Week 15 Waiver Wire Top Pickups and Drops Likely Available After Reviewing Box Scores

Week 14 wrapped with a playoff-caliber matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles. This week, many fantasy football managers will enter their own postseason battles.

The good news is that bye weeks are a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that doesn't help managers who have lost some of their top stars to injuries.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the top waiver wire targets to consider adding in Week 15, along with a few players who can be safely dropped.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns lost to the one-win Tennessee Titans on Sunday. However, Sanders had the breakout performance of his rookie season thus far.

The Colorado product threw for 364 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. He added 29 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

While the Titans' defense hasn't been particularly good this season, the Chicago Bears' defense hasn't been markedly better. In fact, the Bears have surrendered 0.2 fantasy points per week more than Tennessee.

Sanders will face the Bears this week, and he's still available in over 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., WR, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Pretty much nothing went right for the Washington Commanders during Sunday's 31-0 loss against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. One minor positive was some efficient running by Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Rodriguez averaged a solid 5.2 yards per carry against Minnesota while leading the Commanders in rushes. That was only good for 5.2 fantasy points, but Rodriguez did top nine fantasy points in each of his previous two games.

It's becoming clear that Rodriguez is leading Washington's backfield, and while that hasn't meant much, given the state of the Commanders' season. Still, starters are rarely available at this point in the year, and Rodriguez has a favorable matchup this week.

The Commanders will battle the New York Giants, who have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. Rodriguez is available in over 60 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

While the Commanders may find some running room against the Giants, they're highly unlikely to shut down New York's passing game. Washington's secondary has been a legitimate liability this season and that has translated to fantasy production.

The Commanders have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing WRs.

This should open up opportunities for Giants receiver Darius Slayton. While he's averaged just 7.3 fantasy points this season, he yielded 14.1 points in his last game and is coming off the bye week.

New York has had two weeks to identify holes in Washington's defense. Slayton is available in over 60 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is rostered in over half of ESPN leagues but fewer than half of Yahoo leagues. He should be the top waiver target at tight end entering Cleveland's matchup with Chicago and is a must-add where available.

Fannin has been a fringe starter all season, but he watched fellow tight end David Njoku go down with a knee injury in Week 14. The rookie responded by catching eight passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.

Even if Njoku was completely healthy, Fannin would be a solid addition this week. He's a strong stash option and could have another big game against an inconsistent Bears defense.

Chicago has surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Week 15 Drop Options

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Jets QB Tyrod Taylor

Quarterback

There are two obvious drop candidates this week: Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor.

Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14, which means the Indianapolis Colts' signal-caller won't be available from here on out. Taylor suffered a groin injury on Sunday and was really only a mid-level sleeper because of his dual-threat ability.

Running Back

Managers can probably give up on Kansas City Chiefs back Isiah Pacheco ahead of the playoffs. Pacheco has fallen behind Kareem Hunt in Kansas City's backfield rotation and hasn't reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 7.

A tough matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15 does nothing to help Pacheco's value.

With Rodriguez taking the lead role in Washington, it's safe to dump Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Wide Receiver

Matthew Golden returned from wrist and shoulder injuries in Week 14 but saw just a single target against the Bears. He's been a massive fantasy disappointment as a rookie, and with the Denver Broncos defense looming in Week 15, it's time for managers to pull the plug.

Boom-or-bust Colts receiver Josh Downs can be dropped with Jones out for the season.

Tight End

Commanders tight end Zach Ertz is done for the year with a torn ACL and should be dropped. Njoku can also be dropped, both because of his injury and because of Fannin's emergence.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantsayPros.