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This week's topic is geared more toward those in deeper leagues with 12+ teams and 18+ 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 with 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. Remember that a proactive waiver claim isn't intended to be a quick solution but more of a shark move that can potentially boost your lineup. Examples of notable waiver pickups from this year include Cade Otton, Jordan Mason, Bucky Irving, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Tank Bigsby, Cedric Tillman, etc. Several of these players have made a sizeable impact on rosters everywhere. Last year, players like Jordan Love, and Raheem Mostert fit these criteria and were instrumental in helping many fantasy rosters in the stretch run in 2023. 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
Drake Maye, New England - The Patriots rookie signal-caller is the 8th ranked fantasy quarterback in the last four weeks. He has produced average numbers as a passer, but his rushing totals have elevated his standing. His 197 yards rushing leads the league in that span. He is someone to consider if you need help at quarterback.
Cooper Rush, Dallas - The Cowboys will be without Dak Prescott for several weeks while he recovers from a hamstring injury. Rush is 5-1 as a starter, all for Dallas. He has shown the ability to make plays when given the chance and he has established a good downfield rapport with CeeDee Lamb.
Bo Nix, Denver - Bo Nix has come on strong over the last four weeks scoring nine touchdowns to go along with 176 yards rushing. He is at that point where he has about a 50% chance of scoring a rushing touchdown in a game. If you combine that with adequate quarterback play, you have a top 10 fantasy quarterback. Over the last four weeks he is the QB8.
Joe Flacco, Indianapolis - The Colts have elected to go with Joe Flacco under center to try to save or salvage their season. Aside from the game at Minnesota last week, Flacco has been solid for the Colts this season scoring at least two touchdowns a game in his three starts. He is worth a look if you need a quarterback.
Jameis Winston, Cleveland - The Browns have their bye this week, but then will face New Orleans in Week 11. Things get touch after that with a home and home series with Pittsburgh with a trip to Denver in the middle. Winston isn't the best option of the group mentioned because of his schedule, but you might be able to get one decent week when the Browns play the rudderless Saints in Week 11.
Bryce Young, Carolina - Bryce Young has elevated his game since being benched after Week 2. He is starting to gain confidence and the Panthers are getting some key players back after injury. Carolina plays the Giants in Germany this week, followed by a bye and then the schedule becomes problematic with home games against the Chiefs and Buccaneers, followed by a trip to Philadelphia. He is not a better pickup than the other aforementioned quarterbacks, but he may be on the verge of turning a corner, which has some merit.
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.
Khalil Herbert, Cincinnati - The Bengals have lost Zack Moss for an extended time, which prompted them to make a move to bring in Khalil Herbert to help shoulder the load in the backfield with Chase Brown. Brown is likely the back to own in Cincinnati, but Herbert does have the talent to make some noise once he is acclimated with his surroundings.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore - The running game in Baltimore is driven by Derrick Henry, however, Justice Hill has carved out a role as a complementary back, especially as a receiver. Hill got his chance because of Keaton Mitchell's recovery from knee surgery. Now Mitchell is healthy and he is logging full practices. How Baltimore decides to utilize Mitchell in the coming weeks will dictate his fantasy relevance. Mitchell can do what Hill does, and then some, but will he get touches? That's yet to be determined. Mitchell is more of a dynasty stash than season-long leagues, but there may still be some meat on the bone for him in an productive offense.
Ray Davis, Buffalo - This is James Cook's backfield, but Ray Davis has done well when given an opportunity to help the offense. Consider him a decent handcuff to Cook who could also create some noise on his own.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati - In the rare occasion that Brown is available in your league, you may want to consider him an option. He has scored in five of the last six games and now Zack Moss is going to be out for multiple games with a neck injury. The Bengals made a move to trade for Khalil Herbert but this will be Brown's backfield with Herbert playing a secondary role. In his first full game as the lead back, Brown rushed for 120 yards on 27 carries with five catches for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City - Pacheco (fractured fibula) is targeting a late-November, early-December return. If he can prove to be effective, he will have a role, at minimum with Kareem Hunt, and possibly a role similar to what he had pre-injury. If you're in a. league without injured reserve, Pacheco may still be available and is worth a pickup.
Blake Corum, LA Chargers - At worst, he is a handcuff to Kyren Williams. At best, he will eventually earn more touches if Sean McVay and the Rams want to keep Williams fresh for a run at the NFC West.
