Week 15 Waiver Wire Pickups: Sleepers Available in Majority of Fantasy Leagues
The postseason has arrived in most season-long fantasy leagues, which means it's more important than ever to make the right lineup decisions.
The good news is that bye weeks are over, and managers should have most of their top players available. This doesn't mean, however, that the waiver wire should be ignored during the win-or-go-home portion of the schedule.
Some unfavorable Week 15 matchups may have managers searching for better situations—especially if those managers have already had to replace injured stars like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk or Chris Godwin. Plus, it never hurts to have a fair bit of injury insurance in the playoffs.
It may be late in the week, but some quality waiver-wire targets are still available. Let's examine some top options for point-per-reception (PPR) leagues.
Cooper Rush, QB, Dallas Cowboys
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Now that he's settled into the starting role for the Dallas Cowboys, quarterback Cooper Rush has started to hold some streamer value. He isn't as dependable as Dak Prescott has typically been, but Rush still gets to throw the ball to the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Rico Dowdle.
Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rush threw for only 183 yards with an interception, but he also tossed a pair of scoring strikes. This week, he'll face a Carolina Panthers defense that has surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Rush will have another enticing matchup in Week 16, as the Cowboys will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season than Tampa Bay.
While Rush shouldn't bump a high-level starter from the starting lineup, he has a two-week window as a viable streaming option. He's also still available in more than 90 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos
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The Denver Broncos' unpredictable backfield rotation has been a nightmare for fantasy managers all season. Denver hasn't utilized a true lead back and has instead preferred to go with the hot hand.
The last time Denver was on the field—in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns—Jaleel McLaughlin was the one in a groove. Javonte Williams and Audric Estimé also saw carries, but McLaughlin led the team with 14 carries and 84 rushing yards. He also had one reception.
There's no guarantee that McLaughlin will see the bulk of the backfield work against the Indianapolis Colts this week, but he's spent two weeks preparing.
"That's what you work for: games like this," McLaughlin said, per Aric DiLalla of the team's official website. "Games that matter is what you work for."
Starting McLaughlin this week may carry some risk, but there's a lot of upside too. The Colts have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. McLaughlin is still available in over 80 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is another boom-or-bust player who should be viewed as an upside-based option in Week 15.
Westbrook-Ikhine only caught one pass for 19 yards in Week 14, snapping his three-game touchdown streak. However, he did find the end zone four times in his previous four games and has found the end zone in seven of his last nine.
Tennessee's offense struggled mightily against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, but it should have a chance to rebound against the Cincinnati Bengals this week. Cincinnati has allowed the 12-most fantasy points to opposing receivers and has coughed up 24 passing touchdowns on the year.
Westbrook-Ikhine's floor will hinge on the play of quarterback Will Levis, which is less than ideal. He's one of Tennessee's top red-zone threats, though, and will have a good chance to shine if the Titans can reach scoring range. He's still available in over 50 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues.
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Joshua Palmer, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
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The Los Angeles Chargers weren't able to outlast the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, but they came close. They did so without top receiver, rookie Ladd McConkey. With McConkey out of the lineup, Justin Herbert turned to Joshua Palmer early and often.
Palmer finished with six catches for 78 yards on nine targets. He may see a sizeable role again this week, as McConkey has remained limited in practices with knee and shoulder injuries.
It's worth taking a flier on Palmer now, though he's unlikely to hold much value if McConkey is cleared to play. Before Sunday night, Palmer went four straight games without topping three receptions or four receiving yards.
If McConkey doesn't play, Palmer will be a quality flex option. The Chargers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Palmer is still available in over 80 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues.
*Fantasy roster and scoring information via FantasyPros.
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