Jahdae Walker start or sit: Week 17 fantasy football advice

Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season will continue on this afternoon with a high-stakes NFC showdown featuring the Chicago Bears visiting the San Francisco 49ers 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Both of these teams are still in contention for the No. 1 seed in the conference and would be knocked out of contention for that distinction with a loss here.

The Bears clinched a playoff spot with a thrilling 22-16 come-from-behind overtime victory over the Packers last Saturday and can officially secure the NFC North title with a win or a Packers loss. The world got to know the name of Jahdae Walker and we’ll see if he can follow up his late-game heroics in another primetime matchup.

Below, we’ll go over Walker’s outlook in fantasy football for Week 17.

Fantasy Football analysis: Bears WR Jahdae Walker

Walker was the hero in one of the most important moments for the franchise in years last Saturday, catching the game-tying touchdown against the Packers with 24 seconds left in regulation and proceeded to hit one of the cleanest touchdown celebrations that you’ll ever see. Two receptions for 21 yards and that score is what he ended the night with and he managed to etch himself into Bears history with that catch.

It was a huge moment for the undrafted rookie out of Texas A&M, especially considering that he combined for just eight total snaps prior to last Saturday’s victory. His usage can be chalked up to fellow rookie Luther Burden III missing the game with an ankle injury and while Burden will be back, Walker should get another chance to shine with Rome Odunze being ruled out with a foot injury.

Start or sit in Week 17?

Sit. Walker showed that he can be a reliable hand for Caleb Williams when it matters and we could hear his name a few times in the postseason. However, I wouldn’t trust him as a fantasy option in your championship week matchup, even as a last-minute streamer.