The week is nearly wrapped up, and of course there were another round of injuries and surprising performances. As a result, fantasy managers will be on the lookout for wavier wire additions and replacement options for those injured over the weekend or just to bolster their lineup moving forward. Here are a few players to consider adding via the waiver wire this week. And also be sure to check out our full waiver wire article for the week.
The week is nearly wrapped up, and of course there were another round of injuries and surprising performances. As a result, fantasy managers will be on the lookout for wavier wire additions and replacement options for those injured over the weekend or just to bolster their lineup moving forward. Here are a few players to consider adding via the waiver wire this week. And also be sure to check out our full waiver wire article for the week.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets
D’Onta Foreman (RB – CHI): 38% rostered
- Next Opponents: @CLE, ARI, ATL
- True value: $13
- Desperate need: $20
- Budget-minded: $6
Analysis: Among the three healthy RBs the Bears now have, the elder statesman Foreman was the clear workhorse in the team’s Week 14 win over Detroit. He garnered 13 touches on the day to Khalil Herbert‘s three and rookie Roschon Johnson‘s one. This split was both a surprise and an affront to those of us who guessed Chicago would give Johnson more chances down the stretch, especially in Foreman’s first game back from injury. The Bears love to run the ball and are quite good at it. The former 2,000-yard rusher at the University of Texas is worth an add where available.
Jerick McKinnon (RB – KC): 41% rostered
- Next Opponents: @NE, LV, CIN
- True value: $9
- Desperate need: $14
- Budget-minded: $4
Analysis: While many fantasy managers flocked to the waiver wire to add Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Isiah Pacheco injury news meant only one Chiefs RB would be on my radar. McKinnon found the end zone on Sunday against Buffalo, giving him 12.70 PPR points. That was nearly four more points than CEH, even though McKinnon earned only seven touches to the younger back’s 13. Pacheco is iffy for next week in New England, so fight that RB attrition with a trusted figure playing alongside Patrick Mahomes.
Noah Brown (WR – HOU): 49% rostered
- Next Opponents: @TEN, CLE, TEN
- True value: $3
- Desperate need: $6
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: Brown has not resembled the same player we fell in love with in Weeks 9-10 since his return from injury. Over the last two weeks, he has only drawn a 12.5% target share and has had zero receptions. The recommended bids here reflect the idea that we are buying into a C.J. Stroud-led offense for Week 15, but that might not be the case. Stroud left last week’s game with a head injury. We’ll have to monitor reports this week to see if Stroud will play or if we must endure the Davis Mills show in Week 15. Even Mills could deliver catchable targets to Brown, at least at a sufficient enough level for him to cook the Titans’ secondary. Brown could return WR3/flex value in Week 15. Since Week 8, Tennessee has given up the second-most receiving yards per game and the fourth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers. Brown also has a date with Tennessee in Week 17.
Jake Browning (QB – CIN): 27% rostered
- Next Opponents: MIN, @PIT, @KC
- True value: $4
- Desperate need: $7
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: What more do you need to see? The most decorated high school quarterback and winningest QB in Pac-12 history is also highly successful in the NFL. Browning was sharp again in Week 14 and has now scored 52.36 fantasy points in his last two starts. For at least one more week – a date with the Vikings – he remains a viable streamer with both a stable floor and QB1 ceiling.
Successful In-Season Fantasy Football Management
Once your fantasy football team is drafted, the work is not over. Successful in-season management is crucial to a winning fantasy football season. Here are some tips to help you manage your team effectively throughout the season:
Stay up to date on player news
Keep track of player injuries, suspensions, and other news that may impact their performance. This will help you make informed decisions about which players to start each week.
Monitor the waiver wire
Keep an eye on the waiver wire and be ready to pick up players who may be undervalued or overlooked by other teams. This can provide valuable depth to your roster. Use our waiver wire assistant to view optimal lineups, waiver and trade suggestions, and league analysis.
Analyze matchups
Analyze the upcoming matchups for your players and opponents to determine which players to start in your lineup each week. Look for favorable matchups and take into account the strength of the opposing team’s defense.
Stay active in trades
Be open to trading players with other teams if it will benefit your team. Analyze the potential impact of a trade before making a decision and negotiate with other teams to find a mutually beneficial agreement.
Be prepared for bye weeks
Plan ahead for bye weeks by having backup players ready to fill in for your starters. Avoid having too many players with the same bye week, which can leave your team short-handed.
Don’t overreact to one bad week
Avoid overreacting to one bad week of performance by a player. Take a long-term view of their performance and evaluate their potential moving forward.
Continuously evaluate your roster
Continuously evaluate your roster throughout the season and make adjustments as needed. Be willing to drop underperforming players or make changes to your lineup if necessary.
