Backs, receivers who just might pay off
The majority of leagues are down to the final four teams in the postseason, so no more mad scramble to the waiver wire.
There are fewer owners vying for players, especially in leagues that allow only playoff teams to make additions.
Plus, the majority of your starting lineup is likely set by now. Still, injuries and other situations can cause you to dip into your depth. In leagues with three wide-receiver slots, your third starter might not be a sure thing. There are potential needs that will exist, so keep working the waiver wire. Kenneth Dixon, RB, Ravens: Just when fantasy owners were starting to get comfortable with Gus Edwards, Dixon returned from a long knee-injury layoff and started cutting into Edwards’ workload in a significant way in his second game back. Dixon had 59 rushing yards on eight carries and scored the team’s only rushing touchdown. John Harbaugh said he expects Dixon’s role to grow. Elijah McGuire, RB, Jets: A toe injury forced Isaiah Crowell out against Buffalo and McGuire, a versatile spark plug, totaled 83 yards from scrimmage and rushed for a TD. McGuire is not only speedy, he is physical and has the frame to fight for extra yardage at 5-foot-10, 214 pounds. He could be the most talented running back on the Jets’ roster and has been an internal favorite for some time.
John Kelly, RB, Rams: If you won despite Todd Gurley’s 11-carry, 28-yard performance Sunday, you still need his direct handcuff in case he suffers an injury. Malcolm Brown is done for the season because of a clavicle injury, and now the rookie sixth-round pick is Gurley’s apparent backup.
Dante Pettis, WR, 49ers: Pettis has scored four times in the past three games and has become the top playmaker in the 49ers’ passing game outside of George Kittle. On Sunday, he faces the Seahawks, whom he burned for 129 yards and two scores in Week 13. Pettis had a 75-yard reception for a score in that matchup. You instantly can use him as a WR3. Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos: He was a surprise as a featured target for Case Keenum in his first game without Emmanuel Sanders. Patrick was targeted 10 times, catching seven for 85 yards. He seemed to be Keenum’s preferred target on many key passing downs. With another good outing this week, you might consider him for championship game usage against the Raiders in Week 16. Robert Foster, WR, Bills: He has become a frequent target for Josh Allen in important situations and has made a quick leap from the practice squad to actual fantasy relevancy. Since Week 10, he has three 90-plus-yard games and two 100-yard outings. If you remain desperate for WR help, you have to consider Foster as a waiver add. He’s an undrafted rookie, but the numbers are there. Ian Thomas, TE, Panthers: Rookie tight ends historically have been huge gambles and often disappointments, but with Greg Olsen out, Thomas has fit nicely into the Carolina passing game in the past two weeks. He has caught 14 passes during that span, with nine receptions for 77 yards Sunday. At the ultra-thin tight-end position, he becomes an immediate add, and might be the most sought-after waiver candidate. He was targeted 11 times against Cleveland.