Should I Pickup Jelani Woods For Fantasy Football Week 17? Waiver Wire Outlook

The Indianapolis Colts have not given fantasy football managers much to cheer about in 2022, and that is an understatement.

Undisputed No. 1 fantasy running back Jonathan Taylor finished with almost 1,000 fewer rushing yards than he did when he won the rushing crown in 2021, and his season is over thanks to an ankle injury. Quarterback Matt Ryan was a washed-up turnover machine whenever he was under center. Top target Michael Pittman has just two touchdowns and two 100-yard games this year after many fantasy experts pegged him to be a top-15 fantasy receiver. The remainder of the Colts supporting cast has had little fantasy value throughout the season.

Rookie tight end Jelani Woods has been one of the few bright spots on the Colts offense, although he has been inconsistent enough that he is probably available on most league waiver wires. He has had to share time and targets with two other tight ends but has emerged as the most valuable in recent weeks with 14 receptions for 205 yards over his last four games.  So should fantasy footballers like you pick up Woods this week if you are desperate for a tight end for your playoff or championship game? Let's take a look!

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Should I Pick Up Jelani Woods For Fantasy Football Week 17?

No, I would shy away from Woods with your fantasy football season on the line. The kid is not dependable week in and week out, through no fault of his own. If you are considering him in your championship game it is amazing that your fantasy team made it to the championship game.

The problem with Woods is twofold. Can you really trust any Colts pass catcher when Nick Foles is the one throwing the passes? At this late stage of his career, Foles cannot be counted upon to elevate the value of any of his tight ends, especially since his overpriced offensive line is giving him about two seconds to throw. He cannot put the necessary zip on the ball to get it through tight spaces and does not have the arm strength to get the ball downfield. Foles also has no elusiveness, which coupled with his leaky line is why he was sacked seven times last Monday by the Los Angeles Chargers.

The other issue is Woods must fight several factions for Foles’ attention. Kylen Granson is banged-up with a bum ankle, but veteran Mo-Alie Cox is still taking tight end time away from Woods. Pittman hogs most of the targets for the pass-catching crew, and the Colts have a bevy of subpar receivers who all seem to get a couple of targets each per game. Woods has only been targeted more than five times in one game this season.

Woods and his Colts are facing a tough task on the road against a New York Giants team that needs a win to secure a playoff spot. He has not scored a TD since October 16 and has had one game of over 50 receiving yards. His recent “hot streak” would still not have helped fantasy managers much, so why waste a waiver pick on him now? Go with what you got at tight end, or pick up someone else like New Orleans’ Taysom Hill or Juwan Johnson if you REALLY need a tight end in Week 17.

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