We’re officially in the home stretch, fam. Most of us have three regular (fantasy football) season games left. Squeak out that six seed, earn your first-round bye, or simply play spoiler. There are always reasons to keep your foot on the waiver wire gas pedal. Here are some names that stick out to me after the early football slate today.
Quarterbacks
Taylor Heinicke (QB- WAS): 23% rostered
The Busch Latte Baller hasn’t posted a fantasy-relevant score in a couple of weeks, but the Commanders are on a heater and heading into two friendly matchups against the Falcons and Giants. Neither team has been stellar at keeping opponents’ passing attacks at bay, so if you’re in a pinch, feel free to let Iced Out Taylor do his thing.
Matt Ryan (QB – IND): 8% rostered
Matty Wheels is throwing the ball at remarkable volume. His Colts and he took a brutal, close loss today to the Eagles, and I expect them to come out with a vengeance next weekend at home against Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ defense is bottom-five in passing yards allowed this season.
Running Backs
Matt Breida (RB – NYG): 1% rostered
Breida got into the endzone for the first time this year today. However, you’re not adding him as an immediate start and hoping for another touchdown. You’re adding him because Saquon Barkley has a spotty injury history, and Breida is his direct backup. Let me be very clear. Nobody is ever rooting for an injury. Handcuff players such as Breida are merely insurance should anything happen to their starters.
Rachaad White (RB – TB): 35% rostered
I can’t imagine White would be below 40% rostership if he weren’t on a bye this week, right? If he’s available in your league, scoop him up ASAP. Regardless of whether or not Leonard Fournette is healthy, White is the future for Tampa Bay and could end the season as a workhorse RB.
Wide Receivers
Demarcus Robinson (WR – BAL): 1% rostered
When Rashod Bateman‘s season ended early due to injury, we all wondered who the next man up in the Ravens’ receiving corps would be. Was it Devin Duvernay? James Proche? Isaiah Likely? Well, that was answered today. Robinson caught each of his nine targets today for 128 yards. I’ll gladly roll him out again next week against Jacksonville.
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG): 12% rostered
If you can guess who the Giants’ leading receiver is any given week, I’ll sponsor your next trip to Vegas. While I’m not starting anyone with confidence, Robinson is their sparkling, highly-touted, new rookie, so he’s got as good a shot as anyone to have another day like he did today (nine catches, 100 yards)
Treylon Burks (WR- TEN): 23% rostered
Since returning from IR, the Titans’ first-round pick has amassed 14 targets. On Thursday, he caught seven of eight for 111 yards. It’s hard to imagine Burks’ momentum slowing down any time soon.
Nico Collins (WR – HOU): 11% rostered
The second-year wide receiver has cemented a fairly high floor, given how often the Texans play catchup ball. Their negative game scripts often lead to urgent passing, and Collins is routinely involved. In the last two weeks, he has 17 targets, 10 catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown. In a pinch, I’ll totally roll him out as a flex.
Tight Ends
Austin Hooper (TE – TEN): 6% rostered
Any TE not named Kelce or Andrews is a total dart throw. However, the Titans don’t have a cemented number-one receiving option, leaving Hooper in the conversation every week. Today he happened to catch two touchdowns. It’s nice to see him involved in the game plan, especially in the red zone, so feel free to start Hoop if you need to, but I wouldn’t prioritize him on the waiver wire above higher-ceiling RBs and WRs.
Juwan Johnson (TE – NO): 19% rostered
Five touchdowns in five weeks. Again, this position is a dart throw. Feel free to roll out Johnson.
Logan Thomas (TE – WAS): 7% rostered
I am nowhere near a Commanders fan, but it’s pretty great to see Logan Thomas have a good game. He’s dealt with injuries for the better part of two years after a journeyman career. Well, he appears to be back in the mix, securing five of six targets today for 65 yards.
Defense/Special Teams
Miami Dolphins: 34% rostered
The Dolphins’ D/ST will probably be the number one waiver claim in more than a few leagues this week. They’re coming off a bye, facing the Houston Texans, and are widely available.
Seattle Seahawks: 12% rostered
Don’t break the bank for them, as the Raiders’ offense has the potential to pop off any given Sunday, but you could definitely do worse if you’re in the streaming game. The Seahawks are coming off a bye and have Las Vegas at home.
Kickers
Chase McLaughlin (K – IND): 2% rostered
Sure, McLaughlin has missed two field goals in two weeks. However, he’s also trotted out there to kick them a ton. He’s averaging more than two attempts per game this season and still making field goals at an 83% clip.
Joey Slye (K – WAS): 4% rostered
Slye hasn’t missed a kick since week seven, making him 9/9 in his last four games. He’s nearing set-it-and-forget-it territory and is available in almost every league out there.
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