As we head into Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season, many fantasy football managers are trying to win the title. Injuries, offensive changes and emerging trends continue to reshape the fantasy landscape, making it vital to stay ahead of value swings. This week's fantasy football risers and fallers spotlight players whose stock is moving sharply in one direction or another, and how to adjust accordingly. For a deeper dive into player usage and evolving roles, check out the RotoWire NFL team depth charts.
Fantasy Football Risers
Quarterback
Stafford has been a strong fantasy option all season, falling below 20 fantasy points only four times, with none since Week 11. After throwing for 368 yards and two touchdowns in Week 15, Stafford erupted for 457 yards and three touchdowns against Seattle on the road after managing just 130 yards against them earlier in the season. With the Rams chasing the Seahawks in the NFC West, Stafford is positioned for another high-end fantasy outing in Week 17 against Atlanta.
Running Back
Walker rewarded fantasy managers who stuck with him after two disappointing outings by delivering his best game of the season against the Rams. Despite just 11 carries and three targets, he totaled 164 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Efficiency was the key to the breakout, as Walker consistently created explosive plays when given opportunities. A favorable matchup against Carolina gives him a chance to close the fantasy season on a high note.
Barkley frustrated fantasy managers early in the season after being drafted in the first round, producing four single-digit PPR performances in his first 12 games. Over the last three weeks, the running back has clearly turned things around, finding the end zone in each. Two of his three 100-yard rushing performances have come during that stretch, including a 21.2-point PPR effort against Washington. A strong matchup with Buffalo sets Barkley up to continue his late-season surge.
Wide Receiver
Brown struggled for consistency earlier in the season, posting only three games above 11.9 PPR points through Week 11. Since then, the receiver has flipped the script, scoring at least 16.0 PPR points in five straight games. He continues to command heavy volume, seeing double-digit targets in every game since Week 11 aside from a blowout win against Las Vegas. Brown is well-positioned to extend his hot streak in Week 17 against Buffalo.
Moore produced back-to-back strong fantasy performances for the first time this season, averaging 22.4 PPR points against Cleveland and Green Bay. Notably, the spike in production did not come with a major increase in targets, as Moore continues to see steady weekly usage. He has nine receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns over the last two games while maintaining a consistent target floor. With injuries impacting Chicago's receiving corps, Moore could be in line for another productive outing against San Francisco.
Tight End
Johnson delivered a much-needed breakout in Week 16 after posting modest receiving numbers over the previous three games. With Devaughn Vele sidelined, the tight end appears to have ascended into the Saints' second receiving role. Against the Jets, Johnson caught eight of nine targets for 89 yards while benefiting from strong quarterback play. His expanded role gives him upside as the fantasy season comes to a close.
Fantasy Football Fallers
Quarterback
Love exited early against Chicago after suffering a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet hit, leaving fantasy managers with minimal production. The quarterback finished with just 77 passing yards and seven rushing yards before leaving the game. Health remains the primary concern, as availability is now in question for Week 17. Even if cleared, the matchup against Baltimore presents additional risk.
Running Back
Irving was an efficient fantasy contributor earlier in the season, scoring at least 13.9 PPR points in each of his first six games. Over the last two contests, however, his production has dipped despite solid rushing volume. Goal-line opportunities have gone to Sean Tucker, and receiving involvement has all but disappeared. With declining efficiency and reduced scoring chances, Irving's fantasy value has taken a hit at the worst possible time.
Hunt was a reliable touchdown scorer from Weeks 8 through 14 while consistently seeing double-digit touches. Over the last two games, his role has dramatically diminished as Kansas City shifts its offensive focus. The running back has totaled just nine carries for 14 yards along with a single short reception during that span. With usage evaporating, Hunt no longer carries meaningful fantasy value.
Wide Receiver
Watson's Week 16 performance suffered after Jordan Love exited early with a concussion. The receiver finished with just two catches for 17 yards, marking one of his worst outings of the season. While the upcoming matchup against Baltimore is already difficult, uncertainty at quarterback further complicates his outlook. Expectations should be tempered if Malik Willis is forced to start.
Tight End
Parkinson had been a popular fantasy option since Week 10, producing at least 9.4 PPR points in five of six games. After a two-touchdown performance in Week 15, expectations were high heading into a favorable matchup against Seattle. Instead, the tight end was outproduced by his teammates and finished with just two catches for 21 yards. This outcome highlights the volatility of relying on replacement-level players late in the fantasy playoffs.
Conclusion
As the playoffs wind down, evaluating fantasy football risers and fallers becomes essential for optimizing lineups and making timely roster moves. Several players are peaking at exactly the right moment, while others appear to be fading at the worst possible time. Staying flexible with roster construction and monitoring usage trends will provide a significant competitive edge. For updated projections and weekly lineup guidance, be sure to visit the RotoWire weekly projections page.
