Here are some waiver wire options for fantasy this week.
After the ninth full slate of regular season action, the NFL and fantasy football are in the midst of their years.
If you had a tough injury in Week 9, you just didn’t get the production from one of your players that you expected or you have a player on bye, we’ll scan the waiver wire. For potential pickups, we’ll consider players who are available in at least 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential waiver wire pickups that could help your teams heading into Week 10 of the NFL campaign.
Here are some waiver wire options for fantasy this week.
After the eighth full slate of regular season action, the NFL and fantasy football are in the midst of the year.
If you had a tough injury in Week 8, you just didn’t get the production from one of your players that you expected or you have a player on bye, we’ll scan the waiver wire. For potential pickups, we’ll consider players who are available in at least 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential waiver wire pickups that could help your teams heading into Week 9 of the NFL campaign.
Here are the top waiver wire targets in fantasy football for Week 5.
The first month of fantasy football has just about concluded. Some managers are still searching for their first win, while others remain in the thick of the race. Either way, the waiver wire can be a manager’s best friend.
We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in ESPN leagues, using the 75% mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on Twitter (@KevinHickey11). Your questions, comments, and roasts are always welcome!
Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.
Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.
Which players should you check for on the waiver wire before the season starts?
Be sure to check the fantasy football waiver wire for the following players, provided your league’s settings permit acquisitions before Week 1. Depending on how early your league drafted, its bench depth, and a few other factors, the availability of these players is bound to vary.
5 fantasy football waiver wire picks before Week 1
Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.
1) RB Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars: Depending upon when you drafted, Travis Etienne may have still been a factor in this backfield. With the rookie on the shelf for the year, Hyde, a former Urban Meyer rusher at Ohio State, gets thrown into the mix. While James Robinson will be the primary back, expect to see plenty of Hyde. He warrants a roster spot, even if Robinson isn’t on your team. Quality depth is hard to find at the running back position. Nab him while he remains a bargain.
Available: 56 percent FAAB: <$8
2) WR Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills: Davis has a secure role on the team as a deep threat and also would be thrust into the WR1 role if Stefon Diggs were to miss time. The second-year receiver was Josh Allen’s favorite weapon in the last preseason game, connecting on all five targets, including a 31-yard score. The duo showed they picked up right where things left off in 2020.
Available: 37 percent FAAB: $2-4
It’s not too late to get into The Huddle! Sign up today.
3) RB Tony Jones, New Orleans Saints: Reports out of NOLA suggest Jones is right on Latavius Murray’s heels for the top backup job to Alvin Kamara. Considering Murray is 30, and Kamara has never rushed for even 200 carries in a season, the No. 2 gig has plenty to offer for fantasy purposes. Jones is more of a grab-n-stash guy at the moment.
Available: 68 percent FAAB: $1-2
4) QB Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints: Sticking in The Big Easy, some leagues drafted before Jameis officially was named the starter. The availability percentage is low, but it’s worth taking a gander in case your league picked early in August or even before. He may start slowly without Michael Thomas, but as long as the turnovers are kept in check, Winston will get his chance to shine as the year unfolds.
Available: 23 percent FAAB: $1-2
5) WR Nico Collins, Houston Texans: On any other roster, with any other quarterback, Collins probably would be a WR3 or no worse than a fourth. Fantasy gamers have been scared away from the Deshaun Watson situation, and rightfully so, since Tyrod Taylor is left as the de facto starter if Watson is indeed no longer starting for Houston. Collins brings 6-foot-4 size, adequate speed, and a presence in the red zone this team desperately needs.
Available: 65 percent FAAB: $0-1
Next week, our typical format will return full of player recommendations of all types. Best of luck in Week 1, and hopefully your players stay healthy!
Which players should you check for on the waiver wire before the season starts?
Be sure to check the wire for the following players, provided your league’s settings permit acquisitions before Week 1. Depending on how early your league drafted, its bench depth, and a few other factors, the availability of these players is bound to vary.
This week, we’ll keep it short and sweet since so many leagues either waited until the last minute this year or don’t offer a waiver period prior to Week 1. Some of the more obvious inclusions have been left out for leagues that may have drafted in July or even earlier.
In that event, a few options, such as Bryce Love, Adrian Peterson, J.D. McKissic, Steven Sims — okay, basically just current or former Washington players — may now have value they didn’t a month ago. Fortunately, and this is an obvious byproduct of having little on-field activity this summer, it was an extremely light year for injuries. Fingers crossed that trend doesn’t immediately reverse course once the real thing begins.
5 fantasy football waiver wire picks before Week 1
Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.
1) RB James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars: Despite possibly being a one-week whiff, gamers should add the rookie back if for no other reason than to get ahead of the curve. Should he either have the bulk of the backfield touches or show a pulse, he’ll be rostered immediately after Week 1 by your competition. Chances are, even with a lackluster Week 1 effort, Robinson will see reps for several weeks, unless Devine Ozigbo stands out. RB Ryquell Armstead will be on the COVD-19 list for some time, his coach said.
