Here are this week’s top Waiver Wire players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. Our favorite players are broken down in Top Targets and the best secondary options are in our Going Deeper sections. We’ll also list any players at the top of each position who are above the 50% threshold — or are household names — and are still widely available for those who might be in smaller leagues.
Be sure to check out our weekly Waiver Wire podcast for more analysis. We’ll also have Streaming articles every Tuesday that focuses on the top quarterbacks, tight ends, and defenses for the upcoming week(s).
Note: The initial Waiver Wire article writeup will be posted every Monday evening, followed by in-depth updates Tuesday, and continued additions/updates Wednesday.
Hansen’s Top-15 Options
Note: For these rankings, John Hansen leans on players who are available in at least 40-50% of Yahoo leagues and who also saw a favorable development for their fantasy values last week. Some players are better long-term pickups, and some are better for just this week or the short term.
- Rashaad Penny (Sea, 19%) — It’s finally happening; Penny is locked into 15+ touches the rest of the season with RB1 upside over a 4-5 week span.
- Gabriel Davis (Buf, 3%) — Value pending Emmanuel Sanders’ injury status, but Sanders is likely out Week 15 as he’s “week to week” right now.
- Robby Anderson (Car, 35%) — Two words: Fantasy Santa.
- Donovan Peoples-Jones (Cle, 10%) — Great game in Week 14, and he will be needed.
- Justin Fields (Chi, 19%) — A solid 17.8 FPG his last four, and that includes missing half the game Week 11.
- D’Ernest Johnson (Cle, 13%) — Kareem Hunt likely out, so he’s back to RB2.
- Royce Freeman (Hou, 0%) — Could be in line for 10+ touches this week and beyond.
- Craig Reynolds (Det, 1%) — Value depends on D'Andre Swift’s status, but could be in line for steady work.
- K.J. Osborn (Min, 39%) — Thielen is likely out again this week.
- Nico Collins (Hou, 1%) — Looked good last week, as did QB Davis Mills.
- Josh Palmer (LAC, 2%) — Better long-term option than Jalen Guyton.
- Allen Lazard (GB, 4%) — Worth a desperation start if Randall Cobb is out.
- Jimmy Garoppolo (SF, 30%) — Averaging 8.4 YPA and 250 yards passing per game in his last four.
- Laquon Treadwell (Jax, 1%) — Three straight games of 10+ FP now.
- Malcolm Brown (Mia, 1%) — Could be in the mix for 10+ opportunities or much more pending their Covid situation.
Quarterbacks
Higher-owned Options
Taysom Hill (NO, 50%), Carson Wentz (Ind, 56%)
Top Targets
Tua Tagovailoa (Mia, 33%) — Tua has played well this season despite the Dolphins’ organization undermining him at every turn, and despite a receiving corps that hasn’t stayed intact all season. The Dolphins are suddenly riding a five-game winning streak and Tua’s efficient QB play has been a major reason why. He completed 30/41 passes for 244 yards (6.0 YPA) and two TDs in Miami’s two-score victory over the Giants in Week 13. He’s a volume-based, mid-QB2 and, while we’re not counting on Will Fuller (finger, IR), but at least DeVante Parker is back in the mix. Tua’s schedule is one of the better ones in the league in Weeks 15-17 (NYJ, @NO, @Ten), and he scored 18.5 FP against this week’s opponent, the Jets, earlier this season.
Going Deeper.
Justin Fields (Chi, 19%) — As we mentioned here last week, this late in the season, with most of the QBs available on the WW looking shaky, the rushing QB cheat code stands out for Fields, and it stood out in Week 14. Despite losing a fumble and throwing 2 INTs, Fields is still a QB1 for the week with 21.4 FP, thanks to his first multi-TD game passing of the season. He completed 18/33 passes for 224 yards with 2 TDs while adding 74 yards rushing on nine carries. It was an odd game in that Fields produced for fantasy with secondary guys, as top guys Darnell Mooney, Cole Kmet, and Allen Robinson all came up small. Fields is still a shaky proposition overall, but his favorable schedule is appealing (vs. Min, @Sea, and vs. NYG) the next three weeks. If Fields hangs on to the job the rest of the season and improves even slightly, he’s bound to post top-15 numbers. Fields underwent x-rays on his left (non-throwing) hand on Monday and is expected to play in Week 15.
