Updated Fantasy Football WR Rankings Week 17: Who to start, best sleepers at wide receiver

Last week, the top 10 finishers at wide receiver was chock full of household names. Guys like Justin Jefferson, Keenan Allen, Ja'Marr Chase, and A.J. Brown were all among the top performers of the week. But as is tradition, an unfamiliar name had a big day and snuck into the WR1 ranks. It was Olamide Zaccheaus in Week 16, who snagged two touchdowns on his way to 24 PPR points.

Considering most fantasy teams are carried by superstar talent, most managers prefer the weeks when the top finishers are made up of the league's best receivers. With championship matchups taking place this week, some big-time performances from star receivers would certainly be appreciated.

While getting 25-plus points out of your WR1 is fun, there's no better feeling than playing a fringe starter in a favorable matchup and having them go off. We've evaluated each receiver's matchup this week to put together rankings that should help you find a strong sleeper or two ahead of Week 17.

WEEK 17 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
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Fantasy WR Rankings Week 17: Who to start, sit at wide receiver

Rankings based on PPR scoring. These rankings were updated on Dec. 29 and will be updated throughout the week, so check back often. 

Who are the best fantasy WRs for Week 17?

It's never fun when your WR1 is set to face off with Patrick Surtain and the Denver defense, but Ja'Marr Chase is still among fantasy's best options at wide receiver. When the same player leads the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, they belong in lineups regardless of the matchup.

An NFC North matchup between Minnesota and Green Bay should have fantasy managers fired up. Two talented offenses will square off indoors, and we should see plenty of production through the air between Sam Darnold and Jordan Love. On the Minnesota side of the ball, the offense flows through Justin Jefferson, and he's a no-brainer in fantasy lineups this week.

The Houston offense has not quite lived up to expectations this season. Even with their struggles, Nico Collins has been highly productive and solidified himself as one of the most talented receivers in the NFL. With Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs both out with injuries, Collins will likely push for double-digit targets against an attackable Baltimore secondary. 

Who are the best fantasy WR waiver pickups for Week 17?

Along with Hunter Henry, Kayshon Boutte has emerged as one of the top pass catchers in the New England offense. He's now earned 6-plus targets in six of his last eight games. Boutte's consistent role is now translating into fantasy production, and he posted a season-high 20.5 PPR points last week. If he can continue to draw downfield targets from Drake Maye, Boutte could deliver yet another big day.

After Tank Dell suffered a frightening knee injury, Robert Woods stepped up for the Texans, drawing four targets while running 58 percent of the routes. If John Metchie remains sidelined, Woods will likely hold a full-time role alongside Nico Collins and Xavier Hutchinson. Woods will offer a reasonable floor in a favorable matchup against the Ravens.

Who are the best fantasy WR sleepers for Week 17?

Adam Thielen has been quite productive since returning from IR, scoring at least 15 PPR points in three of five games. He's also quite clearly established himself as Bryce Young's go-to target; Thielen has led the Panthers in targets in four straight games. He'll get the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, a top-10 fantasy matchup for receivers. He's locked-in as a Flex option this week and could reasonably be viewed as a WR2 in this matchup.

Jalen McMillan has started to fill the void left by Chris Godwin. He hasn't been nearly as productive as Godwin, but he's positively contributing to the offense. He's seen a steady uptick in his first-read target share and had a nose for the red zone in recent weeks. Tampa Bay will get the Panthers this week, the No. 32 scoring defense in the NFL. McMillan should see a target or two in a scoring situation this week.

What are the biggest WR injuries for Week 17?

Drake London suffered a hamstring injury last week against the Giants. Luckily for fantasy managers, head coach Raheem Morris indicated that London would have returned if the game was not a blowout. It would be shocking to see London sidelined this week.

George Pickens has been nursing a hamstring injury for the last few weeks. Mike Tomlin shared that Pickens has a "real shot" at playing on Christmas against the Chiefs. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for updates.

Zay Flowers was listed as a DNP on Sunday ahead of the Ravens' Christmas Day matchup with the Texans. It seems that this is precautionary, but practice reports should be monitored in the coming days.

Jaylen Waddle got tangled up during a tackle in Week 15 and sustained a knee injury, which kept him sidelined in Week 16. As of now, there's no indication about when he'll be able to return.

The Saints placed Chris Olave on IR after he suffered a scary concussion in Week 9. His 21-day practice window was opened last week, so there's a chance he returns this season. Olave would certainly provide a boost to the New Orleans offense.

Cedric Tillman has also been sidelined for several weeks as a result of a concussion. He has not been placed on IR and is eligible to return as soon as he clears the final stage of concussion protocol.