Finding the right Fantasy Football Week 15 waiver wire targets can make or break your season. With injuries, breakout performances, and shifting depth charts after Week 14, the waiver wire is packed with must-add players who can give your roster an edge. Whether you’re looking for a running back to replace an injured starter, a wide receiver with breakout potential, or a quarterback stream for Week 15, we’ve got you covered with the top waiver wire pickups you need to prioritize.
Adonai Mitchell, WR (NYJ)
Rostered: 27%
Adonai Mitchell remains one of the more intriguing wide receiver targets on the waiver wire after settling into the Jets’ X-receiver role over the past month. He has played at least 50 snaps in three straight games, consistently drawing volume with six or more targets in all four contests since joining New York. Mitchell showed his ceiling in Week 13 with an 8/102/1 performance — the best game by a Jets receiver this season — and his underlying usage metrics back up the breakout, including a 28.4% target share and 61.4% air-yard share from Weeks 11–13. While quarterback volatility continues to cap his floor, Mitchell has demonstrated enough big-play ability and consistent involvement to remain firmly in waiver wire consideration. With the Jets facing Jacksonville, a top-12 fantasy matchup for wide receivers, Mitchell could earn startable production if Tyrod Taylor suits up.
His Week 14 dip wasn’t entirely his fault, as Tyrod Taylor exited early, sending the Jets offense into a tailspin. When Mitchell gets competent quarterback play, he has shown the ability to command first-read targets, win deep, and operate as a true perimeter threat. The Jaguars and Saints have both allowed top-10 fantasy production to outside receivers recently, giving Mitchell multiple favorable matchups down the stretch. If Justin Fields and Taylor remain sidelined, Mitchell becomes more of a desperation Flex; however, he’s still one of the highest-upside wideouts on the fantasy football waiver wire this week when everything goes right based on his usage. Fantasy managers needing WR depth or a matchup-based streamer should strongly consider adding him.
Harold Fannin Jr, TE (CLE)
Rostered: 39%
Harold Fannin Jr. has emerged as one of the premier tight end additions on the waiver wire, delivering TE1-level production over the past three weeks. Since Shedeur Sanders took over at quarterback, Fannin has been trusted as a featured receiving option, commanding a massive 28% target share with an 87% route participation rate. His Week 14 breakout, an 8/114/1 explosion, showcased the ceiling we have been looking for this year based on his usage, especially with David Njoku sidelined. With favorable matchups ahead against the Bears and Steelers, both bottom-five defenses against tight ends, Fannin should continue to produce.
Fannin’s expanded role in Cleveland’s offense makes him one of the last true late-season tight end gems available on the waiver wire. Sanders consistently looks his way in the red zone and on early reads, giving him weekly touchdown upside in addition to high-end volume for the position. Even in a struggling Browns offense, Fannin has separated himself as the clear focal point in the passing game when it matters. The rookie tight end is now a strong TE1 for the remainder of the fantasy football season and should be a top waiver wire priority for managers seeking stability at the position. If he’s somehow still available, this is likely the final week to secure him.
Chris Rodriguez Jr, RB (WAS)
Rostered: 37%
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is back on the waiver wire radar after leading the Commanders’ backfield in snaps, carries, and goal-line work for four straight weeks. He has logged at least 10 carries in each of those contests and continues to earn the trust of the coaching staff despite Washington’s offensive struggles. Rodriguez has been highly efficient on the ground, averaging 3.5 yards after contact per attempt and gaining five or more yards on 44% of his carries, impressive numbers given the brutal matchups he has faced. With his role solidified and his physical running style producing consistent yardage, Rodriguez now becomes far more interesting with a much softer schedule ahead.