Jimmy Garoppolo (SF, 30%) — Jimmy G is playing his best football of the season with San Francisco surging back into playoff contention, and for now Trey Lance will continue to stay glued to the bench as long as the 49ers don’t freefall in the next couple of weeks. Jimmy’s thrown for two TDs in five of his last six games with George Kittle returning to the lineup and with Brandon Aiyuk coming back to life. The 49ers running game has taken over lately, but he has the chance to be a fringe top-12 option when he’s forced to throw the ball 35 times or more. That happened in Week 14 against the Bengals as he completed 27/41 passes for 296 yards (7.2 YPA) and two TDs for 20.1 FP — his 41 attempts were a season-high. He has a relatively friendly upcoming schedule (Atl, @Ten, Hou, @LAR), and he could be forced to throw a little more if Elijah Mitchell (knee, concussion) misses another game or two.
Ben Roethlisberger (Pit, 22%) — Big Ben hadn’t hit 18+ FP in each of his first eight games, but he’s done it three times in his last four games after posting a season-high 25.8 FP in Week 14. He completed 28/40 passes for 308 yards (7.7 YPA), three TDs, and one INT, and he nearly had a fourth TD pass at the end of Pittsburgh’s frantic comeback try against the Vikings. His play has improved in recent weeks, and the Steelers need to play more “Big Ben Ball,” which entails Ben in the shotgun or pistol and getting rid of the ball quickly, usually to superstar Diontae Johnson. He has a solid upcoming schedule (Ten, @KC, Cle, @Bal) as he closes in on his 40th birthday, and there’s no doubt that he wants to end his final season with some respectable showings.
Mac Jones (NE, 38%) — Coming out of Week 12, Jones was throwing a catchable pass 85% of the time, which was tops in the league (per Cris Collinsworth). That number probably didn’t change much in Week 13, since Mac threw only three passes. This is obviously still a run-heavy offense with a stout defense, which often caps Mac’s fantasy upside. But if you’re looking for a low-end option, it’s always nice to roll with a guy who's actually playing well, and Mac did come through in Week 12 with a little extra volume, completing 23/32 passes for 310 yards (9.7 YPA) and two TDs for 21.5 FP against the Titans. Jones should at least play in some competitive upcoming games to end the year (@Ind, Jax, Buf, @Mia) where he’ll be forced to throw a little more.
Davis Mills (Hou, 2%) — Mills has thrown for 300+ yards in his last two full games, which were aided by garbage-time production but they count all the same for fantasy. But he wasn’t just great in garbage time in Week 14. He completed 33/49 passes for 331 yards (6.8 YPA) and one TD in a 20-point loss to the Seahawks in Week 14. He looked calm and confident in the pocket while completing his first 14 passes of the day, which set a new franchise record for the most completions to open the game. HC David Culley has already announced that Mills will be the team’s starter for the remainder of the season, and he at least has a beatable matchup this week (@Jax) before a tougher slate in the final three weeks (LAC, @SF, Ten). Between Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, and TE Brevin Jordan, Mills has some decent weapons to throw to.
Tyler Huntley (Bal, 0%) — Huntley jumped into the lineup for the second time in four weeks with Lamar Jackson leaving Week 14 early with an ankle injury. It took some time for Huntley to get heated up against the Browns, but he ended up completing 27/38 passes for 270 yards (7.1 YPA) and one TD while adding 6/45 rushing for 17.3 FP in 45 minutes of action. Huntley went to bed Sunday night as a top-15 Week 14 QB. The Ravens have a difficult stretch of upcoming games (GB, @Cin, LAR, Pit) if Huntley is forced to play, but he’s clearly on the radar in two-QB/Superflex leagues because of his dual-threat ability. However, per the team, Lamar did suffer a high ankle sprain and they are not ruling him out for Week 14. Huntley could be a worthless Week 14 proposition or a viable top-15 guy, depending on Lamar’s status.
Cam Newton (Car, 30%) — Cam is hanging on by a thread with three different in-game benchings over his last two games, but he does have a rushing touchdowns in each of his first four games with the Panthers. He completed 15/23 passes for 178 yards (7.7 YPA) and a pick-six against the Falcons in Week 14, and he added 10/47/1 rushing for 15.8 FP, which was still a top-20 finish in Week 14. HC Matt Rhule pulled Cam twice for P.J. Walker when the Panthers were in pass-heavy mode at the end of the first half and when they were losing by multiple scores late in the game. Rhule said after the game that Cam would remain the starter, but it’s clear Newton could be pulled more in the future with the Panthers entering their final four games as underdogs (@Buf, TB, @NO, @TB). Rhule also opened up the possibility that Sam Darnold could even get another chance this year (although that would be 1-2 weeks away if he does). Cam has posted 20+ FP just four times in his last 16 starts since 2020, so he cannot be counted on, but he can score rushing TDs with ease, so he always has a chance.
