The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free-agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.
Quarterback Upgrades
- QB Justin Fields, CHI (waiver wire: 50+%)
- QB Taysom Hill, NO (waiver wire: 50+%)
- QB Baker Mayfield, CLE (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- QB Tyler Huntley, BAL (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- QB Aaron Rodgers, GB
- QB Patrick Mahomes, KC
- QB Davis Mills, HOU (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
Quarterback Downgrades
- QB Lamar Jackson, BAL
- QB Cam Newton, CAR (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Dak Prescott, DAL
Running Back Upgrades
- RB DOnta Foreman, TEN (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Rashaad Penny, SEA (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Dalvin Cook, MIN
- RB Craig Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- RB Jordan Howard, PHI (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- RB Justin Jackson, LAC (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- RB Alvin Kamara, NO
- RB Javonte Williams, DEN
- RB Mike Davis, ATL (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Melvin Gordon, DEN
- RB DErnest Johnson, CLE (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Boston Scott, PHI (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- RB Gerrid Doaks, MIA (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC
- RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (waiver wire: 7-15%)
- RB Duke Johnson, MIA (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (waiver wire: 1%)
Running Back Downgrades
- RB Rex Burkhead, HOU (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Kareem Hunt, CLE (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB James Robinson, JAX (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Antonio Gibson, WAS
- RB Joe Mixon, CIN
- RB Austin Ekeler, LAC
- RB Jermar Jefferson, DET (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
Wide Receiver Upgrades
- WR Cole Beasley, BUF (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR Gabriel Davis, BUF (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR Rashod Bateman, BAL (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- WR Allen Lazard, GB (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- WR Tyler Lockett, SEA
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (waiver wire: 15-30%)
- WR Chase Claypool, PIT
- WR Julio Jones, TEN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- WR Jarvis Landry, CLE (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- WR Hunter Renfrow, LV
- WR Brandin Cooks, HOU
- WR Robby Anderson, CAR (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- WR K.J. Osborn, MIN (waiver wire: 5-10%)
- WR Jalen Guyton, LAC (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Josh Palmer, LAC (waiver wire: 1%)
Wide Receiver Downgrades
- WR Emmanuel Sanders, BUF (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Darnell Mooney, CHI (waiver wire: HOLD)
- WR Allen Robinson, CHI (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Terry McLaurin, WAS
Tight End Upgrades
- TE Austin Hooper, CLE (waiver wire: 20-40%)
- TE Brevin Jordan, HOU (waiver wire: 10-20%)
- TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN (waiver wire: 5-10%)
Tight End Downgrades
- TE Cole Kmet, CHI (waiver wire: DROP)
- TE Dalton Schultz, DAL (waiver wire: DROP)
- TE Tyler Conklin, MIN (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER )
Quarterback Upgrade
QB Justin Fields, CHI - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Fields made some big plays in the passing game and had a productive game as a runner in the loss to Green Bay. The Vikings, Seahawks, and Giants give him a promising schedule for the stretch run.
QB Taysom Hill, NO - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Hill scored another meaningless touchdown late to put fantasy teams over the top this week. Hill didn't move the ball that consistently against a poor Jets defense, but the game script against the Bucs this week allows the looseness for Hill to hit again. Miami and Carolina are up in Weeks 16 and 17, but we'll evaluate Hill's fitness to start in the fantasy playoffs on a week-to-week basis.
QB Tyler Huntley, BAL - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - John Harbaugh says the plan is for Lamar Jackson to play in Week 15, but we'll believe it when we see it. Huntley has speculative value until we see Jackson suit up. He adds value as a runner and he's a resourceful passer. The Packers, Bengals, and Rams are up the next three weeks for the Ravens.
QB Patrick Mahomes, KC - We've been through this once already with Mahomes, where the Raiders' ineptitude fools us into thinking that he is back. The Chargers, Steelers, and Bengals over the next three weeks don't sound too imposing, so the level of trust is growing as we get deeper into the fantasy playoffs.
QB Baker Mayfield, CLE - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Mayfield was outstanding to open but took a hit that required a visit to the medical tent and wasn't the same after that. Some of the credit goes to facing a vulnerable Ravens secondary, but the Raiders, Packers, and Steelers aren't a tough draw for the next three weeks, so Mayfield has some appeal in 2QB/Superflex and streamer potential.
QB Davis Mills, HOU - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Mills actually started 14 out of 14 for 151 yards against the Seahawks on his way to 331 yards, showing some mettle after he was named the starter for the rest of the season. The Jaguars are in quit mode and they are up next week, with the Chargers and 49ers up in Weeks 16 and 17. Mills is playing to become the incumbent starter next year with the Texans picking high in a draft that doesn't have a clear franchise level prospect.