Available: 76 percent FAAB: <$15
2) WR Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders: The shoulder injury suffered by veteran receiver Tyrell Williams means he’ll need season-ending surgery. This move likely forces Jon Gruden to play rookie first-round pick Henry Ruggs III on the outside rather than in the slot, thus freeing up more work for Renfrow. Ruggs is expected to play flanker, which allows him to move around the field, and he could rotate at times into the slot, pushing Renfrow outside. The second-year Clemson product is the elder statesman of this receiving corps and deserves a look in PPR leagues after a strong closing of his rookie campaign.
Available: 44 percent FAAB: $2-4
[lawrence-related id=453546]
3) TE Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings: The veteran has a history of posting fantasy stats in spurts, often making him a frustrating player. In 2020, the offense, at least early on, could ask more of him than usual. Gary Kubiak takes over as the new playcaller and has a history of involving the position. Rookie WR Justin Jefferson has to learn a pro system on the fly after the pandemic destroyed the normal offseason routine. The Green Bay Packers lost linebacker Blake Martinez in the offseason, and Pack rated as a neutral defense vs. the position prior to seeing their best coverage ‘backer defect. Rudolph has a chance at sneaking into the end zone this week and is an intriguing flier if your normal starter has a tough matchup.
Available: 67 percent FAAB: $1-2
4) QB Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags have no running game to speak of entering the year, and the second-year quarterback could be forced into plenty of pass-heavy scripts. He’s a fringe QB1 based on volume alone, but it won’t be pretty some weeks, so treat him as a matchup play. Versus the Indianapolis Colts this week, Minshew is best left in reserve. In the off-chance he exceeds expectations, Minshew will cost a little more next week.
Available: 48 percent FAAB: $1
5) RB Lynn Bowden Jr., Miami Dolphins: The Las Vegas Raiders spent a third-round pick on Bowden and still opted to trade him a few months later, which doesn’t sound great, but he has a chance to contribute in Miami. The Dolphins have a fragile Matt Breida and an underwhelming Jordan Howard leading the way, so Bowden could be used as a satellite player if something happens to Breida. In leagues that have deep benches, he’s worth a look for a few bucks as a stash-and-hold speculative buy.
Available: 89 percent FAAB: $0
Next week, our typical format will return full of player recommendations of all types. Best of luck in Week 1, and hopefully your players stay healthy!
The regular-season finale still offers fantasy football fun, and one-week plays can be found on the waiver wire.
Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.
Bye weeks: none
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
Quarterbacks
1-Week Plug & Play
Daniel Jones, New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Jones returned from an ankle sprain to thoroughly destroy the Washington Redskins, and now he has a chance to join the ranks of quarterbacks who’ve bombarded the Eagles in 2019. Seven signal callers have posted at least 23.7 points vs. this defense, and Eli Manning mustered a line of 203-2-0 in the Week 14 contest. As Philadelphia focuses on a clearly healthy Saquon Barkley, Jones has a full complement of wideouts and a rising tight end in Kaden Smith.
Availability: 37%
FAAB: $7-8
Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
Brissett began the year with 10 touchdown strikes in the first four games and has just eight over his remaining nine full outings, including none in the last two weeks. The Jaguars have given up at least 23.8 fantasy points six times to the position in 2019, and half of them have come in the last five contests. Brissett went for 18.6 points in the Week 11 meeting, although he was freshly returning from missing Week 10 with a knee sprain. Risk vs. reward is the cruz of his inclusion.
Availability: 50%
FAAB: $3-4
Robert Griffin III, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore has nothing at stake in Week 17, and it seems unlikely we will see Lamar Jackson make the start. Even if he does, the leash should be short. Griffin faces a mostly unfavorable matchup but deserves a nod in leagues that allow or require two quarterbacks making a starting lineup. Just one QB since Week 9 has posted more than 20 fantasy a points against the Steelers, but three starting-worthy options are unlikely to play in meaningless Week 17 games, so someone like RG3 enters the conversation.
Availability: 100%
FAAB: $0-1
[lawrence-related id=448137]
(Matt Kartozian, USA TODAY Sports)
Running Backs
1-Week Plug & Play
Travis Homer, Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
Note: This one comes with a caution of reports suggesting Marshawn Lynch could be in play to return to Seattle. Add Homer anyway, since it should take some time for Beast Mode to get up to speed. Lynch also is worthy of an add.
Chris Carson (hip) and C.J. Prosise (arm) join Rashaad Penny (knee) has injured, unavailable Seattle running backs, making Homer the primary ball carrier. The rookie has a little bit of juice and is a capable pass-catching option out of the backfield. Homer has decent enough size (5-foot-10, 201 pounds) and will see enough opportunities to warrant a flex play, despite a tough matchup. Three rushing scores have come against the Niners in the last two games, and Carson was good for 19.1 PPR points in the Week 10 meeting.
