Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 15, including Steelers QB Russell Wilson.
Jameis Winston, QB, Cleveland Browns: It’s not always pretty, but Winston continues to chuck it a ton. He is posting solid fantasy numbers as a result, finishing as a QB1 in four of his last six games. He is averaging more than 315 passing yards per game since taking over for Deshaun Watson. The Chiefs present a tough matchup in Week 15, but I’m looking ahead to Week 16 against a dreadful Bengals defense.
Sincere McCormick, RB, Las Vegas Raiders: Injuries to Zamir White and Alexander Mattison have thrusted McCormick into the starting lineup, and he might not give the job up once those guys are healthy. McCormick turned 18 touches into 89 yards against the Buccaneers on Sunday. An injury to Aidan O’Connell likely means the Raiders will focus even more on their ground attack.
Patrick Taylor, RB, San Francisco 49ers: Taylor is the next in line for the 49ers at running back after their fourth running back got hurt. He found the end zone in relief of Isaac Guerendo and figures to take over a large workload moving forward. Don’t overspend for Taylor because he doesn’t have the juice compared to his teammates, but he must be rostered.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, New Orleans Saints: He failed to reach the end zone in Week 14, but he’s the clear No. 1 receiver for a team lacking playmakers. The injury to Derek Carr is a reason for concern, but the target share is large enough to deploy as a FLEX player.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints: Johnson is the only other receiving option I’m considering with the Saints. New Orleans faces the Packers and Raiders next. Both have struggled with tight ends this season. Again, proceed with caution because of the quarterback change, but inexperienced quarterbacks will target their tight ends often.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa has been decimated with injuries at wide receiver, so the Bucs are hopeful that the rookie can assume a larger role as the Bucs push for the division title. McMillan caught four of seven targets for 59 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders on Sunday. The seven targets led the team, and the schedule is pretty easy for the Bucs down the stretch.
Arizona Cardinals D/ST: Arizona’s defense has finished as a top-10 fantasy defense the last four weeks, and the Cardinals have arguably the easiest schedule of any team the rest of the season. They play the Patriots and Panthers the next two weeks. Play the matchups with your defenses in these critical weeks.
Indianapolis Colts D/ST: The Colts play a decent Broncos offense in Week 15 before playing the Titans and Giants during the fantasy playoffs. If your league stretches into Week 18, they close the season out with the Jaguars.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Ray Davis
Tyler Allgeier
Zach Charbonnet
Braelon Allen
Tyjae Spears
Cam Akers
Roschon Johnson
Kenneth Gainwell
Trey Benson
Blake Corum