5 must-start wide receivers for fantasy football glory in Week 17

With most leagues hosting their championship game this week, it all comes down to playing your best possible matchup. Even if a player got a team to the playoffs but has a tough matchup this week, fantasy owners should really consider replacing them if their production could be limited this week. For instance, Tyreek Hill has been the best fantasy option all year but now he draws the Baltimore Ravens’ defense this week. Maybe Hill sees the bench, or some fantasy owners stick with Hill.

However, these five wide receivers have great matchups this week and if you have any of them going into your championship game, consider yourself the favorite to win the entire league.

Here are the five must-start wide receivers in fantasy football for Week 17

5.) Chris Godwin vs. New Orleans Saints

In his last three games, Godwin has recorded 10+ fantasy points which included a 25 point performance two weeks ago. He has been targeted 34 times the last three games, making him a go-to guy for quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers and the Saints faced off back in Week 4 where Godwin saw 11 targets and brought in 8 catches for 114 yards.

With the Saints’ defense struggling this season, Godwin catches a break for fantasy owners and he is a valuable option to have in the flex spot or the WR2 position.

4.) Tee Higgins vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Higgins has come alive the last two weeks after a disappointing season. In his last two games, Higgins has been targeted 16 times and brought in 9 catches for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. He and quarterback Jake Browning have built up their chemistry and they will need to be on the same page again heading into Arrowhead with a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

This game could easily turn into a barnburner as both teams are still fighting for their respective playoff spots. The Chiefs’ have a secondary that has been good all season long but will give up an occasional big play here and there.

If wideout Ja’Marr Chase is inactive again, Higgins could see a monster day against this secondary. Even if Chase does play, Higgins seems more like of the bigger threat so if you have Higgins on your roster, put him in immediately if you have not already.

3.) Adam Thielen vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

One of fantasy football’s most consistent receivers this season finds himself getting a great matchup this week in Duval county. Despite not reaching the end zone, Thielen managed to get 15 points last week. This week he will get a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars who are allowing the fourth most receiving yards per game. The Jaguars have fallen apart the last month of football and are looking desperate.

Even though it will all depend on Bryce Young and how well he is protected, Thielen has a lot of upside this week and is a perfect flex option.

2.) Cooper Kupp vs. New York Giants

Despite Cooper Kupp getting 12 targets against the Saints last week, he only managed to get just over 10 fantasy points. It was his teammate Puka Nacua who outshined him with 30+ fantasy points. The good news for Kupp is that he is still getting between 8-12 targets the last three games. He gets a shot with the New York Giants’ defense this week that loves to utilize their blitz. If Matthew Stafford is able to read it quickly, this is where Kupp can get dangerous in the open field. 

In his last four games, Kupp has averaged about 20 points a game and going up against a weaker Giants’ secondary could be just what fantasy owners need in order to win their league.

1.) Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Dallas Cowboys

St. Brown has been on fire the last two games with 19 catches for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns which ultimately helped them win the NFC North division for the first time in 30 years. In what could be considered game of the week, St. Brown has a fantastic matchup going up against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has struggled the last two weeks against the Bills and Dolphins.

The Lions’ offense has an advantage in terms of protection for Jared Goff and St. Brown will be able to serve as that continuous go-to guy in what could turn into a barn burner as both teams have great passing attacks. 

If you have St. Brown this week, he is the best start at the wide receiver spot in Week 17. He has only had one game this season under 10 fantasy points and he is rolling with fantasy owners into the championship round.