5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 17

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 26: Rex Burkhead #28 of the Houston Texans celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium on December 26, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 26: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 26, 2021, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

Isaiah McKenzie and Rex Burkhead are among the top fantasy football pickups to make ahead of Championship Week.

If you’re still checking out this fantasy football article, congratulations are in order. Unless you’re involved in a league that plays out its fantasy football championship in Week 18 (and if you are I strongly recommend you evaluate your life choices in this area), the week ahead is where titles are won and lost.

COVID is still a big concern as the fantasy playoffs roll along so making the appropriate pickups can be the difference between hoisting a trophy or settling for second place. Let’s take a look at the five biggest fantasy football pickups to make ahead of Week 17, with all rostered percentages referenced here provided courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

5. Top fantasy football pickups for Week 17 – New England Patriots QB Mac Jones

Most teams have a quarterback settled if they’re in the championship round but some owners have gotten by with streamers. The COVID situation in the NFL is also scary since a positive test could knock a star quarterback out of championship week, making a good insurance policy a worthwhile investment.

The streaming option to target in Week 17 is New England’s Mac Jones, who is coming off a rough outing against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. The good news here is that Jones has a tantalizing matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are fading fast and just allowed Zack Wilson to pile up over 20 points against them this week.

Jones is rostered in just 33 percent of Yahoo leagues and should be a popular target for people that are eager to stream a quarterback in Week 17. The Patriots are also desperate after two straight losses and could look to run up the score on the Jaguars, making this an appealing spot to play Jones if you need help under center.

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