Availability: 96%
FAAB: $10-12
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mark Ingram (calf) left early last week and will have two weeks to recover before the postseason since the Ravens have a bye and nothing for which to play in Week 17. Hill has an explosive nature that will help exploit the Steelers on the perimeter and in the passing game. Pittsburgh hasn’t given up a rushing score since Week 5 when Ingram visited the end zone, although a pair of aerial scores have come from the backfield in the past month. Hill’s best way of attacking will be via the screen game.
Availability: 75%
FAAB: $4-5
DeAndre Washington, Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos
Denver has granted one rushing and a receiving score to RBs since Week 8, and only two backs have produced 100-yard games vs. the Broncos in 2019. One of them was Leonard Fournette’s 225-yard outburst. In Week 17, Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is a long shot to play after missing two of the last three games with a fractured shoulder. Oakland has a puncher’s chance at the postseason, so expect the offense to swing for the fences, and Washington is a decent bet for fantasy production in the mid-teens in PPR.
Availability: 50%
FAAB: $4-5
T.J. Yeldon, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
Buffalo has nothing at stake this week, making Yeldon the likely No. 1 back. While the situation is fluid, and the matchup isn’t exactly ideal, he has an opportunity in PPR. The Jets have given up four offensive scores in the last five weeks to RBs, including two via the passing game. These teams last met in Week 17, and Devin Singletary caught five passes. Yeldon has flex utility as five of the last six backs to face this group have managed double-digit PPR returns.
Availability: 87%
FAAB: $2-3
(David Kohl, USA TODAY Sports)
Wide Receivers
1-Week Plug & Play
Justin Watson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
With so many injuries to the receiving corps in Tampa, Watson is a must-play, even with a fairly difficult matchup. The Falcons have stiffened greatly in the last six weeks vs. WRs. Back in Week 12, Chris Godwin (hamstring) had his way with this defense, going for 184 yards and two TDs on seven grabs. The results since have favored Atlanta, however, and Watson is no Godwin. The former has, though, managed double figures in PPR over two of his last three appearances, and he’s in a prime situation to see enough looks from Jameis Winston to matter.
Availability: 78%
FAAB: $13-15
N’Keal Harry, New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins
The rookie has started to show signs of getting up to speed both physically and mentally. Harry has 11 utilizations in the last two games, scoring once in that time. New England has to find some other than Julian Edelman and James White who is trustworthy for Tom Brady, and we’ve seen major limitations from the rest of the weaponry. Miami has given up 11 receiving TDs to the position in the last five games alone, and only two teams have yielded more receiving yards in that window.
Availability: 53% FAAB: $5-6
Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
With target counts of nine, nine and five in the last three games, Ward has corralled no fewer than four grabs for totals of 34, 61 and 71 yards, with one score in Week 15. The Giants allowed him a 4-34-0 line a few weeks back, and New York’s secondary no longer has CB Janoris Jenkins since that meeting. Ward is a risky option, but given his number of targets and the matchup with a defense that has yielded four wideout TDs in the last two games, he’s a fantasy flex consideration.
Availability: 84%
FAAB: $3-4
Isaiah McKenzie, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
Opportunity and a plus matchup tend to equal success in fantasy, but this one will take two huge leaps of faith to pan out. One being McKenzie himself, and the other being Matt Barkley proving capable of moving the ball. Buffalo has nothing at stake this week, so guys like John Brown and Cole Beasley are unlikely to see much, if any, action. The explosive McKenzie has some utility vs. a defense that has permitted wideouts a quartet of touchdowns in just the past two games.
Availability: 99% FAAB: $1-2
(Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports)
Tight Ends
1-Week Plug & Play
Hayden Hurst, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
In a running theme this week — players who tend to see limited action but could be of worth due to increased playing time — Hurst will benefit if the Ravens rest primary skill guys. There’s nothing on the line for the playoff seeding this week, and Hurst is a former first-round talent who has been lost in the shuffle after Mark Andrews emerged. Quarterback Robert Griffin III would assume the mantle for one game, and his limited skills as a passer (as well as substandard WR corps) makes Hurst a bona fide fantasy option vs. a Steelers defense that has permitted a trio of TE scores in the last five games and six over the last 10 games.
Availability: 74%
FAAB: $4-5
Jordan Akins, Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
This one is an admitted stretch simply because it’s tough to know how much Houston values Darren Fells. The Texans have nothing of consequence at play this week, and Fells has been a pleasant surprise in 2019. He skirted the injury report last week with a hand issue, and it could make for an opportune time to give him a break, even though he played in Week 16. Head coach Bill O’Brien says he will not rest starters, which makes little sense, but this could be an exception. Even if Fells plays, Akins has a larger role ahead with WR Will Fuller out. Akins would be the next man up and faces Tennessee unit that has conceded five touchdowns to the position in the last six games (nine on the year).
