Can you believe we are in Week 10 of the NFL season? This week's topic is geared more towards those in deeper leagues with 12+ teams and 20+ roster spots. Some comments and thoughts will still apply to others who don't specifically fit those criteria, but for the most part, this is for those who have limited choices on the waiver wire.
This week I want to focus on some proactive waiver wire claims that could propel your team forward if one or more of these pickups hit. We often see a waiver gem help teams in the playoffs and this year should be no different. Keep in mind, a proactive waiver claim isn't intended to be a quick solution, but more of a shark move that has the potential to give your lineup a boost. Examples of proactive waiver pickups from this year include Gardner Minshew, A.J. Brown, D.J. Chark, Jamaal Williams, Mohamed Sanu, Darren Fells, among others. Last year, Latavius Murray, Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries fit these criteria and were instrumental in helping many fantasy rosters in the stretch run. These waiver pickups weren't expected to amount to much when picked up, but the potential for success was there. Making good on such moves can fix or strengthen your team and/or your season. Here's a look at some players to target at each position.
PROACTIVE & REACTIVE WAIVER PICKUPS
QUARTERBACK
Reactive
Ryan Tannehill, TEN - Since being named the starter in Week 7, Tannehill has topped 300 yards twice, with a combined 7 touchdowns (6 pass, 1 rush).
Proactive
Nick Foles, JAC - The former Super Bowl MVP and one-time 7-touchdowns-in-a-game, passer, is looking like he will return as the starting quarterback for Jacksonville when they come off their bye in Week 11. Foles and the Jaguars have a favorable playoff schedule starting Week 13 vs TB, followed by LAC, at OAK, at ATL and home vs IND in Week 17.
Chase Daniel, CHI - If the Bears want to make a push in the crowded NFC playoff picture, they need to find some semblance of an offense. Right now, Mitchell Trubisky is not giving them that chance. Trubisky has 5 total touchdown passes this season in eight games. His yards per attempt is a low 5.6 and his ability to run has greatly diminished to 46 yards on 11 carries (in 8 games). If Chicago decides that Trubisky isn't the answer, Chase Daniel immediately becomes someone of interest, especially in two-quarterback leagues.
Ryan Finley, CIN - The Bengals are going to determine if Ryan Finley is someone who can help the club or if they need to invest in a quarterback in the draft or free agency. He gets his first start this week against the Ravens. He's a two-quarterback league flier for now.
Reactive & Proactive
Kyle Allen, CAR - If you're in a deep league with 20+ roster spots, you could do worse than Kyle Allen, especially if you either need a quarterback, or your league can start two quarterbacks. The news of Cam Newton being placed on IR means that the Panthers quarterback job is his for at least the 2019 season. His weekly rank among quarterbacks averages 19th since he took over in Week 3. You could do better, and you surely could do worse, but on the bright side, Carolina will face Atlanta and Washington in three of the next five games.
Brandon Allen, DEN - For two-quarterback leagues, Brandon Allen is a target to consider. Joe Flacco has been placed on IR leaving Allen as the starter in Denver. He is coming off a two-touchdown performance in his debut game as a starter and can be used in a pinch as your starter if necessary. You'll need to wait until Week 11 when the team returns from the bye week.
Ultra-deep proactive - Quarterbacks who could wind up starting in Week 16
- Jarrett Stidham, NE
- Teddy Bridgewater, NO
- Matt Barkley, BUF
- Josh Rosen, MIA
- Will Grier, CAR
RUNNING BACK
Reactive
Devin Singletary, BUF - The Bills rookie rusher has out-snapped Frank Gore two weeks in a row, with touchdowns in each game. Last week he put together a fantasy-worthy 20 carries fror 95 yards and a touchdown, along with 3 receptions for 45 yards. In games where he hasn't been hurt, he has 5, 4, and 3 receptions. He is looking like someone who could become a solid RB2 for the rest of the season. His next two games are at Cleveland and at Miami.
Kenyan Drake, ARI - The Cardinals will lean on David Jonhnson when he returns from an ankle injury, perhaps as early as this week. However, Kenyan Drake has shown that he can be an effective weapon in the Cardinals system. He could have value even with Johnson on the field. Until he shows otherwise, he's a nice grab if you're in need at the position.
Ronald Jones II II, TB - The Buccaneers named Jones their starting running back and he answered the call with 18 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. He also added 2 catches for 15 yards. While that's not an elite performance, there is hope that he will continue to evolve now that he has been given an increase in snaps. The matchup at home vs Arizona this week may yield more positive results that turns into something bigger.
Damien Williams, KC - The Chiefs have leaned on Damien Williams in the last two games with positive results. He handled 72% of the team's carries last week and scored on a long touchdown run. He has back to back games with a score and has found the end zone in three of the last four games. He is not a lock to assume the same role every week, but as long as he is hot, he is worth a spot as an RB2 or flex option.
Jaylen Samuels, PIT - James Conner may be out for another week or two, which opens the door for Jaylen Samuels to be involved more both as a rusher and receiver. His 13 receptions last week against the Colts could lead to a similar role moving forward. He's not a long-term solution, but as long as Conner is out, Samuels is an adequate replacement with short-term fantasy value.