Teddy Bridgewater (Den, 25%) — Bridgewater has topped 17+ FP just once in his last seven games after doing it three times in his first six contests this season. He was asked to do little in a four-score victory over the Lions in Week 14, completing 18/25 passes for 179 yards (7.2 YPA) and two TDs for 15.2 FP. Teddy has cooled off with only five TD passes overall in his last six games (one rushing TD), but he’s still a serviceable low-end QB2 with a solid upcoming schedule (Cin, @LV, @LAC, KC). There’s no shortage of weapons here, and Teddy’s offensive line is healthier now, so he does have potential, even though this offense revolves around Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon at the end of the day. Playing against QBs like Joe Burrow, Derek Carr, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes, could mean Teddy actually has to throw the ball 30+ times, which gives him a chance to get you 15-20 FP.
Baker Mayfield (Cle, 29%) — Mayfield is playing through a fracture in his non-throwing shoulder in addition to his torn labrum, but he’s battling through the injuries and playing slightly better in recent weeks. He completed 22/32 passes for 190 yards (5.9 YPA), two TDs, and one INT in their victory over the Ravens in Week 14. With just one performance with 19+ FP through 13 games, Mayfield is a poor desperation option in Superflex/two-QB formats (LV, @GB, @Pit, Cin), and that’s assuming he has some receivers to throw to, which may not be the case (Landry, Hooper on Covid list). UPDATED: 12/14
Jared Goff (Det, 7%) — Goff finally picked up his first victory without Sean McVay, and the Lions finally got off the schneid in dramatic fashion on Goff’s game-winning TD pass as time expired against the Vikings in Week 13. Goff had no chance to keep the momentum going with an undermanned roster in Week 14, completing 24/39 passes for 215 yards (5.5 YPA), one TD, and one INT in a 28-point loss to the Broncos. He did run twice for 10 yards in Week 14, and the matchups will be better the next few weeks (Ari, @Atl, @Sea, GB). He’s only a desperation option in two-QB/Superflex leagues moving forward (Ari, @Atl, @Sea, GB), but he’s at least shown more life recently since the Lions added his old Rams teammate Josh Reynold to the receiving corps, which has opened things up underneath for Amon-Ra St. Brown. Goff may also get RB D’Andre Swift back this week. UPDATED: 12/14
Matt Ryan (Atl, 41%) — Ryan has scored 13+ FP and he’s reached 2+ TD passes just once in his last seven games, but he’s still scrappy and he’s still trying like hell to get things done. He completed 19/28 passes for 190 yards (6.8 YPA) and one TD in their victory over the Panthers in Week 14. He’s hardly a priority option with one of the league’s worst receiving corps at his disposal, and he’ll be nothing more than a low-end QB2 in Superflex/two-QB formats with a relatively difficult upcoming schedule (@SF, Det, @Buf, NO). He’s definitely looking better these next two weeks (15-16) with beatable matchups against SF and Det.
Trevor Lawrence (Jax, 28%) — The first overall pick from last spring’s draft has struggled mightily for most of the season as he’s playing with limited weapons under a first-time NFL coach who is in way over his head. Lawrence completed 24/40 passes for 221 scoreless yards (5.5 YPA) and four INTs in their dreadful shutout loss to the Titans in Week 14. He’s now finished with fewer than nine FP in four of his last six games. Lawrence’s receivers have been coming up extremely small, and he will be without Dan Arnold (knee, IR) and Jamal Agnew (hip, IR) for the rest of the season. It’s so bad right now that Laquon Treadwell has been the team’s best receiver the last three weeks. He can’t be trusted in lineups right now even with some beatable matchups in his future (Hou, @NYJ, @NE, Ind).
Zach Wilson (NYJ, 6%) — Wilson took back the starting job in Week 12 after missing four games for a knee injury, and he’s looked like the same quarterback from before his injury over the last three weeks. Playing without Elijah Moore (quad, IR), Wilson completed a dreadful 19/42 passes (45.2%) for 202 scoreless yards (4.8 YPA) and he added 4/33 rushing in a loss to the Saints in Week 14. New York’s upcoming schedule features mostly difficult matchups for this limited passing attack (@Mia, Jax, TB, @Buf), and he’ll be operating without Corey Davis for the rest of the season and without Moore for at least the next two games. Wilson is still a desperation option in Superflex/two-QB leagues until we see signs of significant improvement.
