Week 15: NFL Waiver Wire Pickups | Fantasy Football Player Rankings

The second week of fantasy football playoffs start up on Thursday with the Colts and Jaguars facing off.

It looks like the Colts are going to play their starting players in full, as there are too many weeks left to give them time off.

Still, if you have Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, or Joseph Addai you should have a good backup for the coming weeks.

Below, we have the top players you might want to pay attention to for waiver pickups.

Even if you don't select a waiver (or have already done so) it's good to keep these names in mind for the future playoff weeks.

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith (49ers)

The 49ers are now a pass-first team, as they continue to use quarterback Alex Smith in shotgun with their new spread offense.

This style makes sense for this team to use because Smith and Michael Crabtree are used to playing in this style of offense.

Running back Frank Gore has dropped in his production since the spread offense has been implemented, but he should pick it up to end the year.

Look for Smith to throw the football often next week against the Eagles, and, in the final two games of the season, Smith plays the Lions and Rams.

Running Backs

Quinton Ganther (Redskins)

The Redskins promoted running back Quinton Ganther in the middle of last week, and Ganther responded with 93 total yards and two touchdown scores against the Raiders.

This week, Ganther plays the Giants, and I would expect him to continue to be the main runner.

The Redskins' offense has been coming on of late, and Ganther has an opportunity to help fantasy football owners as a good flex play option going forward.

Chris Jennings (Browns)

The Browns unleashed their rookie running back Chris Jennings last week against the Steelers, and he had a good game.

This week Jennings gets to face the Chiefs' poor run-defense, and Jennings should have a productive game.

Arian Foster (Texans)

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak noted that he plans on giving rookie Arian Foster the football a bunch this upcoming week against the Rams.

If Foster does get an opportunity to carry a heavy load, then he should be productive in this easy matchup.

The only problem with all this is, "How much should fantasy owners trust the words of Kubiak?"

This coach has bounced back and fourth with all of his runners, and it seems like he does it weekly.

Right now, I suggest you pick Foster up for depth, but I caution you about starting him.

If you're desperate for a helpful flex play, then you might want to roll the dice on this runner.

I wouldn't suggest using him if you have decent, proven options.

Wide Receivers

Kenny Britt (Titans)

It looks like the Titans are intent on letting rookie Kenny Britt mature and leaving Justin Gage in the dust.

This week, the Titans face the Dolphins, and Britt should have some solid opportunities to beat coverage down the field.

Britt has been playing some solid football over the past three or four weeks and is worth putting into lineups at this time.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com