Every Tuesday, Sportsnet fantasy analyst Andy McNamara will highlight the best sleeper and waiver wire picks of the week. And if you’re looking for more fantasy football advice, message him on Twitter using #AskAndy.
Injury replacement is the column’s theme this week as the body count piled up Sunday. Scouring the waiver wire isn’t ideal in the fantasy football playoffs, but there are some intriguing options sitting around patiently.
Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about those of you eliminated from the fantasy post-season. There is plenty of DFS-relevant content below to help you win some of that contest money!
Stack It Up
I’ve been writing it on sportsnet.ca and saying in on the Sportsnet Radio Network for over a month now — pick up, play, and think about stacking the Tennessee Titans’ A.J. Brown and Ryan Tannehill! How about we triple-down and sprinkle in another "low dolla balla" to that duo in Tampa Bay receiver Breshad Perriman?
Listen below to hear why this could make a lot of sense for a playoff semifinal showdown and/or in DFS.
WR: A.J. Brown, Titans
27 per cent ownership
Draft Kings salary of $6,000
QB: Ryan Tannehill, Titans
48 per cent ownership
Draft Kings $6,500
WR: Breshad Perriman, Buccaneers
0 per cent ownership
Draft Kings $4,500
RB: Adrian Peterson, Redskins
Owned in 39 per cent of Yahoo! leagues
Draft Kings salary of $4,400
Poor Derrius Guice just can’t catch a break. The injury magnet is officially ruled out for Week 15 and may be shut down. The ageless Adrian Peterson will no doubt return to a 20-touch workload and goal line carries in the pathetic Washington offence. Chris Thompson and Wendell Smallwood could cut into that a bit, but the Redskins need to go run heavy since the air "attack" is non-existent.
If you’re in need of an RB2/flex for the fantasy playoffs or are searching to gain some DFS contrarian points, consider dialling up AP.
TE: Ian Thomas, Panthers
Owned in 1 per cent of Yahoo! leagues
Draft Kings salary of $3,100
Well, if you’re desperate for a tight end streamer, at least you know Ian Thomas is available in 99 per cent of Yahoo! leagues, and is a bargain salary in Draft Kings contests! Thomas’ viability is solely dependent on whether or not Greg Olsen returns from concussion protocol, so track accordingly.
The 2018 fourth-round pick has shone over his first two seasons, and delivered a solid PPR stat line Sunday. A touchdown on five receptions for 16.7 fantasy points is encouraging if the sophomore does get the start versus Seattle. The Seahawks are allowing the second-most FPTs to TEs this season.
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WR: Zach Pascal, Colts
Owned in 35 per cent of Yahoo! leagues
Nearly every Tuesday here on "Under the Wire" I’ve advised to grab Zach Pascal. Owned in only 35 per cent of leagues, apparently the general public hasn’t figured out that he’s arguably the most valuable readily available wide receiver.
Let’s review — T.Y. Hilton’s only played once since Week 8, and rookie Parris Campbell is headed to the IR. Pascal’s proven that he can produce as the main throwing option even with the ultra-conservative Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. The 6’2", 214lbs WR’s popped for double-digit fantasy points four times since Oct. 20 and averaged 19.15 FPTs in his past pair of outings.
Hilton is creeping towards being shut down for the rest of 2019, which makes Pascal a no-brainer must-add off waivers as well as a plus-DFS play against New Orleans.
WR: Russell Gage, Falcons
Owned in 9 per cent of Yahoo! leagues
Draft Kings salary of $5,000
Calvin Ridley’s surprise trip to injured reserve all of a sudden frees up 5–10 targets a game. That shoots the arrow way up for Russell Gage, who’s already seen his role in the Atlanta offence increase since the end of October.
In his second NFL season, the LSU alum’s been a sneaky good flex choice with over 15 fantasy points and a score in two of his last three. The usually tough 49ers pass defence is up next; however, they did just give up five TDs and 349 yards through the air to the Saints. Julio Jones’ health is always a question mark and Matt Ryan could be forced to throw often if (let’s be honest, WHEN) the Falcons fall behind.
Gage is worth a long look.
Quarterbacks to stay away from
Drew Lock: Broncos vs. Chiefs
Kyler Murray: Cardinals vs. Browns
Gardiner Minshew II: Jaguars vs. Raiders
Jared Goff: Rams vs. Cowboys
Top RB handcuff: C.J. Prosise
Owned in 0 per cent of Yahoo! leagues
Draft Kings salary of $3,700
Rashaad Penny’s 2019 campaign unfortunately came to an end Sunday due to a torn ACL. That leaves fumble-prone Chris Carson as the lead RB in the Seahawks backfield and makes C.J. Prosise the top Week 15 handcuff to scoop up.
Obviously, stay away from the fourth-year rusher in DFS contests until either poor performance or injury forces Pete Carroll to increase his workload.
Kansas City Chiefs: Defence
Owned in 31 per cent of Yahoo! leagues
Draft Kings salary of $3,500
The Chiefs DST makes its second straight appearance in "Under the Wire" as the best upside-add if you’re streaming and a solid DFS start. Kansas City’s defence has been shedding their sieve-like reputation during the past three games with fantasy points of 11.0 (vs. Chargers), 22.0 (vs. Raiders) and 8.0 (vs. Patriots).
Denver is next on the menu, and although rookie QB Drew Lock chucked up over 300 yards in a victory over Houston, playing in KC is a different animal. The opportunity for turnovers will present themselves as long as Patrick Mahomes can turn this AFC West battle into a shootout.