Running Backs
Higher-owned Options
Michael Carter (NYJ, 63%), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE, 58%), Jeff Wilson (SF, 65%), Mike Davis (Atl, 52%), D’Onta Foreman (Ten, 60%), Dontrell Hilliard (Ten, 61%), Mark Ingram (NO, 57%), J.D. McKissic (Was, 48%), Nyheim Hines (Ind, 52%)
Top Targets
Rashaad Penny (Sea, 19%) — Seattle’s backfield has been a fantasy landmine ever since Chris Carson (neck, IR) played his final game of the season in Week 4, but Penny planted his flag to potentially take over the backfield for the final four weeks of the season with an impressive performance in Week 14. He broke off touchdown runs from 32 and 47 yards away against the Texans on his way to posting 16/137/2 rushing (8.6 YPC) while playing 57% of the snaps. Alex Collins managed 7/16 rushing on a 23% snap share while Adrian Peterson sat with a back injury. Head Pete Carroll is on record this week stating that Penny has earned the featured role for the final four games of the season, so it’s finally on. We’ll see if Penny can hold up physically, but Penny has plenty of motivation before he hits free agency this off-season, so he could be a league-winning type. UPDATED: 12/14
Going Deeper
D’Ernest Johnson (Cle, 13%) — Kareem Hunt injured his ankle in the first quarter of Week 14, and he was never seen again in their victory over the Ravens. Hunt’s injury elevated Johnson into the #2 RB role behind Nick Chubb, and he managed 4/22 rushing while catching his only target for seven yards against Baltimore. Johnson will be on the radar in deeper formats as the secondary option in this backfield for as long as Hunt is out of the lineup, and HC Keven Stefansky said Monday that Hunt is unlikely to be ready for Saturday’s game, so Johnson is a viable hail mary play with a juicy matchup against the Raiders. The team plays Saturday, and Hunt did not practice Tuesday, so he’s almost certainly out. Johnson ended up playing 22% of the snaps to Hunt’s 20%, so there should be 30% of the snaps (possibly more) for Johnson this week. UPDATED: 12/14
Royce Freeman (Hou, 0%) — Chasing fantasy production in this Houston backfield has been a fruitless endeavor this season, but Freeman was the last man standing in Week 14 with David Johnson (COVID) missing the game and Rex Burkhead leaving in the third quarter with a groin injury. Freeman stepped up with 11/15 rushing and 6/51 receiving on eight targets while playing 55% of the snaps in a loss to the Seahawks. You can give Freeman a try this week if it looks like he’ll be the top option in this backfield, but Johnson could be back and the Texans could also get former Steeler Jaylen Samuels (COVID) back to steal some work. Still, it would certainly make sense to stick with Freeman as the main back if Burkhead is out. Freeman is a solid runner, capable receiver, and a quality pass-protector. UPDATED: 12/14
Craig Reynolds (Det, 1%) — ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped a little nugget on Sunday morning before Week 14 that Reynolds would be prominently featured by the Lions against the Broncos. The Lions elevated the Kutztown product from their practice squad to the active roster, and he didn’t disappoint with 11/83 rushing and 2/16 receiving on a backfield-best 46% snap share. Reynolds seems to be in line to remain ahead of Godwin Igwebuike (who has a crushing fumble in Week 14) and Jermar Jefferson (who is still nursing his ankle injury and had the flu last week) moving forward, and there was speculation that D’Andre Swift (shoulder) may be shut down for the rest of the season. However, HC Dan Campbell said Monday he's "hopeful" Swift (shoulder) will be available for Sunday's matchup against Arizona. Jamaal Williams (COVID) will return in the future but the Lions could still elect to take a longer look at Reynolds over the final four weeks of the season. Reynolds should be added to fantasy teams this week just in case it turns out to be a fantasy significant role. UPDATED: 12/14
Jordan Howard (Phi, 8%) and Boston Scott (Phi, 26%) — Good luck navigating this Eagles’ backfield on a week-to-week basis with four backs in the mix and injuries galore to Miles Sanders (ankle), Howard (knee), and Scott (illness). At least this backfield has produced plenty of rushing production since they dedicated themselves to running the rock starting in Week 8, but HC Nick Sirianni is committed to rotating his backs. Howard should be back in the mix starting in Week 15, and he was used ahead of Scott before his injury. Rookie Kenneth Gainwell is the #4 option in this backfield, and he’s worth considering if Sanders and/or Howard aren’t ready to play coming out of their bye.
Malcolm Brown (Mia, 1%) and Duke Johnson (Mia, 1%) — RBs Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed, and Phillip Lindsay all on the COVID list, so Miami may have to reach down its depth chart this week and feature one of these guys. Brown would be the best choice if he’s healthy enough to be activated. HC Brian Flores indicated Monday he hopes to get Brown back this week, and he can operate as a three-down back for a game if need be. Johnson would presumably be next in line, but they also have 7th round pick Gerrid Doaks, a big, bruising back who should be very capable but is slow to earn a spot on the active roster. UPDATED: 12/14
Ameer Abdullah (Car, 4%) — Rookie Chuba Hubbard is back in as the lead runner and early-down back, and Abdullah is going to play in passing situations because they do not trust Hubbard in pass protection. The Panthers’ coaching staff has also been impressed with Abdullah over the last month, and he looks fast and explosive in Carolina. Hubbard finished with 10/33/1 rushing without a target on 39% of the snaps while Abdullah led the backfield with a 59% snap share with the Panthers playing from behind for most of the game. He managed just 4/16 rushing and 2/17 receiving on four targets, but the snap distribution is notable since the Panthers will be underdogs against good run defenses in each of their final four games (@Buf, TB, @NO, @TB). Abdullah is going to be on the field more than expected as their receiving back, and he could sneak into the flex conversation if Cam Newton and P.J. Walker checks it down to him 4-6 times per game.
Justin Jackson (LAC, 2%) and Joshua Kelley (LAC, 0%) — Austin Ekeler left midway through the third quarter of Week 14 after aggravating the ankle injury that limited him in practice last week. He did have his ankle heavily taped and he may have returned to the game if the Chargers weren’t up by 23 points and going against Mike Glennon. And according to his HC, Eckler is “fine.” Ekeler will likely try to play in a pivotal game against the Chargers this week, but the game is on Thursday night, so it’s a short turnaround time this week. If Eckler couldn't go, the Chargers would likely split the work between Jackson and Kelley as they did in Week 14, and rookie Larry Rountree is also an option. Jackson posted 10/42 scrimmage on a 28% snap share and Kelley finished with 11/38 scrimmage on a 27% snap share. If you’re looking to handcuff Ekeler this week, we’ll give the slight nod to Jackson since he has a little more juice and a longer track record of NFL success.
Brandon Bolden (NE, 18%) — Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson are the clear top runners in this offense, but the veteran Bolden is still the clear receiving back in this passing attack. He caught all four of his targets for 54 yards against the Titans in Week 12, which gave him 9+ FP in four of his previous six games. He wasn’t included in New England’s run-heavy gameplan in Week 14 with just six snaps, but he did touch the ball five times and he got 4.5 FP. The Patriots will be forced to throw a little more over the next month or so with some tougher matchups looming (@Ind, Buf) so he’s still a viable option in deeper PPR formats. He could play a little more this week if Harris is unable to play because of his hamstring injury.
Jalen Richard (LV, 0%) — The Raiders placed the unvaccinated Richard on the COVID-19 list before Week 13 so he should return to the lineup this week after having to sit out 10 days. He could be worth a stash in deeper PPR formats with Kenyan Drake (ankle, IR) done for the season. As soon as he’s back to action, Richard would work in passing situations next to Josh Jacobs.
Tevin Coleman (NYJ, 28%) and Ty Johnson (NYJ, 29%) — Michael Carter (ankle, IR) is eligible to return from the injured reserve this week, but we’ve yet to hear if he’ll be back in Week 15. If he isn’t quite ready to return this week, Coleman and Johnson could have some fantasy life this week against the Dolphins. Coleman has performed the best during Carter’s absence, but he sat out Week 14 with a concussion, which allowed Johnson to post 4/40 receiving on seven targets (17% share) and 6/17 rushing against the Saints. Keep an eye on the statuses of Carter and Coleman this week, but Carter is the only Jets’ back that we have some faith in to come through for fantasy.
Best Handcuff Stashes
Samaje Perine (Cin, 19%) — Perine is the primary handcuff for Joe Mixon, who already had an injury scare this season when he went down with an ankle injury. He’s also seeing some time playing behind Mixon on a weekly basis but it’s not quite enough to be fantasy relevant.
Devontae Booker (NYG, 28%) — Booker is the running back to own behind Saquon Barkley in this Giants’ backfield. He scored double-digit FP in each of his five games with Saquon out of the lineup in Weeks 5-9, and he’s been getting some weekly work behind Barkley since he returned to the lineup after their Week 10 bye. In fact, he’s been up over 8 FP in Weeks 13-14.
Ronald Jones (TB, 25%) — RoJo has fallen out of favor in Tampa Bay and, despite scoring the last two weeks, he’s yet to reach double-digit FP in any game this season. His only path to real fantasy reliability is if Leonard Fournette would miss time in the future, and the injury situation with Giovani Bernard, who will miss some time with a knee sprain, doesn’t hurt. UPDATED: 12/14
Carlos Hyde (Jax, 10%) — Hyde has been buried behind James Robinson in Jacksonville’s backfield since early in the season, but he’s on the radar right now with J-Rob struggling through heel and knee injuries. There’s a chance the Jaguars could shut down Robinson at some point, but Hyde will hardly be a reliable option in one of the league’s worst offenses.
