Waiver Adds, Avoids, and Dynasty Targets - Week 16
Waiver Players You Should Trust:
Saints RB Kendre Miller
The true handcuff to Alvin Kamara, and is starting to get some work in that ‘replace Taysom’ role. AK is questionable for their game this week and if he’s out Miller is an RB1. In an ideal world (for Kendre) AK is out and Derek Carr is back in. Even if you don’t need Kendre, I’d still put in a claim just so your opponent can’t grab him.
Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan
It’s playoff time and if you’re going to take a Hail Mary, or you have someone like DK, Deebo, etc… big name players that haven’t performed for weeks, McMillan has been scoring touchdowns, and that’s more than you can say for a lot of these guys. These players are tough to bench but you need to get real with yourself and ride the hot hand. McMillan is averaging 4.5 catches, 67 yards, and 1.5 TDs, on 6.5 targets in the last two games.
Browns RB Jerome Ford
Nick Chubb went down again and Ford filled in nicely for him last year, and he’s primed to get a lot of touches. That’s good for FF. Unfortunately the RB position in Cleveland this year hasn’t meant anything for fantasy, Cleveland’s O-line has been a train wreck all season and DTR is another wrench in the offensive game plan. Is this PPR gold or fool's gold?
Jaguars TE Brenton Strange
The TE position has been tough this year, so if you’re needy, you can’t ignore his 12 targets and 11 receptions this week. Fantasy finally got interesting and fun in the last few weeks, so it’s almost engrained in us not to take risks this season.
Lions WR Tim Patrick
Just like Jalen McMillan, Tim Patrick is going from a distrust to a trust this week, and it’s for all the same reasons. Jared Goff is trying to find his way to an MVP and with David Montgomery going down, they will need to throw more… and they need new ways to find the endzone in short-yardage situations, Tim Patrick is gigantic and a good red zone target. Patrick is averaging 5 catches, 36.5 yards, 1.5 TDs on 7 targets in the last two weeks.
Waiver Players You Should DISTRUST:
Saints TE Foster Moreau
Moreau had a pretty nice game for a TE that elevated him thanks to a touchdown. Moreau will either have Spencer Rattler (not good) at QB, or Derek Carr, who prefers to throw to Juwan Johnson.
Seahawks QB Sam Howell
Sam Howell looked awful in this game and may need to fill in for Geno in the next few weeks. Howell started the season hot last year which everyone will talk about, conveniently forgetting about the collapse he had. If I had to compare Howell to someone more publicly known, I’d probably go with a Zach Wilson who throws check-downs a little more often.
Panthers WR Jalen Coker
Coker is a great wide receiver, already one of the best route runners in the NFL, but the issue is he has Bryce Young throwing to him. Young was starting to play decently and moving the ball well, but the Cowboys defense finally got pressure on him, and everything Young was working on crumbled. His confidence has to be shaken after this game. Coker had an early/fluky 83-yard TD on broken coverage and barely saw any targets after that.
Deep League/Dynasty Targets:
Cowboys QB Cooper Rush
Rush has 8 TDs in his last 4 games, and is facing Tampa Bay this week.
Patriots QB Drake Maye
If your QBs are really dreadful, Maye has been fairly consistent this year, and there’s always the hope that he runs for a TD.
Broncos WR Marvin Mims
Mims is a homerun shot similar to Christian Watson or the old MVS, if you’re desperate for a boom or bust Mims is your guy.
D/ST Streamers:
Colts D/ST
The juicy part of the schedule that I’ve discussed has finally come, the Colts face TEN, NYG, and JAX to close out the season
Falcons D/ST
Facing the Giants
Packers D/ST
If Rattler is starting for New Orleans, this is gold. Against Carr this works, but Rattler is the one you really want to target.
image source: (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)