For anyone that is still alive in the fantasy football playoffs, congratulations. You're almost to the end and your team may need a couple of tweaks to get you to the finish line. If you have some injuries or lackluster performers, check out the week 15 waiver wire picks to get you to the title game.
Quarterback
Josh Allen BUF Rostered: 17%
It may be true that Allen is still a matchup based play, but the Lions are a pretty nice matchup. This one seems like a no brainer for a guy that basically combines QB and RB stats every week. Allen has rushed for over 300 yards and 2 scores in the last three weeks.
Derek Carr OAK Rostered: 10%
That's right, I'm recommending Derek Carr #feelsbadman. This is a one week thing based on the fact that Carr is playing against a Bengals team that has clearly given up. Playing against lackluster defenses the last two weeks, Carr has gone over 20 fantasy points both times. If you are desperate for a QB, you could do a lot worse.
Running Back
In Case Of Emergency...
Justin Jackson LAC Rostered: 43%
I could be wrong, but it sure looks like Melvin Gordon is trending toward sitting out on Thursday. The Chargers have a great matchup against the Chiefs and Jackson looks like he will reap the benefits. This is a guy that has explosion and vision. He may put up a big number and carry your team to the playoffs if he does indeed start.
Rashaad Penny SEA Rostered: 23%
The backfield in Seattle has become very productive, but not very predictable. They have three backs capable of carrying the load and any one of them could emerge in a given week. Penny is probably the most explosive of the trio and as such has very good upside. If he can break a big play or get in the end zone, it could mean a big day against a weak 'Niners front.
Replacing The Replacement
Damien Williams KC Rostered: 14%
The Chiefs can't catch a break at running back over the last couple of weeks. Kareem Hunt is gone after his video surfaced and now Spencer Ware has gone down with an injury. That leaves career backup, Damien Williams as the heir apparent to a very lucrative backfield. He is not an impressive runner, but Williams catches the ball well. That is a skill set that Andy Reid should be able to use effectively.
Wide Receiver
Mike Williams LAC Rostered: 29%
The Thursday night game between the Chargers and Chiefs is likely to be a high scoring affair. Philip Rivers is going to need all of his weapons on offense to prevail. That means using the size and red-zone prowess of Mike Williams. There is a chance for a multi touchdown game from Williams as the Bolts will probably be without their top offensive weapon Melvin Gordon.
Dante Pettis SF Rostered: 20%
This has not been a year to own pieces of the San Francisco offense. One player that has emerged as a real threat, however, is rookie Dante Pettis. He has four touchdowns over his last three games and there is not much competition for touches. The only reliable pass catchers left healthy are Pettis and George Kittle. The matchup isn't great, but Pettis should see a ton of volume in week 15.
A Roll Of The Dice
Zay Jones BUF Rostered: 18%
It has been a roller-coaster ride for the Bills young offensive pieces. Jones has a nice relationship with Josh Allen, but both are wildly inconsistent. There is a good chance for the Bills offense to get going against the Lions. That means that Jones could easily go off for a big day. The floor here is next to nothing, so there is a lot of risk here. If you have a flex spot and no obvious answer to fill it, consider gambling on Jones.
Tight End
Ian Thomas CAR Rostered: 26%
The loss of Greg Olsen was a big loss for the Panthers. He was a veteran presence and a sure handed receiver. His replacement, Ian Thomas, has more athletic ability at this stage of their careers. He also is very raw and inconsistent. When it comes to tight ends outside the top 5, upside is the name of the game. Thomas has as much upside as anyone in a given game, so grab him and cross your fingers.
Abject Desperation Move
Vernon Davis WAS Rostered: 5%
It is hard to recommend an almost 34 year old tight end catching passes from Josh Johnson. That is the path that we're headed down now, though. Jordan Reed is probably not suiting up for week 15 and the Redskins offense is very thin on options. Davis is at least a veteran presence, so that gives him a leg up on some of the other waiver wire choices.
Come back tomorrow to check out the Knuckleheads weekly positional rankings. Good luck in your matchups and feel free to follow me on Twitter for some extras: @brendancole16.
