Week 15 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

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The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Daniel Jones, NYG (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN (waiver wire: 15-30%)
3. QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX
5. QB Brock Purdy, SF (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. QB Justin Herbert, LAC
7. QB Jared Goff, DET
8. QB Kyler Murray, ARI (waiver wire: DROP)
9. QB Kirk Cousins, MIN
10. QB Josh Johnson, SF (waiver wire: 1%)
11. QB Desmond Ridder, ATL (waiver wire: 1%)
12. QB Anthony Brown, BAL (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
13. QB Baker Mayfield, LAR (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
14. QB Colt McCoy, ARI (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
15. QB Brett Rypien, DEN (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
16. QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Tyler Huntley, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Derek Carr, LV (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
3. QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
4. QB Tom Brady, TB (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER)
5. QB Kenny Pickett, PIT (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
6. QB Russell Wilson, DEN (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. RB Zonovan Knight, NYJ (waiver wire: 50+%)
3. RB Jerick McKinnon, KC (waiver wire: 25-50%)
4. RB Cam Akers, LAR (waiver wire: 10-20%)
5. RB Gus Edwards, BAL (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. RB Chuba Hubbard, CAR (waiver wire: 10-20%)
7. RB Pierre Strong, NE (waiver wire: 10-20%)
8. RB Christian McCaffrey, SF
9. RB Kevin Harris, NE (waiver wire: 5-10%)
10. RB Miles Sanders, PHI

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB Jeff Wilson, MIA (waiver wire: DROP)
2. RB Dameon Pierce, HOU (waiver wire: HOLD)
3. RB Michael Carter, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
4. RB James Cook, BUF (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER)
5. RB Saquon Barkley, NYG
6. RB Dalvin Cook, MIN
7. RB Raheem Mostert, MIA (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER)
8. RB DAndre Swift, DET

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Treylon Burks, TEN (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. WR D.J. Chark, DET (waiver wire: 50+%)
3. WR Zay Jones, JAX (waiver wire: 50+%)
4. WR Drake London, ATL (waiver wire: 50+%)
5. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE (waiver wire: 50+%)
6. WR Mike Williams, LAC
7. WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN
8. WR Chris Moore, HOU (waiver wire: 10-20%)
9. WR Elijah Moore, NYJ (waiver wire: 10-20%)
10. WR Curtis Samuel, WAS (waiver wire: 10-20%)
11. WR Jameson Williams, DET (waiver wire: 10-20%)
12. WR Diontae Johnson, PIT
13. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC
14. WR Tutu Atwell, LAR (waiver wire: 1%)
15. WR Parris Campbell, IND (waiver wire: 1%)
16. WR Jahan Dotson, WAS (waiver wire: 1%)
17. WR Marquise Goodwin, SEA (waiver wire: 1%)
18. WR Trenton Irwin, CIN (waiver wire: 1%)
19. WR Alec Pierce, IND (waiver wire: 1%)
20. WR Ben Skowronek, LAR (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Deebo Samuel, SF (waiver wire: DROP)
2. WR Tyler Boyd, CIN (waiver wire: DROP)
3. WR D.J. Moore, CAR (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER)
4. WR Michael Gallup, DAL (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
5. WR Amari Cooper, CLE
6. WR Tee Higgins, CIN (waiver wire: HOLD)
7. WR Jaylen Waddle, MIA

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Evan Engram, JAX (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. TE Taysom Hill, NO (waiver wire: 10-20%)
3. TE David Njoku, CLE
4. TE Darren Waller, LV (waiver wire: 10-20%)
5. TE Dawson Knox, BUF
6. TE Austin Hooper, TEN (waiver wire: 1%)
7. TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Mark Andrews, BAL

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Anthony Brown, BAL - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - If Tyler Huntley can't clear concussion protocol by Saturday, Brown is a possible starter. The UDFA rookie was a productive runner at Oregon and could come through as a 2QB/Superflex desperation start if the Ravens play him vs. the Browns.

