Well, it is finally here, the Fantasy Football Championship for over 95% of leagues is this week. 

It’s all here, to misquote Bill Parcells (but the message is the same), …’This is why you build those draft boards, do all those mock drafts, spend time away from friends and family, wake up at 3 AM to scour the waivers… This is why you do all that s#it’.

 

 

 

2024 Fantasy Football Week 17 IDP Overview

This is it, the Fantasy Football IDPs on your team are usually the difference between a championship team and the first loser. 

The difference from eternal glory and bragging rights for life, and the feeling of not being good enough and a lifetime of what ifs. That is the amount of difference Fantasy Football IDPs can have in week 17.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football IDP Risers Week 17

Kris Jenkins is a rookie defensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals, and he is beginning to show major leaps in his performance. He has had steady production all year but had his first two-sack game in week 16.

The rookie could have another great performance during championship week, as the Cincinnati Bengals play the Denver Broncos in a crucial match with playoff implications. He has 28 tackles on the season and is worth monitoring for dynasty leagues.

Jacoby Windmon stepped it up for the Carolina Panthers in week 16. The rookie linebacker earned 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 pass defended. Not bad in a game the Panthers displayed some grit.

 

 

 

Dynasty leagues should take note and put him not only as a waiver but as a buy low and stash candidate. He could also lead teams to a championship victory if he plays 76% of the team's defensive snaps again. Keep an eye on the rookie with two games against divisional opponents upcoming. 

Isaiah Pola-Mao is a name that needs monitoring in championship week. The Las Vegas Raiders defensive back should keep up his 100% defensive snap rate again this week against the New Orleans Saints. 

The Saints are playing on a short week and Pola-Mao has an opportunity to build on his season total of 74 tackles. He is a big guy in the secondary at 6’ 4” and has at least one sack in every season of his career. Look for Pola-Mao as a surprise player to replace any injured defensive backs on your roster.

 

 

 

Fantasy Football Week 17 IDP Waiver Wire Targets

Jarran Reed, Defensive Lineman, Seattle Seahawks

Jarran Reed has been playing in the NFL a long time; he is in the last games of his ninth season. However, he, nor the Seattle Seahawks want their season to end at week 18, and for it to continue they will need to win both of their remaining games. 

Reed did everything he could against the Minnesota Vikings last week; 4 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. However, it was not enough as the Vikings continued their winning streak. Reed does have a favorable week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears and could add to his 3.5 sack total. 

The Seahawks will need everything from one of their best defenders, and Reed has an advantage over a poor offensive line. Pick him up if you need a good defensive lineman for week 17.

Cedric Gray, Linebacker, Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are decimated at the linebacker position. Kenneth Murray, Jack Gibbens, Chance Campbell, Luke Gifford, and Otis Reese are all injured, which thrust Cedric Gray into action. He played just 35 snaps but made the most of it with 15 tackles. That is almost 1 per 2 plays, something you don’t see in the world of football.

The Titans are finished and seem content looking at their younger talent, tanking for a better draft pick. The previous list of linebackers have had several weekly mentions due to the fact that the Titans have been terrible offensively. 

Whoever is starting at their linebacker position is usually due for a big game. Gray could be a top ten linebacker which can lead a team to a championship. Put a waiver on him to lead you to a win.

Renardo Green, Defensive Back, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are experiencing the Super Bowl hangover, which they are more than familiar with. The path of falling off after a crushing Super Bowl loss has happened three times to San Francisco this century. They are thus looking at their young talent, including Renardo Green. 

Green has played substantially more snaps since the bye week. He has had two weeks with 100% of the defensive snaps on the field but earned his best week last week with 82%. He recorded 10 tackles and the second-round product should be locked in as a starter for the remaining two weeks.

The 49ers play the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals, both of which could be big games for Green. Week 17 could be another double-digit tackling performance as the Lions seem to get on to the second or third level on almost every offensive possession. Put a waiver on Green if you need defensive back help this week.

 

 

 

NFL Week 17 IDP Matchups To Capitalize On

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Wednesday 1:00 PM ET

George Karlaftis III has seven sacks on the season, and many more close calls or quarterback pressures. He has not been discussed that often, but the game tape doesn’t lie. Karlaftis is a good football player on a great defense. 

Chris Jones gets most of the attention from the media and opposing offensive coordinators, rightfully so. He is one of the best of this century. Karlaftis is playing like a beast in the last year of his rookie contract.

Karlaftis may not be a Kansas City Chief next year, but he will be paid handsomely to play somewhere. Put a waiver on him and expect him to bring a sack of goodies for your IDP rosters.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears, Thursday 8:15 PM ET

  • TJ Edwards Linebacker - CHI

TJ Edwards does not get the respect he deserves as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. That is exactly what he is and has been the past three seasons, and it should continue on the first day after Christmas.

He has 119 tackles this season and could add 10 or more this week against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks are back against the wall and will look to get ahead early and use their run game to control the clock. 

This will benefit Edwards with more tackling opportunities. He has 8 or more tackles in eight games this season, and he could close out the Fantasy Football season with another amazing performance. Take advantage of his matchup.

Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Giants, Sunday 1:00 PM ET

Jaylon Carlies is not a name many know, not even Fantasy Football IDP heads. But he could be the name your opponent can’t get out of their head. He is a rookie that has stepped up big for the Indianapolis Colts late in the season when it is needed. He could be the winning piece to your championship roster too.

The Missouri product is having an excellent couple of weeks that can rival any IDP. He had 5 tackles and a sack two weeks ago, and 10 tackles last week. He is playing the terrible New York Giants this week who could be playing to lose.

Carlies could have more than one big play, a sack, and a few passes defended are not out of the question. If in need of a defensive back, take a look at Jaylon Carlies.

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky 
-Iggy Gilbert