy game could greatly benefit Speed, seeing as he was 4th among LB in Week 16 in run-play solo tackles.

Troy Reeder-Los Angeles Rams

Ernest Jones has been placed on the IR, which means next man up for the Rams, and that appears to be Troy Reeder. When Jones left Week 16's game, it was Reeder who stepped in and made the most of his snaps. Reeder's 6 solo tackles were his most since Week 12. The Rams will travel cross-country to face the run-heavy Baltimore Ravens. Look for Reeder to see plenty of action and even benefit from a hobbled Lamar Jackson if he is able to return.

Garrett Wallow-Houston Texans

It might be a last-man-standing type of situation in Houston. Neville Hewitt and Kamu Grugier-Hill have been placed on COVID and Christian Kirksey has played himself out of favor with staff. Wallow hasn't exactly done much with the increased snaps, but he did put up 26 points in Week 15 and gets a juicy matchup against the 49ers. Pay attention to the COVID news, but maybe we won't be Wallowing in our sorrow when he helps us to that title.

Alohi Gilman-Los Angeles Chargers

Despite being placed on the COVID contact list, it appears that Gilman has a chance to play on Sunday vs the Broncos. Brandon Staley has already announced that Adderley and Chris Harris won't be available to play on Sunday, and Derwin James' status is in question with the hamstring injury, it could be Gilman who should step up!

This is most definitely a situation to monitor, but I love the matchup against Drew Lock and the Broncos.

Jeremy Reaves-Washington Football Team

Reaves is in a really good situation for IDP managers, and not so much for the Football Team. With Landon Collins on the IR and Kamren Curl landing on the COVID list, it would appear that Jeremy Reaves is in line for another healthy snap share.

Over the past two weeks, Reaves has been on fire and put up weeks of 21 and 18 points. The Football Team will face their Week 15 opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles. Reaves was exploited by Dallas Goedert, but did put up 21 points! Look for another solid week out of Reaves.

Thank You all so much for giving me 17 weeks of your lives. I hope that I have helped in some way to guide you towards a fantasy championship! I would love to hear stories of your success, or failures if I have contributed in any way!

About Nate Marcum 139 Articles
Director of IDP Content. 2021 Top 5 IDP Ranker per FantasyPros ECR. 20+ year Fantasy Baseball/Football addict. Addiction manifested into obsession, which drove me to writing/podcasting. Obsession is still present, but now it’s directed at helping others around me get better!
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