While we avoided a slew of in-game injuries at the skill positions for a second-straight week, two fantasy-relevant players, Jamaal Williams and Christian Watson, got banged up in Week 16. Their Week 17 statuses are up in the air, which gives life to a couple of possible waiver-wire pickups/sleepers for fantasy championship games. Knowing their latest updates is a must ahead of your Week 17 start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these players and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 17 fantasy landscape. For news on ailing WRs Deebo Samuel, Tyler Lockett, Chris Olave, and Chase Claypool, click here; for the latest in banged-up QBs Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Tua Tagovailoa, click here.
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WEEK 17 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB planner
Jamaal Williams injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
Williams (leg) was seen limping off the sidelines during the second half of Detroit's Week 16 loss to Carolina, and he didn't return. It's unclear if that was because of injury or because the Lions were trailing big, but either way, it's something to monitor throughout the week. Williams was ineffective for a third straight week, scoring just 3.4 PPR points (seven carries, 11 yards, two receptions, three yards) and has failed to reach double-digit PPR points over his past five games.
If Williams isn't able to go in Week 17 against Chicago, expect D'Andre Swift to assume a larger snap share with Justin Jackson also seeing a bump in usage. Neither back could get going on the ground last week in Carolina, but both should be effective this week against a Bears' defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to RBs. Swift profiles as a low-end RB1 without Williams in the fray while Jackson could draw some flex appeal in deeper leagues, making him one of the top pickups ahead of fantasy championship games.
WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Christian Watson injury update, Week 17 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Packers' coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that Watson is "day to day," which would indicate that he has a chance to return for Sunday's game against Minnesota.
Watson exited Green Bay's Week 16 win over Miami late in the first half and was unable to return to game action. Watson put forth an effective performance before his injury, hauling in six catches for 49 yards on eight targets and drawing a couple of red-zone targets, as well.
WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
In Watson's absence, Allen Lazard and Romeo Doubs were the primary receivers to fill his void. If Watson's unable to suit up against Minnesota this week, Lazard and Doubs will likely garner a high target share, making both wideouts appealing starts. Minnesota's pass defense hasn't held up well, allowing the second-most fantasy points to WRs along with the 10th-highest drop-back success rate. Doubs would be a must-add if it looks like Watson can't go.