Availability: 77%
FAAB: $2-3
[lawrence-related id=448141]
Kickers
1-Week Plug & Play
Stephen Hauschka, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
In the five weeks entering Week 16, no team had given up more field goal attempts than the Jets. This one could go either way, however, because only one has been attempted in the last two games combined, and Miami’s Jason Sanders booted seven of eight kicks in Week 14 to up the average. Kickers have tried at least two three-pointers in eight contests this year vs. the Jets, and if the Bills indeed rest theirs starters, field goals may be the most they can hope for against New York.
Availability: 81%
FAAB: $0-1
Matt Gay, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The rookie has averaged a pair of field goals in the last five weeks and tried 19 kicks in the last nine games. The decimation of the receiving corps helped contribute to Gay attempting three tries in Week 16, in addition to a pair of TD-capping kicks. The Falcons have given up 12 field goal attempts in the last five games, and in nine of the last 11 games, kickers have tried two or more treys.
Availability: 36%
FAAB: $0-1
Jason Sanders, Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Sanders has been busier of late, kicking two or more field goal attempts in three straight contests, including a monster eight-field goal effort in Week 14. Sanders has kicked two or more times in seven games and has eight games with one or no attempts, making him a risky proposition. The Patriots have yielded 11 three-point attempts in the last six games. Miami didn’t attempt a field goal way back in Week 2 vs. the Patriots, but much has chanced in the four months since that one.
Availability: 93%
FAAB: $0-1
Defense/Specials Teams
1-Week Plug & Play
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
The Bills have permitted 16 sacks in the last six contests. There’s nothing at stake this week, which means we’re likely to see Matt Barkley for some or all of the game. The Jets become a much more favorable option in this scenario, especially since the best fantasy outing for a defense against Buffalo in 2019 came from the Jets, albeit way back in the season opener.
Availability: 57%
FAAB: $1-2
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It has been an all-or-nothing deal from this defense in recent times, with the Falcons having generated three or more sacks in a trio of the games and one or none in the other three contests over the last six weeks. The Buccaneers are a shell of their 2019 self at wide receiver, and this has been one of the best matchups of the year for fantasy defenses. However, in Week 12, Atlanta managed only two takeaways and no sacks, which was the worst fantasy effort against this unit. There’s hope but also plenty of downside.
Availability: 82%
FAAB: $1-2
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
The Texans have nothing at stake in Week 17, and while head coach Bill O’Brien says the starters will play, we could see AJ McCarron at quarterback during the game. In the last six weeks, Houston has granted 20 sacks. That kind of pressure alone has to make Tennessee a worthwhile consideration, despite this defense managing just three fantasy points vs. the Texans only two weeks ago. The Titans sacked Deshaun Watson only once and managed a pair of INTs but gave up 24 points.
Championship week is here for the vast majority of fantasy football leagues. Don’t give up waiver plays just yet!
Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.
Since we are so late in the season, most recommendations will be one-week plays from this point forward.
Bye weeks: none
(Jay Biggerstaff, USA TODAY Sports)
Quarterbacks
1-Week Plug & Play
Drew Lock, Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions
Lock is best utilized in leagues that allow gamers to flex a second quarterback into the starting lineup. And as with some of the deeper dives this year, his utility crosses over to DFS action. For Week 16, the rookie gets a fresh slate after a tough go last week in a snowy battle at Kansas City. The incoming Lions have given up 29-plus fantasy points in three of the last five games. The two games without lofty totals featured rookie Dwayne Haskins, whose game has yet to mature at any fantasy-worthy pace, and Kirk Cousins as the Minnesota Vikings’ running game steamrolled. Jameis Winston was down to his fourth and fifth receivers and still lit it up in Week 15. Lock has plenty of upside vs. a defense that appears to have given up.
Availability: 71%
FAAB: $3-4
[lawrence-related id=447854]
(Sergio Estrada, USA TODAY Sports)
Running Backs
1-Week Plug & Play
Kerryon Johnson, Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos
The second-year back is poised to return from a knee injury suffered in Week 7. Detroit, provided the coaching staff will indeed return next year, needs to see what they have in Johnson in an “every snap counts” kind of way. He has flashed a few times in his two injury-ravaged seasons (16 games), but it’s a crapshoot as to whether he will enter 2020 as “the guy” in Motown. There’s always the concern of rust from Johnson, although he received praise from Matt Patricia for Johnson’s recent practice efforts. While Denver is not a statistically ideal test, we’ve seen Bo Scarbrough and Wes Hills produce for the Lions in recent weeks, so consider Johnson a viable PPR flex in Week 16.
Availability: 70%
FAAB: $10-12
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
Regardless of whether RB Jordan Howard (shoulder) plays, the Eagles have a desperate need for a pass-catching option out of the backfield. Scott has proved himself worthy of attention over the last two games, and he flashed potential in limited action way back to his time with the New Orleans Saints. Dallas gave up the sixth-most receptions to the position heading into Week 15, and while Todd Gurley caught only three passes in that game, he found the end zone — the second back to do so in the last three weeks. Scott is a fine flex play in PPR setups.
