NFL Waiver Wire: Week 18 Deep Dive

We've made it to the final week of the regular season, and I appreciate everyone who has read the column throughout the season. More importantly, I'm hopeful the article helped uncover some deep waiver wire gems that helped make deep playoff runs and perhaps to fantasy championships. As for Week 18, things could get tricky. I've done my best to speculate on who may or may not play based on the most recent news, but it's almost certain that type of news will continue to emerge throughout the week. Generally speaking, I'd be more willing to trust backup running backs who see an increased role as opposed to quarterbacks, wide receivers or tight ends. With that in mind, let's take our final look around the league for this season.

Quarterback

Carson Wentz at Jaguars (40 percent ESPN)

Wentz has been lackluster from a fantasy perspective by throwing for fewer than 200 yards in five of his last seven games. Even so, the Colts are likely in a must-win scenario against Jacksonville, so this would be a good week for Wentz to come through with a big performance.

Trey Lance at Rams (22 percent ESPN)

Lance may not get the start pending the health of Jimmy Garoppolo. However, he managed to come through from a fantasy perspective last weekend against Houston even after running for only 31 yards. Thanks to his ability on the ground, Lance offers week-winning potential if he draws the start. 

Justin Fields at Vikings (20 percent ESPN)

Fields has already been announced as the starter. In his two contests prior to getting injured, he began to show the promise the Bears hoped for when they traded up to select him. Fields may not be particularly sharp given the layoff, but Chicago likely wants to end the season with some positivity heading into his first full year in 2022.

Jared Goff vs. Packers (four percent ESPN)

Goff logged a limited practice Wednesday and could make it back on the field. His recent form of multiple TDs and 215 passing yards or more in three of his last four and an unmotivated Green Bay defense could put him in a position to produce at a greater level than expected.

Tyler Huntley vs. Steelers (28 percent ESPN)

Huntley brings the rushing upside of Lance and Fields, but has cooled off as a passer. He'll face a Steelers' pass rush that has shown the ability to get after the QB all season, so he could be in tough. Nevertheless, Huntley is worth a look if Lamar Jackson remains sidelined as he's surpassed 40 rushing yards in each of his last four outings.

Drew Lock vs. Chiefs (one percent ESPN)

Lock will start as long as his shoulder is healthy. He got the Broncos' offense moving a bit more efficiently last week and could get a lot of chances to throw in what is likely to be a blowout loss to Kansas City on Saturday. He's more of a superflex/two-quarterback consideration.

Case Keenum vs. Bengals (zero percent ESPN)

Brandon Allen at Browns (zero percent ESPN)

Keenum and Allen are worth mentioning together because they are backups that seem most likely to play full games. Both Baker Mayfield and Joe Burrow have been ruled out, and Keenum has already been named the starter. Neither is likely to turn in an inspiring effort, but they're desperation shots in two-quarterback leagues.

Other QBs to monitor based on developing news throughout the week: Jordan Love (GB) and Cooper Rush (DAL). 

Running Back

Samaje Perine at Browns (eight percent ESPN)

Perine became the top running back pickup the moment Joe Mixon was ruled out. He took on an expanded role in both Weeks 5 and 7 when he topped 75 all-purpose yards and found the end zone in each game. The only downside this time around is that Joe Burrow won't be under center, so the offense is almost certain to lose efficiency - and, in turn, scoring opportunities.

Rex Burkhead vs. Titans (32 percent ESPN)

Burkhead couldn't repeat his Week 16 heroics against San Francisco, but he still received 22 touches - including six receptions. That's gold in PPR leagues, and he should be in line for plenty of volume against Tennessee.  

Dare Ogunbowale vs. Colts (27 percent ESPN)

Not all lead backs have the same – or even similar – upside. Ogunbowale would certainly land on the lower end of the scale, but he nevertheless saw 11 touches against New England and ultimately got the job done with a garbage-time touchdown. He should operate in a similar role to close out the season.

Dontrell Hilliard at Texans (27 percent ESPN)

Hilliard has been the second back in Tennessee behind D'Onta Foreman, but that's been enough to carve out double-digit touches in two of the last three weeks. The majority of his production last weekend came in garbage time, but there could be plenty of that once again against Houston. Derrick Henry isn't expected to be active, but if that were to change Hilliard would take on a substantial amount of risk.

Ke'Shawn Vaughn vs. Panthers (five percent ESPN)

Le'Veon Bell vs. Panthers (four percent ESPN)

Giovani Bernard vs. Panthers (four percent ESPN)

This is basically a note to watch the Tampa Bay backfield throughout the week. Ronald Jones was in a walking boot Wednesday and reportedly won't try to run until later this week. While that may leave the door open for him to play, the info we have now leaves that as slim. The headache starts after that. Vaughn should be the projected starter at this point, but Bell worked well as a pass catcher in Week 16. Meanwhile, it's possible Bernard returns from injured reserve. And if that's the case, this probably becomes a three-way backfield split to avoid.

