The fantasy playoffs are still churning. Did you make it into the next round?
Hopefully you survived and your stress level can subside for a few days before it picks back up all over again…
If you are one of the lucky few to survive, you may be in need of a replacement at quarterback for this week. Or maybe you have Melvin Gordon, James Conner or Austin Ekeler and need a replacement at running back…
This week’s waiver wire is crucial if you’re needing a spot-start, so let’s dive right in and take a look at who could be the great pickups of the week.
Quarterback
Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
It’s been easy to make fun of the Raiders so far this season. They’ve traded away two dynamic players that have taken off in other cities and they have essentially no one who’s noteworthy on their offense…but somehow, over the past two weeks, the offense has played quite well.
Derek Carr has thrown for 607 yards and 5 touchdowns over his last two games, while throwing 0 interceptions.
And now he gets to take on the Cincinnati Bengals, who are an atrocious defense against the pass. If you need a streamer for quarterback this week, Carr is only 19% owned and can be easily picked up and started with confidence.
Running Back
Kenneth Dixon, Baltimore Ravens
I have been a fan of Kenneth Dixon since he came out in the draft. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to stay on the field long enough for him to turn into a solid fantasy contributor.
This time though, it seems to be happening.
With the Ravens being committed to running the ball with Lamar Jackson the running backs in Baltimore have found some success.
Undrafted rookie Gus Edwards has caught fire recently, but it’s been the increased workload given to Kenneth Dixon that’s caught my eye. And it appears that it’s going to continue to increase…
Kenneth Dixon's 'role to grow going forward' https://t.co/LfphrQ4Vpn'
— Rotoworld Football (@Rotoworld_FB) December 10, 2018
He’s an intriguing play this week for the fantasy playoffs as the Ravens take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have given up the 5th most points to fantasy running backs this season.
He was given a solid workload last week and delivered by rushing for 59 yards on 8 carries and scoring a touchdown. Plus, he caught one pass for 21 yards in the game as well. If he is indeed given the predominant role in this backfield, he could deliver in a big way on Sunday.
I would not play him ahead of guys with solidified roles though! This is only in the event that you have guys like Conner, Ekeler, etc. who might miss this week.
Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers
Right now, it’s looking likely that Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon miss Thursday’s game against the Chiefs.
That leaves rookie running back Justin Jackson as the heir apparent.
Jackson showed burst in the game against the Steelers two weeks ago, but struggled against the Bengals Sunday.
The reason that I’m confident in starting Jackson if I don’t have many other options is because I project this game to be a shootout and there will be opportunities for him to score.
But the same goes for Jackson as mentioned above with Dixon…I’m not starting Jackson if I have other solidified options. If you need him though, he’s 54% owned in Yahoo leagues and should be your top waiver claim.
Wide Receiver
DaeSean Hamilton, Denver Broncos
In the wake of the Achilles injury to Emmanuel Sanders, DaeSean Hamilton stepped up in Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
Hamilton finished with a 7-47-1 stat line, which was solid production in PPR formats.
.@SkeeterMills__ is IN for the @Broncos TD!
📺: CBS #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/73ZbRhTaHb
— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2018
This week, the Broncos go up against the Browns who should be able to shut down Phillip Lindsay and the ground game of the Broncos, forcing them to attack the secondary.
Denzel Ward will be matched up on Courtland Sutton, which will leave Hamilton in the slot against the Browns other corners like Terrance Mitchell. In the game against the 49ers, he showed quickness, incredibly strong hands and developing chemistry with quarterback Case Keenum.
If you’re in any sort of PPR format, and you need a wide receiver for this week, Hamilton is worth a pick up and start.
Tight End
C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati Bengals
This is not a pickup that I’m particularly excited about…however, if you’ve been playing the guessing game of tight end production this year you may have no other choice.
Uzomah has posted at least 3 catches in his last 5 games and he gets to take on the Oakland Raiders defense who is currently allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
If you are in need of a streaming tight end this week, Uzomah is your best bet. And at only 29% owned, you have a great shot of getting him.
Defense/Special Teams
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons defense has been decimated by injury this season and therefore, they’ve been atrocious for fantasy purposes.
However, nothing can cure that atrocity like the Arizona Cardinals’ offense.
Josh Rosen and the Cardinals can not put together anything on offense that should make you nervous about rolling out this defense in the fantasy playoffs. It’s bold, but it will most likely pay off.
There are your waiver wire pickups for the week! Make sure to pay attention for upcoming articles in the off-season, such as players that could be on the move to different teams, incoming rookie breakdowns and much more!
And, as always, feel free to reach out on Twitter @KyleYNFL