QB Kirk Cousins, MIN - Cousins is benefiting from a porous defense and ineffective running game that is forcing him to throw more. He's back in streamer consideration against the Colts Saturday.

QB Jared Goff, DET - Goff is peaking at the right time. Jameson Williams return added a deep threat and the wide receiver group is as healthy as it has been all year. He'll face the Jets this week, a tough matchup that could be made tougher by the weather, but the Panthers and Bears are up after that.

QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Heinicke had one of his best days as a passer when he faced the Giants two weeks ago, and his offense should be rested and ready for a crucial rematch this week. He's streamable in a pinch, but next week's matchup with the 49ers will be tougher and then the Browns are up in Week 17.

QB Justin Herbert, LAC - Herbert was sharp against the Dolphins and he got Mike Williams back this week. He's back to being a strong QB1 with a good matchup against the Titans in Week 15, and the Colts and Rams after that.

QB Josh Johnson, SF - (waiver wire: 1%) - Keep an eye on Brock Purdy's status. He has an oblique injury and while there are no signs that he'll miss Thursday's game, if he does, or if he re-injures the problem area, Johnson can take over and add running upside to an already fantasy rich offensive outlook (even without Deebo Samuel).

QB Daniel Jones, NYG - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Jones was replaced by Tyrod Taylor during garbage time and the Giants were never that close in this one, but he scored as a runner and passer and should be primed for a streamable game against the Commanders this week. Next week's game against the Vikings indoors is also a plus spot to play him, and Jones will face the Colts in Week 17.

QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX - Lawrence didn't seem to be affected by his toe injury as he lit up the Titans pass defense, especially in the second half. He'll face a Cowboys defense that had more trouble with the Texans than we expected. The Jets on the road might be an avoid in Week 16, but the Texans are up in Week 17.

QB Baker Mayfield, LAR - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Mayfield pulled off one of the most memorable comebacks in recent memory after joining the Rams during the week. This could be a big moment in his career, but he's still only a desperation play in 2QB leagues going forward with the Packers up this week at Lambeau.

QB Colt McCoy, ARI - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - McCoy is just a desperation play in 2QB/Superflex as the starter for the Cardinals for the rest of the year, but he can at least preserve the value of DeAndre Hopkins.

QB Kyler Murray, ARI - (waiver wire: DROP) - Murray left the Week 14 game with a torn ACL. He's done for the year.

QB Brock Purdy, SF - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Purdy looked like a steady veteran in his first NFL start against the Bucs, who aren't a pushover on defense. While the 49ers lost Deebo Samuel and Purdy may not get a rushing score every week, the offense was highly efficient, which makes Purdy a viable low ceiling/high floor streamer against Seattle, Washington, and Las Vegas, assuming Purdy's oblique injury isn't an issue.

QB Desmond Ridder, ATL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Ridder has some desperation play appeal in 2QB/Superflex as a running quarterback making his debut, and he could even end up having streamer value in 1QB if things go well. It's also possible that the Saints will give him a rude welcome and show why the team has been reluctant to start him even though Marcus Mariota has been mediocre.

QB Brett Rypien, DEN - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Rypien has a pulse in 2QB/Superflex as we wait to see if Russell Wilson will clear concussion protocol in time for the game with Arizona.

QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Tannehill didn't have Treylon Burks, but he still had a solid fantasy showing as the Titans pass defense lapses forced him to throw more in the second half. That could happen again this week against the Chargers, and hopefully Burks will return. The Texans and Cowboys at home round out the playoff fantasy schedule for Tannehill.

QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Trubisky actually threw the ball well and accurately, but three times that was to Ravens defenders in their end of the field, which crushed the Steelers chances of winning. Trubisky could start this week as Kenny Pickett is in concussion protocol.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Tom Brady, TB - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER) - Brady had some bad luck and then some bad decisions to account for a disastrous day in his return to the Bay Area. He'll face the surging Bengals pass defense this week and is only a desperation play in 1QB leagues.

QB Derek Carr, LV - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Carr was horrendous against the Rams as the Raiders are now on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs. He was playing well, but there's too much risk to consider playing him in 1QB leagues.