Proactive
Kareem Hunt, CLE - The Browns are looking for a spark to help ignite the team. Nick Chubb may be the only bright spot in Cleveland right now, but the addition of a wrinkle in Kareem Hunt may be what the team needs to kick-start the scoring and offensive rhythm.
Jalen Richard, OAK - Josh Jacobs is the team's primary rushing threat, but there is room in this offense for another weapon to emerge as a fantasy-relevant threat, especially in PPR leagues. Richard had 68 receptions with Oakland last year and he's starting to come alive in 2019. To make things even sweeter, he's a free agent after this year, which means he'll be looking to showcase his talents to potential suitors. Every game going forward is also an audition for Richard.
WIDE RECEIVER
Proactive & Reactive
Devante Parker, MIA - The loss of Preston Williams (knee) opens the door for Parker to assume more of a role in the Dolphins offense. Since Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken over at quarterback, Parker has had games of 3-28-1, 5-55-1, 6-59, and 4-57-1. He has touchdowns in three of the last four games, all with Fitzpatrick under center. He is quickly becoming fantasy relevant and is worthy of being a flex option at worst, until he shows otherwise.
Sammy Watkins, KC - Watkins is healthy once again and has been on the field for 86% and 90% of offensive snaps over the last two weeks. When Patrick Mahomes II returns (perhaps after the Week 12 bye), Watkins could once again be a productive receiver on a potent offense. In the meantime, he has 12 catches with Matt Moore and has increased his value to a flex option at the least.
Hunter Renfrow, OAK - The Raiders rookie receiver is starting to get more involved in the offense. He has scored in back to back games and remains a common option for Derek Carr as the top target among his wide receivers. Oakland also has a favorable passing schedule coming up with the Chargers, Bengals, and at the Jets.
Reactive
Mohamed Sanu, NE - The Patriots leaned on three players in their loss to Baltimore. Those players included Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu, and James White. All three are veteran professionals who know how to showcase their skills and talent to help the Patriots move the ball and score. Both Edelman and Sanu had 10 receptions each in a game script where they were trailing for most of the game. With some tough matchups coming up after the bye (at PHI, DAL, at HOU, KC) expect to see more of the same from this trio that now includes Tom Brady's newfound target in Sanu.
Proactive
Colts wide receivers - The Colts have injury issues with T.Y. Hilton (calf) and Parris Campbell (hand). Replacing these names in the lineup include Zach Pascal and Chester Rogers with Deon Cain making a push for more time as well. The top options include Pascal and Rogers who have 8 and 7 targets respectively over the last two weeks with a touchdown apiece in that time range. Pascal is second on the team with 4 touchdowns and would be the primary pickup among the group.
Laquon Treadwell, MIN - This is more of a longshot, due to the depth chart ahead of him in Minnesota, plus his history of failing to reach lofty expectations in the past. Treadwell was involved in the offense last week after Adam Thielen reinjured his hamstring. He had 4 catches for 59 yards on 5 targets and looked impressive. Thielen is expected to miss the next two games and potentially return after the Week 12 bye. In the meantime, Treadwell could wind up being an asset for Minnesota against Dallas and home for Denver.
Chris Conley and Dede Westbrook, JAC - The Jaguars have a bye this week, but when they return, Nick Foles is expected to resume the role as the starting quarterback. It's unclear how Foles' presence will affect the passing game, but both Westbrook and Conley could benefit. The Jaguars schedule is also one to watch. Starting Week 11 they are at IND, at TEN, TB, LAC, at OAK, and at ATL for Week 16. If Foles plays well, one of these two could wind up with decent fantasy numbers.
TIGHT END
Proactive
Irv Smith, MIN - The Vikings rookie tight end is slowly becoming more involved in the passing game. He has been in on at least 50% of offensive snaps in each of the last five games thanks to a common two-tight end formation that Minnesota is using. Since Week 6, Smith is tied for second in team targets (17) and receptions (14). He isn't overtaking Kyle Rudolph anytime soon, but his involvement is increasing, especially with Adam Thielen out.
Jack Doyle, IND - Two Colts receivers have 10 receptions combined in the last three games. Zach Pascal (12) and Jack Doyle (10). With T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell out of the lineup, look for Doyle to continue to see snaps and targets.
Mike Geiskci, MIA - The Dolphins will need to make adjustments with Preston Williams (knee) on injured reserve. Gesicki has come alive in the last three weeks with 12 catches for 146 yards. He is third on the team in targets in that span, but those numbers should increase without Williams.
Jared Cook, NO - The Saints have only 32 receptions to tight ends this season, but Jared Cook (ankle) should be ready to return this week with a favorable matchup against Atlanta, followed by at Tampa Bay, Carolina, and at Atlanta. Cook is not a lock to be a high-scoring fantasy option, but the matchups are on his side, plus with Drew Brees under center anything can happen.
Good luck this week and go make those moves that will get you the trophy!
Questions, suggestions, and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com