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 notable waiver pickups from this year include James Robinson, Travis Fulgham, Justin Herbert, Mike Davis, Chase Claypool, Justin Jefferson, Jakobi Meyers, among others. Several of these players have made a sizeable impact on rosters everywhere. Last year, D.J. Chark, Jamaal Williams, Gardner Minshew, and even A.J. Brown fit these criteria and were instrumental in helping many fantasy rosters in the stretch run in 2019. 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. Many players have already made themselves know but that doesn't mean others won't appear. Here's a look at some players to target at each position.
PROACTIVE & REACTIVE WAIVER PICKUPS
QUARTERBACK
Proactive & Reactive
Jake Luton, Jacksonville - Luton was named the starting quarterback over Gardner Minshew due to a thumb injury that has him sidelined. Luton had the fortune of debuting against the Texans who have been kind to quarterbacks (among other positions) this season. His first completion of the day was a 73-yard strike to D.J. Chark for a touchdown. It was a pretty throw with just the right amount of touch and power to lead Chark in stride. A lesser throw would've been a completion, but perhaps not a touchdown. Luton finished 26-for-38 for 304 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception. If he continues to play well he could force Jacksonville into making a decision when Minshew does return. The Jaguars schedule still includes tough matchups against GB, PIT, CHI, and IND, so be wary of expecting too much. Let's not forget, Luton's decent game came against a struggling Texans defense.
Garrett Gilbert, Dallas - By now, you're probably aware that Gilbert was the clubhouse leader to be MVP in the folded AAF league. He led Orlando to a 7-1 record and he led the league in passing yards. Gilbert showed well in a tough matchup against the Steelers last week. He finished 21-for-38 for 243 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and 28 yards rushing. He helped lead the Cowboys to a near-win against the #1 team in the league and has been the brightest star at quarterback since Dak Prescott's ankle injury. Dallas has one or two tough matchups the rest of the way (at Baltimore Week 13, and vs. San Francisco Week 15). Even when Andy Dalton (concussion) is able to return, Dallas may elect to go with Gilbert, especially if the strong play and leadership continue.
Reactive
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami - The star-studded rookie might be available in season-long leagues. If he is you should consider adding him if you have space. If anything in case he turns out to be the next great rookie quarterback. In the last two weeks (both Tua starts) he is ranked #21 which isn't outstanding, however, we know things can change quickly in the NFL. Miami doesn't have a troublesome opponent for the rest of the year and Tua is only getting started. There is a reason why Miami benched Ryan Fitzpatrick because they want to get Tua up to speed as soon as possible. He's their future, so why not start that future now?
Alex Smith, Washington - The season-ending ankle injury to Kyle Allen has elevated Alex Smith into the starting role for Washington. Last week against the Giants Smith tossed for 325 yards including a long touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin. On the downside, he also threw three interceptions which was a big reason why New York prevailed. Looking ahead, Washington, like Dallas, has two tough road opponents in Pittsburgh and San Francisco in back-to-back weeks in the heart of the fantasy playoffs (Week 13 and 14). For that reason alone, Smith may not be the best option, but if you absolutely need a quarterback in a superflex league or two-QB league, Smith appears to be the answer, at least for now.
Ultra-deep proactive - Quarterbacks who could wind up starting in Week 16
- Mitchell Trubisky, CHI
- John Wolford, LAR (who? He's Jared Goff's backup).
- C.J. Beathard, SF - Nick Mullens has shown both sides of up and down. If the 49ers depart from the playoff picture, we could see Beathard.
- Jarrett Stidham, NE - Cam Newton is barely scratching by against the Jets. If he doesn't turn it around, he, and the Patriots could be done.
- Dwayne Haskins, WAS - If Alex Smith falters or gets hurt, Haskins is still there. Don't forget about him.
RUNNING BACK
It's a challenge to find many running backs still available, especially in deeper leagues, but here are a few that you could benefit from.
Reactive
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati - Joe Mixon's foot injury could keep him out a few more games. If so, Bernard becomes a player of interest. We've already seen him have success in Mixon's absence before. Cincinnati has a tough schedule with two games coming up against PIT, plus at MIA, and vs BAL. It's not the best schedule for matchups, but as a pass-catcher, tough matchups can often yield more usage.
Jamaal Williams, Green Bay - Yes, Aaron Jones is the starter in Green Bay, but Williams has shown that he can also be an effective multi-purpose back, especially in the passing game. Don't be surprised to continue to see the Packers give Williams a possession or two per game to rest Jones for the stretch run.
Wayne Gallman, New York - The Devonta Freeman experiment hasn't necessarily gone to plan. The one back who has emerged as a productive threat is Gallman who has scored in three consecutive games. The Giants are still in the hunt in the open NFC East with one tough matchup remaining at Baltimore Week 16.
Proactive
Cam Akers, Los Angeles - Aker's 20 snaps in Week 8 is the most for him since Week 1 when he was given 24 snaps. The Rams will want to give him a chance to showcase his skills and also see what they have in the young back. A second-half surge by Akers could be in the cards.
Mike Davis, Carolina - The late-game injury to Christian McCaffrey's shoulder/collarbone/sternum area could be problematic. Let's just say, don't drop Mike Davis just yet. He could still be worthy for a game or two more.
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco - If anyone decided to drop him, pick him up and stash him. There is talk that he might be available against New Orleans this week, but realistically, the 49ers may keep him out until after their Week 11 bye.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles - see above for Mostert. Same theme, different team but with a later return. Hopefully for the fantasy playoffs. We'll see. He's worth a stash if available.
