This deep in the season, most breakout stars like the St. Louis Rams’ Todd Gurley or Oakland’s Amari Cooper are not going to be available for a waiver acquisition. However, here are some players who can be solid additions in both standard leagues and deeper-league teams to help get you to the post-season.
Quarterbacks:
Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars
Although the Jags are on a bye week, this is the perfect time to pick up Bortles if you haven’t already. Still available in more than 30 percent of ESPN Fantasy leagues, the UCF alumnus is currently fifth in scoring for the position. He has a couple of tough matchups coming up, but the second-year quarterback is a low-end, top-tier fantasy quarterback.
Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
Another second-year quarterback, Carr has the Raiders offense rolling along with Cooper and posted his third 20-point effort of the season. While he’s currently ranked 21st in scoring amongst qualifying, the former Fresno State player has plenty of favorable matchups ahead, including Minnesota, Detroit and Kansas City, twice. He is still available in 66 percent of leagues on ESPN, so get him while you can.
Running Backs:
Darren McFadden, Dallas Cowboys
The injury to Joseph Randle is going to be an interesting situation to watch, especially since the Cowboys are expecting the running back to miss some time with an oblique injury, according to NFL Network’s Rand Getlin. McFadden has been a force since the injury to Lance Dunbar, averaging 20 PPG in PPR leagues through two games.
Alfred Blue, Houston Texans
Blue will have a much-increased role after starter Arian Foster was lost for the season to an Achilles tear. His last start saw him run for 139 yards and a touchdown, and even though the threat of running back by committee in Houston, Blue has potential to be low-grade starter material.
Wide Receivers:
Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints
Even though the starting wideout Brandin Cooks has had a less-than-stellar season, Snead is considered in some circles to be the best receiver in the lineup. Snead is second on the team in targets this year and was on the field for 81 percent of the Saints offensive plays against the Colts.
Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings
It was mentioned in last week’s column that Diggs is starter material, and he validated that assumption against the Lions, with a stat line of 108 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Diggs is still available in 40 percent of ESPN leagues, and with two games against Chicago, it would be worth your time to invest in Diggs.
