Fantasy Football: Top 5 wide receivers for Week 17

When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 5 wide receivers heading into Week 17 NFL action.

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(15) makes reception and carries the ball in for touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

If your fantasy football league is 17 weeks you have made it to the championships, congratulations! With only one week left to clinch first place, this week’s line-up is more important then ever.

You have come so far this season, and for obvious reasons, you probably don’t want to alter your winning roster too much. However, with only a week until the NFL Playoffs begin, some players lose fantasy value as, their play time decreases in order to remain healthy for postseason games.

This is not the week to fall short of points and risk losing your season. Take a look at theses five wide receiver options heading into Week 17.

Next: 5. This Seahawk is flying high

Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) celebrates his touchdown reception against the St. Louis Rams during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

5. Doug Baldwin

Since Week 10, Doug Baldwin has taken the shine off well-known fantasy players. Not only has Baldwin made a name for himself this season but he has went above and beyond anyone’s expectations having posted over 20 fantasy points per game six times within his last seven match-ups.

Last week, Baldwin completed 8-of-10 targets for 118 yards. Baldwin also secured a touchdown in last week’s loss to the St. Louis Rams.

Baldwin takes on the Arizona Cardinals who rank 7^th against the position and although that may not be the most ideal match-up on paper, Baldwin has developed a great connection with quarterback Russell Wilson. Baldwin looks to continue the success in Week 17 and should be a starting option this week.

Next: 4. This Jet is taking off

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates his game winning touchdown pass from New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) (not shown) during overtime at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

4. Eric Decker

If you started Eric Decker last week, you probably were a bit disappointed with his performance. Although he still managed to earn almost 14 fantasy points, it was his lowest scoring week since Week 11.

Last week, Decker caught only 3-of-6 targets for 47 yards. He saved fantasy owners with one touchdown in overtime for the win over the New England Patriots. He has now scored at least once in his last three games.

This week, Decker battles the Buffalo Bills in a game that will decide the playoff fate of the New York Jets. The Bills rank 25^th against the position and Decker is expected to make a fantasy comeback in Week 17. Start him!

Next: 3. This Giant is going out with a bang

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a touchdown pass in front of Carolina Panthers corner back Josh Norman (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3. Odell Beckham Jr.

By now, we have all heard about Odell Beckham Jr.’s one game suspension last week. Actually, if you’re an ODB owner, you were probably hurting in the wide receiver department with his absence.

Before last week, ODB earned over 20 points per game in his last seven match-ups. Within those weeks, he posted 30 or more points in four of those games. Although the New York Giants were knocked out of the playoffs last week when the Washington Redskins beat the Philadelphia Eagles, ODB is coming back with vengeance.

With nothing on the line in Week 17, ODB is coming to save his face. He takes on the Philadelphia Eagles, who have not only fired head coach Chip Kelly but rank 31^st against wide receivers. He is expected to end this season with a bang, which adds him to this week’s must start list.

Next: 2. This Steeler strikes back

Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after the catch during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2. Antonio Brown

Antonio Brown has been one of the Pittsburgh Steelers most valuable receivers this season. Although he is coming off one of his worst weeks since Week 6, he still managed to post double-digit points last week.

Last week, Brown completed 7-of-11 targets for only 61 yards total. He didn’t secure any touchdowns in the Week 16 loss to long-time rivals the Baltimore Ravens. Even with his lack in performance, Brown led the team in targets.

This week, Brown is expected to bounce back in a week that is going to decide whether the Pittsburgh Steelers make it to the playoffs. The Steelers meet the Cleveland Browns who rank 26^th against the position, and in Week 10, Brown posted over 30 fantasy points in the same match-up. There is no doubt Brown is a must start of the week.

Next: 1. The don't call him Machine Marshall for nothing

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) misses an reception by stepping out of bound against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

1. Brandon Marshall

In my opinion, Brandon Marshall is a must start every week. He earned over 25 fantasy points four times in his last five games.

Marshall has posted 115 or more receiving yards in four of his last five match-ups. On top of that, Marshall has scored at least once sometimes even multiple touchdowns in a game in seven of his last eight games. These numbers are explosive for owners.

More jets: Top 10 fantasy football sleepers for Week 17

This week, the Jets battle the Buffalo Bills, which will determine their playoff destiny. Not only do the Jets have much to lose this week, the match-up on paper is in favor of Marshall as the Bills rank 25^th against wide receivers. This is going to be a great week for Marshall owners!