Week 16 was filled with three spectacular IDP touchdowns. 7 IDPs logged multiple sacks, 18 IDPs logged an interception, 22 IDPs forced a fumble, and several IDPs helped fantasy football managers get to the championship. But we didn’t come this far, to come this far!

Winning this week is why we stay up late, spend time away from people we love, and maintain communication between friends. Losses this week leave a sad and bitter feeling that stays with someone the rest of their life. While winning a fantasy football championship moves one to deity status amongst friends and foes. To earn the lifetime bragging rights, week 17 must be won.

Weekly Grade: B+. Overall, the scores were outstanding, as every player far exceeded their floor. Two rookies stepped up late in the season, and dynasty fantasy football managers are rejoicing in the timing of their success. 

Carter and Pearce could be paired up for their career in a decade-long “sack race”. Matt Milano has stepped in to become the linebacker the Bills were missing. He earned 9 tackles, but still applied pressure with blitzes, logging 2 QB hits to bolster his tackle bonus.

 

 


Fantasy Football IDP Risers Week 17

The focus on this week’s risers is on rookies, for the simple fact that most teams are no longer setting rosters this season. Dynasty league managers can sweep up some rookies that could climb up the depth chart. These three rookies could be worth an off-season stash.

Nic Scourton is a defensive lineman for the up-and-coming Carolina Panthers. He has logged 38 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended despite starting only six games. Carolina is in need of a dependable edge player who can pressure the quarterback. They will spend a lot of time investing and improving Scourton’s skill set this off-season. For managers with Cameron Jordan, Von Miller, Calais Campbell, or other veterans set to retire, look at Scourton. 

Shemar James is a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. He was mentioned as a waiver wire target and a matchup to capitalize on earlier this season. However, mental errors limited his snaps to just 30 over a four-week span. Mental errors are going to happen for any rookie, but especially one who played as much as James. He will be a starting linebacker for the Cowboys next season, and must not sit locked in the waivers all offseason. Pick him up from the waivers

Craig Woodson is the starting strong safety for the New England Patriots. Mike Vrabel and the Patriots struck gold with Woodson in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. He has played the majority of the snaps on defense, started 13 games, has logged 71 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, and 2 fumble recoveries. He’s a must-add for dynasty leagues that require 2 or more starting defensive backs.

 

 


Fantasy Football Week 17 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Jonathan Allen, Defensive Lineman, Minnesota Vikings

The only veteran to crack the week 17 waiver wire is Jonathan Allen. Allen is a defensive tackle, and in leagues that require a true defensive tackle, his value is much higher. He recorded 8 combined tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB Hit, and 1.0 sacks last week. Allen and the Vikings play their division rival this week, with an opportunity to knock them out. Look for him to get a sack and rack up tackles.

Cody Simon, Linebacker, Arizona Cardinals

Simon is a rookie who is starting to make his mark in Jonathan Gannon’s defense. He is earning more playing time and has more interest in the dynasty market than the redraft market. However, he earned 7 combined tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass defended last week. Solid numbers that could be improved upon against the pass-happy Cincinnati Bengals in week 17. Pick up Simon from the waiver wire as a great stash in IDP dynasty leagues.

Jonas Sanker, Defensive Back, New Orleans Saints

Sanker is a rookie who earned his second interception of the season last week. He has 75 combined tackles, 6 passes defended, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 fumble recovery. The Saints have been playing really well lately, and their defense didn’t allow a touchdown last week. This week, they play the Tennessee Titans in a quarterback duel that pits rookie versus rookie. Sanker has an opportunity for another big play and should earn his average of five or more tackles. Pick him up from the waiver wire.

 

 


NFL Week 17 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders Thursday 1:00 PM ET

The first match of championship week features the first IDP matchup to capitalize on. And Makquese Bell is available in almost every league. The Dallas Cowboys are eliminated and are playing for pride, stats, contracts, or contract incentives. Bell is playing to retain his position, but he is a great special-teams player as well. The Commanders are a mess offensively, and Bell has the potential to make a big play. Put him in and enjoy the first game of the fantasy football championship.

Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs Thursday 8:15 PM ET

Riley Moss has been mentioned before as a waiver wire addition. Week 17 presents a great opportunity for him to impact IDP leagues. He is still available in most fantasy football leagues and is playing against their bitter division rival. The Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs will be starting their rookie third-string quarterback, and they are eliminated from the playoffs. They could be risky in decision-making and execution. Expect Moss to earn a couple of passes defended, if not interceptions. 

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts Sunday 1:00 PM ET

What a monumental game for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They can eliminate their divisional rival, the Indianapolis Colts, with a win this week. Should the Houston Texans lose, the Jaguars would be the AFC South champions. They have two divisional games remaining, and Travon Walker has juicy matchups the next two weeks. Week 17 against a 44-year-old grandpa, and week 18 against a rookie quarterback that doesn’t scramble well. He should earn a sack this week against “Old Man Rivers”. Although Walker has not put up the numbers most were expecting, trust him this week to earn a sack.
 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy -