The waiver wire’s importance only grows as we get closer and closer to the Fantasy Football playoffs. Right now, we are only six weeks from the start of the playoffs. If you want to make a last push to the playoffs, now is the time. But more importantly, we are closing in on the trade deadline for most leagues. That means the waiver wire is about to become ten times more important, since it will be the only way to add players. Before the rest of your league comes and pillages the waiver wire, here are a few players to grab.
Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
Tank Dell being back on the field is an accomplishment in itself. After suffering a devastating knee injury in Week 16 of the 2024 season, questions lingered about whether he’d ever play football again. But after over a year and a half of recovery and rehab, Dell returned to the Texans lineup against the Giants and caught a pass for 43 yards. He also attempted a run, but it went for only two yards. While this was the only game action he received, it was a very positive sign.
With a game under his belt and more comfort on the field, Dell should see increased usage. Sure, the Texans wide receiver room is crowded right now, but Dell can easily carve out a role for himself. If his first game is any indication, he could be a deep threat in this offense and someone who sees jet sweep opportunities. This will let him get big yardage and touchdown chances without a ton of volume. Grab him off the waiver wire, and he will give you the depth needed to make a playoff run.
JJ McCarthy, QB, New York Giants
Before the season began, if someone had told you JJ McCarthy would be a solid waiver-wire pickup, you would have thought they were insane. He was the third-string quarterback with the Vikings, and it would have taken a lot for him to see the field. But since being traded to the Giants, he has turned his season around. Over his five quarters as the Giants’ starting quarterback, he has thrown for 495 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He has also rushed for 28 yards on three carries.
While these numbers have produced average fantasy output, he is still one of the better quarterback options off the waiver wire. He should continue that success this week against the Eagles. Their defense is in free fall right now, averaging 235 passing yards per game and allowing 21 points per game to quarterbacks this season. Both of which rank in the bottom 10 of the NFL. If you’re dealing with injuries at the quarterback position or your starter is on a bye, grabbing McCarthy off waivers can help you tread water.
Elijah Mitchell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen Elijah Mitchell get more work in the Eagles offense. In Week 7, he had three carries for 11 yards and three catches for 23 yards. A solid showing in his season debut. But this past week against the Commanders, Mitchell led the Eagles backfield. He received 11 carries for a team-high 34 yards and had four catches for three yards. He’s clearly earned the trust of the Eagles coaching staff. He has risen the depth chart and should continue to get a decent amount of opportunities.
With question marks surrounding Saquon Barkley’s health, the Eagles will lean on their other backs to pick up the slack. This means we should expect Mitchell to get decent volume in their upcoming matchup against the Giants. Mitchell also has a big advantage: the Giants have one of the worst run defenses in football. They have allowed the 7th most rushing yards per game. Mitchell should be able to get a solid amount of rushing yards and get three receptions again. He’s the perfect waiver claim, especially in deeper leagues.
Oronde Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Normally, you want to stay away from everyone on the Los Angeles Chargers offense. With their struggles and inconsistency, you think more Chargers would be going to the waiver wire rather than being claimed. However, given the volume Oronde Gadsden has received, he has decent upside. He has five or more targets in three of the last four weeks. He is also coming off one of his best games of the season, catching five passes for 52 yards. While he did not find the end zone, averaging over 10 yards per catch makes up for it.
Gadsden and Justin Herbert seem to have developed a strong rapport. Even with the Texans’ defense having good numbers against tight ends this season, Gadsden should get the opportunities to put up solid numbers. We should expect around four catches and close to 40 yards, with a possible touchdown. Sure, he won’t carry a lineup or put up a career performance. But he is a solid guy to take a flyer on off the waiver wire if you need a tight end.
https://engagebetr.onelink.me/auSX/BLITZ
