Week 17 Waiver Wire Breakout Fantasy Football Pickups from Sunday's Box Scores

With many fantasy leagues in the midst of playoffs, and some championship games even underway, the importance of finding that one hidden gem who can benefit a roster and provide points en route to victory is heightened exponentially.

Ahead of Week 17, find out who those players are and whether they can guide managers to championships, or at least help them avoid a last-place finish, in this preview.

All stats via FantasyPros.com unless otherwise noted.

Michael Carter, RB, Arizona Cardinals

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The Arizona Cardinals have been decimated by injuries all season, particularly at the running back position, where Carter is the last available back amid Bam Knight being placed on the IR.

Against Houston in Week 15, Carter carried 14 times for 56 yards, then caught four balls for 38 yards. Through three quarters against Atlanta, he had 10 carries for 62 yards.

While some managers will understandably be concerned about his opportunities considering how the Cardinals are often down quickly in games, leading to more passing attempts from Jacoby Brissett, Carter can be a target in either aspect of the offense, with 19 catches since Week 11.

Managers competing for a championship probably do not have a need at running back and if they do, likely have roster depth. Those playing to avoid the basement in their leagues, or for nothing more than pride, should consider him a worthy start in the event of an injury or poor match-up that plagues their running back situation.

Especially with the Cincinnati Bengals and a defense giving up the most points to opposing backs up next.

Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

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Don't look now but Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is starting to put it together, giving fans of the franchise reason to be excited about the future. As for fantasy managers suddenly facing a quarterback conundrum in league championship games or basement dweller bowls, he is an intriguing potential start down the stretch.

In four of his last six games, Shough has been a top 15 player at his position in standard leagues, with six touchdowns and three interceptions.

He has been a double-digit scorer in five of those six games, too.

In Week 17, the former Louisville Cardinal faces a Tennessee Titans team that is giving up the seventh-most points to opposing quarterbacks, giving him the opportunity to keep his recent hot streak going.

Like Carter, odds are managers competing for a league title are not in a position to need Shough but those seeking to avoid a humiliating punishment for finishing dead last in among their friends could benefit from starting a QB with momentum on his side.

Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans

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Through the early slate of Sunday's game, Spears was the fourth-best running back in fantasy PPR leagues, thanks to 52 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for another 53 yards.

He faces a middle-of-the-road Saints defense in Week 17 and should have plenty of opportunities to reward those fantasy managers who pick him up and add him to their starting lineups.

Even if Tony Pollard continues to receive more touches, Spears' ability to impact the passing game is more than enough reason to confidently pick him up off of waivers before a competitor does.