Cam Akers vs. 49ers (12 percent ESPN)

I included Akers in last week's column after news emerged he would be activated from IR. While he was inactive, recent quotes from coach Sean McVay certainly make it sound as if Akers will be back. That likely means only a handful of touches, but there are worse desperation plays.

Kenneth Gainwell vs. Cowboys (11 percent ESPN)

Philadelphia has turned away from Gainwell whenever presented the opportunity to do so this season. However, there may not be a choice this week with Miles Sanders looking doubtful to suit up and both Jordan Howard and Boston Scott on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Given the change in health and safety protocols, Howard and Scott could return, but this will be a situation to monitor throughout the week – particularly with the contest on a Saturday.

Demetric Felton vs. Bengals (zero percent ESPN)

It's likely someone ahead of Felton on the Browns' running back depth chart will get healthy in time for this weekend. However, it will be worth monitoring because as of Thursday morning the status of Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson are all in question. It's worth noting the Browns signed Dexter Williams from the Dolphins practice squad – he was subsequently placed on the reserve COVID/19 list – suggesting the team is preparing to play without at least one of their regular backs.

Wide Receiver

Marquez Callaway at Falcons (30 percent ESPN)

The Saints' offense is hardly impressive, but Callaway has reached six receptions in two of his last three games while recording 112 and 97 yards. Atlanta is not a matchup to fear, so he should be a relatively trustworthy option.

K.J. Osborn vs. Bears (39 percent ESPN)

Osborn is likely gone in all leagues still going, but it's worth checking the wire. He's picked up over 50 yards in three of his last four appearances and scored a TD in four of his last five. With Kirk Cousins back in the mix, Osborn should end the campaign with another strong performance.

Braxton Berrios at Bills (six percent ESPN)

Berrios has recently emerged as the top playmaker in the Jets' offense with four touchdowns in his last three games – two rushing, one receiving and one as a kick returner. His long-term viability is still in question, but should be worthy of a start as long as you account for the terrible Jets' offense potentially stifling his opportunity.

Rashod Bateman vs. Steelers (22 percent ESPN)

Not only has Bateman surpassed Sammy Watkins as the Ravens' number two wideout, he may quickly turning into the top receiving option behind Mark Andrews. That will likely make him one of the top breakout candidates next season, but for now we can look forward to a strong effort this week – particularly if Joe Haden doesn't clear health and safety protocols. 

Gabriel Davis vs. Jets (19 percent ESPN)

Davis saw an increased role in the absence of Emmanuel Sanders, though that didn't turn into notable production. It's unclear how much Buffalo will take to the air against the Jets, but Davis will be on the field for nearly a full-time role if Sanders remains out.

Cyril Grayson vs. Panthers (one percent ESPN)

Breshad Perriman vs. Panthers (one percent ESPN)

Grayson and Perriman appear to be the primary beneficiaries of the depleted Buccaneers' receiving corps. Perriman is likely to be the second outside receiver opposite Mike Evans, with Grayson a potential slot option. Tyler Johnson is worth mentioning, but he's produced very little with an expanded opportunity. Finally, the Bucs should be playing to win to avoid a potential matchup with the Cardinals in the Wild Card Round, but keep an eye on the news in case Tom Brady sits.

Antoine Wesley vs. Seahawks (zero percent ESPN)

Wesley hasn't seen tremendous volume in the absence of DeAndre Hopkins racking up 17 targets across three outings. However, he's also scored three TD over that span. While Wesley certainly won't be able to maintain that pace, Kyler Murray clearly looks to him in the red zone. In the same three-game sample, he's earned six targets inside the 20.

Brandon Zylstra at Buccaneers (zero percent ESPN)

Shi Smith at Buccaneers (zero percent ESPN)

This pair of Panthers' receivers are worth considering in truly desperate situations. Terrace Marshall is on IR and Robby Anderson sat out practice Wednesday. If Anderson can't go, Carolina will be in need of a number two receiver and a slot option. Both Smith and Zylstra have played a lot of the latter this season relative to total snaps, but one would likely shift outside opposite DJ Moore.  

Tight End

Hayden Hurst vs Saints (one percent ESPN)

Hurst appears likely to step into the top tight end role as Kyle Pitts was sidelined by a hamstring injury in Monday's practice.

Gerald Everett at Cardinals (20 percent ESPN)

Everett has produced a consistent five-target role in Seattle's offense. That's not going to offer much ceiling, but he continues to offer a floor lacking on many waivers at the position.

John Bates at Giants (zero percent ESPN)

Ricky Seals-Jones is in concussion protocol, leaving him unlikely to suit up. Bates has gained a foothold in Washington's offense of late by posting at least three receptions in four of his last eight games.

Anthony Firkser at Texans (two percent ESPN)

MyCole Pruitt's season is over, which cuts Tennessee's tight end rotation from three to two. Firkser caught his first TD of the season last week and Tannehill has trusted him in and around the end zone in past years.

Adam Trautman at Falcons (two percent ESPN)

Trautman showed promise earlier on, but has only managed one reception in two matchups since returning from injury and an absence from COVID-19. He's worth long-shot speculation based on previously established form.