Beat the Waiver Wire: Week 15

There are no more bye weeks, and we are in the fantasy playoffs! Fantasy managers should approach waivers differently now - your first consideration is to win this week, not stash for next week. With no guarantees, target first those players who will help you win now.

Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. Keep in mind that your roster can constantly improve, and even if you don't need a player on your roster, you still want to prevent them from being picked up by another manager. 

Good luck out there!

Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers

In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.

QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (65% rostered on Sleeper)

Once again, if you have gotten to the playoffs, chances are you will be dancing with the guy who brought you, so quarterback-wise, these suggestions are bench stashes for depth and deeper leagues. Williams had a slight down week against the Niners but has been steadily improving since the switch of head coach. Chicago plays Minnesota in Week 15, and the best way to attack the Vikings is through the air. He could pleasantly surprise.

Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (14% rostered on Sleeper)

The Panthers came so close to an upset in Philadelphia, and Young looks like a different player over the past few weeks. Adam Thielen has become a solid WR1, and we might expect even more offense through the air with all of the running back injuries on the team. Carolina hosts Dallas in Week 15 and heads to Tampa Bay in Championship week. The Bucs matchup is intriguing since, depending on what quarterback got you that far, their team might be in a position to rest them a bit and monitor their snap count. The Bucs give up, on average, over four fantasy points over expectation to opposing quarterbacks.

Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Bo Nix (70%), Cooper Rush (11%)

Beat the Waiver Wire: Running Backs

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins (13% rostered on Sleeper)

De'Von Achane left Sunday's game briefly after a hard hit and was evaluated for a concussion, and Raheem Mostert didn't even suit up due to injury, opening the door for rookie Jaylen Wright to contribute at the end of the season. Whoever the running backs are in Miami, they get usage in McDaniel's offense, and even though the fantasy playoff matchups aren't incredible, the Dolphins do host San Francisco in Week 16, a team that has been giving up the seventh most fantasy points to opposing running backs over their past three games.

Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos (16% rostered on Sleeper)

Denver was on a bye in Week 14, so some managers would have dropped McLaughlin, but he is an intriguing option. Averaging just over a 50% rush share over the past two games, he gets the Indianapolis Colts this week. They allow the ninth most fantasy points to opposing RBs.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints (13% rostered on Sleeper)

I mentioned Miller last week, and he crawled out of Dennis Allen's doghouse on Sunday to ten carries for 32 yards and a touchdown. The efficiency wasn't spectacular, but he solidified his position as the RB2 behind Alvin Kamara. Miller's value would skyrocket if Kamara went down or the team decided to scale back his usage. In addition, with the Derek Carr injury, I anticipate New Orleans will focus on the run with a backup quarterback under center.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7% rostered on Sleeper)

With Bucky Irving nursing a back injury that led him to leave the game last weekend, it became the Rachaad White show. Tucker didn't make much of an impact with three carries for 47 yards, but he will slide into the RB2 position if Irving remains out. The Bucs have a fantastic playoff schedule for running backs, with a matchup in championship week against Carolina who gives up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Sincere McCormick (39%)

Beat the Waiver Wire: Wide Receivers

Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs (23% rostered on Sleeper)

When Brown was injured early in the year, fantasy managers assumed they would not have him available in the fantasy season. While this still may be true, some signs point to an earlier return - it has been reported that he could play as early as Week 16. If this is true, it would be scary to start a player who hasn't seen the field all year, but he is one of those players that you just don't want your opponent to have.

Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Adam Thielen (74%) 

Beat the Waiver Wire: Tight Ends

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (62% rostered on Sleeper)

The Commanders had a Week 14 bye, so Ertz might be on waivers in your league. He is currently the TE10 and a dependable option for Jayden Daniels. The matchups aren't great, but Ertz has scored at least ten fantasy points in five of the last seven games - he has a solid floor if you are looking for options.

Stone Smartt, Los Angeles Chargers (2% rostered on Sleeper)

Will Dissly was injured on the first half's final play Sunday night and did not return to the game with a shoulder issue. Next in line was Smartt, who caught all three of his targets for 54 yards. If Ladd McConkey continues to be sidelined, Smartt will see even more opportunities. The Chargers have two great matchups for their tight end in the fantasy playoffs - in Week 15, they play Tampa Bay and then head to New England in Championship week.

Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Hunter Henry (50%)

Beat the Waiver Wire: Defense/Special Teams

Washington Commanders (59% rostered on Sleeper)

The Commanders defense is set up to have a nice day this week, facing a New Orleans Saints team just trying to stop the bleeding after the loss of quarterback Derek Carr. Whether it is Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler, expect a solid matchup for Washington, who should be well-rested after their bye week. Marshon Lattimore looks to make his debut finally.

Atlanta Falcons (25% rostered on Sleeper)

Atlanta heads to Las Vegas to take on a Raiders team in the running for the first pick in the NFL draft. Aidan O'Connell has a bone bruise and may or may not play. If he does play, he won't be at full strength; if he doesn't, you are looking at Desmond Ridder. Either way, Las Vegas has given up the third-highest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Indianapolis Colts (13% rostered on Sleeper)

All you need to know is that in Week 16, the Colts take on Will Levis and the Titans, and in Week 17, they play the New York Giants. Delightful matchups for a defense.

Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Denver Broncos (73%)

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