Rush Nation, it’s time for the last Waiver Wire article of the season. I’m not going to lie, this one is the hardest to write. Normally when you write a Waiver Wire article, you get excited as it’s building towards something and picking from the best players. This week, it’s about trying to work out who starts and who doesn’t.
With most teams having clinched a playoff spot, you can expect a lot of rotation, which we cannot predict. We already know Lamar has been benched for Week Seventeen. In addition to him, there will be many others. Therefore, stay active.
This is why we don’t like Week Seventeen as a title decider. Outside of Week One, it is easily the hardest week to call starters. Therefore if you are playing this week, work the wire and Free Agency very very well.
QUARTERBACKS
DANIEL JONES- 26.3% OWNED
Week 16- 352 Yards, 5TDs, 3 Carries, 12Yards,
Welcome back to the NFL Daniel Jones. After 2 weeks recovering from an injury, Jones was a man on a mission against Washington. After throwing 5 Touchdowns, Jones plans to finish the season on a high. He does have Philly next. However, with all their injuries, Jones can exploit that situation and rack up some touchdowns.
SAM DARNOLD– 20.8% OWNED
Week 16- 183 Yards, 1TD, Fumble, 4 Carries, 3 Yards
This is a strange selection however hear me out. Darnold has been off the boil the last couple of weeks. However, he has been playing some excellent defences in the last couple of weeks. This week he faces Buffalo. However, Buffalo are locked into the 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, meaning this game is nothing more than a distraction. I expect McDermott will drop a number of his starters, which makes Darnold a far more interesting option at QB this week.
RUNNING BACKS
TRAVIS HOMER– 0.1% OWNED
Week 16- 16 Yds Rushing, 1TD
Carson’s season is done. As a result the Seahawks have had to go sign Marshawn Lynch off the streets. However, Lynch won’t be ready for a large role on Sunday after not playing this season. Therefore, I expect Homer to get the majority of the work. Ok the 49ers is a tough matchup. However there isn’t anyone else who is likely to grab the volume Homer is likely to get. Therefore he is worth an add this week.
GUS EDWARDS/JUSTICE HILL– 4.8%/3% OWNED
Week 16 Edwards- 66 Yards Rushing, 7 Yards Receiving
Week 16 Hill- 19 Yards Rushing, TD, 32 Yards Receiving
With Mark Ingram not playing this week, Edwards and Hill should be priority adds. Both are fresh as Ingram has had the workload. However, it will be hard to predict who will have the majority of the workload. Because whilst Edwards is next man up, the Ravens have nothing to play for, since they have locked up the number 1 seed in the AFC. That makes me lean towards Hill but do try and get both players.
WIDE RECEIVERS
DIONTE JOHNSON–11.9% OWNED
Week 16- 8 Rec, 81 Yards 1TD
In the last couple of weeks, Johnson has emerged as the number 1 receiver in Pittsburgh. He is getting the targets and making the plays. And with the Steelers in a must win game at the weekend, I think Johnson is in line for a third good game in a row. Not to mention they will be lining up against the Ravens second string with nothing to play for on Sunday. I think Johnson has a very high ceiling this week.
GREG WARD–17.4% OWNED
Week 16- 4 Rec, 71Yds
Greg Ward has emerged at the number 1 receiver for the Eagles. And he has been clutch for them. Not to mention, with Zach Ertz carrying a rib injury, Wentz might have to rely on Ward more in this do or die matchup for the Eagles. Very safe floor for Ward this week with potential to get in the End Zone.
TIGHT END
JONNU SMITH– 7.4% OWNED
Week 16- 3 Rec, 63 Yards, TD
Jonnu Smith was in this column last week and I have picked him again. He looks healthy and the Titans are scheming plays for him in the offense. He is a big play threat and a huge Red Zone weapon. And since the Texans are susceptible to Red Zone Touchdowns, expect Smith to have a big impact in this do or die game for the Titans.
KICKER
KAI FORBATH– 6.3% OWNED
Week 16- 3/3 FGs
Forbath kicked all of the Cowboy’s points on Sunday. As a result, he is now 6/6 since he returned to the NFL with Dallas. This week, Kai is kicking against the Redskins in a game the Cowboys need to win. As a result, I really like Forbath to return some good points this week.
D/ST
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS– 19.9% OWNED
Playing vs. Atlanta Falcons Next
For the second time in three weeks, I’m going for the Buccaneers. They held the Texans air attack of Watson, Hopkins and Fuller to a combined 7.1 fantasy points on Sunday. This D is playing lights out right now with takeaways and pressures. As a result, I like Tampa to get a fair few sacks, and potential takeaways. Fire them up this week if you need a D/ST.
That’s it for this week. We hope you get a lot out of this article and are seeing some success. You can listen to our audio show on your favourite podcast app. We also answer questions on Twitter @5yardrush so do get in touch there. However, until next season, Keep Rushing.
-Murf @5yardrush
