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Eric Moody, ESPN
The NFL is a “next man up” league. By extension, your fantasy football league is too. You acquired your team during the draft, but it’s the moves you make as the season progresses that will ultimately decide whether you’re destined for the playoffs or planning for next season. Each week, we’ll help you identify available players in more than 50% of ESPN leagues whose value has improved and should be added to your roster as starters or as smart reserves for your bench.
The next man up
The fantasy playoffs begin in Week 15 for many leagues. Whether you’re competing for a championship or simply trying to avoid a last-place punishment that could go viral on social media, I’m here to help.
Every season, some players come out of nowhere to help coaches win championships. We’re talking playoff heroes: waiver jewels who become instant starters. By the end of the season, you’re kicking yourself for overlooking them. Sincere McCormick (enrolled in 11.2% of ESPN leagues) of the Las Vegas Raiders could be that guy this year.
McCormick has established himself as the Raiders’ top running back with injuries that kept Zamir White and Alexander Mattison sidelined for three straight games. The former practice squad player has looked strong, totaling 27 rushing attempts over the last two games with over 60 rushing yards in both contests, and it’s even more impressive that he’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
The snap count suggests McCormick will continue to dominate both early and short-yardage situations moving forward. With upcoming matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints (two defenses ranked in the top eight in terms of most RB fantasy points allowed), McCormick should be at the top of your waiver priorities.
Other RB options
Bigsby Tank, Jacksonville Jaguars (35.6%): Bigsby and Travis Etienne Jr. played with similar snap counts in Week 14. However, Bigsby (19) had more overall touches than Etienne because the Jaguars kept the game close. With a soft remaining schedule against the Jets, Raiders and Titans, this usage could continue. Bigsby has been productive this season, averaging 16.1 fantasy points in games in which he has had double-digit touches.
Braelon Allen (48.7%) and Isaiah Davis (3.4%), New York Jets: Breece Hall was inactive in Week 14 due to a left knee injury, the same knee in which he tore his ACL just two years ago. With the Jets out of playoff contention, there’s no reason to rush him back. Still, reports indicate that Hall is expected to return in Week 15. Against the Dolphins on Sunday, Allen and Davis split snaps and touches in the backfield. Davis had a fantasy-best 15.7 points, thanks to a key rushing touchdown. The Jets also have one of the most fantasy running back-friendly schedules the rest of the way, so you should at least keep one of these two on your bench in case Hall suffers a setback.
Next QB up
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (38.1%): Stafford has been on fire lately. He’s scored more than 18 fantasy points in five of his last seven games, while completing nearly 67% of his passes. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp as his preferred receivers, Stafford is thriving. He faces a 49ers defense in Week 15 that has allowed 19.0 QB fantasy points per game over the last three weeks. This matchup has all the makings of another solid performance from Stafford.
Other QB options
Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns (19.9%): Winston is the definition of boom or bust. Since the Browns’ Week 10 bye, he has had two games with more than 26 fantasy points and two with less than 15. It’s risky, but don’t overlook it. Winston faces the Chiefs, Bengals and Dolphins to close out the fantasy season, all high-scoring teams. That will give him plenty of opportunities to catch up, and that means throwing the ball. It is worth considering in deeper formats.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (4.3%): Young had a rough outing against the Eagles in Week 14, scoring just 12.5 fantasy points. The Panthers face the Cowboys, Cardinals and Buccaneers in Weeks 15-17. Dallas and Tampa Bay are in the top six in terms of most QB fantasy points allowed. Young might be worth a look to advance to the playoffs if you’re in a deeper league.
Next WR up
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (41.3%): Doubs has missed the last two games due to a concussion, but there is a strong chance he will return in Week 15 against the Seahawks. Green Bay has a crowded receiving room with playmakers like Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, making it tough to decide which Packers receiver to trust. The Packers’ fantasy playoff schedule also includes matchups with the Saints and Vikings. The New Orleans and Minnesota defenses allow a lot of WR fantasy points, and both rank among the top six most generous defenses to receivers.
Other WR options
Cedric Tillman (36.0%) and Elijah Moore (23.6%), Cleveland Browns: Winston has done an excellent job spreading the ball around, making Tillman and Moore intriguing fantasy playoff options. Tillman missed the last two games due to a concussion and was relatively quiet in Weeks 11 and 12. However, we can’t forget his impressive run from Weeks 7-9, where he put up 18+ fantasy points in three straight games. . Moore has been productive when targeted, averaging a solid 0.67 fantasy points per target this season. Both players are worth adding to your rosters for added depth.
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers (38.7%): Thielen has thrived since returning from his hamstring injury, generating great chemistry with Young. Over the last two games, he has had double-digit goals and over 19 fantasy points in both contests. Jalen Coker has been out for this stretch and it’s unclear how he’ll fit back into the WR rotation. That said, with Thielen performing at this level, why change what’s working? His recent consistency makes him a great option across the league, and the connection with Young is something to watch and enjoy.
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Was Jalen McMillan’s performance in Week 14 a sign of things to come?
Field Yates credits rookie Jalen McMillan for his best performance in the NFL, but doesn’t have him among his top 30 fantasy wide receivers going forward.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8.5%): McMillan scored a season-high 21.9 fantasy points against the Raiders on Sunday, reaching the end zone twice in a decisive game for the 2024 third-round pick out of Washington. He’s worth adding in deeper leagues, but keep in mind that McMillan has seen more than seven targets in just three games this season. The Buccaneers have a favorable schedule the rest of the way, but it would be encouraging to see McMillan receive more consistent targets behind Mike Evans.
Next TE up
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (48.2%): Freiermuth has improved in the Steelers’ passing game since his Week 9 bye, scoring more than 10 fantasy points in five straight games. However, he has seen more than four goals in just two of those games, and Russell Wilson’s modest 30.4 pass attempts per game are worth noting. If you need a tight end, don’t overlook Freiermuth as he faces the Ravens and Chiefs in Weeks 16 and 17, both of whom rank among the top eight defenses in TE fantasy points allowed.
Another TE option
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (13.9%): The Saints are running out of receiving playmakers. Chris Olave is on IR and both Rashid Shaheed and Taysom Hill are done for the season. Johnson faced the Giants on Sunday with five goals and 15 fantasy points. Looking ahead, they’ll face the Packers and Raiders in Weeks 16 and 17. Both defenses are among the top 10 most generous defenses in TE Fantasy points. This makes Johnson a reliable option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues during the fantasy playoffs.
