Wide receiver non-PPR rankings for Week 17 fantasy football

Friday injury report

A.J. Brown was downgraded to a DNP Friday after a full practice on Thursday, but fantasy managers need not be concerned. He was left off of the final injury report.

Broncos rookie WR K.J. Hamler hasn’t logged a practice session this week and has been officially ruled out against the Raiders.

Though Colts WR Michael Pittman is listed as questionable with a concussion, his full practice session Friday is a step towards being cleared from the protocol ahead of Sunday’s game.

Bills wideout Cole Beasley is out, which could provide rookie Gabriel Davis and perhaps TE Dawson Knox.

Terry McLaurin is looking like he’s on the wrong side of questionable heading into Sunday. He’s dealing with a high ankle sprain, so even if he’s active, he’s certainly less than 100%.

Other outs for Sunday include Julio Jones, Kenny Golladay, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Out: Julio Jones (hamstring), DJ Chark (shin), Cole Beasley (knee), Kenny Golladay (hip), WR Brandon Aiyuk (ankle), WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring), K.J. Hamler (concussion), DeSean Jackson
Doubtful: Golden Tate (calf)
Questionable: Larry Fitzgerald (groin), Michael Pittman (concussion), Jakeem Grant (ankle), DeVante Parker (hamstring), Terry McLaurin (ankle)

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Wednesday injury report

Wednesday brought a laundry list of “DNP” tags on the wide receiver front. Some DNPs are injury-related, some may be more for rest as the NFL looks to close out the regular season.

The Washington Football team is likely to be without WR Terry McLaurin in the season finale, officially logging a DNP to open the week. Other expected absences for Week 17 with a DNP tag due to injury should include Julio Jones, Kenny Golladay, Cole Beasley, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel.

A.J. Brown’s DNP shouldn’t be of too much concern, though fantasy managers should keep an eye out for updates through the week. The Titans have been careful with Brown’s reps and have limited him in practice through the second half of the season. The Titans and Colts are neck and neck to win the AFC South, and Tennessee holds the tiebreaker in Week 17. The Titans clinch with a win over the Texans, a Colts loss, or if each of the two teams tie. There is plenty on the line to have us believe the team will make sure Brown is well Rested for Sunday’s contest.

The Bengals don’t have anything to play for, but Tyler Boyd’s limited practice session following his concussion is a step in the right direction for playing in Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Ravens. If he clears the protocol, he’ll be good to go. Indy WR Michael Pittman also got in a limited session with a concussion.

Broncos WR KJ Hamler also is listed with a concussion but didn’t practice, making his availability unknown heading into Sunday.

DNP: Terry McLaurin (ankle), Larry Fitzgerald (groin), DeAndre Hopkins (hip), Julio Jones (hamstring), Willie Snead (ankle), Golden Tate (calf), D.J. Chark (shin), K.J. Hamler (concussion), Tyreek Hill (hamstring), Sammy Watkins (calf), Cole Beasley

(knee), Kenny Golladay (hip), Robby Anderson (groin), Brandon Aiyuk (ankle), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), A.J. Brown (ankle), DeSean Jackson (ankle)
Limited: Tee Higgins (hamstring), Tyler Boyd (concussion), Sterling Shepard (rib), Allen Lazard (core, wrist), Michael Pittman (concussion), Jalen Guyton (hamstring), DeVante Parker (hamstring), Keke Coutee (foot)
Full: Allen Robinson (hamstring)

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Week 17 is always a wild ride for those who are still playing for a championship, and this year is no different. Though we have a good idea of the playoff picture, there are still plenty of question marks regarding seeding that could make this a confusing week for fantasy managers still looking to clinch a title in Week 17.

Here are the teams who have the most to play for in Week 17: Cowboys, Giants, Browns, Dolphins, Ravens, Cardinals, Rams, Colts, Titans, Bears, Buccaneers, Saints, Seahawks, Packers and Washington.

Fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on the status of Tyreek Hill given the team’s position as the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman may manage the majority of WR snaps. Another wideout we may see more of in Week 17 is Bills’ WR Gabriel Davis.

Injury news

Bills wideout Cole Beasley suffered an ankle sprain on Monday Night Football and is now considered “week-to-week” to close out the season. The No. 1 seed is locked with Kansas City, so the Bills don’t have much of a reason to push him to play earlier than he’s ready.

Cooper Kupp was placed on the COVID-19 list, though it is uncertain if he actually tested positive. If he was a high-risk contact rather than a positive test, he’d still have a shot to play in Week 17.

Fantasy managers should expect another absence for Julio Jones and Kenny Golladay.

Brandon Aiyuk suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 16, which could mean a big target share for wideout Kendrick Bourne and an even bigger target share for TE George Kittle.

The entire Browns receiving corps landed on the COVID-19 list ahead of their Sunday game, and their absence was felt in their loss to the Jets. They could have a chance to return this week.

After a Week 16 absence, Terry McLaurin continues to deal with an ankle sprain. His status for Sunday remains up in the air.

Streaming options

Sterling Shepard, New York Giants

Playing wide receiver roulette in New York (for either team) hasn’t been a fun ride, but in the last few weeks, Sterling Shepard has been the one to see a bump in work. The Giants face the Cowboys to close out the regular season, who continue to give up points to opposing wide receivers. Since the Cowboys’ Week 10 bye, they’ve allowed nine touchdowns to the WR position. Capitalize on this matchup in the battle for the NFC East.

Keke Coutee, Houston Texans

In the four games since Will Fuller was suspended, Coutee has racked up 272 yards and two scores. It’s a stark contrast to his lack of production (or snaps) through the first 12 weeks. In that span, Coutee ties with Brandin Cooks to lead the team with 25 targets while ranking first on the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in that span. Next up, he’ll face the Titans, whose defense has eight touchdowns to wideouts just since Coutee took on a lead role in Week 13. He’s got a nice chance at some yards and a score to close out the season.