This fantasy season has been absolutely brutal with injuries. The fantasy gods haven’t just been cruel; they’ve been vengeful. We aren’t just looking at bumps and bruises here; we are looking at superstars in street clothes while you try to convince yourself that starting a third-string running back is a “sneaky league-winning move.” It’s not. It’s desperation. But that’s what this week is all about.
Look at your roster. Go ahead, take a good, long look. If you’re reading this, you’re likely in the championship. Congratulations. You’ve survived the gauntlet. But let’s be real, your lineup probably looks less like a fantasy juggernaut and more like the waiting room at a local urgent care facility due to the mass amount of injuries.
Let’s rip the band-aid off and dive into the absolute carnage that is the 2025 week 17 fantasy football injuries slate. Grab a drink. You’re going to need it.
Quarterback Chaos: Who is Actually Left Standing?
The quarterback position is usually the bedrock of a fantasy team, but right now, it feels like we are standing on quicksand.
First up, Lamar Jackson. He took a shot to the lower back last week that made me need a chiropractor just watching it. The Ravens are calling it a “low back contusion” and labeling him day-to-day. Here’s the reality: Lamar without mobility is just a guy with a decent arm. If he plays, he’s one bad hit away from the bench. If he sits, you’re looking at Tyler Huntley. In championship week. Terrifying.
Then there is Josh Allen. The “Winter Water Buffalo” is dealing with a foot sprain. He says he’s good. The coaching staff says he’s good. But have you tried running on a sprained foot in the snow? Expect him to be out there, but don’t be shocked if the Bills lean on the run game to protect their franchise asset.
And for the love of everything holy, can we talk about J.J. McCarthy? The Vikings’ rookie has a hairline fracture in his hand. He is OUT. If you were streaming him, stop it. The Vikings offense is decimated (more on that later), and Max Brosmer is now under center. If you start a guy named Max Brosmer in your finals, you deserve whatever score you get.
Jordan Love is stuck in concussion protocol. If he doesn’t clear by Saturday, you’re staring down the barrel of a Malik Willis start. Willis has legs, sure, but his shoulder is banged up, too. It’s a mess in Green Bay.
Running Backs: The Walking Wounded
If you drafted Quinshon Judkins, I’m pouring one out for you. A broken leg and dislocated ankle? That is a career-altering injury, not just a season-ender. He’s obviously done, and the Browns’ backfield is now a wasteland.
The situation in New England is equally headache-inducing, literally. TreVeyon Henderson got his bell rung and is dealing with a concussion. Given the timeline, he’s likely out. That opens the door for Rhamondre Stevenson to be a sheer volume play against the Jets. Is the matchup pretty? No. Will he get 25 touches? Probably. In Week 17, volume is king.
Let’s not forget Kimani Vidal with a neck injury (likely out) and Jordan Mason (ankle – OUT). The attrition rate at running back this year is historically bad. If you are holding onto Alvin Kamara, hoping for a miracle knee recovery, let it go. He hasn’t played in a month. He isn’t walking through that door to save your season.
Pass Catchers: Where Did the Stars Go?
Remember when Tyreek Hill was the consensus 1.01? Yeah, his knee dislocation in Week 4 effectively ended the Dolphins’ season and millions of fantasy teams. He’s still out. Garrett Wilson is chilling on IR with a knee sprain, and the Jets offense looks like a high school JV squad without him.
And just to kick Vikings fans while they’re down, T.J. Hockenson is out with a shoulder injury. So, to recap: No McCarthy, No Jordan Mason, No Hockenson. The Minnesota Vikings are essentially a fantasy graveyard this week. Fade everyone wearing purple unless you have absolutely no choice.
Navigating the 2025 Week 17 Fantasy Football Injuries Waiver Wire
So, how do you survive this? You have to be aggressive. If Henderson sits, Rhamondre Stevenson is a must-start. If David Montgomery (knee/illness) is limited or out on Thursday, you might have to look at the Lions’ depth pieces, though that’s risky.
Keep an eye on Davante Adams (hamstring). If he plays, great. If not, Puka Nacua is going to see 15+ targets. Volume conquers all efficiency concerns.
This is the week where heroes are made from the scrap heap. It’s ugly, it’s stressful, and it’s why we love this stupid game. Check the inactive 90 minutes before kickoff. Don’t get cute. Play the guys who are actually breathing. Good luck.