Rodriguez’s fantasy value spikes heading into a three-game stretch against the Giants and Cowboys, two of the worst run defenses in the NFL. The Giants, in particular, have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs and are giving up an alarming 6.1 yards per carry. While Rodriguez’s lack of receiving usage lowers his ceiling, his rushing floor and touchdown potential make him a viable Flex or even RB2 in favorable matchups. For managers desperate at running back, Rodriguez stands out as one of the most dependable volume plays on the waiver wire. He should be added in all leagues where RB depth is needed.
Theo Johnson, TE (NYG)
Rostered: 42%
Theo Johnson continues to be a reliable tight end streaming option and a strong waiver wire pickup thanks to his consistent role with Jaxson Dart under center. Johnson owns a 19.1% target share since Week 4 and has operated as a red-zone weapon with nine targets inside the 20 and five touchdowns during that span. Even in games with modest production, his usage remains encouraging, as highlighted by eight targets in Week 13. Johnson rarely leaves the field, playing at least 89% of offensive snaps in three of his last four games, and his 1.49 yards per route run is strong for a rookie tight end. With his rapport with Dart continuing to grow, Johnson carries weekly TE1 streaming appeal.
The Giants’ post-bye schedule makes Johnson even more appealing as a waiver wire add. Washington ranks dead-last in pass defense EPA and allows the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends, providing Johnson with immediate plug-and-play value in Week 15. Matchups against the Vikings and Raiders to finish the fantasy season are equally favorable, giving Johnson one of the best tight end schedules during the playoff stretch. In deeper leagues, managers who must drop him during the bye week may create opportunities for savvy waiver wire pickups. Johnson is a strong stash-and-start candidate for teams in need of tight end help.
Luther Burden, WR (CHI)
Rostered: 17%
Luther Burden III is one of the most intriguing upside plays on the waiver wire after leading the Bears in receiving in Week 14. With Rome Odunze sidelined due to a foot injury, Burden stepped into a larger role, earning a 17.1% target share and producing 67 yards, which was more than DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus combined. Burden has been carving out steady involvement over the past month, posting 224 receiving yards over his last five games despite inconsistent passing volume. Chicago’s coaching staff has gradually expanded his responsibilities, and as his snap share grows, so will his fantasy relevance. If Odunze remains out, Burden could continue to see steady volume as the Bears’ primary playmaker.
Burden’s fantasy value depends heavily on Odunze’s status, but the rookie is already showing signs of becoming a weekly Flex option in the right matchups. His ability to separate underneath and win after the catch gives him a stable floor, and Chicago’s offense may be forced into more passing situations down the stretch against tougher run defenses. Even if he’s not yet a full-time player in two-receiver sets, his production relative to his playing time makes him a high-upside stash. With Odunze considered week-to-week and potentially out for the remainder of the regular season, Burden is one of the best speculative wide receiver adds available. He should be prioritized by managers looking for a late-season breakout candidate.
Bam Knight, RB (ARI)
Rostered: 32%
Bam Knight continues to carry waiver wire appeal as the Cardinals’ likely lead running back with Trey Benson still not activated from injured reserve. Knight has handled the majority of the early-down and goal-line work over the past month, scoring double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four games despite Arizona frequently playing from behind. His efficiency has fluctuated based on matchup, but he has shown the ability to produce when the game script cooperates, including multiple outings above 4.8 yards per carry. With Arizona eliminated from playoff contention, the team may opt to evaluate Knight further, increasing his chances of maintaining a featured role. If Benson’s practice window isn’t opened by Wednesday, Knight becomes the highest priority running back available with his role as the team’s lead back.
Knight’s upcoming schedule is a mixed bag, beginning with a tough Week 15 matchup against the Texans before significantly improving. The Falcons and Bengals await in Weeks 16 and 17, both offering favorable environments for running backs and potential game scripts that keep Knight involved. While Michael Carter and Emari Demercado may mix in, Knight has shown he is the trusted option in scoring opportunities and early downs. His combination of volume, matchup-based upside, and potential for expanded late-season usage makes him an appealing stash for fantasy playoff runs. Knight belongs on the radar for all managers searching the waiver wire for an RB2 or Flex option.
