Week 17 Waiver Wire: Championship Edition Targets

Championship Week Is Here

(December 21, 2025) - If you are reading this, congratulations. You've survived the gauntlet and reached the fantasy football championship. Now, it's about making the strategic moves to hoist the trophy. Here are the must-add players who can win you week 17.

Quarterback: J.J. McCarthy (MIN)

Rostered: 41% The rookie sensation has found his groove, posting back-to-back 20+ point games. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison fully healthy, McCarthy has elite weapons. He faces a Giants defense that has struggled mightily against the pass. He is a high-end QB2 with QB1 upside in Superflex formats.

Running Back: Michael Carter (ARI)

Rostered: 37% With James Conner shut down for the regular season finale, Michael Carter becomes a volume-based RB2. In Week 16, he saw 18 touches and handled all goal-line work. He faces a Falcons defense that allows 4.5 yards per carry. Grab him and plug him into your flex.

Running Back: Audric Estime (NO)

Rostered: 17% Alvin Kamara's status is in doubt for Week 17. Estime flashed his potential with a 2-TD game last week. If Kamara sits, Estime is a must-start RB2. Even if Kamara plays, Estime has standalone flex value due to his goal-line role.

Stash Defense: Chicago Bears

The Bears defense kept Caleb Williams in the game against Green Bay and now faces a Lions team that might rest starters if their seed is locked up (unlikely given the tight race). At worst, they are playing for the division title at home. A fired-up Chicago defense is a top-5 play.