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This week's topic is geared more toward those in deeper leagues with 12+ teams and 18+ roster spots. Some comments and thoughts will still apply to others who don't meet those criteria, but for the most part, this is for those with limited waiver-wire options.
This week, I want to focus on some proactive waiver wire claims that could propel your team forward if one or more of these pickups hit. We often see a waiver gem help teams in the playoffs, and this year should be no different. Remember that a proactive waiver claim isn't intended to be a quick solution, but rather a shark move that can potentially boost your lineup. Examples of notable waiver pickups from this year include Jaxson Dart, Joe Flacco, Rico Dowdle, Cam Skattebo, Wan'Dale Robinson, Oronde Gadsden, etc. Several of these players have made a sizeable impact on rosters everywhere. Last year, players like Drake Maye, Cade Otton, and Jauan Jennings fit these criteria and were instrumental in helping many fantasy rosters in the stretch run in 2024. These waiver pickups weren't expected to amount to much when picked up, but the potential for success was there. Making good on such moves can fix or strengthen your team and/or your season. Many players have already made themselves known, but that doesn't mean others won't appear. Here's a look at some players to target at each position.
Proactive and Reactive Waiver Pickups
Quarterback
Brock Purdy, San Francisco. Mac Jones has been great for the 49ers in relief of Purdy, who has not played since Week 4 due to a foot/toe injury. Purdy's return gives the 49ers offense more upside for a playoff run in the second half of the season. His ability to push the ball down the field opens up more explosive plays that will benefit the receiving corps, including Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and eventually Brandon Aiyuk, when he returns from injured reserve. Purdy generally has a safe floor in fantasy. However, his deep-ball ability and knack for finding players after the catch give him a high ceiling for weekly blow-up games. If you've been streaming the position, he offers QB1 stability you can plug in and trust.
Joe Flacco, Cincinnati. Depending on your league and roster size, Joe Flacco may be available on your waiver wire. There was some uncertainty about how he would perform with the Bengals, but he has shown that he can be a solid fantasy option, quarterbacking a team loaded with talent, including Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown. The offense has not faltered in Cincinnati. The same can't be said for their defense, but a bad defense usually leads to more production on offense, which is where we stand with the Bengals and Joe Flacco. Since Week 7, Flacco has led all quarterbacks in fantasy points, averaging 27 fantasy points per game. If he is available, he is worth an add. Cincinnati has a bye this week (Week 10), but he can be inserted into your lineup when he returns, where he is projected to provide solid numbers in the second half of the season.
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona. Brissett filled in for an injured Kyler Murray over the last three games and has been quietly great, averaging 286 passing yards and two touchdowns per contest. That output translates to a healthy 25.6 points per game for the Cardinals' offense during that stretch. Even more exciting, Brissett's approach seems to have unlocked Marvin Harrison Jr., who had a breakout Monday night against Dallas with seven catches for 96 yards and a score. That connection is huge. If he holds onto this starting job, Brissett quickly becomes a valuable target for anyone struggling with bye weeks or playing in a Superflex or two-quarterback league.
J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota. Could we be on the verge of seeing a second-half ascension for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy? Like Bryce Young last season, perhaps McCarthy elevated his game by sitting out and will surprise us with a productive second half of the season. If Week 9 is any indication, McCarthy could be a sneaky find if he is available on your waiver wire. He didn't have a high yardage game against division-rival Detroit on the road, but he did manage three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in a thrilling win that may have saved the Vikings' season. Like Flacco, McCarthy has proven weapons around him, led by Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. There is a scenario where McCarthy becomes a fantasy-relevant option for the second half of the season.
Marcus Mariota, Washington. The Commanders will be without Jayden Daniels (elbow/IR) for at least four weeks, if not more, thus opening the door for Mariota to salvage the season. The reality is the Commanders are 3-6 and have lost four straight games. The NFC playoff picture is crowded, and this could be a team going through the motions in the second half of the season. He may not yield strong, consistent numbers, but he gives you a bye-week option, especially in Week 11, if you have Daniel Jones. Mariota and the Commanders will be in Spain to play the Dolphins, which could provide a decent fantasy return. In four games this season, Mariota has rushed for 40, 20, 34, and 28 yards. He gives that extra dual-threat boost that benefits your lineup.