The fantasy postseason is heating up as we approach championship week, and for many leagues, the second round is already behind us. This means that most lineups are set, but the unpredictable nature of the NFL has opened doors for several players who may still be available in your league. With injuries piling up and surprise performances shaking things up, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve.
To navigate these final roster decisions, let’s dive into 10 players you should consider adding off the waiver wire. Remember, every point counts during this critical time, so don’t miss out on potential game-changers. And for more insights, join me and Lindsay Rhodes on Fantasy Dirt, where we break down free agents five days a week, especially on Tuesdays for a deep dive!
Key Players to Consider for Your Championship Roster
Kendre Miller, RB, Saints (ESPN – 47.1%; Sleeper – 49%; Yahoo! – 46%)
Miller has emerged as a hot pick off the waiver wire, yet he remains a free agent in over 50% of leagues. With reports indicating that Alvin Kamara might be sidelined for the rest of the season, Miller is poised for a significant increase in touches. Facing the Raiders in Week 17, he could offer valuable flex potential for your lineup.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (ESPN – 48.2%; Sleeper – 57%; Yahoo! – 56%)
Coming off a career-best performance, Spears scored two touchdowns and racked up 27.2 points in Week 15. He followed that up with another strong showing against the Colts, where he notched three catches for 66 yards and two more touchdowns, totaling 21.6 points. With increased touches and a favorable matchup, Spears is a solid flex option.
Trey Benson, RB, Cardinals (ESPN – 18%; Sleeper – 24%; Yahoo! – 18%)
With James Conner nursing a knee injury, Benson’s status is crucial for Week 17. Although he was inactive against the Panthers, he could step up if Conner is unable to play. If both are out, don’t overlook veteran Michael Carter as a potential add for your playoff push.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Buccaneers (ESPN – 33.1%; Sleeper – 50%; Yahoo! – 45%)
McMillan has been on fire lately, scoring 16.7 points in a loss to the Cowboys with 57 yards and a touchdown. Over the last three games, he has accumulated 20 targets, proving he’s a reliable option. Expect him to be a viable flex starter against the Panthers in Week 17.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts (ESPN – 53%; Sleeper – 58%; Yahoo! – 59%)
Richardson had a standout performance this weekend, throwing for 131 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 70 yards and another score, totaling 20.2 points. With two 20-plus point games in his last three outings, he’s a strong candidate for your championship roster, especially with the Giants on the horizon.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Raiders (ESPN – 47.7%; Sleeper – 56%; Yahoo! – 48%)
Mattison has reclaimed the lead role in the Raiders’ backfield after injuries sidelined both Zamir White and Sincere McCormick. He led the team with 15 touches and scored a touchdown last week. With a matchup against the Saints coming up, both he and Ameer Abdullah could provide flex starter appeal.
Dalton Schultz, TE, Texans (ESPN – 44.2%; Sleeper – 56%; Yahoo! – 56%)
After a rocky start to the season, Schultz has found his groove, scoring a touchdown and over 15 points in two of his last three games. With Tank Dell out for the season, he’s likely to see an increase in targets. He’s a tight end worth considering, especially with the Ravens on the schedule for Christmas Day.
Hollywood Brown, WR, Chiefs (ESPN – 29%; Sleeper – 34%; Yahoo! – 33%)
In his debut with the Chiefs, Brown caught five passes for 45 yards and 9.5 fantasy points. Although he played limited snaps, his involvement was notable, as he saw a target on nearly 50% of his plays. Expect his role to expand as he faces the Steelers on Christmas Day.
Patrick Taylor Jr., RB, 49ers (ESPN – 32.9%; Sleeper – 53%; Yahoo! – 47%)
While Taylor didn’t have a standout performance against the Dolphins, he’s a player you can’t ignore in a Shanahan offense. If Isaac Guerendo remains sidelined, Taylor could be a valuable addition to your roster, not just for your team but to block your competitors in the championship week.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Titans (ESPN – 6.4%; Sleeper – 9%; Yahoo! – 6%)
Let’s talk about “Chig”! Okonkwo has exploded in the last two weeks, scoring a whopping 33 fantasy points on 21 targets. This is a significant uptick, considering he hadn’t seen more than six targets in his first 13 games. If this trend continues, he could be a valuable asset as you head into the fantasy championship week, with the Jaguars on deck.
As we gear up for the final stretch of the fantasy season, remember that every decision counts. Keep an eye on the waiver wire, and don’t hesitate to make those crucial adds that could lead you to victory. Good luck, and may your championship dreams come true!