Availability: 83%
FAAB: $4-5
Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
This one is more of a shot in the dark than one gamers should be crazy about jumping on. The rookie saw nine carries in Week 15 for 43 yards — the most efficient showing by a Miami back in ages. Gaskin added 29 yards on a pair of catches vs. the New York Giants and may have earned himself more touches. The Bengals have yielded the fourth-most rushing yards (118/game) in 2019, and 11 ground touchdowns have been scored. Toss in four more aerial TDs and we’re talking about more than one per game, on average. The upside is obvious, but the risk is, as well. It all comes down to whether the Dolphins give him the ball enough to matter (roughly 15 touches).
Availability: 87%
FAAB: $2-3
(Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports)
Wide Receivers
1-Week Plug & Play
Breshad Perriman/Justin Watson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans
Perriman is the obvious must-own option of the two, and we recommended him entering Week 15, so hopefully he is already on your team. If not, you know what to do! Watson also warrants a lineup spot this week after the Bucs lost Chris Godwin (hamstring) a week after a bum hammy shut down Mike Evans. They say things come in threes, and WR Scott Miller gets tossed on the scrap heap, as well, after aggravating a hamstring injury of his own. Watson was quiet vs. Detroit (2-17-0) but enjoyed a 5-59-1 day the prior week. This one is not only about the opportunity but Houston as an opponent. The Texans have allowed three receivers to catch at least five balls in the last three weeks, and two of those players went for at least 106 yards and a score. Seventeen receivers in 14 games this year have posted double-digit PPR points against this defense. Do not hesitate to burn whatever remaining FAAB money you have to ensure landing Perriman.
Josh Gordon, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
Feeling frisky? A week after Gordon laid out for one of the prettiest catches of 2019, Seattle hosts the woeful Cardinals defense. Ignore whatever it was Cleveland called a passing game last week and focus on the body of work against this defense in its totality. Arizona has yielded 21 fantasy efforts of 10-plus PPR points and a touchdown per game in 14 contests. This matchup is among the best of the championship week, regardless of the scoring format, and Gordon should often face rookie corner Byron Murphy in isolated coverage. There’s potential for Gordon’s biggest day of the year to come at the perfect time for fantasy purposes.
Availability: 32%
FAAB: $2-3
Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
How much of a gamble can one stomach? Philly has suffered so many injuries at wide receiver that Ward has emerged as a viable fantasy option, and he came through in Week 15 with a 7-61-1 day on nine targets vs. Washington. The Dallas defense has been battered of late, yielding a WR high score of 16.1 (PPR) or more in five straight contests. With 18 targets in the last two games, look for Ward to lead the Philadelphia wideouts in targets and have a reasonable strong PPR day as a flex option.
Availability: 97%
FAAB: $1-2
John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
Purely a flier based on the matchup, Ross could be a deep-league gamble as a flex play. He’s an all-or-nothing play for gamers seeking a cheap touchdown option. Miami has given up a league-high 27 touchdowns to receivers through 14 games this year, and even the Giants managed to produce a trio of double-digit scorers in PPR his past weekend. The Dolphins have yielded at least two touchdowns to the position in five consecutive outings.
Availability: 57% FAAB: $1-2
Kelvin Harmon, Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants
The matchup is among the finest in the league this week as we’re talking about a defense that has conceded 22 touchdowns in 14 games to wideouts this season. New York cut CB Janoris Jenkins prior to Week 15, and rookie DeAndre Baker has been a major liability all year. Harmon, a fellow rook, should continue to see a little more action with Paul Richardson on IR, and Trey Quinn (concussion) uncertain after missing consecutive weeks after not catching a pass in the prior two games. Harmon has four or more targets in four of his last five contests. There are few better matchup opportunities, although his risk is through the roof based on such limited production in a low-volume passing game.
Availability: 83% FAAB: $1-2
(Denny Medley, USA TODAY Sports)
Tight Ends
1-Week Plug & Play
Jacob Hollister, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
There’s potential for Hollister to return to fantasy relevance after being awfully quiet in three of his last four showings. He has seen nine total targets over the past two games, just one more than he saw in Week 13. He wasn’t a factor vs. the Cardinals in Week 4 due to Will Dissly enjoying a strong showing (7-57-1). The point being, Seattle obviously was intent upon utilizing the position with eight targets sent Dissly’s way. The Cardinals have yielded an insane 17 touchdowns to tight ends in 14 games this year, including two last week to Ricky Seals-Jones.
Availability: 34%
FAAB: $2-3
Noah Fant, Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions
Depending on the depth of your fantasy league, Fant could be on the wire. The rookie has erratically stepped it up in recent weeks, and he even managed 56 yards in a snow globe vs. KC in Week 15. Quarterback Drew Lock has targeted him 10 times in the past three contests, with a pair of three-look games surrounding a line of 4-113-1 on four targets. The Lions have given up three of the five touchdowns allowed in the last five weeks, including one-catch, one-score efforts by a pair of Chicago tight ends in separate games. All five of those TDs have come in the last seven games. Volume is unlikely to be on Fant’s side, so the idea here is a touchdown will draw the line between boom and bust for his utility.
