Week 17 of the 2025 fantasy football season has arrived, and with championship round of fantasy playoffs this week in most leagues, lineup decisions are more crucial than ever. This week’s matchups are loaded with volatility, injuries, and shifting depth charts, making it essential for managers to rely on clear, structured rankings across all four positions: quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, and running back.
Below, you’ll find full positional rankings broken into tiers to help you identify elite starters, strong plays, and deeper options. In addition, four must start players stand out due to matchup advantages, recent usage, and rising production. Whether your favored to win this week’s playoff matchup or not these week 17 rankings will give you the edge against your opponent.
Week 17 Quarterback Rankings
Tier 1
1. Josh Allen vs PHI
2. Drake Maye @ NYJ
3. Jalen Hurts @ BUF
4. Joe Burrow vs ARI
Tier 2
5. Matthew Stafford @ ATL
6. Dak Prescott @ WAS
7. Lamar Jackson @ GB
8. Brock Purdy vs CHI
9. Jordan Love vs BAL
10. Jacoby Brissett @ CIN
Tier 3
11. Jared Goff @ MIN
12. Trevor Lawrence @ IND
13. Tyler Shough @ TEN
14. C.J. Stroud @ LAC
15. Justin Herbert vs HOU
Tier 4
16. Caleb Williams @ SF
17. Bo Nix @ KC
18. Jaxon Dart @ LV
19. J.J. McCarthy vs DET
20. Baker Mayfield @ MIA
Tier 5
21. Bryce Young vs SEA
22. Quinn Ewers vs TB
23. Kirk Cousins vs LAR
24. Sam Darnold @ CAR
Must Start: Quarterback
Tyler Shough @ TEN
Tyler Shough steps into a highly favorable championship week matchup against a Titans defense that has struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks, particularly in games where volume is forced through the air. Shough’s recent usage has shown increased confidence from the coaching staff, and his ability to add value both as a passer and with his legs raises his fantasy ceiling. Tennessee’s secondary has allowed consistent chunk plays, giving Shough clear multi touchdown upside. In a week where managers may be searching for upside at quarterback, Shough profiles as a high reward play worth trusting in the title game.
Week 17 Tight End Rankings
Tier 1
1. Trey McBride @ CIN
Tier 2
2. George Kittle vs CHI
3. Kyle Pitts Sr. vs LAR
4. Dallas Goedert @ BUF
Tier 3
5. Brock Bowers vs NYG
6. Travis Kelce vs DEN
7. Tyler Warren vs JAC
8. Harold Fannin Jr. vs PIT
9. Dalton Kincaid vs PHI
10. Colby Parkinson @ ATL
Tier 4
11. Dalton Schultz @ LAC
12. Oronde Gadsden II vs HOU
13. Theo Johnson @ LV
14. Hunter Henry @ NYJ
15. Darren Waller vs TB
16. Mark Andrews @ GB
Tier 5
17. Colston Loveland @ SF
18. AJ Barner @ CAR
19. Juwan Johnson @ TEN
20. Mike Gesicki vs ARI
21. Jake Ferguson @ WAS
22. Brenton Strange @ IND
23. Isaiah Likely @ GB
24. Gunnar Helm vs NO
Must Start: Tight End
Darren Waller vs TB
Darren Waller draws an excellent matchup against a Buccaneers defense that has consistently struggled against athletic tight ends. When healthy and involved, Waller remains one of the most dangerous mismatches at the position, especially in the middle of the field and near the goal line. Tampa Bay has allowed steady production to tight ends all season, and Waller’s red zone usage gives him strong touchdown potential. In a thin tight end landscape during championship week, Waller offers both a stable floor and the upside needed to swing a matchup.
