Can you believe we are in Week 10 of the NFL season? This week's topic is geared more toward 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 that 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 Geno Smith, Eno Benjamin, Jamaal Williams, Tyler Boyd, and Mecole Hardman, among others. Several of these players have made a sizeable impact on rosters everywhere. Last year, Cordarrelle Patterson, Khalil Herbert, Pat Freiermuth, Darrel Williams, Chuba Hubbard, K.J. Osborn, and Kadarius Toney fit these criteria and were instrumental in helping many fantasy rosters in the stretch run in 2021. 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 known, 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
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland - Watson may still be lurking on your waiver wire. If you have a QB2 that isn't performing, swap him out with Watson. You never know when you might need your QB2 outside of a bye-week replacement. You don't want to be headstrong for the playoffs only to have your QB1 get hurt late in the season, leaving you with an underperforming QB2. Upgrade this position with Watson if available.
Case Keenum, Buffalo - If Buffalo has to turn to Keenum for a few weeks while Josh Allen heals for the playoffs. In case of emergency, break the glass. Keenum is a capable, veteran quarterback. There will be a drop-off in numbers across the board, but he may be able to keep the boat afloat while Allen mends.
Tyler Huntley, BAL - If you have Lamar Jackson on your roster, Tyler Huntley is a good bench stash for the "just in case" scenario. We saw Huntley perform admirably last season when Jackson injured his ankle. He is an above-average backup quarterback who knows the Baltimore system well. Consider adding him to your roster as a Jackson handcuff.
Taysom Hill, NO - Andy Dalton is already the replacement for Jameis Winston, who is out with a fractured back and a torn tendon. He is not returning anytime soon. If Dalton endures an injury that will keep him out of the lineup, Taysom Hill becomes the de-facto quarterback. Hill is a points machine, he only needs increased reps to make a difference in the box score more consistently. If he is inserted as a quarterback, you may be able to earn fantasy points as a passer in the tight end position.
Teddy Bridgewater, MIA - Tua Tagovailoa is doing his thing, racking up points in Mike McDaniel's top-flight offense, but one big hit to his head might keep him shelved for a game or two. Teddy Bridgewater would assume the backup role, and he showed he can produce in this offense if given a chance.
Ultra-deep proactive - Quarterbacks who could wind up starting at some point or maybe in Week 17, 18
- Jordan Love, GB - The Packers are not far from packing it in for the season. They have been snakebitten by injuries, they aren't playing well, and the division is slipping away thanks to Minnesota's 7-1 start. Could Green Bay insert Jordan Love into the offense to see what he can do? If the team fails to improve, they likely will. The sunset of Aaron Rodgers' career is fading fast. Is Love next in line? We may find out soon.
- Joe Flacco, NYJ - The Jets are 6-3, but it's not exactly Zach Wilson's arm winning those games. Wilson has made some poor decisions but the team has bailed him out on more than one occasion. If the Jets start to stumble, they could replace Wilson with Flacco.
- Kyle Trask, TB - If there are no more milestones for Brady to reach and if the team is out of the playoff race late in the season, then maybe Tampa will want to see what they have in Kyle Trask.
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.
Gus Edwards, BAL - A hamstring strain has kept Gus Edwards out of the lineup for the Ravens, and Kenyan Drake has performed well in his absence. Once Edwards is healthy, which should be Week 11 (Week 10 bye), he should start to see more action. Let people chase points with Drake, while Edwards is the better play for the stretch.
Jaylen Warren, PIT - Najee Harris has been a big disappointment this year, and his foot/Lisfranc injury, which isn't being talked about enough, is likely to blame. There are whispers that Warren will be used more often in the near future. Based on how he is playing, it may be difficult to take away those snaps.
James Cook, BUF - Cook is slowly starting to see more snaps in the Bills offense as a dual-threat rusher/receiver. An injury to Devin Singletary would open his involvement, but he is getting to the point where he may have value even without an injury. If he is available on your waiver wire, consider adding him.
