Fantasy Football Playoffs: Waiver Wire Gems to Save Your Season
The NFL is a “next man up” league, and by extension, so is your fantasy football league. Sure, you built your team during the draft, but let’s be real—championships are won with the moves you make during the season, especially now as the playoffs are in full swing. Whether you’re chasing that coveted trophy or just trying to avoid a last-place punishment that could haunt you on social media, this is the time to get strategic. As always, we’re here to help you identify players available in more than 50% of ESPN leagues whose value is trending up. These are the players who could be the difference between glory and heartbreak.
For most leagues, the fantasy playoffs kicked off in Week 15. And wow, what a week it was! We saw some monster performances that had fantasy managers either popping champagne or drowning their sorrows. Players like Davante Adams, Josh Allen, Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Mike Evans, Lamar Jackson, and Brian Thomas Jr. all dropped at least 32 fantasy points. On the flip side, two of the top running backs in fantasy, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, left managers shaking their heads after underwhelming performances.
Injuries also reared their ugly head, threatening to derail fantasy squads. The biggest name on the list? Patrick Mahomes, who is now listed as week-to-week with an ankle injury. While Mahomes hasn’t been his usual fantasy juggernaut self this season, averaging just 16.7 points per game, he was still started in 68.1% of leagues. His absence could be a major blow to the Kansas City Chiefs offense and their fantasy-relevant players.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions got some tough news on Monday. David Montgomery suffered a sprained MCL and is out indefinitely, potentially for the rest of the 2024 season. While Jahmyr Gibbs will likely take on the lion’s share of backfield duties, he’s already rostered in most leagues. Enter Craig Reynolds (0.2% rostered), who could step into a significant role. With Montgomery averaging 15.8 touches per game, Reynolds is worth a stash, especially behind a Detroit offensive line that ranks 13th in run block win rate.
Quarterbacks to Target
If you’re scrambling to replace Mahomes, here are some QB options to consider:
- Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (43.8% rostered): Rodgers is coming off a season-high 30.0 fantasy points against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the most QB fantasy points. With favorable matchups against the Rams, Bills, and Dolphins, Rodgers is set up for a strong finish.
- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (39.4%): Stafford struggled last week, but with matchups against the Jets, Cardinals, and Seahawks, he’s a solid option.
- Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (44.8%): The rookie has averaged 20.8 fantasy points over his last four games and has favorable matchups ahead.
Running Backs to Watch
With injuries piling up, here are some RBs who could save your season:
- Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas Raiders (32.6%): McCormick’s role has grown each week, and he’s now the starter moving forward.
- Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (32.4%): With Nick Chubb out for the season, Ford is a must-add.
- Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints (8.0%): With Alvin Kamara injured, Miller could be the featured back.
Wide Receivers to Add
Need a boost at WR? Check out these options:
- Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (40.4%): Doubs has favorable matchups ahead and is leading the Packers in routes per game.
- Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10.2%): McMillan has been on fire the last two weeks and has a favorable schedule.
- Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers (1.4%): Coker returned with a bang and could see more targets moving forward.
Tight End to Consider
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (2.0%): With Evan Engram out for the season, Strange is a solid option with a favorable schedule ahead.
Originally Written by: Eric Moody