QB Aaron Rodgers, GB - Rodgers is playing at the MVP level he inhabited last year. The crumbling Ravens secondary is up next, with the Browns and Vikings up in Weeks 16-17. It's a good time to have Rodgers on your fantasy team.
QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Things were rough enough for Roethlisberger that you felt sorry for him, but he rallied the Steelers back to within one play of needing only a two-point conversion to tie the game at 36 after being down 29. He has his sandlot form back with a talented group of receivers and should be able to pick on the Titans secondary this week. The Chiefs and Browns provide stiffer competition in Weeks 16 and 17.
Quarterback Downgrade
QB Lamar Jackson, BAL - Jackson suffered an ankle injury against the Browns that ended his day prematurely. It's unclear if he'll be ready to face the Packers in Week 15, but John Harbaugh said that's the plan. This could be an injury that still affects him when he returns. Hold him and hope for the best.
QB Cam Newton, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Newton looked strong as a runner and was reasonably productive as a passer, but he was also benched twice. If he plays for the entire game against the 49ers, Tampa, or New Orleans over the next three weeks, he could have fantasy value, but the trend is going in the wrong direction.
QB Dak Prescott, DAL - Prescott was unimpressive and threw a late pick-six that almost cost the Cowboys the game. He'll face the sinking Giants ship next week, but the Football Team is up again in Week 16 and the Cardinals will be a challenge in Week 17. Prescott isn't a slam dunk start in the fantasy playoffs.
Running Back Upgrade
RB Dalvin Cook, MIN - Cook was shot out of gun through gaping holes in the Steelers defense, which points to targeting Pittsburgh when they meet a good running game and the quality of Cook and the Vikings running game heading into a matchup against Chicago. The Rams and Packers are up after that, but they aren't pushovers.
RB Mike Davis, ATL - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Davis has put together back-to-back good weeks in PPR leagues as the Falcons are being careful to not overwork Cordarrelle Patterson in the backfield. The 49ers aren't an easy draw this week, but the Lions are up in Week 16 before a trip to Buffalo in Week 17.
RB Gerrid Doaks, MIA - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - All three backs on the Miami 53-man roster are on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, so Johnson or rookie Gerrid Doaks could get the call up and get a big workload against the lowly Jets this week.
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC - The Chiefs offense got some of their swag back thanks to the Raiders, which boosted Edwards-Helaire's touchdowns opportunities. He converted two times and has at least earned back RB2 lineup trust heading into a matchup with the Chargers. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are up in Weeks 16 and 17.
RB DOnta Foreman, TEN - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Foreman wasn't a true bell cow, getting in on only about 1/3 of the plays, but he touched the ball 15 times, scored, and got the only two running back receptions. He'll be a good RB2 against the Steelers, 49ers, and Dolphins with Derrick Henry potentially coming back for Week 18.
RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Gainwell appears to be fourth in line in the Eagles backfield, but two of the players ahead of him were hurt going into the bye, and the third had a bad fumble the last time we saw him, so anything could happen.
RB Melvin Gordon, DEN - Gordon picked up his season of resurgence where he left off before missing Week 13. He peaked for fantasy with two scores and over 100 yards for the first time this year. The Bengals, Raiders, and Chargers should pave the way to a good finish for him as he enters free agency again.
RB Jordan Howard, PHI - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - It's not clear if Howard will be healthy enough to play against Washington, but we don't know Miles Sanders' status either. If Howard can play, he should get goal-line work and might even lead the backfield in touches with or without Sanders.
RB Justin Jackson, LAC - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - The team is making it sound like Austin Ekeler is going to be "fine", but an aggravation of an ankle injury makes his status shakier going forward. Jackson is the clear #2 right now and the best back of the backups, but he is also the most injury-prone. He'll be a boom/bust RB2 if Ekeler misses time and a viable desperation play against the Chiefs, Texans, and Broncos the next three weeks.
RB DErnest Johnson, CLE - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Kareem Hunt has an ankle injury of unspecified severity, but we already know Johnson can be an asset if he starts and a viable desperation play as a #2, especially with Las Vegas up this week. The Packers and Steelers are up in Weeks 16-17. Johnson scored against Pittsburgh in the Week 8 15-10 loss.
RB Duke Johnson, MIA - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - All three backs on the Miami 53-man roster are on the covid list, so Johnson or rookie Gerrid Doaks could get the call up and get a big workload against the lowly Jets this week.
RB Alvin Kamara, NO - Kamara got a ton of touches, got enough targets from Taysom Hill in a low volume game, scored, and emerged from the game with no injuries, so it couldn't have gone much better for his fantasy teams. His toughest matchup left is up this week in Tampa, with Miami and Carolina coming to the Superdome in Weeks 16 and 17.
