If you are reading this post you probably have advanced to the Semi-Finals of your league championship. You likely have a solid squad and hopefully peaking at the right time. Despite the success you have encountered, there are still last minute adjustments you can make that can push you over the top. Determine your lineup and make a waiver claim, but make sure you don’t release any players that could benefit your opponent. Remember only a few teams will be active on the waivers, which means you must watch them like a hawk. Does your opponent have a glaring weakness? Take it to the next level and expose them by making the claim for someone who could help fill that hole. It is time to be ruthless and make any last ditch effort to bring home the eternal glory of another championship trophy on you mantel.
Key Waiver Pickups
Salvon Ahmed – RB, MIA (25.9% Rostered)
The waivers are slim, but Ahmed seems to be returning at the right time following Myles Gaskin testing positive for COVID. The Dolphins didn’t have a clear cut leading back on Sunday, but if Ahmed returns he should have a commanding lead over the backfield. If Ahmed misses another week, stash RB/WR Lynn Bowden, who had an active Sunday with 9 targets.
Tony Pollard – RB, DAL (25.4% Rostered)
Pollard was about as active as Elliott on Sunday and took a season high 13 touches for 48 yards and a TD. Pollard wasn’t extremely efficient, but found the end zone to salvage a nice fantasy outing. I wouldn’t suggest you to plug Pollard into the lineup this week, but he could be a great stash if Elliott continues to split carries and dwindle out of this offense.
Keke Coutee – WR, HOU (49.8% Rostered)
Coutee was on the list last week, but still is rostered in less than half of leagues. He continues to find the end zone as he scored against Chicago on Sunday. As a risky low end flex option, he has the potential to emerge as a great Week 16 option if he continues to shine.
Fax or Fiction
Baker Mayfield is a Must Start Sunday against NYG
Fiction. Baker does have back to back 28+ point games, but he is also the 22nd overall QB on the season. He has shined lately, but could be due for a major regression and faces a defense that contained the No. 2 overall QB, Kyler Murray. The New York Giants rank 5th against opposing QBs and will likely force the Browns into a run heavy offensive gameplan.
Rookie RBs Can Win You the Championship
Fax. Three in particular outside the obvious starter James Robinson. Jonathan Taylor (15, 22, 30), Cam Akers (14, 16, 21) and JK Dobbins (18, 13, 13) are all getting hot at the right time and have exploded with consistent double digit performances over the last 3 weeks. All three also have great matchups and face the 31st, 22nd and 28th ranked defenses against opposing RBs, which give confidence to consider all three to have RB2 value.
Start McCaffrey if he Plays
Fax. McCaffrey has been banged up all year, and lately it has been a tweaked quad that held him out. If he plays on Saturday against the Packers, McCaffrey is a must start in the fantasy playoffs. Although there is a chance he could have a slow return, he has the upside to get you 40 points in the playoffs, which cannot be ignored.
Start ‘Em
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson vs JAX
Taysom Hill vs KC
Ryan Tannehill vs DET
Running Backs
D’Andre Swift @ TEN
Cam Akers vs NYJ
Mike Davis @ GB
Receivers
Corey Davis vs DET
T.Y. Hilton vs HOU
Sterling Shepard vs CLE
Sit ‘Em
Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson @ WSH
Jalen Hurts @ ARI
Matt Ryan vs TB
Running Backs
Wayne Gallman vs CLE
Clyde Edwards-Helaire @ NO
Kenyan Drake vs PHI
Receivers
Robby Anderson @ GB
Marvin Jones Jr. @ TEN
Tee Higgins vs PIT
Injury News
Christian McCaffrey – RB, CAR (Ankle)
McCaffrey has been unpredictable, but all news points to him missing another matchup this week against Green Bay.
Joe Mixon – RB, CIN (Foot) IR
Mixon is likely done for the 2020 season.
Kenny Golladay – WR, DET (Hip)
Golladay has likely taken his last snap as a member of the Detroit Lions.
Drew Brees – QB, NO (Ribs, Lung) IR
Brees is eligible to return from IR, but the Saints have been very clear that he won’t be rushed back. Although playing this week against the Chiefs is a longshot, Brees did say that this game would be extra motivation.
DJ Moore – WR, CAR (Ankle/COVID)
Moore’s appears close to being reactivated off of the COVID reserve list and likely could return this Saturday against the Packers.
Antonio Gibson – RB, WSH (Toe)
Gibson missed most of his matchup against the Steelers with a turf toe injury and is unlikely to play this Sunday against the 49ers.
Matthew Stafford – QB, DET (Ribs)
Stafford’s status is in doubt to play Week 15 against the Titans after injuring his ribs on Sunday.
David Johnson – RB, HOU (COVID)
After Johnson finally returned to the field following a concussion, he was placed on the COVID reserve list and missed the Week 14 matchup. Johnson is on track to return in time for Week 15.
John Brown – WR, BUF (Ankle)
Brown is likely to return this week from an ankle sprain that kept him out of the prior three matchups. He will likely plug back into his prior spot, but look for Rookie Gabe Davis’ role to continue to expand.
Ronald Jones – RB, TB (Finger)
Jones injured his pinky on Sunday, but the severity and his status for Week 15 is unknown. Keep an eye on Jones this week.
Deebo Samuel – WR, SF (Hamstring)
Samuel is beginning to fall into the injury prone category as he re-injured his hamstring. It is likely that Samuel will miss the remainder of the season, which give Aiyuk a boost in all lineups.
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