The fantasy football playoffs are around the corner so it’s time to load up on any remaining upside and running back handcuffs off the waiver wire.
As usual, there are several players to consider during your weekly waiver wire run in fantasy football based on at least 60% availability. I also include adds for those in deeper league formats. If you have any questions or need any fantasy football waiver wire advice, feel free to hit me on Twitter @101chalk. You can also check out my Waiver Wire Rankings.
Running Back
Rex Burkhead – Houston Texans
99% availability on ESPN
100% availability on Yahoo
The Texans have deployed a four-headed running back by committee for most of the season. That has spelled disaster in fantasy football. However, things are starting to reshape in Houston. Mark Ingram was traded to New Orleans before the trade deadline and Scottie Phillips is now on IR.
In the past couple of weeks, David Johnson and Rex Burkhead have emerged. In Week 11, Burkhead carried the ball 18 times. Anytime you can add a RB who is seeing 15+ touches this late in the season, you need to consider it. The Jets are on deck in Week 12.
Sony Michel – Los Angeles Rams
76% availability on ESPN
72% availability on Yahoo
With the Rams on bye in Week 11, there was no threat of injury to Darrell Henderson. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take a look at Sony Michel. Los Angeles is struggling after coming out swinging early in the season. With that said, they still have the same potent offense that provides plenty of red zone and goal line opportunities. That means success in fantasy football. When Henderson missed Week 3, Michel had 23 touches. Michel is not only one of the most valuable running back handcuffs. He’s available in most leagues.
Wide Receiver
Marquez Valdes-Scantling – Green Bay Packers
97% availability on ESPN
91% availability on Yahoo
It’s pretty bare on the wire when it comes to wide receivers as the rookies with league-winning upside are long gone. Hopefully, you were able to get on one of them early as we’ve touted them a few times already. If you missed out, it’s time to deep shots who have extremely high ceilings. These are players, you are only starting in your flex out of pure desperation as a big-time underdog.
Enter Marquez Valdes-Scantling – the poster child for these types of random outbursts. With Packers Allen Lazard shelved, Valdes-Scantling turned 10 targets into 123 and a long score. This is the type of game you’re hoping for in the fantasy football playoffs if you’re rolling out the Green Bay receiver.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – Tennessee Titans
100% availability on ESPN
100% availability on Yahoo
It’s uncertain whether or not Julio Jones makes it back before the NFL playoffs. This leaves open targets for the next man up. The speedy Marcus Johnson seemed primed to take those duties. However, he left to the Titans last game with a hamstring injury. Westbrook-Ikhine has done admirably when called upon although consistent production has never been there. If you’re desperate for a wide receiver in fantasy football, take a look here but don’t expect much.
Tight End
Logan Thomas – Washington Football Team
53% availability on ESPN
48% availability on Yahoo
Thomas doesn’t qualify based on the 60% availability threshold, but he’s listed this week given the lack of options that tight end. Thomas has been shelved on IR for the past few weeks but will make his return in Week 12. He should immediately step into the number two passing option role for a suddenly interesting Washington Football Team.
For more fantasy football advice, make sure to check out The Undroppables.
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