Availability: 35%
FAAB: $2-3
[lawrence-related id=447851]
Kickers
1-Week Plug & Play
Kai Forbath, Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
The matchup rating isn’t actually all that favorable from a statistical perspective. There’s a factor of familiarity working in Dallas’ favor, and the closest quantifiable metric to point toward is former Cowboys kicker Brett Maher going for 13 fantasy points (3 FGAs, 4 XPAs) in the Week 7 meeting. Forbath was good for all three of his field goal kicks and five point-after tries in his Dallas debut. Philly has yielded at least one field goal in five straight, including two games with multiple kicks in that time, and no kicker has posted fewer than five fantasy points since Week 9 vs. the Eagles.
Availability: 98%
FAAB: $0-1
Randy Bullock, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
The Bengals head south for a battle that affects nothing but draft placement. Miami has given up three or more field goal attempts in four of the last five games, and kickers have been granted four or more PATs in three of those outings. Bullock has been afforded multiple field goals in each of the last three weeks, making nine of his last 10 tries.
Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1
Defense/Specials Teams
1-Week Plug & Play
Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants
It’s unclear whether Eli Manning will start again this week, so keep that in mind, but it’s not like Daniel Jones (ankle) wasn’t making plenty of mistakes prior to his injury. Manning played a clean game in Week 14 but turned it over three times vs. Miami last weekend. He has been sacked three total times in those games. The Redskins have picked off a ball in five straight, and the last four weeks have produced 19 total sacks and 2.25 takeaways, on average, by this defense. Don’t be afraid to spend up.
Availability: 91%
FAAB: $2-3
Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions
David Blough’s honeymoon ended after one quality game. He has thrown four picks vs. only one scoring strike in the last two weeks, and the Lions have averaged 12 points in that time. Blough has taken three sacks, on average, since assuming the starting role. Denver has generated a trio of sacks in each of the last three weeks, and the defense has tallied at least that many in four of the most recent five games Since Week 10’s bye, the Broncos have created nine takeaways and a defensive touchdown.
Fantasy Football: Adds, waivers, wavier wire for Week 15.
Need a fresh face for your fantasy football roster this week even if it’s the postseason?
It’s never too late for a few extra points to continue to add to your win column. Don’t stop searching for pieces now.
Here are eight waiver wire claims to make in fantasy football ahead of Week 15:
Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
QB Ryan Tannehill
Folks still aren’t picking up Ryan Tannehill, but that’s fine, we’ll keep adding him here. The Titans’ new starter, and probably going forward to next season too, had another multi-touchdown outing last week against the Raiders with three. That’s four games in a row with multiple sores. He did have an interception, but it was his first one since Week 9. This week he has the Texans, who were upset and lit up by Broncos rookie quarterback Drew Lock last week.
At this stage of the fantasy football season, most waiver wire recommendations are one-week plays.
Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.
Since we are so late in the season, most recommendations will be one-week plays from this point forward.
Bye weeks: none
(Harrison Barden, USA TODAY Sports)
Quarterbacks
1-Week Plug & Play
David Blough, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entering Week 14, Tampa was the weakest opponent at limiting quarterbacks in the five weeks prior. The position had averaged 299.2 yards (3rd most) and a touchdown every 10.4 completions (4th-highest frequency), all while picking off only one of every 54.5 passes (14th). Indy QB Jacoby Brissett was good for a line of 251-2-0 in Week 14. Blough has flashed but also has looked the part of an undrafted rookie through two starts. The ceiling here is not particularly high, although so much lines up for a quality showing: Detroit is at home, and Tampa is pathetic at covering receivers (Detroit’s strength). Blough has another weapon in Jesse James, since tight ends have owned Tampa Bay in 2019. The Bucs have stifled the ground game all year, which should force Detroit into the sky. How brave are you feeling? The wise advise is to keep him out of single-year playoff lineups but utilize him in DFS and two-QB settings.
Availability: 89%
FAAB: $1-2
Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins
This writeup comes before Manning faces Philadelphia in Week 14’s Monday Night Football action. Daniel Jones (ankle) is expected to miss the rest of the way, or at least Week 15 without a miraculous recovery. Manning, unless he is completely inept vs. the beatable Eagles, is a reasonable fantasy option in two-QB setups for Week 15. The Dolphins have allowed quarterbacks to average 28.7 points over the past four games, and the worst showing was Sam Darnold’s 270-2-1 line.
Availability: 83%
FAAB: $1-2
Grab & stash
Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
The rookie was dropping bombs on Houston’s secondary in Week 14, and he now has five touchdown strikes vs. just two interceptions in his two starts. While it may have seemed shocking since the Texans had just come off of a manhandling of the New England Patriots, but Lock’s opponent has been a favorable matchup most of the way. The Week 15 opponent is KC, and there’s really no upside in playing Lock, but if you make it through to Week 16 and play in a two-QB setup, he has starting appeal against the Detroit Lions.