QB Tyler Huntley, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Huntley was a Week 14 dud as the Ravens went run heavy and then he left with a concussion. Lamar Jackson could be back in Week 16 and Huntley is unlikely to play in Week 15, so he's droppable

QB Kenny Pickett, PIT - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Pickett left with a concussion. He'll probably miss Week 15 against the Panthers. You probably weren't carrying him in 1QB leagues, but he's droppable if you were.

QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - Tagovailoa struggled mightily against the Chargers, a defense that isn't known for putting the clamps on opponents. The Bills are, and they are up next, and Tagovailoa gets the Patriots on the road in Week 17. Week 16 at home against the Packers may be the only time we trust Tagovailoa from here on out.

QB Russell Wilson, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Wilson actually regained his Seattle form, running and finding open receivers downfield, but then left with a concussion. We'll see if he can clear protocol before the game vs. the Cardinals. There could be something there for fantasy when Denver faces Kansas City again in Week 17.

Running Back Upgrade

RB Cam Akers, LAR - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Akers scored again in Week 14 and now the Rams offense could have more potential with Baker Mayfield, so Akers has some what the heck flex potential against the Packers this week.

RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Dobbins promptly busted a 44-yard run upon his return to the field and then scored to cap the drive. He is in an equal timeshare with Gus Edwards, but is the more dangerous and viable back now that the Ravens have re-committed to the run.

RB Gus Edwards, BAL - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Edwards got a good amount of work as the Ravens recommitted to the run and he was efficient on his touches. He's a what the heck flex against the Browns on Saturday.

RB Kevin Harris, NE - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Harris was the between the tackles grinder after Rhamondre Stevenson went out in Week 14. If Stevenson and Damien Harris can't go vs. Las Vegas this week, Kevin Harris will be a what-the-heck Flex.

RB Chuba Hubbard, CAR - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - The Panthers are fully committed to the run and it's working. Hubbard got as many rushing yards as D'Onta Foreman on seven fewer carries and he also scored. Consider him a what the heck flex against the Steelers.

RB Zonovan Knight, NYJ - (waiver wire: 50+%) - In case you needed confirmation after Robert Saleh said "he's not going anywhere", Knight remained the lead back for the Jets and scored against the Bills. He's a solid RB2 against the Lions this week.

RB Christian McCaffrey, SF - McCaffrey popped off for his biggest day as a 49ers and looked like the league winner we drafted him to be. He'll have a quick turnaround before he plays Thursday vs. Seattle.

RB Jerick McKinnon, KC - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - McKinnon had a massive fantasy game as the Chiefs had to keep him on the field when the game tightened up against the Broncos. He's still just a PPR flex play as the Texans might not be able to keep it as close and instead see a lot of Isaih Pacheco in the second half.

RB Miles Sanders, PHI - The Eagles judicious use of Sanders has paid off as he has surpassed his career high in carries in a season and he is fresher and faster than his peers who have been worked harder. Consider Sanders a must play from here on out.

RB Pierre Strong, NE - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Strong broke off a long run, and he should be able to get some passing game work against the Raiders if Rhamondre Stevenson can't go. He could be a what-the-heck flex this week with upside.

Running Back Downgrade

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG - Barkley was running in wet cement against the bolstered Eagles run defense and ended up being a fantasy liability in the poor matchup. He'll be a better play against the Commanders this week, but he doesn't have the look of a league winner in the fantasy playoffs.

RB Michael Carter, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Carter took a backseat to Zonovan Knight in the Jets backfield upon his return from an ankle injury. He's not an essential hold.

RB Dalvin Cook, MIN - Cook was held in check by a suddenly shutdown Lions run defense. He did score, but also fumbled inside the five and found no room to run. He'll face a tough Colts run defense in Week 15.

RB James Cook, BUF - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER) - Cook was on the field for 41% of the snaps after being on the field for 43% in Week 13, but the Bills barely used him in a closer game than the romp over the Patriots. Cook is still a desperation play with upside and the team could still decide to give him more work to boost a slumping offense.