Wide Receiver
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco - Jauan Jennings (hip) may be back this week. When he returns he will be the #2 wide receiver opposite Deebo Samuel Sr. due to the Brandon Aiyuk injury. He is a trusted option for Brock Purdy - let's not forget the Week 3 game against the Rams where Jennings topped 175 yards with three scores on 11 receptions. That same player is waiting to get back on the field and be a contributor to an offense that should feature a healthy Christian McCaffrey. Jennings could be available after missing the last four weeks with a hip injury. If so, he is worth a claim.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas - CeeDee Lamb is working his way through an AC sprain, which could keep him limited in the next week or two. Dallas plays a tough game at home this week vs. Philadelphia, followed by home vs Houston and then at Washington. Jalen Tolbert will be part of the offense and his utilization could increase if Lamb isn't fully healthy. He has touchdowns in two of his last four games.
Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette - Carolina. The Panthers have traded Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo in consecutive weeks, which opens the door even wider for Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette to see an increased role moving forward. Adam Thielen (hamstring) may be back this week in their trip to Germany to play the Giants, but Legette and Coker have started to carve out their role as they improve their rapport with Bryce Young. Legette has four touchdowns this year including one in each of the last two games. Coker, an undrrafted free agent, nearly scored last week and is the trendy pick to see an increase in targets as the season wears on.
Rome Odunze, Chicago - The third member of the Bears receiver trio is starting to take shape thanks to a five-catch, 104-yard effort in Week 9. Odunze could be turning a corner and might wind up being a fantasy-relevant option in the second half of the season.
Parker Washington, Jacksonville - With Christian Kirk out with a collarbone injury and Brian Thomas Jr. dealing with a chest injury, Parker Washington has taken the opportunity to insert himself into the Jaguars offense with three catches in back to back games. He might have staying power with another good performance and is worth a pickup if you're in need of a wide receiver in a deep league.
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas - The pecking order of downfield targets is Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, and Tre Tucker. Tucker has been on the field for 90% of snaps or higher since Davante Adams was traded to the NY Jets. While Meyers has benefited the most since the trade, Tucker is still an important part of the offense and he has behind-the-defense speed that could yield good results in the second half of the season.
DeMario Douglas, New England - Hunter Henry leads the Patriots in targets but Douglas has nine targets in three of the last six games and is WR28 since Week 5. With Drake Maye's arrival lifting the receiving corps, this is good news for Douglas moving forward.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay - McMillan (hamstring) may be out for a few games but there is an opportunity for him when he does return due to injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Bake Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense has performed well with or without their top wideouts and McMillan could benefit, but he needs to get healthy himself, first.
Jonathan Mingo, Dallas - The Cowboys traded for former Panthers second-round pick, Jonathan Mingo and will hope that Mingo's troubles were more associated with Carolina's offense, rather than his abilities. Don't epxect much in the near future, but there could be a scenario where he shows something in the second half of the season.
Tight End
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati - The loss of Erick All Jr. (ACL) opens the door for Mike Gesicki to see an increased role in the Bengals offense. Gesicki had five catches for 100 yards and a two scores in the Week 9 win over the Raiders. Drew Sample will also see an uptick in usage, but the targets should be more directed to Gesicki who has 12 receptions for 173 yards and two scores in his last two games.
Jake Ferguson, Dallas - Jake Ferguson quietly has five games with six receptions or more this season. He has yet to find the end zone, which may be the reason why he may be available in your league. With Cooper Rush under center in Dallas while Dak Prescott heals from a hamstring injury, Ferguson may see a modified role that benefits him more. He is currently TE14 but that could rise in the coming weeks.
Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina - The Panthers offense is starting to gel. They are locating their future role players and it appears as if Sanders is on that list. The rookie tight end has 16 receptions in his last four games averaging just over 50 yards per game in that span. He is more of a dynasty stash at this time, but he is improving every week and has cemented himself as a piece for the future.
Hunter Henry, New England - Hunter Henry leads the team in targets and receptions. In the last four games, where Drake Maye has been under center, he has 23 receptions for 234 yards and 1 touchdown. Depending on your league, he may be available on the waiver wire.
Thank you for reading. Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome. Hit me up on X, formerly Twitter.