Availability: 78%
FAAB: $1-2
[lawrence-related id=447591]
(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)
Running Backs
priority free agents
DeAndre Washington, Oakland Raiders
Running back Josh Jacobs has been playing through a fractured shoulder and was forced to sit last week. The Raiders are a long shot to make the postseason, and there seems to be little incentive to chance it with their promising workhorse. Washington showed up vs. the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, going for 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground in addition to six catches for 43 yards out of the backfield. The Jacksonville Jaguars come to Oakland in Week 15, and the Raiders head to the LA Chargers in the fantasy finale. Both are quality matchups for PPR backs, and Washington is a must-add in all formats.
Availability: 86%
FAAB: $15-18
C.J. Prosise, Seattle Seahawks
Running back Rashaad Penny’s season is over with a sprained ACL, and the Seahawks sprinkled in Prosise to help Chris Carson. He is not going to solve any fantasy woes, although there is a hint of utility in Week 15 for PPR gamers. The Seahawks travel to Carolina to face a defense that has been laughably weak vs. the position in 2019. In the past six weeks, this unit has yielded two touchdowns per contest (11 rushing) and four catches a game out of the backfield.
Availability: 89%
FAAB: $2-3
(Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)
Wide Receivers
priority free agents
Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons
A core injury has WR Calvin Ridley on the shelf for the rest of the year, and Julio Jones is playing through a partially separated shoulder. The Falcons pass with a greater volume than all other teams (42.2 attempts/game), and Gage has flashed enough since the trade of WR Mohamed Sanu to earn the benefit of the doubt. Gamers should consider him as a playable option, depending upon what else is available, vs. the Richard Sherman-less Niners in Week 15.
Availability: 70%
FAAB: $5-6
1-Week Plug & Play
Marcus Johnson, Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We recommended Johnson as a one-week play last week, and we’re dipping into the well once again. He has an absolutely awesome matchup to exploit, and it’s still a huge question mark whether T.Y. Hilton (calf) will be ready to go (or even capable if he does). Johnson has posted a pair of scores in his last three outings in which Hilton didn’t dress. The lone game without a TD resulted in 9.5 PPR points. Tampa has yielded two wide receiver scores a game in the last six contests.
Availability: 99%
FAAB: $2-3
Breshad Perriman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
Mike Evans’ hamstring injury is expected to cost him a few games, and the veteran deep threat Perriman will be asked to step up his game. He caught three of his five targets for 70 yards and a score in Week 14. Expect a limited target share, since Chris Godwin and the tight ends, possibly along with second-year WR Justin Watson, will eat into his action. Perriman is the preferred addition over Watson mostly based on familiarity — we have no clue what to expect from the completely untested Watson. Perriman has his limitations, but he has shown chemistry with Jameis Winston and stepped up of late. Winston has a slight fracture in his throwing thumb, which isn’t currently expected to sideline him.
Availability: 90%
FAAB: $2-3
Willie Snead, Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Jets
The Jets entered Week 14 as the second-softest defense at limiting wide receiver touchdowns in the five weeks leading up to facing Miami. The Dolphins failed to put one into the end zone in the hands of a receiver, but two players posted double-digit PPR results on the day. Snead entering a lineup is solely for a gamble of finding the end zone, and the Ravens clearly are more capable of racking up points than Miami, so consider that performance an anomaly working in NYJ’s favor on paper. Snead has scored three times in the last trio of contests and has a career-best five on the year.
Availability: 70%
FAAB: $1-2
Isaiah Ford, Miami Dolphins at New York Giants
Entering Week 15, no team had allowed wideouts to score a higher frequency than the Giants. Ford, standing 6-foot-2, offers another lanky weapon for Ryan Fitzpatrick. We saw the slightly larger Preston Williams perform well opposite DeVante Parker, and there’s enough reason to give Ford the benefit of the doubt with such a fine matchup. He landed six of his nine targets in Week 14 for 92 yards. Parker suffering a concussion should make Ford a viable option, presuming the resurgent veteran doesn’t clear the league’s protocol. New York has allowed a touchdown every 6.9 catches entering their Monday Night Football tilt with Philly.
Availability: 99%
FAAB: $1-2
Grab & stash
John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals
We recommended Ross as a pickup last week with his return to action, and he saw three targets, catching two for 28 yards vs. the Cleveland Browns — a strong pass defense. The speedy receiver used that game to help get his football legs back under him, and the Week 15 matchup brings the New England Patriots to town (on to Cincinnati indeed). The matchup is unkind, despite New England’s recent struggles, but the idea here is to stash Ross for Week 16 vs. the Miami Dolphins. That will give him consecutive weeks to get the motor tuned up.