Khalil Herbert (Chi, 15%) — David Montgomery is back and dominating touches and playing time in Chicago’s backfield, but Herbert asserted himself as his handcuff during Montgomery’s four-week absence. He averaged 21.8 touches and 97.0 scrimmage yards per game in Weeks 5-8 so he’s a viable RB2 if Montgomery misses more time. However, Damien Williams did play in Week 14, which makes Herbert a tiny bit less appealing.
Wide Receivers
Higher-owned Options
Russell Gage (Atl, 53%), DeVante Parker (Mia, 48%), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (GB, 46%), Allen Robinson (Chi, 55%), Marvin Jones (Jax, 53%)
Top Targets
Gabriel Davis (Buf, 3%) — Davis is going to be the top WR waiver wire addition this week if Emmanuel Sanders is looking at an extended absence after suffering a knee injury and being quickly ruled out in Week 14. Davis stepped into a more prominent role with 5/43/1 receiving on eight targets (15% share) on a season-high 87% snap share against the Buccaneers. Davis ran a route on 80% of Josh Allen’s dropbacks in Week 14 and has now reached double-digit FP in three of his last five games and he has two red-zone touchdowns in his last two games. The Bills’ RBs can’t run on air right now so this offense is going to skew heavily towards the pass in their final four games, and Davis should prominently factor in if Sanders is out of the picture. He’s had a so-so second season, but he could kick things up a notch with more consistent playing time, and he has upside. Sanders is likely out Week 15 as he’s “week to week” right now. UPDATED: 12/14
Robby Anderson (Car, 35%) — The calendars have flipped to December and that means it’s time for the Fantasy Santa to spread good tidings and cheer to his fantasy owners. Robby is back and dominating in December once again after posting season-highs in targets (12), target share (34%), catches (7), receiving yards (84), and FP (21.4) in a loss to the Falcons in Week 14. The Panthers came out slinging it to Robby in their first game after firing OC Joe Brady during their bye in Week 13. It’s a little scary playing Robby right now knowing there are lumps of coal in his bag, especially given Carolina’s uncertainty at quarterback between Cam Newton and P.J. Walker. But the Panthers will be playing in pass-heavy scripts (@Buf, TB, @NO, @TB) to end the season to give Robby a chance to stick around as boom-or-bust WR3.
Donovan Peoples-Jones (Cle, 10%) — DPJ has been hampered by a groin injury for much of the last two months, but he looked rejuvenated coming out of their Week 13 bye. Operating as the team’s top perimeter WR, he posted a team-best 5/90 receiving on seven targets (22% share) and a 92% snap share in their victory over the Ravens in Week 14. DPJ is going to be a volatile option moving forward playing with Baker Mayfield in a run-heavy attack, but the Browns will take weekly shots to him moving forward since he actually gives them some juice on the perimeter. The Browns may be in dire straits with their TEs all out along with Jarvis Landry, so opportunity won’t be an issue for DPJ. UPDATED: 12/14
K.J. Osborn (Min, 39%) — Osborn had been awfully quiet since Minnesota’s Week 7 bye, failing to register more than three FP in five straight contests in Weeks 8-12. That changed in Week 13 with Adam Thielen leaving in the first quarter with a high-ankle injury, which elevated Osborn into the #2 receiver role behind Justin Jefferson. He’s scored 14+ FP in consecutive games as the second option behind Jefferson after posting 3/83/1 receiving on nine targets (29% share) against the Steelers. Thielen is more on the doubtful side to return from his high-ankle injury this week against the Bears, and Osborn will remain a plug-and-play WR3 for as long as Thielen is out of the lineup.
Going Deeper
Kendrick Bourne (NE, 23%) — Before New England’s run-heavy attack in Week 13, Bourne had been a viable PPR option with 4+ receptions in seven of his last 10 games between Weeks 3-12. He had also gone for 23+ FP in two of his last three games after posting 5/61/2 receiving against the Titans in Week 12. He’s still been playing behind Nelson Agholor, but he has the most chemistry with Mac Jones out of all the Patriots receivers. He’s still averaging career-bests in YPR (14.8) and in catch rate (79.2%), two stats that were not disrupted in Week 13 because he didn’t even get a target with the Patriots attempting just three passes. Mac will have to throw it going forward and Bourne is one of his favorites so he should bounce back in the final four weeks.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Det, 12%) and Josh Reynolds (Det, 8%) — The rookie St. Brown has 4+ catches in eight of his last nine games, and he’s rung up 15+ FP and 12 targets in two straight games. Leading their WRs in snaps at 75%, he finished with 8/73 receiving on 12 targets against the Broncos, which gives him 18/159/1 receiving on 24 targets in Weeks 13-14. Reynolds has been elevated into the top perimeter WR spot since arriving on the scene four weeks ago. He’s posted 3+ catches and 50+ receiving yards in three straight games after posting 3/52 receiving on five targets against the Broncos (70% of the snaps). Goff has been groping for any kind of help at WR all season long, and it looks like contributions from Reynolds and St. Brown have given Goff some stability at the position. These WRs also have a little more fantasy potential if D’Andre Swift (shoulder) continues to miss time, and Swift likely will.