Tony Pollard, Dallas - Ezekiel Elliott is not having his typical great season. He has underwhelmed and now his hamstring could be problematic. Pollard has looked fresh, fast, and capable in the limited action he's seen. It's not a bad idea to grab him if he's available, especially if the Zeke owner dropped him after this past week when Elliott was able to play.
Sony Michel, New England - The chest injury to Damien Harris opens the door for someone to fill the void in a heavy run-oriented Patriots rushing attack. Rex Burkhead could be the logical choice, but the shark move may be to target Sony Michel who is returning from a calf injury. When healthy, Michel is the better back, but Burkhead has the most recent success. Like always with New England backs, it's never easy to tell who will benefit. The knee-jerk choice is Burkhead, but if Michel is available and you need running back help, grab him and see if you can catch lightning in a bottle.
WIDE RECEIVER
Proactive & Reactive
Gabriel Davis, Buffalo - Davis is 4th in line among the Bills targets at wide receiver, but his three scores is tied for the team-high in receiving touchdowns. If one of John Brown or Cole Beasley gets dinged up, Davis will see a boost in snaps. At worst, he is a red zone threat on an offense capable of scoring heavy points any given week.
Rashard Higgins, Cleveland - The Browns are coming off their bye week and we recently saw Higgins have some success in Odell Beckham's absence. Jarvis Landry and Higgins should be the team's go-to options at wide receiver. As a result, Higgins is worth a pickup as a stash, just in case he is this year's version of Breshad Perriman.
Darnell Mooney, Chicago - The Bears are finding it difficult to get Allen Robinson involved, let alone Mooney, but Mooney is right there in snap totals, especially lately. Plus he has two straight games of five receptions. He's turning heads as an unsung rookie and he's not getting enough recognition as a fantasy option. He's entered the flex option territory, especially in strong matchups.
K.J. Hamler, Denver - Hamler's usage has increased over the last two games and he has 9 catches with a touchdown to show for it. He's super-fast and elusive and he's starting to see more opportunities, especially with injuries to the tight end corps. Hamler is one to stash and monitor and he's approaching flex option territory.
Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia - We've barely seen Reagor in the Eagles offense. He has yet to be a fixture in the gameday plans, but his needle is pointing up as evidenced by his touchdown in Week 8 on limited snaps. The second half of the season should see Reagor come into his own as a key piece of the Eagles attack.
Reactive
Marvin Jones, Detroit - Jones quietly has three touchdowns in the last two games with a gorgeous schedule the rest of the way. If Kenny Golladay's hip injury keeps him shelved for a while, Jones stands to be a key beneficiary and we've already seen him produce when it counts.
Nelson Agholor, Las Vegas - Agholor has found a home with the Raiders. It appears as if his confidence and troubles in Philadelphia are behind him. He has five touchdowns in eight games this year and while he hasn't exceeded 5 catches in a game, he is the top wide receiver option for Derek Carr at this point of the season. Henry Ruggs and even Bryan Edwards are capable of making some noise in the receiving game, but for now, it's Agholor. If he is still available, he's worth a pickup for sure.
Jakobi Meyers, New England - The Patriots are without Julian Edelman (knee) for another two weeks or so at best, but Jakobi Meyers has taken over as Cam Newton's go-to receiving option. Meyers has 22 catches in the last three games and he's coming off a 12-catch, 169-yard performance against the Jets. He's worthy of starting going forward until he proves otherwise.
Breshad Perriman, New York - Perriman came alive at this time last year for the Buccaneers. He quietly finished strong reeling in all six of his touchdowns after Week 8. He is finding success with a familiar teammate, Joe Flacco to the tune of 5 catches for 101 yards and 2 scores in last week's game. He could have a nice second half of the season similar to last year.
Proactive
Allen Lazard, Green Bay - Allen Lazard is expected back this week and he should be the #2 option for Aaron Rodgers despite Marques Valdez-Scantling's big game last week. Lazard has shown success with Rodgers in the past and the Packers will host Jacksonville this week which should be a positive matchup.
Sammy Watkins, KC - Watkins has been absent with a hamstring injury, but he'll be back soon enough and could give us another one of his patented big games when we least expect it. There are worse receivers to stash on your bench than Watkins.
Bryan Edwards, Las Vegas - Edwards (foot/ankle) was active for the first time last week since Week 3. He had limited snaps as he's being eased back into the offense. Give him a few practices to get up to speed and he could carve out a role in the receiving corps.
TIGHT END
Proactive and Reactive
Mike Gesicki, Miami - There's a strong possibility that Gesicki is unavailable in your league, but his needle is pointing up especially with the departure of Isaiah Ford to New England? Why? Because Ford was taking a lot of snaps in the slot position where Gesicki has thrived in the past. Last week Gesicki 45's snaps is the highest since Week 4. Tua Tagovailoa has 7 completions out of 34 to his tight ends (20%) in his two games under center. Gesicki is the team's top receiving tight and could see a bump in production in the coming weeks.
Jordan Reed, San Francisco - Reed (knee) returned, possibly too soon, last week and totaled only 1 catch for 3 yards on 3 targets. San Francisco was desperate for playmakers with injuries everywhere, especially George Kittle. Ross Dwelley led the way among tight ends with 42 snaps, while Reed only had 13. He was only recently activated and didn't have much time to practice with the team since he last played in Week 3. Without Kittle, Reed becomes a player of interest for the 49ers. His involvement should improve from last week and it could be significant.
Noah Fant, Denver - Noah Fant has seen his share of ailments and bruises this year but now he'll be the primary tight end option due to Albert Okwebugnam's torn ACL which ended his season. Fant has shown well this season already but he could see even more involvement moving forward.
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
