Well folks, we’re finally here … the fantasy football postseason begins in Week 15! The excitement is palpable as teams gear up for the final stretch. With no more byes on the horizon, it’s time to make some strategic moves. You’ll have less competition when adding players off the waiver wire, as around half the teams in your league are out of the mix. So, commissioners, be sure to lock out those non-playoff teams in seasonal leagues.
But don’t fret! The waiver wire still has plenty of value, especially with several players stepping into bigger roles this past week. To help you navigate these crucial decisions, here’s a look at 10 players (and other notables) you should consider adding off the waiver wire. And remember, you can catch me and Lindsay Rhodes on Fantasy Dirt five days a week, including our deep dives into free agents every Tuesday!
Top Waiver Wire Targets for Week 15
Patrick Taylor Jr., RB, 49ers
Let me know if you’ve heard this before … the 49ers starting running back is hurt. Isaac Guerendo is the latest victim, suffering a foot injury in the fourth quarter and unable to return. This unfortunate turn of events leaves Taylor Jr. as the potential starter when the Niners host the Rams on Thursday night. The former practice squad player is set to be a hot add this week!
Tank Bigsby, RB, Jaguars
Bigsby once again took over the Jaguars backfield in Week 14, racking up 19 touches in a win over the Titans. That’s 11 more than Travis Etienne Jr., resulting in an impressive 13.2 fantasy points. In the late stages of the fantasy season, running backs with that kind of touch share are hard to find on the waiver wire, making Bigsby one of this week’s biggest adds.
Braelon Allen, RB, Jets
The Jets found themselves without Breece Hall this week due to an injured knee, allowing Allen to see 15 touches in a loss to the Dolphins. He shared the workload with Isaiah Davis, who scored a touchdown and is also worth considering off the waiver wire as long as Hall is sidelined. The Men in Green have a favorable matchup against the Jaguars defense next on the schedule.
Adam Thielen, WR, Panthers
Thielen had his second solid fantasy stat line in a row, seeing 11 targets for nine catches, 102 yards, and 19.2 fantasy points. He’s now accumulated 21 targets and scored 43.1 combined points in his last two games, coinciding with his quarterback, Bryce Young, stepping up his game. Thielen could have some flex appeal against the Cowboys.
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers
Freiermuth has been a reliable option for fantasy managers lately, scoring at least 9.9 points in all but one of his last five games. He’s also scored in each of his last two games, with an average points scored per game now over nine. In a position that can be tough to fill, Freiermuth should be on your radar if you need a tight end.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts
I was surprised to see Richardson still available in around 45 percent of leagues across major platforms. Coming off a bye week, he has favorable matchups against the Titans and Giants during the fantasy playoffs. While he faces a tough Broncos defense next, Richardson is still worth adding and stashing away.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Jets
Rodgers hasn’t had the best season, both in real and fantasy football, but he does have a promising matchup against the Jaguars next. Their defense has been one of the most vulnerable against quarterbacks, allowing 18-plus points to eight quarterbacks this season. This makes Rodgers a viable one-week starter for those managers in need.
Christian Watson, WR, Packers
Trying to figure out which Packers wide receiver will be the best fantasy option each week can feel like a guessing game. However, Watson has scored 13-plus points in two of his last four games, including two games with over 100 yards. As long as Romeo Doubs is out, Watson is at least rosterable in fantasy leagues. He faces the Seahawks next.
Sincere McCormick, RB, Raiders
McCormick might not set the fantasy world ablaze, but he appears to be the new lead back in Las Vegas. This was evident against the Buccaneers, where he saw a team-high 17 touches—15 more than Ameer Abdullah. While there’s a chance Alexander Mattison or Zamir White returns next week, McCormick is still worth an add.
Juwan Johnson, TE, Saints
With the Saints placing Taysom Hill on injured reserve last week, Johnson should see an increase in playing time moving forward. He scored a touchdown on five targets against the Giants, finishing with 15 points. While he’s more of a 12-team league option with no more byes left, Johnson is worth considering if you need help in Week 15.
As we dive into the fantasy playoffs, remember that every decision counts! Keep an eye on these players and make those strategic moves. Good luck out there!
