5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 17

1. Top fantasy football pickups for Week 17 – Houston Texans RB Rex Burkhead

The odds of finding a usable running back on the waiver wire in Week 17 outside of an injury situation are pretty slim. The notable exception this season is Rex Burkhead, who has taken command of the Houston Texans’ backfield in recent weeks.

The Texans fed Burkhead early and often against the Los Angeles Chargers, a decision that paid handsome dividends for Houston. Burkhead exploded for 149 yards on 22 carries with a pair of touchdowns against the Chargers, a performance that made him a matchup-winner for anyone who had the courage to start a Houston running back.

With rookie quarterback Davis Mills under center the running game has become a top priority for Houston. Burkhead has taken advantage of an injury to David Johnson to seize the top spot in the backfield, earning himself a sizeable portion of the carries even if Johnson returns from injury in Week 17.

The memo hasn’t really gotten out on Burkhead, who is rostered in just 33 percent of Yahoo leagues, but that figure should rise ahead of Houston’s matchup with the 49ers in Week 17. Anyone in need of help at running back, or even the flex position, should grab Burkhead as a potential league-winner.