The 10 Best Players to Draft in the 17-0 Challenge for 2026
The 2026 NFL season kicks off this week, which means it's time to run the 17-0 Challenge and see if you can build a roster good enough to go undefeated. The simulation spans decades of NFL history, so you're not limited to this year's stars — you're building the best possible team across all eras.
Here are the 10 players who give you the best competitive edge in the 17-0 simulation engine, ranked by their combination of stats, All-Pro selections, MVP awards, and Hall of Fame status. Spoiler: the greatest players in NFL history still dominate this game.
Each team slot locks after you draft it, and you must fill every position. Don't draft two QBs — the simulation punishes positional imbalance. Build from the skill positions down.
The Top 10
Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is the greatest wide receiver in NFL history and one of the top values in the entire 17-0 Challenge database. Ten All-Pro selections, a Hall of Fame induction, and receiving records that won't fall in our lifetimes. In the simulation, his combination of accolades and production creates a nearly unbeatable WR anchor for any roster.
Tom Brady
Three MVPs, three All-Pro nods, seven Super Bowl rings, and a Hall of Fame jacket. Brady's accolade stack in the 17-0 engine is impossible to match at the quarterback position. Whether you pick his New England years or the Tampa Bay run, you're getting the most decorated QB in football history. Lock him in early.
Lawrence Taylor
LT is widely considered the greatest defensive player in NFL history. Ten All-Pro selections, an MVP award — the only defensive player to win the award since 1986 — and Hall of Fame recognition. In the simulation, linebacker is a position where LT creates a massive advantage, and no other LB in the database comes close to his accolade count.
Reggie White
The Minister of Defense. Reggie White's thirteen All-Pro selections are the highest total for any defensive end in NFL history. His combination of pass rush ability, run stopping, and relentless motor made him the most dominant defensive lineman to ever play the game. In the simulation, DE is the most valuable defensive position — and White is the clear #1 at that spot.
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders could make defenders miss in a phone booth. Six All-Pro selections, an MVP, and a highlight reel that has never been matched. His elusive running style means that in the simulation, he produces big rushing numbers regardless of the offensive line around him — which gives Lions fans a chance to finally build the roster he deserved. RB1 locked.
Peyton Manning
Five MVPs. The most for any QB in NFL history. Manning's accolade stack at the quarterback position rivals Brady's in the simulation — and depending on which era you're building from, he may actually be the better pick. His 2004 season (49 TDs) and 2013 season (55 TDs) are two of the greatest individual QB campaigns ever run. If you're building an Indy or Denver squad, this is a no-brainer.
Randy Moss
The most physically gifted wide receiver the NFL has ever seen. Randy Moss's 2007 season — 23 touchdown receptions — still stands as the single-season record. Six All-Pro selections and Hall of Fame honors make him the clear WR2 in any 17-0 roster construction that already has Rice at WR1. Pairing Moss and Rice in a simulation is the ultimate two-receiver stack.
Josh Allen
The best active quarterback in the NFL entering the 2026 season. Allen's combination of passing excellence and rushing ability makes him the most complete QB of this era. For players who want to build a modern AFC East squad rather than raiding the 2000s Patriots roster, Allen is the present-day anchor. His dual-threat production adds a rushing dimension that pure pocket passers can't replicate.
Derrick Henry
King Henry is the most physically dominant running back of his generation. His 2020 season — 2,027 rushing yards — remains one of the most dominant individual RB performances in recent memory. If you're building a Titans or Ravens roster and need a bell cow who can carry 25 carries a game, Henry is the modern-era answer. He's the best RB value in the 2020s database.
Calvin Johnson
Megatron. Six All-Pro selections, a Hall of Fame induction, and a single-season receiving record (1,964 yards in 2012) that still stands. Calvin Johnson's combination of size, speed, and accolades make him one of the most overpowering wide receivers in the simulation. For Lions fans: yes, you can finally pair him with Barry Sanders for the ultimate Detroit roster.
The simulation rewards accolade stacking — All-Pro, MVP, and HOF badges compound their bonuses. A roster with Brady + Rice + LT + Sanders gives you four Hall-of-Famers with massive accolade multipliers. Don't just chase raw stats — the badges matter.
Position Value Rankings
If you're not sold on any specific player, here's how positions rank in the 17-0 simulation based on overall scoring weight:
QB > DE > WR > RB > LB > CB > TE
Quarterback is the single most impactful position. A Brady or Manning at QB can carry a below-average supporting cast to 15 wins. Don't waste your QB slot on a good-but-not-great option when the greatest of all time are available.
Go 17-0 This Season
Draft your all-time roster and see if you can run the table in the 2026 NFL Challenge.
Play the 17-0 Challenge →