The 1917 Campeonato Carioca, was the twelfth edition of the namesake championship, initiated on May 20, 1917 and ending on February 24, 1918. It was organized by the LMDT (Liga Metropolitana de Desportos Terrestres, or Metropolitan Land Sports League). Ten teams participated. The Fluminense Football Club won the title for their 6th time. No teams were relegated.
The tournament was played in a double round-robin format, with the team with the most points winning the title. The team with the fewest points would play in a playoff against the champions of the second level.
The last-placed team, Villa Isabel, played in a playoff against Cattete, the champions of the Second Level. Villa Isabel won the playoff.