The fantasy football playoffs are right around the corner, and the smallest edge could be the difference between winning your league and watching from the sidelines. If you still have money in your Free Agent Auction Budget (FAAB) or an empty spot on your bench, consider targeting these three players:
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
The veteran wide receiver is peaking at the right time after missing much of the season with a hamstring injury. Over the last two weeks, Adam Thielen has caught 17 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown on a combined 21 targets. Thielen might be available if your leaguemates were concerned about his injury or the overall competency of the Carolina Panthers offense. However, a revitalized Bryce Young at QB has upped his game after getting benched early in the season, and Thielen has been his top target working out of the slot and eating up target share. At this volume and production, you can confidently plug and play Adam Thielen into your starting lineup against a shaky Dallas Cowboys defense.
Ray-Ray McCloud III, Atlanta Falcons
For all the concerns lately about Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, their No. 3 receiver is having the best stretch of his season. McCloud topped 90 receiving yards for the second straight game in Week 14 and commanded a season-high 11 targets. McCloud has a knack for finding the soft spot of the zone or just getting lost by the defense. While he has not had much big-game potential, McCloud has been a quietly consistent performer, averaging 9.1 points in PPR leagues and 13.3 PPR points over the last month. McCloud will look to keep it going in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Grant Calcaterra, Philadelphia Eagles
Calcaterra is likely available right now in even the deepest of leagues. The 26-year-old backup tight end started in place of the injured Dallas Goedert, was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, and may be done for the rest of the regular season. In Week 14, Calcaterra had three receptions on three targets for 16 yards and the game-winning touchdown. It is likely that Calcaterra’s fantasy production will be touchdown-dependent, but he should continue to see increased opportunity for the remainder of the season. If you want to take a flier on a potential breakout tight end, now might be the perfect time. If Calcaterra goes for five catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns next week, he will be on top of everyone’s waiver priority next week. Adding Calcaterra now could pay dividends later.
To see how Adam Thielen and the rest of these players stack up against other potential wire waiver additions, check out the full Waiver Wire Report from Footballguys.
