Notable Injuries:
- Bucky Irving (Back)
- Isaac Guerendo (Foot)
- Jonathan Brooks (ACL)
- Will Dissly (Shoulder)
- Derek Carr (Hand)
- Justin Herbert (Leg)
- Aidan O’Connell (Knee)
Teams on a BYE week:
- None
Waiver Wire Targets:
Sincere McCormick (Rostered in 11.2% of ESPN leagues)
It’s that time of year. It’s playoff time and all your running backs have been bitten by the injury bug. Where does that take you? To guys like Sincere McCormick. With both starters absent due to injury (Zamir White/Alexander Mattison), McCormick is making the most of his opportunity. In the last 2 weeks, he has rushed 27 times for 142 yards. He also has a pair of targets in each of those games. He probably won’t wow you but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. The Raiders suck but running back needy teams should look McCormick’s way.
Patrick Taylor (Rostered in 4% of ESPN leagues)
Speaking of running back needy teams, the 49ers running back saga continues. Isaac Guerendo, the top waiver wire pick last week, had himself a pretty successful outing against the Bears before exiting the game late with what is being reported as a foot sprain. In his absence, Patrick Taylor took snaps and even punched in a score himself. If Guerendo misses time, Taylor is the next logical addition as it seems any RB is able to have success for the 49ers this year. It’s a short week for the 49ers as they play Rams on Thursday. If you’re worried Guerendo will miss time, pick Taylor up.
Tank Bigsby (Rostered in 35.7% of ESPN leagues)
This is your friendly reminder that Bigsby shouldn’t really be on waivers as he is one of the top RB handcuff options. He even has the potential to be a startable option. The Jaguars are a mess and Etienne just got out-snapped by the Tank. I guarantee there are RB needy teams out there that could use Bigsby moving forward. Pick him up.
Adam Thielen (Rostered in 38.7% of ESPN leagues) Genius Pick of the Week
The old man did it again. On Sunday against a tough Eagles defense, Thielen brought in 9 of 11 targets for 102 yards. Thielen is proving once again that he is a reliable target for Bryce Young. Next up is an exposable Dallas defense. Thielen should not be on waivers.
Cedric Tillman (Rostered in 36% of ESPN leagues)
Are you ready to chase the dragon? Cedric Tillman is expected to maybe return to action in this week’s game against the Chiefs. It’s hard to forget his crazy 3 game stretch in weeks 7-9. The Browns throw the ball a TON and are set to play some receiver friendly defenses to end the year. Jerry Juedy has emerged but Tillman will hopefully have a chance to get right back to business. Certainly worth a shot if you have a roster spot.
Xavier Legette (Rostered in 31.6% of ESPN leagues)
This past weekend is one I think Xavier Legette fantasy managers and Legette himself would like to forget. Legette put up a measly 5.9 fantasy points against the Eagles leaving those who endorsed him (myself included) looking a little foolish. I’m not giving up on him though. He has seen 8 targets in back to back weeks and continues to be involved in the offense. Not to mention, this blurb would be completely different if he hadn’t dropped a potentially wide open game winning touchdown. Legette is definitely a bench option and a potential flex play if needed.
Juwan Johnson (Rostered in 13.9% of ESPN leagues)
It feels like everyone and their mother on this Saints team is getting injured. With Taysom Hill on IR, Juwan Johnson is set to take over lead tight end duties. He has seen 5+ targets the last 2 weeks and with Derek Carr likely out for the rest of the year, Johnson could be a reliable safety valve for backup QB for Spencer Rattler. Johnson is a streaming target this week against a semi friendly Commanders defense.
Jameis Winston (Rostered in 19.9% of ESPN leagues)
Say what you want about the Browns and how bad their season has been but ever since Jameis Winston took over the starting job, there has been a certain energy about them. I was hesitant to add Winston to this list a few weeks ago due to the tough schedule the Browns faced. Some of that was founded as he has thrown 6 interceptions to his 8 touchdowns over the last 4 games as a starter. But hey, that’s Jameis football baby. He still has managed to be fantasy relevant by never dipping below 14 fantasy points. The Browns have a stupid easy schedule to end the year with games against Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins and Ravens. Jameis could be a great option for playoff
*Point totals mentioned assume full point PPR scoring
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