Josh Palmer (LAC, 2%) and Jalen Guyton (LAC, 15%) — Palmer and Guyton stepped into more prominent roles in this passing attack with Keenan Allen out with COVID in Week 14, and they both came through for anybody that plugged them into their lineups. Palmer played for Allen and finished with 5/66/1 receiving on seven targets and an 87% snap share while Guyton posted 3/87/1 receiving on three targets and a 59% snap share. Palmer played with Mike Williams in two-WR sets and he primarily moved into the slot when Guyton came onto the field in three-WR sets. Both will be desperation options once again this week if Allen is unable to clear COVID protocol before their pivotal matchup with the Chargers on Thursday Night, but Palmer is the safer option of the two since he played in two-WR sets.
Rashod Bateman (Bal, 36%) — Bateman had fallen off the fantasy radar over the last three weeks with just 7/60 receiving on 11 targets in Weeks 11-13, but that changed in Week 14 with Sammy Watkins leaving in the second half with an undisclosed injury. Bateman stepped up with his best game of the season with the Ravens chasing points against the Browns. Playing with backup QB Tyler Huntley, Bateman posted 7/103 receiving on eight targets on a 65% snap share. Owned in only 36% of Yahoo! Leagues heading into Week 14, Bateman has moved back into fantasy consideration moving forward if Watkins is out of the lineup for an injury or for a demotion.
Nico Collins (Hou, 1%) — Rookie QB Davis Mills looked great in Week 14, and he’s now expected to start for the rest of the season so the organization can evaluate him. There’s already talk of them passing on a QB if Mills shows promise, and if he does Collins will likely be a big part of his success. He’s still rough around the edges, but he looked good in Week 14 with 5/69 on 10 targets and 70% of the snaps.
Allen Lazard (GB, 4%) — There’s a reason Lazard was only 4% owned on Yahoo! heading into Week 14: these secondary Packers receivers drive everyone nuts. Lazard now has 13 targets and 8/88/1 his last two games after his 6/75/1 performance in Week 14. With Randall Cobb out, Lazard’s snaps were up from 61% to 82%, so he’s a viable reach play as long as Cobb is out of the mix.
Laquon Treadwell (Jax, 1%) — You know it’s been a weird fantasy season when Treadwell has worked his way into fantasy relevance. He’s now led the Jaguars in receiving in three straight games with three consecutive performances with four catches and 50+ receiving yards. He had his best game of the year in Week 14, posting 4/68 receiving on six targets in Jacksonville’s shutout loss to the Titans. Treadwell isn’t the most trustworthy fantasy option since he has a long history of failure and he’s playing in one of the league’s worst offenses, but he deserves to be on the radar for stringing together three solid performances in a row.
Jamison Crowder (NYJ, 38%) and Braxton Berrios (NYJ, 0%) — Crowder has been tough to trust playing with a struggling rookie quarterback, and that didn’t change in Week 14. Despite playing 91% of the snaps, he could only muster 3/19 receiving on six targets against the Saints, even with Elijah Moore (quad, IR) and Corey Davis (core, IR) out of the lineup. Berrios got elevated into a bigger role, as well, and he led the Jets with 10 targets (24%) and 6/52 receiving (41% of the snaps with Zach Wilson completing just 45.2% of his passes. Davis isn’t returning this season and Moore will sit out at least the next two weeks (@Mia, Jax), so Crowder and Berrios should see targets if you’re digging deep for PPR help.
DeAndre Carter (Was, 3%) and Cam Sims (Was, 0%) — Carter and Sims could be looking at bigger roles this week if Terry McLaurin is unable to play against the Eagles after leaving Week 14 early with a concussion. Sims had one of the best catches of last week on his 43-yard touchdown catch on his way to 3/69/1 receiving on four targets. Carter mustered just 2/12 receiving on five targets but both had a chance for a big play TD late in the game and Carter and Sims played on 59% of the snaps. Washington’s quarterback situation is up in the air for this week after Taylor Heinicke left early for a knee injury, but both Carter and Sims could be viable in deeper formats if McLaurin is unable to clear concussion protocol.
