The fantasy football playoffs have arrived, and with no more bye weeks to manage, this is a crucial time to ensure your team is in the best shape possible. Players still on the waiver wire can be pivotal for success, and picking them up could help carry your team toward a championship. Below are some key players to consider for your roster, all of whom are rostered in less than 60% of NFL.com leagues, making them available options for playoff fantasy squads.
At quarterback, Anthony Richardson of the Colts (44% rostered) is a high-risk, high-reward option. While he faces a tough Broncos defense in Week 15, he’s averaged 20.7 fantasy points per game since returning as the starter. Aaron Rodgers (27% rostered), coming off a season-high 339-yard game, has a favorable matchup against the Jaguars in Week 15, making him a solid streaming option. Jameis Winston (11% rostered) has been inconsistent, but with favorable matchups against the Chiefs and Bengals, he could be a gamble worth taking.
In the backfield, Zach Charbonnet (53% rostered) is coming off a huge Week 14 performance, rushing for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Though his role could diminish if Kenneth Walker III returns, Charbonnet is worth stashing, particularly for Walker owners. Braelon Allen (32% rostered) and Isaiah Davis (0.6% rostered) of the Jets are both on the radar if Breece Hall remains sidelined. They split snaps in Week 14 and face a favorable matchup against the Jaguars. Tank Bigsby (20% rostered) of the Jaguars saw increased usage in Week 14, and with a rushing workload, he’s a decent flex option in deeper leagues. Jaleel McLaughlin (3% rostered) of the Broncos is another potential target, as he led the backfield with 14 carries before the bye.
Wide receivers Adam Thielen (36% rostered) and Quentin Johnston (15% rostered) are strong options. Thielen has posted back-to-back games with over 19 fantasy points and faces favorable matchups, while Johnston is starting to show flashes of his potential. Ray-Ray McCloud (2% rostered) has quietly been productive for the Falcons, making him a deep-league flex option.
At tight end, Zach Ertz (48% rostered) has been a consistent producer for Washington, while Hunter Henry (34% rostered) has been a reliable option for the Patriots. Juwan Johnson (2% rostered) of the Saints could see more opportunities with Taysom Hill injured, making him a speculative add.
For defenses, the Cincinnati Bengals (40% rostered) face a Titans team that has been generous to fantasy defenses, while the Baltimore Ravens (36% rostered) face the struggling Giants, making them a prime streaming option. The New York Jets (21% rostered) could also be a strong play against a Jaguars team struggling in recent weeks. Lastly, the Atlanta Falcons (5% rostered) offer value in the upcoming matchups against the Raiders and Giants, two of the weakest offenses in fantasy football.
These players could be pivotal for your fantasy playoff run, so don’t hesitate to make a move if you’re in need of depth or upside.
