A couple of weeks ago I talked about the importance of making trades in fantasy. Another aspect that is often overlooked, not mentioned by the masses, and honestly not given enough credit is…. the waiver wire. Yes, the waiver wire has its faults just like everything else, but when you lock in, take the time to look at your rosters and of course make the right gamble on the right players, you can turn your season around in the blink of an eye. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. The waiver wire has been part of my game this season that has been lacking, dare I say downright bad. I turned my nose up to guys like Kareem Hunt (RB10 in PPG) Jauan Jennings who exploded for over 45 points back in Week 3 and won people their weeks, let’s go back a couple of years ago and how many of you missed out on the chance to grab Brock Purdy aka Mr. Irrelevant off the waiver wire that year? I know I did and somehow I still didn’t learn from that lesson. It hasn’t been all bad for me this year though, I was able to grab Cedrick Tillman and Jalen Coker off of the waiver wire and last year by some miracle someone in a SuperFlex dynasty league dropped both Baker Mayfield AND Jake Ferguson prior to the start of the season and I was able to grab them both. Like most of us we’ve had our wins and losses this season, but let this be a reminder that we don’t always have to try the be the smartest guy in the room, we won’t always be the smartest guy in the room, and sometimes the player we least expect is the one we need the most.
Inside/ Outside Picks
QB Baker Mayfield (TB)
Current Ranking 11th
Mayfield continues to prove the haters wrong and is proving that Dave Canales was part of his success in 2023, not the reason for it. Leading the NFL in touchdown passes with 23 Baker was looking like an MVP candidate and even after losing star receiver Chris Godwin for the season and Mike Evans missing the last two weeks, yet the Tampa offense has still been putting up points. But, as we all know all good things must come to an end. Insert the 49ers defense who are fresh off a bye and getting their star running back Christian McCaffrey back and the deck looks to be stacked in the 9ers defense this week. The 9ers defense has been just good enough when facing quarterbacks this season allowing just 10 passing touchdowns in 2024.
Who I like More
QB Daniel Jones (NYG)
Week ranking 15th
He’s playing the Panther LMAO!
RB Joe Mixon (HOU)
Current Ranking 8th
The Texans offense hasn’t looked like the well oiled machine it did in 2023, but the one bright spot has been running back Joe Mixon. Scoring a touchdown in every game he’s played in Mixon is someone fantasy players have started every week with confidence. I don’t think we can feel too confident this week though. Facing a Lions defense that’s top 10 in rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards. Given how the Texans offense has played, Mixon could be phased out when the Texans become more reliant on their passing game.
Who I like More
RB Najee Harris (PIT)
Week ranking 23rd
For the first time in his career Najee Harris has three straight games of over 100 rushing yards and now that Justin Fields isn’t starting Najee has had more opportunities in the red zone with eleven touches. Scoring a touchdown in two of his last three games has been a top 15 running back for three straight weeks. Facing a Commander’s defense bottom five in rushing yards and touchdowns, Harris could have a top 20 finish for his fourth straight week.
WR Puka Nacua (LAR)
Current Ranking 9th
The darling of the 2023 fantasy season, Puka Nacua has had a rough sophomore season to say the least. Whether it be a knee injury or punching a defender, Puka hasn’t been the wide receiver we drafted him to be. I’ll admit I love this matchup and think it could be the game of the week, but until I see more consistency from Puka, I can’t and won’t rank him as a top 10 fantasy receiver. Especially against a solid Dolphins defense that is top 5 in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Who I like More
WR Tank Dell (HOU)
Week Ranking 19th
I know, I know, I know. I don’t like Joe Mixon facing the Lions defense, how can I like Tank Dell? Well, because the Lions secondary has given up the most receptions to receivers with 137 and the second most receiving yards. Not to mention whether Nico Collins plays or not, it helps Tank either way.
TE Evan Engram (JAX)
Current Ranking 5th
Outside of Brian Thomas Jr, the Jaguars offense hasn’t been one we can rely on week to week. After a monstrous 2023 season Evan Engram was a popular target for those who waited on tight end. For what it’s worth Engram does have three top 12 weeks so far this season, but to be fair he scored less than 15 points in two of those weeks and he’s only scored one touchdown all year. And, with the potential quarterback downgrade in Mac Jones likely to start in Week 10, there’s not much to like about Engram in a tough matchup versus a Minnesota defense allowing less than 10 PPG to tight ends.
Who I like More
TE Jonnu Smith (MIA)
Week Ranking 15th
I don’t normally contradict myself in these things, but if that doesn’t sum up the 2024 season, then I don’t know what does. Everyone (me) thought this would be a bounce back year for Jaylen Waddle, but Jonnu Smith has been more of a focal point in the Miami offense. Averaging 12 PPG in his last 4 games Jonnu has been a sneaky good start over the last month. Going up against a Rams defense that will have its hands full with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane. Plug Smith into your lineup as a high upside play this week.
That’s gonna do it for this week’s piece. I hope you found the info useful and actionable. For all my new readers, I am an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. If you like the Cowboys or just enjoy football in general, I know you’d enjoy this podcast.
There you have it! Any questions, or want some more specific help for your league on who to drop, just reach out. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server. And checkout out rankings for each Week.
