Welcome to the final installment of the New Life Fantasy waiver wire. For those loyal readers and dynasty managers, I’ll be covering some dynasty league content in the near future so look out for that. Now let’s dive into my top picks that could send you home with your league’s championship.
QB Philip Rivers (Ind) Rostered: 40% (yahoo), 15% (espn)
If you’re a reoccurring reader to my article then you know how I rave on Rivers being extremely consistent. He took a dip in production in week 16 against the number 1 defense in the league which is why I didn’t Mention him last week. Rivers is an absolute perfect streamer for this week against a lackluster Jacksonville pass defense that just surrendered 265 yards and 2 TDs to Trubisky. Rivers Should be able to top those numbers this week and lead your team to a victory. Andy Dalton (Dal) Rostered: 13% (yahoo), 5% (espn)
Dalton had one crazy breakout performance in the second to last game of the season. Scoring 3 times over 377 yards though the air was more than impressive. He’ll have to face a surprisingly stingy Giants pass defense that’s allowed the 4th fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs. Dalton has the weapons and momentum going into week 17 to be starter worthy for those in need of a QB. Mitchell Trubisky (Chi) Rostered: 17% (yahoo), 24% (espn)
Trubisky was able to rack up 27 fantasy points in standard leagues proving himself to be a decent streamer. He’ll face a tough Green Bay pass defense that’s allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs. Have fear however, as Trubisky was able to total 24 fantasy points making him a viable streamer.
RB Malcolm Brown (LAR) Rosterd: 19% (yahoo), 32% (espn)
Akers and Henderson Jr. are out giving Brown the lead back duties in LA. Brown has shown flashes of superstar potential in the past and will be called upon to do so again. Arizona is the 10th toughest opponent for running backs, but that’s not going to stop Brown from getting his carries. In a numbers game, opportunity is a huge key, which brown is going to get plenty of. La’Mical Perine (NYJ) Rostered: 11% (yahoo), 6% (espn)
Gore is gone leaving the hungry rookie out of Florida aching to finally take advantage of a golden opportunity. The Jets chance at succeeding in any fashion has vanished which might mean they’ll turn to the rookie even more. Also the Jets play against the 10th easiest rush defense in the league, increasing Perine’s potential even more. Gus Edwards (Bal) Rostered: 40% (yahoo), 23% (espn)
Im was surprised to find out Edwards wasn’t rostered in more leagues than he was. Especially since he’s put up solid production in 9 out of his last 10 games. While he’s shown most of his work on the ground, the skilled back has shown to be relevant in the passing game in past contests. Baltimore will be fighting early on in hopes of clinching a playoff berth. So if they get into an early lead they likely conserve Dobbins and give Edwards plenty of opportunities. Edwards is officially my last favorite pick of the week and I hope this article finds you in time.
WR Russell Gage (Atl) Rostered: 38% (yahoo) 33% (espn)
Gage suffered a dip in a rather impressive streak in week 16 but that’s no reason to stray away from the veteran wideout. Last time Atlanta kicked off against Tampa, Gage tallied 68 yards and a score on 5 catches. Tampa is just outside the top ten when it comes to defending wideouts on a fantasy aspect, but this game is going to be another high scoring game Gage can take advantage of. I would put Gage in the safe flex option with the potential for much more. DeSean Jackson (Phi) Rostered: 9% (yahoo) 12% (espn)
DeSean Jackson hauled in a bomb from Hurts leading to an 81 yard TD which totaled his fantasy points to 14 in standard leagues. Though it was his only catch, Jackson is likely to get some extra targets in week 17, and as we’ve seen through his career, he has the potential to explode. Philly has tough competition in the final week which lowers an already low floor. This type of coin flip is exactly what you’re looking for in a waiver pick up in the final week. Philly’s offense has been on a roll since Hurts took over, and they’ll be looking to spoil, so I’d go in on Jackson if you can. Rashard Higgins (Cle) Rostered: 25% (yahoo), 26% (espn)
Don’t forget the level of production Higgins put up before he was placed on the COVID list. He averaged over 11 fantasy points per game in standard leagues over the last 3 games played. He won’t have such an easy opponent like he would have had last week, but Higgins should still make up for a decent pick this week if he continues where he left off. Pittsburgh is one of the strongest Defenses there has ever been statistically. Higgins is another coin flip that could win you your championship.
TE Jimmy Graham (Chi) Rostered: 27% (yahoo), 34% (espn)
3 TDs in 3 games is always a stat line you want to see for a TE. Especially a TE on the Waivers, where you are not going to see very many guys with similar numbers. Jimmy has a tough matchup in the final week however, he’s going to be one of your best options here. Irv Smith Jr. (Min) Rostered: 15% (yahoo), 6% (espn)
Smith is on a decent streak as of late, totaling 150 yards and 3 scores in 3 games. With his latest performance bringing in 2TDs, and 53 yards over 6 receptions. This hasn’t been the only multi-touchdown game for the Vikings TE. In week 11 against the Cowboys, Smith scored on both of his catches. Smith will get a rematch against the Cowboys in the final week alongside to go with the recent momentum. Other Notable Pickups: Daniel Jones (QB – NYG) AJ Dillon (RB – GB) Jakobi Meyers (WR – NE) Michael Gallup (WR – Dal) Jordan Akins (TE – Hou)
Written by RJ Smith
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