Availability: 66% FAAB: $1-2
(Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports)
Tight Ends
priority free agents
Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
As long as Gerald Everett (knee) is out of commission, Higbee belongs in the fantasy lineup conversation. The Rams face Dallas in Week 15, which makes him a fringe starting option. The Cowboys have given up just two scores to the position in the last six games, and nine of the weeks have resulted in no trips to the end zone. Evan Engram is the only TE in 2019 to post double-digit fantasy points in PPR vs. the ‘Boys without going in for six. Add Higbee and consider him a flex option or a desperation play as a starting TE if there isn’t a clearer choice.
Availability: 66%
FAAB: $3-4
1-Week Plug & Play
Cameron Brate/O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
Brate is the preferred addition here due to a stronger rapport with his quarterback and being a better fit for the offense. The expected loss of WR Mike Evans (hamstring) opens the door for more looks, and the matchup is among the best for touchdown efficiency. The Lions gave up the second-fewest catches over the most recent five-game span entering Week 14, yet this unit surrendered the highest frequency of touchdowns in that time. One in 4.3 grabs went for six. The Minnesota Vikings didn’t put one into the end zone last week, but the overall body of work illustrates the Lions are awful at preventing the position from exploiting this defense.
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals
Njoku returned last week after missing the majority of the year, and now he draws the Arizona Cardinals after getting a week to find his football bearings. There is one mission here: Scoring a touchdown. He isn’t going to rack up enough work to matter without a trip into the end zone, and Njoku’s athleticism easily can exploit the weakest defense of the position in 2019. Recommending just about any tight end vs. the Cardinals is in play. It didn’t work out with Vance McDonald last week, but the offense passed 19 times. With a defense that has yielded 13 TDs in 2019, the reasoning still holds water.
Availability: 69%
FAAB: $2-3
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots
New England happily allows defenses to operate underneath, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Eifert come alive with Andy Dalton in Week 15. The Patriots granted three receiving scores in the four games leading up to Week 14, and a rushing TD to Travis Kelce added to the fun. This is a risk-reward decision.
Availability: 54%
FAAB: $1-2
Jesse James, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has been feeble at limiting touchdowns by tight ends in 2019, especially of late. Despite giving up just the third-fewest catches per game in the five weeks leading up to Week 14, the Bucs had permitted the second-highest frequency of touchdowns scored. Indianapolis chose to attack on the ground and via the wide receiver position in Week 14, but make no mistake, this defense struggles vs. James’ positional mates. T.J. Hockenson being out for the year makes the well-paid James a viable flier for six points.
Availability: 90%
FAAB: $0-1
[lawrence-related id=447595]
Kickers
1-Week Plug & Play
Aldrick Rosas, New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins
Every kicker vs. Miami in the last month has attempted at least three field goals, and 13 total PATs were attempted in that window. Extending the view back to Week 7, this defense has faced three-plus FGAs in all but one of the eight games.
Availability: 89%
FAAB: $0-1
Josh Lambo, Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders
Oakland has allowed at least six fantasy points in five of the past six contests, affording an average of only 1.5 field goal tries. The meat of the matchup comes via extra points after permitting 3.67, on average, since Week 8. The idea here is Jacksonville is struggling on offense to punch it in to the end zone and may have to settle for field goals on the road. This is even more likely if wideout D.J. Chark (ankle) is unable to go.
Availability: 47%
FAAB: $0-1
Defense/Specials Teams
1-Week Plug & Play
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
In the past four weeks, Kyle Allen has taken no fewer than four sacks in each game and as many as seven. The young passer has tossed seven INTs in that time frame, and the offense has coughed it up four times. Seattle has its own issues, but there should be little trouble in exploiting Carolina this week.
Availability: 62%
FAAB: $1-2
Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders
This is a risky streaming option given Jacksonville’s inconsistencies and Oakland’s similarly erratic play. Over the course of 2019, this has been one of the better offenses at limiting turnovers. The last five weeks has been a a different tale with turnovers in four of those games, and multiple mistakes in three of the contests. More importantly, Oakland has given up a defensive touchdown in three straight outings.
Availability: 55%
FAAB: $1-2
Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kind of like the “play any tight end vs. Arizona” mantra, this one is in the same vein. The Lions offer little to nothing on their own, but having Jameis Winston (thumb) turning it over like no other, and an offense likely without Mike Evans (hamstring), makes Detroit a viable fantasy gamble. Winston has thrown 11 picks in the last five games, and the offense has turned it over three other times in that span. A pair of those errors went the other direction, and Winston has been sacked two or more times in three of the past five games.
Fantasy football waiver wire claims and adds to make ahead of Week 14.
Need a fresh face for your fantasy football roster this week?
It’s never too late for a few extra points to add to your win column. Especially since it could be playoff time now.
Here are seven waiver wire claims to make in fantasy football ahead of Week 14:
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
QB Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill has quietly put up three-straight games which have included two touchdown passes in each. Of course, the yards haven’t always been there, limiting his fantasy football value. This week Tannehill’s Titans are on the road, but against the Raiders. They’ve allowed 27 passing touchdowns to date and rank as the No. 24 team defending the pass, allowing an average of 258.2 yards per game. They’re not great.
