NFL Waiver Wire: Week 15 Early Watch

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Updated on December 9, 2024 12:02PM EST

This article comes out every Sunday night. It's not expected to be a deep dive. Instead, we'll explore players who had atypical workloads and/or opportunity during the Sunday games. We won't consider whether these players are available in most leagues. The hope is that you become aware of the short-term usage change. If you're looking for detailed waiver-wire coverage, we have two weekly articles to set you up. On Tuesday, Kevin Payne publishes his weekly pickups. Then on Wednesday, Dan Marcus provide a deep dive of the waiver list.

Quarterback

Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler could be pressed into duty if Derek Carr (hand) misses time. It's possible the team gets Chris Olave and/or Bub Means back in the lineup next week. Rattler took over when Carr was injured earlier in the year. However, when Rattler struggled, Haener replaced him. Haener's advantage for fantasy is his ability to run.
Drew Lock has done little as a passer, but the veteran has rushed for 57 and 59 yards in his two games as the Giants' starter. In two-QB leagues, Lock can be an emergency starter.
Desmond Ridder could start in the fantasy playoffs after Aidan O'Connell suffered a knee injury. Remember, Gardner Minshew (shoulder) is on injured reserve. Ridder has value in leagues that start two quarterbacks, especially if an injury replacement is needed.

Running Back

Kendre Miller returned from a long stint on IR. In his first action, the running back handled 10 rushes and scored a touchdown while playing 26 percent of the snaps. Miller could have flex value as the backup to Alvin Kamara.
Sean Tucker could move into a timeshare if Bucky Irving (back) misses time. Tucker recorded 192 yards and two TDs on 17 touches against the Saints in Week 6.
Isaiah Davis shared rushing attempts and targets equally with Braelon Allen in Week 14. If Breece Hall (knee) misses additional time, Davis could have value. Davis scored TDs in the last two games and recorded 67 yards on 13 touches against the Dolphins.
Sincere McCormick has 27 rushes for 142 yards over the Raiders' last two games. It would seem the runner could retain a volume role when Alexander Mattison returns.
Patrick Taylor and/or Israel Abanikanda could move into a timeshare if Isaac Guerendo (foot) misses time. Taylor might have the advantage due to his knowledge of the offense, but Abanikanda is the more talented runner. It's likely that both RBs would see work if Guerendo is out.
Tank Bigsby received 18 rushing attempts to four for Travis Etienne against the Titans. In Week 14, Bigsby tallied 62 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Don't expect consistency from Bigsby, but he is heavily involved in the Jaguars' rushing attack.
Jerome Ford has handled double-digit touches while averaging 55 scrimmage yards in each of the Browns' last two games. Ford appears to be in an even timeshare with Nick Chubb.
Blake Corum has carried eight times in consecutive games. During that span, the running back is averaging 38 yards. He's a desperation flex, but if Kyren Williams misses time, Corum could be a major fantasy factor.

Wide Receiver

Chris Olave (concussion) is eligible to return from injured reserve next week. If the star is activated, he could be an immediate impact player.
Ray-Ray McCloud has been targeted at least six times in three straight games. In addition, the receiver has 95 and 98 yards in his last two games. McCloud has a solid PPR floor.
Tim Patrick has recorded at least 43 yards in each of Detroit's last three games. Although Patrick was targeted seven times against the Packers, 3-4 targets is a realistic weekly expectation.
Kendrick Bourne was on a bye this week, but he caught three passes in each of his last three games while averaging 46 yards. Also, Bourne's snap share has been increasing each week, topping out at 64 percent in Week 13.
Jalen McMillan has had a mostly forgettable season, but the rookie caught four passes for 52 yards and two TDs against the Raiders. It's possible that McMillan sees his role in the offense grow.
Sterling Shepard has been targeted six or seven times in the last three games. In the last two games, the receiver tallied 42 and 63 yards. The veteran should remain busy in three-receiver sets for the Buccaneers.
Jalen Coker (quadriceps) has missed the last three games. Before the injury, the pass catcher averaged 51 yards and six targets over the prior three games. Coker should return to his regular role in three-receiver sets when healthy.
Bub Means (ankle) could return from IR in Week 15. In the rookie's last three games, he posted 36-45 yards. With New Orleans lacking weapons, Means could move into a volume role.
Tutu Atwell could move into a higher-volume role if Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) misses time. Even in a part-time role, Atwell has posted at least 30 yards in three consecutive games.

Tight End

Pat Freiermuth has posted at least 48 yards in three straight games while finding the end zone in consecutive games. The tight end has only surpassed four targets once since Week 4, but his recent streak of productivity can't be ignored.
Juwan Johnson has taken on a larger role since Taysom Hill was injured last week. In the last two games, Johnson averaged six targets and 43 yards. He may be the Saints' best receiving option in the middle of the field.
Daniel Bellinger was targeted seven times, catching five passes for 45 yards in the Giants' first game without Theo Johnson (IR, knee). Bellinger could see regular targets in the fantasy playoffs.
Austin Hooper was on bye this week, but the tight end has been targeted four times in each of the Patriots' last four games. The veteran also scored touchdowns in consecutive games.
Grant Calcaterra has at least eight PPR points in three of the four games he started this season. With Dallas Goedert (IR) out through the fantasy playoffs, Calcaterra could see a few targets each week.
Tyler Higbee (IR, knee) has a chance to return for the fantasy playoffs. Those desperate for TE help could consider making a speculative add of Higbee.
Tyler Conklin has five targets in each of the Jets' last two games. His fantasy ceiling is low unless he finds the end zone.