Week 17 Fantasy WR Rankings: A.J. Brown, Greg Ward Jr. rise ahead of favorable matchups

You probably didn't start Steven Sims Jr. in your fantasy football league in Week 16, but the question for those of you who play on into Week 17 is probably, "Should I start Sims now?" The answer is probably "no," but in the bizzarro world that is Week 17 fantasy football, no waiver wire pickup is too crazy to at least consider. And as I'll get into a little later in our Week 17 fantasy WR rankings article, Greg Ward Jr. is a whole different story.

While we may know the answer to it early in the week, the biggest Week 17 story for fantasy owners is Chris Godwin's health. He'll probably be ruled out for the season (because why wouldn't he be?), but still -- if you own Godwin (hamstring), you're surely holding out hope that he plays. Assuming he's out again, you can continue to count on Breshad Perriman and Justin Watson in a juicy matchup with the Falcons.

WEEK 17 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

The injury that could bring a new absence in Week 17 is to Julian Edelman's knee. The Pats still have playoff seeding to play for, but they're taking on the Dolphins and Edelman has been visibly in pain the last couple weeks. If Edelman were to sit, Mohamed Sanu, N'Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers would get rankings boosts. Also, keep an eye on D.J. Moore, who was concussed in Week 16. The Panthers have no great reason to rush him back. (Update: We've removed Moore from the rankings and added in Chris Hogan for Carolina.)

So, back to Sims and Ward. Sims actually seemed legit in terms of targets and finding the end zone twice Sunday (he almost scored a third time, as well), but Washington faces a stingier Dallas defense that could more easily slow down the Redskins offense. Ward, on the other hand, looks so talented it's a wonder the Eagles didn't use him until they were forced into it. But with Carson Wentz throwing him the ball against that same Giants defense that Sims made look silly, Ward could have a field day and is my favorite sleeper this week.

WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:
Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end

Week 16 taught us a few more things, as well: Play A.J. Brown against the Texans because he's just an absolute stud who will be made to look even better by a bad secondary. Be cautious with your Seattle WRs -- something weird is going on with that offense, and now they're without their best RBs. And if you're looking for non-Ward upside, it might come from Diontae Johnson, who looks like a big-play threat every time he touches the ball and will potentially have an easier time against Baltimore in Week 17 if the Ravens rest some players.

The final big question before you check out the rankings centers around DeVante Parker, who will match up with Stephon Gilmore in Week 17. Gilmore was burned once by John Brown in Week 16 for a long touchdown, but otherwise Gilmore held Brown to four total targets and just the one long catch. Ryan Fitzpatrick will certainly force feed Parker, but if you have a safer option, it might be best to use it.

MORE: Which players are sitting out Week 17?

Note: We'll continue to update these rankings all week, so check back for the latest changes. 

WEEK 17 DFS:
DK Cash | DK GPP | Y! GPP | FD Cash | Values

Week 17 Fantasy WR Rankings

These rankings are for standard, non-PPR leagues.