Week 15 waiver wire roundup
An update on the latest injuries and the waiver wire options that could help you get by.
🤕 Pain index
🚫 Nope: Derek Carr (hand, concussion)
🏴☠️ Not bloody likely: Jonathon Brooks (knee), Aidan O'Connell (knee), George Pickens (hamstring)
🫤 Looking iffy: Romeo Doubs (concussion), Isaac Guerendo (foot), Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), Kenneth Walker III (calf)
🙏 Cautiously optimistic: Rashod Bateman (knee), Tyler Higbee (knee), Will Levis (shoulder)
✅ Looking good: Justin Herbert (leg)
Note: The above are estimates based on the latest news and injury reports. Always double-check your own rosters before Sunday kickoff!
🎯 Waiver wire targets
Percentages reflect how many teams have that player rostered in Yahoo! Sports fantasy leagues.
Teams on a bye this week: None!
Quarterback
Top QB options: Drake Maye (13%), Jameis Winston (34%),
Running Back
Sincere McCormick (16%) seems to have emerged as the top backfield option for the Raiders following the injuries to Zamir White and Alexander Mattison. He toted the ball 15 times for 78 yards and added a couple of receptions. “McCormick was a two-time Conference USA offensive player of the year at the collegiate level and he rushed for nearly 4,000 yards over three seasons at UTSA, so it’s not as if he arrived in the league without a compelling resume,” Yahoo’s Andy Behrens reminds us. … Just another plug for Tank Bigsby (46%), who led the Jags with 19 touches and managed his team’s only touchdown while battling for 62 yards. In games where he’s had at least 10 touches, Bigsby is averaging over 16 fantasy points per game this season. … Do you really want any 49ers running back at this point? However, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t mention that if Isaac Guerendo, who suffered a sprained foot in Week 14, doesn’t play, Patrick Taylor Jr. (6%) is the next man up.
Other RBs to consider: Isaiah Davis (11%), Jaleel McLaughlin (13%)
Wide Receiver
Jalen McMillan (5%) led the Bucs in targets in Week 14, and he turned his seven looks into 59 yards and two touchdowns. It was a break-out performance by the third-round 2024 NFL pick, which should put him on the radar in deep leagues should you need a spark this fantasy postseason … I highlighted Adam Thielen (54%) in both of last week’s posts, first as a waiver pickup and then to tell you not to start him in Week 14 given his brutal matchup with the Eagles. Well, he was kept out of the endzone but still hauled in nine passes for 102 yards, so I guess the 34-year-old version of Adam Thielen is matchup-proof now. Go figure. He’s still available in plenty of leagues for those in need.
Other WRs to consider: Quentin Johnston (40%), Xavier Legette (28%), Cedric Tillman (34%),
Tight End
Top TE options: Zach Ertz (44%), Hunter Henry (40%), Juwan Johnson (10%),
Initial Week 15 player rankings
Each week, I’ll add a link to the rankings here once they’re up (typically on Wednesday). Or, bookmark this link and check back there.
