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.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets

Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN): 44% rostered

• Next Opponents: HOU, SEA, @HOU
• True value: $5
• Desperate need: $9
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Derrick Henry must be an alien incapable of being concussed. Henry did not return to the game after taking a hellacious hit in Week 13, paving the way for Spears to flash his incredible skills in the open field. December is normally when King Henry becomes an unrelenting nightmare for defenders with cold bones, but the rookie from Tulane has earned an opportunity to seize a bigger role. The Titans have this generation’s Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs if they choose to run a “thunder and lightning” tandem.

Curtis Samuel (WR – WAS): 35% rostered

• Next Opponents: @LAR, @NYJ, SF
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: If you are plucking Samuel from the waiver wire, it’s with an eye toward flexing him this week. His remaining matchups after Week 15 are not pretty. Since Week 12, Samuels has logged a 25.4% target share and a 23.9% first-read share while churning out 3.17 yards per route run and 82.5 receiving yards per game. With Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson dealing with the Rams’ talented outside corners, Samuel should lead the team in receiving again in Week 15. Since Week 8, Los Angeles has ranked 15th in PPR points per target allowed to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).

Gardner Minshew (QB – IND): 28% rostered

• Next Opponents: PIT, @ATL, LV
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: By now, everyone understands the level of desperation for fantasy managers who have somehow made the playoffs despite so many QB injuries. Minshew is far from a sexy pick, but he’s certainly better than Bailey Zappe. The Patriots’ signal caller just cracked the Steelers open for 20 fantasy points last Thursday night, offering hope that the previously stout defense has exploitable weaknesses for Minshew in Week 15. He’s also a solid option against Atlanta in the fantasy semifinals.

Logan Thomas (TE – WAS): 43% rostered

• Next Opponents: @LAR, @NYJ, SF
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Thomas has a beautiful matchup on deck for Week 15. The Rams have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game and are tied for the third-most receiving touchdowns per game allowed to tight ends. Thomas has flashed a sizable ceiling this season when the matchup is right. He has three games this season with at least four receptions and 50 receiving yards. Thomas could easily finish as a top-eight TE option this week against the Rams’ pass-funnel and TE-funnel defense.

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.