As the fantasy football landscape evolves, waiver-wire pickups become increasingly crucial, especially with the playoffs looming. Each week brings new possibilities, particularly for players entering starting roles due to injuries or team changes.
This week, significant injuries include Daniel Jones, whose season has ended due to an Achilles injury. Other notable injuries are to Cedric Tillman (concussion), Zach Ertz (ACL, season-ending), and Darnell Washington (concussion). This opens avenues for new prospects, especially in positions lacking depth.
Top 10 Waiver Wire Pickups
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Commanders)
- Bam Knight (Cardinals)
- Blake Corum (Rams)
- Luther Burden III (Bears)
- Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns)
- Jayden Reed (Packers)
- Colston Loveland (Bears)
- Isaiah Likely (Ravens)
- Devin Singletary (Giants)
- Jalen Coker (Panthers)
Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) is available in 70% of leagues and had an encouraging performance last week, marked by three touchdowns against the Commanders. He may still improve as he continues to gain experience in his rookie season. The Vikings’ next matchup against the Cowboys, who allow the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, could present another opportunity for McCarthy to shine.
Other options include:
- Risky streamers like Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud
- Desperation choices such as Justin Fields if he returns or Kenny Pickett who remains unrostered.
Running Backs
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Commanders), who is rostered in only 37% of leagues, should be picked up, especially with his team facing the Giants, who have yielded substantial fantasy points to running backs recently. He may not win your league but offers solid depth.
Bam Knight (Cardinals) looks promising, coming off a strong stretch of performances. With Trey Benson sidelined, Knight has solidified himself as an essential pick.
Blake Corum (Rams) continues to show promise, scoring consistently over the past weeks, and should be rostered.
Devin Singletary (Giants) is worth a look given his recent performance, especially with favorable upcoming matchups.
Wide Receivers
Luther Burden III (Bears) has emerged as a leading target with recent injuries impacting his team, making him a valuable WR3/flex option.
Jayden Reed (Packers) has seen increased utilization, making him a potential candidate for deeper leagues.
Jalen Coker (Panthers), despite being rostered in only 4% of leagues, has shown flashes of being a reliable receiver and could be a valuable asset moving forward.
Tight Ends
Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns) is becoming a top option for tight end positions, especially after a breakout game last week. If starting tight end David Njoku misses time, Fannin could be a top-10 option for the rest of the season.
Colston Loveland (Bears) and Isaiah Likely (Ravens) are also emerging as viable tight-end pickups, particularly with favorable matchups in the coming weeks.
Defenses and Kickers
Defenses like the Jaguars and 49ers have favorable matchups ahead, making them potential streamers.
Kickers to consider include Eddy Pineiro and Cairo Santos, both available in many leagues and set to perform well based on their recent outings.
Conclusion
Amid significant injuries shaking up the league, savvy fantasy managers have opportunities for impactful waiver-wire pickups. As the season progresses, staying proactive with these additions could make all the difference in playoff success.