RB Raheem Mostert, MIA - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER) - Mostert still got the majority of the snaps against the Chargers, but he didn't see many touches and the Dolphins running game was a massive disappointment against the Chargers. He's just a what-the-heck flex against the Bills Saturday.

RB Dameon Pierce, HOU - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Pierce scored and ran more than expected as the Texans were surprisingly competitive with the Cowboys, but he also left the game with an ankle injury. His Week 15 availability is unknown.

RB DAndre Swift, DET - The Lions cup runneth over with options in the passing game and backfield, so Swift's fantasy output suffered even as the offense was clicking. He's not an automatic start at the Jets this week.

RB Jeff Wilson, MIA - (waiver wire: DROP) - Wilson suffered a hip injury in Week 14. It's not clear if he'll play in Week 15, but he avoided a worst case scenario according to the team. He's droppable.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Tutu Atwell, LAR - (waiver wire: 1%) - Atwell got more work and showed the speed that made him a second round pick for the Rams last year. He should be a key part of the offense going forward and might end up being fantasy relevant with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. Atwell's big play ability makes him a viable desperation play with room for his value to grow.

WR Treylon Burks, TEN - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Burks probably isn't out there, but check just in case he was dropped after he missed Week 14. If he can get out of concussion protocol, he'll go back to being the #1 receiver against the Chargers and be worth a WR3/Flex play.

WR Parris Campbell, IND - (waiver wire: 1%) - Campbell is worth a desperation play if you need him since the Colts are playing the very vulnerable Vikings pass defense this week. He could be on the wire since the Colts were on bye last week.

WR D.J. Chark, DET - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Chark caught a long score and his role wasn't diminished by Jameson Williams getting a few more snaps in Week 14. He has a tough matchup against the Jets, but Chark looks to have staying power for the stretch run with the Panthers and Bears up in Weeks 16 and 17.

WR Jahan Dotson, WAS - (waiver wire: 1%) - Dotson scored the game-tying touchdown against the Giants and actually got more snaps than Curtis Samuel. He's worth an add as depth if he was dropped during the bye.

WR Marquise Goodwin, SEA - (waiver wire: 1%) - Goodwin was the most productive Seahawks receiver and looked very athletic against the Panthers. With the Seahawks likely staying pass-heavy against the 49ers on Thursday, Goodwin could hit as a desperation play in Week 15.

WR Trenton Irwin, CIN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd went down in Week 14, so Irwin might start against the Bucs. He scored on a flea flicker in the win over the Browns.

WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN - Jeudy had the biggest game of his career with three touchdowns. He also might be catching passes from Brett Rypien next week and he bumped an official which could result in a suspension even though it wasn't penalized.

WR Diontae Johnson, PIT - Johnson had one of his best games of the season against the Ravens with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback. He's worth a WR3/Flex look against the Panthers and might be a better play with Trubisky than he was with Kenny Pickett.

WR Zay Jones, JAX - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Jones caught a touchdown on a ball that was tipped in an interception attempt and made of one of the best toe taps of the season to finish it. He has the trust of Trevor Lawrence and should be in as a WR3/Flex against Dallas.

WR Drake London, ATL - (waiver wire: 50+%) - London probably isn't on waivers, but he could have been dropped in a bye week crunch. His outlook probably won't get worse with fellow rookie Desmond Ridder at quarterback.

WR Chris Moore, HOU - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Moore had the Texans first 100-yard game by a receiver and clearly has good chemistry with Davis Mills. If one or both of Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins are out against the Chiefs, Moore is a what-the-heck flex.

WR Elijah Moore, NYJ - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Moore had a good game in relief of Corey Davis. He could be a starter if Davis is still in concussion protocol for the game against the Lions this week.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Peoples-Jones showed the reports that he was one of Deshaun Watson's favorites in camp were not erroneous with a big game against Cincinnati. He'll be worth a WR3/Flex look against the Ravens Saturday and going forward.

WR Alec Pierce, IND - (waiver wire: 1%) - Pierce was getting closer to a full-time role before the bye. He could hit as a desperation play this week against the reeling Vikings pass defense.