Tight Ends
Higher-owned Options
Hunter Henry (NE, 64%), Jared Cook (LAC, 60%), Tyler Conklin (Min, 49%)
Top Targets
None
Going Deeper
Gerald Everett (Sea, 31%) — Everett sure is happy to see Russell Wilson back in action with three double-digit FP performances since Russ returned to the kitchen in Week 10. Everett had a truly miserable performance in Week 13 with three plays that resulted in turnovers, but he bounced back with 2/15/1 receiving with a 13-yard carry for 10.8 FP against the Texans in Week 14. He’s established himself as the third option in this passing attack, but he needs Russ to improve over the final month if he wants to be a reliable fantasy option.
Cole Kmet (Chi, 26%) — Kmet has been trending in the right direction since Week 6 with 3+ catches in six of his last seven games. But he put up only 3/41 receiving on seven targets (17%) against the Cardinals in Week 13, and he was worse in Week 14 with only 3/17 on five targets. Jimmy Graham stole a TD for a second consecutive game heading into Week 14, and while Graham didn’t score and played only 12 snaps, he still had three targets, which hurt Kmet. Kmet did show chemistry with Justin Fields earlier in the season, and Fields is back in Week 14.
James O’Shaughnessy (Jax, 1%) — O’Shaughnessy made some noise in Jacksonville’s season opener with 6/48 receiving before going down with a high ankle injury in Week 2. He returned to the lineup at the right time in Week 12 with Dan Arnold going down with a knee injury. The good news is that he’s seen six targets in each of his first two games as the team’s top TE in Weeks 13-14, but he’s turned those looks into just 6/34 receiving, and he dropped a downfield ball in Week 14. O’Shaughnessy is on the radar with Arnold on the injured reserve and the Jaguars groping for help at receiver, but he’s hardly a reliable fantasy option in this broken passing game.
Nick Vannett (NO, 1%) — On the low-end, he’s at 7 FPG in his last two games with four and six targets and 65% of the snaps on average. There was a time when he was a legit TE1 prospect with solid rushing and blocking abilities.
Austin Hooper (Cle, 41%) — COVID ALERT. Hooper was tops on the list until he popped up on the Covid list along with Jarvis Landry, both starting OTs, and others. If he’s somehow able to play Week 15 (don’t count on it, short week), here’s his writeup from 12/13:
Hooper came through with his best fantasy performance of the season in Week 14, and it was no coincidence that David Njoku (COVID) and Harrison Bryant (ankle) were out of the lineup. Hoop finished with 5/30/1 receiving on seven targets for 14.0 FP against the Ravens in Week 14. Hooper will remain a top streaming option once again this week if both Njoku and Bryant are out of the picture against the Raiders in Week 15. UPDATED: 12/14
Place Kickers
Higher-owned Options
Chris Boswell (Pit, 64%) - Boswell has been on fire in his last five home games at Heinz Field. He has converted on multiple field goals and 16 total in five home games since Week 5. Keep in mind that 58% of his field goals this year have been from the bonus range and his only two missed field goals were from 40-49 yards out.
Top Targets
Robbie Gould (SF, 25%) - Gould has attempted three field goals and converted on two or more of them in three of his last four games. He has at least one field goal in four straight home games and this week’s opponent is a solid home matchup against Atlanta. Gould should have another two or more field goal attempts this week.
Going Deeper
Cairo Santos (Chi, 2%) - Santos has attempted three or more field goals in four of his last six games. He converted two or more field goals in those four outings. If there is a hitch in his giddy-up, it will be that Santos has not converted a field goal in two consecutive home games. Yet, he converted two of two field goals against Minnesota at home last year.
Defense/Special Teams
Higher-owned Options
Chiefs (KC, 63%), 49ers (SF, 67%), Cardinals (Ari, 77%)
Top Targets
Eagles (Phi, 20%) — The Eagles are in the advantageous position of having the latest bye week, giving him some of the fresher legs in the league at the moment. You know who’s NOT fresh? Washington. Between a banged up Taylor Heineke, a concussed Terry McLaurin, and an IR’d Logan Thomas, this team is limping to the finish line. Philadelphia faces Washington in Weeks 15 and 17, with a Giants matchup sandwiched between. Those are three top-12 matchups to close out the fantasy season. They just held the Giants to 13 points in Week 12, marking the fourth time in six games that the Eagles have held their opponents under 20 points.
Going Deeper
None of note.
