The week is nearly wrapped up, and of course there were another round of injuries and surprising performances. As a result, fantasy football 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 fantasy football waiver wire this week. And also be sure to check out all of our full fantasy football waiver wire advice 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 football 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 fantasy football waiver wire this week. And also be sure to check out all of our full fantasy football waiver wire advice for the week.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups to Target
Adonai Mitchell (IND): 6% rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYJ, DET, @NE
- True value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Mitchell played well in his first game as a full-time receiver in the Colts’ offense. With Michael Pittman Jr. sidelined, Mitchell played 94% of the offensive snaps, finishing with a 17.1% target share and 71 scoreless receiving yards. He’s worth a pickup this week with an eye toward flexing him against the Lions or Patriots. Detroit has allowed the ninth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers (per Fantasy Points Data). New England checks in with the 13th-most receiving yards per game allowed to boundary receivers.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO): 1% rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, BYE, LAR
- True value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Valdes-Scantling made the most of his 12% target share and 57% snap rate in Week 10. He popped off with a vintage Valdes-Scantling boxscore, with three receptions for 109 receiving yards and two scores. He should be a starter in New Orleans moving forward with the Saints’ depleted WR depth chart. I wouldn’t go overboard with bids this week for Valdes-Scantling, but he does have nice matchups in his next two games, considering his skill set. The Browns and Rams have respectively allowed the fourth-most and sixth-most deep receiving yards this season (per Fantasy Points Data).
Drake Maye (NE): 13% rostered
- Next Opponents: LAR, @MIA, IND
- True value: $4
- Desperate Need: $7
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: The pattern is clear on when to stream talented rookie Drake Maye. He struggled against elite pass defenses like the Bears and Jets, but was a fantasy revelation against malleable units like Houston and Jacksonville. The Rams are certainly not elite in the back end, so fire up the Patriots’ top draft pick this week. His rushing ability provides both a safe floor and exciting ceiling, while his gunslinger mentality on the field lends even more to the latter.
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.