RB Joshua Kelley, LAC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Kelley has been running behind Justin Jackson, but ahead of Larry Rountree, so one assumes that he would be second in line behind Jackson for touches that Austin Ekeler could vacate because of injury, but the situation is always fluid.
RB Rashaad Penny, SEA - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Penny set career highs across the board and took advantage of poor tackling by the Texans on two long touchdown runs. He'll presumably the be the starter going forward. Consider him a boom/bust RB2 against the Rams and if he continues to start against the Bears and Lions at home.
RB Craig Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Why not Netflix (because he was presumably on his couch when the Lions called) as a feel-good surprise fantasy story in December? He was very good against the Broncos, Godwin Igwebuike couldn't hold onto the ball, and Jermar Jefferson was on a milk carton. D'Andre Swift could be put on the shelf for the rest of the year, which would open up the door for Reynolds to start against the Cardinals, Falcons, and Seahawks.
RB Boston Scott, PHI - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Scott could be the lead back if Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders aren't healthy enough to play. He might still be worth a stash if they are playing because who knows how long they will stay on the field.
RB Javonte Williams, DEN - Williams put up 20+ fantasy points for the second straight week. He enters the matchup against the Bengals red hot and coming off of his best fantasy performance of the season with Melvin Gordon on the field. The Raiders and Chargers promise more big days in Weeks 16 and 17.
Running Back Downgrade
RB Rex Burkhead, HOU - (waiver wire: DROP) - Burkhead left with a groin injury and what little value he had has now evaporated.
RB Austin Ekeler, LAC - Ekeler aggravated his ankle injury. The team says he will play, but we have seen early week ok proclamations turn into game day inactives before, and Ekeler plays on Thursday.
RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL - Elliott didn't look like he was over his knee injury in Week 14, and he gave way to Corey Clement for a lot of the second half until the game was close at the end. The Cowboys pass offense was also rough against Washington, but the whole crew could have a bounceback against the Giants this week. Washington and Arizona are up in Weeks 16 and 17.
RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - Gibson fumbled and seemed to lose the trust of the coaches while the offense had trouble moving the ball for most of the game. He has devolved back to boom/bust RB2 status with J.D. McKissic hopefully getting back in the fold this week against Philadelphia.
RB Kareem Hunt, CLE - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Hunt is almost surely out for Saturday with his ankle injury, and questionable at best for Week 16 against Green Bay. Week 17 against the Steelers could be good for him, so he's a hold until we learn more about his injury.
RB Jermar Jefferson, DET - (waiver wire: DROP) - Jefferson was expected to be part of a committee with Godwin Igwebuike, but undrafted free agent Craig Reynolds stole the show.
RB Joe Mixon, CIN - The Bengals running game was bottled up by the 49ers defense and their team's own miscues. The Broncos, Ravens, and Chiefs aren't the easiest closing schedule and Mixon will need his team to avoid the slow starts that have dogged them lately.
RB James Robinson, JAX - (waiver wire: HOLD) - The Jaguars are in full on quit mode, so much so that even Robinson can't overcome it. They do play the Texans this week, so hold onto Robinson as a desperation play if the size of the bench allows it.
Wide Receiver Upgrade
WR Robby Anderson, CAR - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Anderson scored and could be the #1 receiver if the hamstring injury that has made D.J. Moore day to day keeps him out of Week 15 against the Bills.
WR Rashod Bateman, BAL - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Bateman seemed to move ahead of Sammy Watkins, hopefully for good, and certainly for long enough to be a fantasy-relevant receiver. The Ravens' shoddy secondary will get them into high-scoring games, including this weekend against the Packers, So Bateman's value is on the rise.
WR Cole Beasley, BUF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Beasley had 11 targets and should see his role increase for as long as Emmanuel Sanders is out. He has a high weekly ceiling in PPR leagues going forward.
WR Chase Claypool, PIT - Claypool's Week 14 will be remembered more for his gaffes, but he had a productive night and could benefit if the Steelers employ a Roethlisberger-centric offense for the last four games. The Titans don't have a corner that can hang with him physically in Week 15.
WR Brandin Cooks, HOU - Cooks has a budding connection with Davis Mills, who will start for the rest of the season. Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly adjusted and put Cooks in the slot, which helped him have a big day and he was just short of a touchdown. Keep Cooks in your lineup against the Jaguars this week.
WR Gabriel Davis, BUF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - We don't know the extent of Emmanuel Sanders' knee injury, but Josh Allen said the team will need more of Davis on Sunday. Davis and Allen's chemistry is legit and he could be worth starting in fantasy against the Panthers, Patriots, and Falcons the next three weeks.
