Fantasy football is about adapting to change and creating the best possible team through trading, waiver wire pickups, and starting the right guys at the right time. I am a massive proponent of using the waiver wire in a way that gives your team the ability to improve without sacrificing your best players in a big trade. Through the year, after every single week I will be telling you, by position, the players I feel deserve to be picked up on your rosters. The way I judge a player to be on “waivers” is based on the percentage in which they are available across every ESPN league. In order to be considered on the waiver wire, the player must have a 50% or less ownership percentage according to ESPN data. I will be striving to find the most unique values that will offer you an advantage over your opponents who may not even know that player exists. So strap in and get ready for your team to get better.
Running backs:
Tyler Allgeier (39% owned):
Allgeier has had a very productive year as a rookie with 817 yards and three total touchdowns despite splitting carries on a weekly basis. Allgeier has done all of that on an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. Additionally, he had his first true breakout game against New Orleans two weeks ago when he amassed 139 rushing yards on just 17 carries to go with a rushing touchdown. Allgeier had 18 carries for 74 yards last week and if your team is in need, Allgeier could get you your championship ring.
Gus Edwards (31% owned):
The Gus Bus has been limited by injuries all year but he has been very efficient when he has played as shown by his 5.2 yards per carry. Last week he actually had just nine carries for 99 yards. Although the volume may not be there, the run game has been stellar for the Ravens as per usual and I would start Edwards if you have no other options. He is efficient and has the upside for double digit points which is rare for a waiver wire running back pickup at this point in the year.
Wide Receivers:
Jahan Dotson (30% owned):
Dotson has really come on as of late and is showing why he was a high first round pick. He has 6+ targets in each of the last three games and 54+ yards in each of those games as well. Not to mention he has THREE touchdowns over that span which is incredible for a rookie wide receiver. He plays the Cleveland Browns this week who have not been anything special defensively and I would expect him to put up reliable numbers once again. He is someone I am confident in starting in my flex spot if need be.
DJ Chark (31% owned):
In three out of the last four games, Chark has 94+ yards on five or more targets per game. His one bad game was against Sauce Gardner and the vaunted Jets defense so I would not hold that against Chark as no receiver has done much against the Jets secondary this year. Chicago has a notably terrible defense ravaged by injury and I am firing Chark up in every league I can because he has WR2 upside if not higher given the amazing matchup.
Tight End:
Tyler Conklin (36% owned):
While Conklin has struggled with drops at times this year, Mike White being back under center certainly will help Conklin get the targets he needs to produce. He is very athletic and has been a safety net for White during his starts this season. Tight end is as shallow as ever and the waiver wire is no different so I wouldn’t expect elite production but he could offer you a few points which could be the difference in your championship game.
As this is my last waiver wire article of the season, I hope you enjoyed reading my articles and I hope you guys all win your championship games!