WR Curtis Samuel, WAS - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Samuel had a strong game going into the bye, and he could have been dropped in a bye week crunch. The Commanders face the Giants this week, which is the team Samuel posted his bounceback game against in Week 13.

WR Ben Skowronek, LAR - (waiver wire: 1%) - Skowronek has a pulse in fantasy leagues as possibly Baker Mayfield's favorite receiver. He made a big play on a contested catch to keep the game-winning drive going and was the team leader in receptions. He's a viable desperation play against the Packers.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC - Smith-Schuster got back to being a frequent target for Patrick Mahomes in the closer than expected affair with the Broncos. He's back to being a WR3/Flex option with upside going into a matchup with the Texans.

WR Jameson Williams, DET - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Williams caught a long score to post his first NFL touchdown, but still barely played in Week 14. He's more of a stash and wait to see if he breaks out in a big way, but he's too talented to leave on the wire now that he has broken through.

WR Mike Williams, LAC - Williams had a score and helped key a resurgence of the Chargers passing game against the Dolphins. He should be in lineups against the vulnerable Titans secondary.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Tyler Boyd, CIN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Boyd suffered a finger injury and will miss a week or two. He's droppable.

WR Amari Cooper, CLE - Cooper was a game-time decision, so maybe he isn't 100%, but this was a pass-heavy game for the Browns and Cooper wasn't a big part of the offense. He'll face the Ravens this week and is only worth a WR3/Flex start with his value slipping since Deshaun Watson took over.

WR Michael Gallup, DAL - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Gallup was overshadowed by Noah Brown one week after he scored two touchdowns, so he's just desperation play depth without momentum going into a matchup with Jacksonville.

WR Tee Higgins, CIN - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Higgins suffered a hamstring injury in Week 14. He's questionable at best for Week 15 and these injuries can be tricky in the first week back, so it's possible that we can't trust Higgins until Week 17, and maybe not even then.

WR D.J. Moore, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 25-50% OR HIGHER) - Moore suffered an ankle injury and was barely involved in the offense in the win over the Seahawks. He's not an essential hold and only worth keeping around as desperation play depth at this point.

WR Deebo Samuel, SF - (waiver wire: DROP) - Samuel suffered an ankle injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

WR Jaylen Waddle, MIA - Waddle suffered along with the Dolphins pass offense in a down night for the team. He's probably not 100%, but still worth a WR3/Flex play against Buffalo.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Evan Engram, JAX - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Engram had the best game of his career against the Titans. He shouldn't be on the waiver wire, but you never know. He'll face the Cowboys this week while Gerald Everett will get to run routes against the Titans defense from the tight end position.

TE Taysom Hill, NO - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Hill is worth a plug and play off of the wire this week as he faces the Falcons, who he hung a 4-81-1 line on as a runner earlier this year and also lit up as a quarterback when he was the Saints starter.

TE Austin Hooper, TEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Hooper continues to be a steady target for Ryan Tannehill. He isn't going to win your week, but he'll give you an acceptable PPR stat line if you are looking for help from the waiver wire.

TE Dawson Knox, BUF - Knox had a touchdown that saw him spin in the air over the goal line after a hit to help him get back in the good graces of fantasy teams. He'll be a viable streamer against the Dolphins Saturday.

TE David Njoku, CLE - Njoku was a frequent target for Deshaun Watson in the futile comeback effort against the Bengals. He's a top five tight end play going forward.

TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Okonkwo was a waiver wire hit in Week 14. He could be a solid play in Week 15 if Treylon Burks isn't back, although the Titans will likely want to lean on Derrick Henry against the suspect Chargers run defense.

TE Darren Waller, LV - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Waller could be back this week for the game against the Patriots. He could be a dud upon his return, but he could also return to pre-injury form and be relevant in fantasy leagues.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Mark Andrews, BAL - The Ravens have embraced a run-first approach with both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards back on the field. Andrews has been left out in the cold and is a much more volatile play in Week 15, especially with the possibility that UDFA rookie Anthony Brown starts at quarterback.