“In the Scope” is a unique weekly article that won’t solely focus on giving readers mainstream fantasy football waiver wire pickups. Instead, we aim to recommend the top free agents to acquire after waivers run. These players may be the top pickups next week, saving you Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) and waiver priority. So whether you’re trying to grab the leftover mainstream fantasy football waiver wire Week 17 pickups or the longer-ranged free agents, below are some options to consider.

Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Check Your Waivers: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 17 Pickups

• Brock Purdy (QB, San Francisco 49ers) | 31 Percent
• Gardner Minshew (QB, Philadelphia Eagles) | 31.8 Percent
• James Cook (RB, Buffalo Bills) | 47.4 percent
• Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta Falcons) | 49 Percent
• Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers) | 26.9 Percent
• Gus Edwards (RB, Baltimore Ravens) | 30.5 Percent
• Isaiah Hodgins (WR, New York Giants) | 3.0 Percent
• Jahan Dotson (WR, Washington Commanders) | 35.9 Percent
• Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 15.1 Percent
• DJ Chark (WR, Detroit Lions) | 31.2 Percent
• Darius Slayton (WR, New York Giants) | 47.1 Percent

In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Free Agent Week 17 Finds

Russell Gage (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | 22.2 Percent 

An offseason favorite, Russell Gage is finally delivering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and fantasy managers. Averaging 6.7 targets over the past three weeks, Gage has been the PPR WR13 in that span. Also, he’s seeing valuable targets, totaling 15 red zone targets this season (11th most amongst WRs). 

With Julio Jones still not 100 percent healthy and Tom Brady having success (104.4 passer rating) when targeting Gage, I expect him to be involved with the NFC South title on the line this week vs. the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been the seventh-best matchup for WRs in the last month. In the previous two weeks alone, they’ve allowed DJ Chark to go over 100 yards and Diontae Johnson to post season-highs in receptions and yards. Gage has a safe floor as a FLEX play in week 17 and can be had off free agency in most leagues. – Seth Woolcock

Pierre Strong (RB, New England Patriots) | 2.4 Percent

Heading into the fantasy football championships, waiver wire additions are all about adding depth in case of emergency. Patriots’ rookie ball carrier Pierre Strong fits that bill, with the potential to be a reliable FLEX play for your lineups in Week 17.

The Patriots are hosting the Dolphins this week in a game that is shaping up to be a slugfest with Miami down concussed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. In addition, the weather is forecast to be rainy and in the low 50s at kickoff. New England head coach Bill Belichick isn’t afraid to abandon the passing game if the situation dictates, and this could very well be one of those scenarios. With Damien Harris ruled out due to a lingering thigh injury, Strong will slot in as the team’s RB2 behind Rhamondre Stevenson. When called upon this season, he has been efficient. He’s carried the ball 10 times for 100 yards and a touchdown and caught all seven targets for 42 yards.

Strong is far from a slam dunk play in Week 17, but his upside is undeniable. Should he find the endzone, a low-end PPR RB2 finish on the week isn’t out of the question. Considering he will cost you nothing to acquire ahead of your fantasy championships, he’s certainly worth a roster addition. – Nate Polvogt

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