Jayden Higgins, WR (HOU)
Rostered: 42%
Jayden Higgins has quietly become one of the more reliable depth receivers on the waiver wire over the last few weeks, earning consistent targets and showing strong efficiency. Over the past five weeks, he has recorded at least five targets and 34 yards in every game while rotating heavily in Houston’s 12-personnel sets. Higgins’ 18.5% target share and 2.15 yards per route run from Weeks 10–13 highlight his potential as an emerging playmaker, even if his snap count remains below that of full-time starters. With Xavier Hutchinson struggling and Higgins out-producing him in limited work, there’s a realistic path to a larger role down the stretch. Even without an expanded role, Higgins offers solid Flex appeal due to his reliable usage and involvement in high-value target areas, including the red zone and deep routes.
The Texans’ upcoming schedule boosts Higgins’ appeal further, especially with matchups against the Cardinals and Raiders, two defenses allowing top-eight fantasy points per target to perimeter receivers. His Week 16 matchup against Las Vegas, in particular, positions him for a strong performance as Houston likely plays from ahead and operates heavily from 12 personnel. Higgins offers both stability and a bit of upside, making him an ideal waiver wire pickup for managers seeking depth at wide receiver. Should Houston shift more snaps from Hutchinson to Higgins, he could deliver WR3 production for fantasy playoffs. He is a smart add in all 12-team leagues and a must-add in deeper formats.
Blake Corum, RB (LAR)
Rostered: 32%
Blake Corum has emerged as one of the top running back pickups on the waiver wire, providing weekly standalone value in the Rams’ high-powered offense. Los Angeles boasts the league’s No. 1 PFF run-blocking grade, and Corum has taken advantage with explosive efficiency, outperforming Kyren Williams in yards per attempt, avoided tackles per attempt, and explosive run rate. Over the last two weeks, Corum has dominated with 209 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries, solidifying his place in a near-even timeshare. Sean McVay has publicly stated the team wants to keep Williams fresh for the playoffs, signaling that Corum will remain heavily involved. In an offense averaging over 30 points per game across seven weeks, Corum’s touchdown upside is massive.
While the Rams face difficult matchups against Detroit and Seattle in the next two weeks, Corum’s role and efficiency make him a viable Flex play even in challenging situations. His true upside comes in Week 17 against the Falcons, who have struggled to contain explosive running backs and could allow Corum to post another breakout performance. As a talented runner in a productive offense, Corum is one of the strongest RB adds available on the waiver wire heading into fantasy playoffs. His blend of efficiency, goal-line usage, and role stability gives him the profile of a strong addition off the waiver wire. Fantasy managers should aggressively pursue Corum wherever he’s available.
Marcus Mariota, QB (WAS)
Rostered: 8%
Marcus Mariota has been a steady fantasy performer this season. Jayden Daniels returned in Week 14 but left early with an elbow injury, opening the door for Mariota once again. Early reports suggest Daniels could have returned, but Washington chose caution with the game out of reach. With the Commanders already eliminated from playoff contention, they may choose to sit Daniels to preserve his long-term health. If that happens, Mariota would benefit from having Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, and Noah Brown all healthy at the same time. The schedule is also favorable, beginning with a Week 15 matchup against the Giants. The Giants allow the second-most fantasy points and the most rushing yards per game to quarterbacks.
Mariota has some risk due to Daniels potentially returning, but the upside is very real if he starts. In each of his last three starts before Week 14, he finished as a top-14 fantasy quarterback. That level of production puts him firmly on the streaming radar in all formats. Washington’s offense has been more stable with him at the helm, even if the team hasn’t always translated that into wins. His rushing ability adds a fantasy-friendly floor that most waiver-wire quarterbacks lack. With division matchups ahead, including Dallas in the fantasy championship round, Mariota could meaningfully impact playoff outcomes. If he is named the starter for Week 15, he becomes the top quarterback add of the week.