WR Jalen Guyton, LAC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Guyton's role didn't really change with Keenan Allen out, but a hot Justin Herbert got him the ball for a long score to make the day of anyone who started him. Consider him a what the heck flex against the Chiefs on Thursday, with the Texans matchup offering upside in Week 16.
WR Julio Jones, TEN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - The Titans pass offense wasn't exactly full of fireworks, but Jones caught four balls for modest gains and more importantly didn't get hurt. He'll be a what the heck flex against the Steelers secondary that is prone to giving up big plays.
WR Jarvis Landry, CLE - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Landry scored in Week 14 and he should be a viable WR3/Flex going forward as long as Baker Mayfield shakes off the effects of the hit that made him mediocre in the second half after a very strong start to the win over Baltimore.
WR Allen Lazard, GB - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Lazard was on the field for 10 more snaps than Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and had a big evening against the Bears as Aaron Rodgers is in prime form right now. Lazard should be considered a strong WR3/Flex option against the ailing Ravens secondary.
WR Tyler Lockett, SEA - Lockett was back to his old tricks with Russell Wilson against the woeful Texans. He'll go on the road against the Rams next week, but Jalen Ramsey is more likely to be on DK Metcalf, so Lockett could stay hot.
WR K.J. Osborn, MIN - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Osborn's long score made his night for fantasy teams and ended up being the margin of victory for the Vikings. He's a boom/bust WR3/Flex against the Bears this week.
WR Josh Palmer, LAC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Palmer's involvement shot up with Keenan Allen sitting due to covid. Allen could return this week, but Palmer is worth a pickup if he's still out there just in case Allen doesn't return.
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, CLE - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Peoples-Jones' big plays keyed more than one scoring drive for the Browns. They'll face a reeling Raiders team on Saturday, making Peoples-Jones an upside flex play for Week 15.
WR Hunter Renfrow, LV - Renfrow had his third straight game with 8+ catches and 100+ yards, a Raiders record. Darren Waller could return soon and shave off some of his upside, but for now, Renfrow is the AFC version of Cooper Kupp, heading into a matchup with Cleveland.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - St. Brown is looking like a steady play for PPR leagues down the stretch now that Jared Goff is healthy again. This week against Arizona should provide a lot of targets as the Lions try to keep up with Kyler Murray.
Wide Receiver Downgrade
WR Terry McLaurin, WAS - McLaurin suffered a concussion in Week 14 and might be unavailable for the game against the Eagles, and potentially beyond.
WR Darnell Mooney, CHI - (waiver wire: HOLD) - The return of Allen Robinson and a bigger role for the complementary speed receivers made Mooney a Week 14 dud, but if Justin Fields is improving as a passer, then it could be Mooney, not Damiere Byrd, taking off to the house against the Vikings suspect secondary this week.
WR Allen Robinson, CHI - (waiver wire: DROP) - Robinson was back in the lineup, but still small on the scoresheet. He'll need to go off on our benches before we can trust him, and maybe even two weeks in a row, which doesn't give him a lot of time to turn it around.
WR Emmanuel Sanders, BUF - (waiver wire: DROP) - Sanders left with a knee injury and we are waiting for more details on Week 15 status and beyond. He had been in a fantasy slump going into Week 14, so he's not an essential hold.
Tight End Upgrade
TE Austin Hooper, CLE - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Hooper caught a score and was an important part of the pass offense with the other two of the top three tight ends out. David Njoku could return from the covid list this week, but Hooper has momentum heading into a Saturday game against the Raiders.
TE Brevin Jordan, HOU - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Jordan isn't the #1 tight end in terms of snaps, but he got seven targets and scored in Week 14 and Davis Mills appears to like targeting his fellow rookie. The matchup against the Jaguars is streamable.
TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Okwuegbunam scored and had more targets than Noah Fant in the win over the Lions. He's worth a desperation play pickup against the Bengals.
Tight End Downgrade
TE Tyler Conklin, MIN - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER ) - Conklin didn't have a big game against the Steelers, but the Bears just gave up a lot to Packers tight ends, so Conklin still has desperation play value assuming Adam Thielen is out for Week 15.
TE Cole Kmet, CHI - (waiver wire: DROP) - Kmet was part of a large cast of targets for Justin Fields, who is making strides as a passer, and he didn't make any impact plays or get enough targets to matter. The second-year breakout isn't going to happen for Kmet.
TE Dalton Schultz, DAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Schultz is the forgotten man in the Cowboys offense with all three wide receivers healthy. Dak Prescott isn't playing well right now, which isn't helping matters. Schultz is droppable.