Isiah Pacheco, KC - The Chiefs' current starting running back might not be available, but he hasn't had that signature game that would catapult him into an every-week starter. He is flying under the radar for those who don't see his potential. One big game, and he'll be a fixture in the offense.
Jeff Wilson, MIA - Wilson was brought to Miami because he knows Mike McDaniel's system that was used in San Francisco. The Dolphins running back room looks like a committee on paper but don't be surprised if Wilson earns more snaps and carries and eventually earns the lead-back role.
Chase Edmonds, DEN - The injury to Javonte Williams shook up the Broncos backfield, which forced them to make a move. Melvin Gordon may be first in line for carries, but Mike Boone's injury and uncertainty of depth resulted in a move to acquire Edmonds. If Gordon can't produce or if Edmonds makes due on his chances, he could earn the lead-back role in the second half of the season.
Isaiah Spiller, LAC - As long as Austin Ekeler is healthy, there should not be a glaring need to use Isaiah Spiller much on offense. He is not a fantasy-relevant option right now, but we know that could change in an instant, and he is next in line, especially with Josh Kelley (knee) out until at least Week 11.
WIDE RECEIVER
Chase Claypool, CHI - The Bears moved to acquire Claypool at the trade deadline, and it looks like Chicago is starting to include more passing in their offense. We could see a decent return on Claypool in the second half of the season, especially if Justin Fields continues to develop as a passing quarterback.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE - Peoples-Jones is quietly making a move to respectability. He has 70+ yards in four of his last five games, and he'll soon have the benefit of Deshaun Watson under center. There is a scenario where Peoples-Jones becomes a fantasy-relevant option when you need him the most.
Jahan Dotson, WAS - The first-round rookie receiver in Washington has been quiet lately due to a hamstring strain that has kept him out of games. The Commanders conditioning staff is doing the right thing in keeping him sidelined until he is ready to return. He hasn't played since Week 4, but when he did play, he performed well, scoring four touchdowns in that span. He has only played one game as a pro without scoring. When he comes back, he could be a big boost to your roster.
WanDale Robinson, NYG - The Giants wide receiver corps has evolved since the season began due to injuries and a lack of production from players who fell short of expectations. The door is open for Robinson to emerge as a credible threat in the Giants offense.
Tyquan Thornton, NE - We tend to see a lot of rookies emerge in the second half of the season, and that may be the case for the Patriots' speed-burner, do-it-all receiver, Tyquan Thornton. He has been used in a utility role similar to Curtis Samuel or Deebo Samuel. If the Patriots' offensive struggles are behind them, Thornton could be that rookie with one or two big games culminating in a surprisingly effective second half of the season.
Odell Beckham, FA - Odell Beckham is healthy once again, and he's looking for a contender to latch onto. Dallas makes the most sense, but don't rule out Baltimore. Maybe, Beckham will lean towards the grass field in Baltimore vs the turf in Dallas. Beckham could provide decent numbers as a flex option for the playoffs and is worth a stash if you have the room.
TIGHT END
Cole Kmet, Chicago - The Bears and Justin Fields may be starting to figure out their passing game, and Cole Kmet has scored in each of the last two games. The volume may never be there for Kmet but at least he is finding himself as a contributor to a rising offense.
Hayden Hurst, CIN - The former first-round pick is quietly having a decent season catching at least 3 passes in eight of nine games this year. He has crept into the top 10 and might continue to climb, especially without Ja'Marr Chase (hip) in the picture until late November or early December.
Cade Otton, TB - The rookie tight end is starting to make some waves in the Buccaneers offense, and most importantly, Tom Brady is taking notice. He could be this year's version of Pat Freiermuth.
Noah Fant, SEA - What if I told you Fant had five catches for 96 yards in Week 9? He has only one touchdown this year, but that could change in the second half of the season. Fant may be peaking at the perfect time.
Good luck this week, and go make those moves that will get you the trophy!
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