Jaylen Wright, RB (MIA)
Rostered: 2%
Jaylen Wright exploded in Week 14 after De’Von Achane left with a rib injury, taking advantage of his largest workload of the season. Despite entering behind Ollie Gordon, Wright quickly earned the hot hand and took over the backfield. He finished the game with 24 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown, showcasing the burst Miami invested in the draft. Wright had been quiet all season due to an early injury, making this breakout even more notable. Achane’s rib injury is not expected to be long-term, but rib issues can linger depending on pain tolerance. The Dolphins played it safe because they led comfortably at halftime against the Jets. Wright’s production demonstrates that Miami is willing to lean on him if Achane cannot go.
There is still uncertainty in the backfield because Gordon was the first backup to touch the ball in Week 14. However, Wright’s 24 carries far exceeded anything Gordon has shown this season. He also brings a level of explosiveness that can translate quickly to fantasy points. Miami’s Week 15 matchup against Pittsburgh is difficult, but volume could still give Wright a safe floor if he starts. Weeks 16 and 17 offer much more favorable matchups against Cincinnati and Tampa Bay. Wright profiles as a high-upside stash with legitimate league-winning potential if Achane suffers a setback. Fantasy managers should monitor injury reports closely and bid aggressively if they need running back help.
Jacksonville Jaguars, DEF
Rostered: 36%
The Jacksonville Jaguars have become one of the most consistent fantasy defenses in 2025, producing at a top-five level. In Week 14, they forced three turnovers and added a safety, continuing their trend of high-impact plays. They now have 26 takeaways on the season, ranking second in the league behind the Bears. Jacksonville has also produced six double-digit fantasy outings, showing a strong floor and ceiling combination. Their pass rush has improved dramatically, allowing them to exploit weaker offensive lines. The defense has had only one negative outing this season, showing reliability rarely found on the wire. They are trending upward at exactly the right time for fantasy managers.
Their Week 15 matchup against the Jets is one of the best on the slate for streaming defenses. The Jets average just 19.7 points per game and could be without Tyrod Taylor after his groin injury. Justin Fields may start, and he has been sacked 27 times in just nine games this season. Jacksonville’s aggressive front seven should be able to generate pressure consistently. Week 16 against Denver is playable, offering another opportunity for turnovers and sacks. Week 17 brings a premium matchup against the Colts, who just lost Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury. With multiple favorable matchups ahead, Jacksonville should be a priority defensive add for playoff teams.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- CJ Stroud QB (HOU) – 42% rostered
- JJ McCarthy QB (MIN) – 30% rostered
- Samaje Perine RB (CIN) – 3% rostered
- Devin Singletary RB (NYG) – 24% rostered
- Kayshon Boutte WR (NE) – 29% rostered
- Darius Slayton WR (NYG) – 35% rostered
- Pat Bryant WR (DEN) – 5% rostered
- Devaughn Vele WR (NO) – 20% rostered
- Dalton Schultz TE (HOU) – 46% rostered
- Colston Loveland TE (CHI) – 40% rostered
- AJ Barner TE (SEA) – 12% rostered
- Andy Borregales K (NE) – 14% rostered
- Cairo Santos K (CHI) – 23% rostered
- Chicago Bears DEF – 21% rostered
- San Francisco 49ers – 22% rostered
- New Orleans Saints DEF – 8% rostered
Droppable Players
- Daniel Jones QB (IND)
- Isiah Pacheco RB (KC)
- Troy Franklin WR (DEN)
- Tre Tucker WR (LV)
- Zach Ertz TE (WAS)
Don’t Drop these Guys Just Yet
- Jayden Daniels QB (WAS)
- Kenneth Walker RB (SEA)
- Trey Benson RB (ARI)
- Jayden Reed WR (GB)
- Oronde Gadsden TE (LAC)
