Week 18 Waiver Wire: Breakout Pickups, Targets and Tips for Fantasy Football
The NFL regular season wraps up in Week 18, with fans nervously watching scoreboards in anticipation of their teams' playoff fates. The same can be said of fantasy managers and box scores as some hope their team will either make their playoffs or, potentially, earn a league title.
For them, the right lineup is crucial.
For their opponents, potentially out-scheming them and playing spoiler is almost as fun.
In either case, doing so demands finding the right players to exploit the right match-ups.
In preparation for the final match-ups of the regular fantasy season, these are a few waiver options to consider.
All stats via FantasyPros unless otherwise stated.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
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Demarcus Robinson has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Rams during this march to the postseason and while he snapped a four-game streak with one touchdown, he continues to be a favorite target of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
In Week 17 against the New York Giants, Robinson caught six balls for 92 yards, an average of 15.3 His longest was a 37-yard reception, proving his ability to turn the burners on and set up scoring for his team.
Robinson has been a double-digit points scorer for the Rams over the last month and should have similar success in Week 18 against a San Francisco team that could be starting back-ups after clinching the No. 1 overall seed.
Add Robinson to your starting lineup and he could be the difference between a win and loss.
Robinson is available in 83 percent of Yahoo leagues and 90 percent of ESPN.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans
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Tyjae Spears is a more dynamic running back than Tennessee star Derrick Henry but, despite flashes of brilliance at times in his rookie campaign, has not had the impact for a bad Titans team that some had hoped.
In Week 18, with nothing to play for against the Jacksonville Jaguars, do not be surprised to see the team test Spears and see what they have in the first-year player.
The Jags are a middle-of-the-pack defense against the run and Spears should be able to find some room to break off some impressive runs.
How much he is used will ultimately decide how effective an addition he is to your lineup, and the fact that he has topped out at 75 yards and a single touchdown this season will scare some, but a manager desperate for a flex or a handcuff for Henry should consider picking up Spears.
Spears is available in 56 and 58 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues, respectively.
Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens
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Justice Hill feasted on the Miami Dolphins defense in Week 17, with three rushes for 48 yards and five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown.
The loss of Keaton Mitchell to a knee injury reintroduced Hill to the offense and in the most important game of the season for the Ravens, he produced. He was a hugely significant part of Baltimore's win and will likely see opportunities in Week 18, even as other key starters sit out.
The Ravens play a Steelers team that can be run on.
Pittsburgh gives up 20.3 points to opposing running backs and with nothing to play for, and no real desire to put event backup quarterback Tyler Huntley in harm's way against a tough Steelers defense, do not be surprised to see Hill get his fair share of carries and make the most of them.
That he can contribute in the passing game only enhances his value.
Hill is available in over 80 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues, respectively.
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