Week 17 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tier 1
1. Ja’Marr Chase vs ARI
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba @ CAR
3. Puka Nucua @ ATL
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown @ MIN
Tier 2
5. Nico Collins @ LAC
6. CeeDee Lamb @ WAS
7. Jaylen Waddle vs TB
8. Michael Wilson @ CIN
9. Mike Evans @ MIA
10. A.J. Brown @ BUF
11. Jameson Williams @ MIN
Tier 3
12. Rashee Rice vs DEN
13. George Pickens @ WAS
14. Chris Olave @ TEN
15. Juan Jennings vs CHI
16. Tetairoa McMillan vs SEA
17. Terry McLaurin vs DAL
18. Zay Flowers @ GB
19. DeVonta Smith @ BUF
Tier 4
20. Courtland Sutton @ KC
21. Justin Jefferson vs DET
22. Ladd McConkey vs HOU
23. DJ Moore @ SF
24. Chris Godwin Jr. @ MIA
25. Jakobi Meyers @ IND
26. Jayden Reed vs BAL
Tier 5
27. Wan’Dale Robinson @ LV
28. Michael Pittman Jr. vs JAC
29. Deebo Samuel Sr. vs DAL
30. Stefon Diggs @ NYJ
Tier 6
31. Jordan Addison vs DET
32. Brian Thomas Jr. @ IND
33. Emeka Egbuka @ MIA
34. Luther Burden III @ SF
35. Ricky Pearsall vs CHI
36. Khalil Shakir vs PHI
Must Start: Wide Receiver
DJ Moore @ SF
DJ Moore faces a tough matchup on paper against San Francisco, but his role and volume make him a must start option in Week 17. Moore remains the clear focal point of his offense and continues to command targets regardless of matchup or game script. His ability to win after the catch and line up across multiple formations makes him difficult to completely neutralize. In what projects as a competitive game, Moore should see heavy usage, giving him a reliable floor with the upside for a splash play that can decide a championship.
Week 17 Running Back Rankings
Tier 1
1. Christian McCaffery vs CHI
2. Jahmyr Gibbs @ MIN
3. De’Von Achane vs TB
4. Bijan Robinson vs LAR
Tier 2
5. James Cook III vs PHI
6. Josh Jacobs vs BAL
7. Saquon Barkley @ IND
8. Bucky Irving @ MIA
9. Derrick Henry @ GB
Tier 3
10. Chase Brown vs ARI
11. Javonte Williams @ WAS
12. Kyren Williams @ ATL
13. RJ Harvey @ KC
14. D’Andre Swift @ SF
15. Michael Carter @ CIN
16. Rhamondre Stevenson @ NYJ
17. Woody Marks @ LAC
Tier 4
18. Breece Hall vs NE
19. Aaron Jones Sr. vs DET
20. Tyron Tracy Jr. @ LV
21. Ashton Jeanty vs NYG
22. Omarion Hampton vs HOU
23. Rico Dowdle vs SEA
24. Jaylen Warren @ CLE
Tier 5
25. Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs DAL
26. Chuba Hubbard vs SEA
27. Tony Pollard vs NO
28. Kenneth Gainwell @ CLE
29. Kyle Monangai @ SF
Tier 6
30. David Montgomery @ MIN
31. Kareem Hunt vs DEN
32. Blake Corum @ ATL
33. Devin Singletary @ LV
34. Zach Charbonnnet @ CAR
35. Chris Rodriguez Jr. vs DAL
36. Audric Estime @ TEN
Must Start: Running Back
Michael Carter @ CIN
Michael Carter finds himself in an ideal championship week spot against a Bengals defense that has struggled to slow down running backs, particularly those who contribute to the passing game. Carter’sversatility keeps him involved on all downs, and his recent workload trend points toward meaningful volume. Cincinnati’s defensive weaknesses in space create an opportunity for Carter to rack up points through both rushing efficiency and receiving production. With fantasy titles on the line, Carter offers a strong combination of floor, usage, and upside that makes him a must start in Week 17.
Conclusion
Week 17 represents a critical point in fantasy football, as playoff championship is here for most managers. By focusing on players with favorable matchups, strong usage, and recent momentum, managers can maximize their chances for success. Tyler Shough, Darren Waller, DJ Moore, and Michael Carter each offer high upside opportunities that could swing matchups in your favor.
As you set your lineups this week, prioritize these must start players while monitoring injury news and game scripts to ensure your roster is optimized for a strong start continuing into the championship for the fantasy playoffs.