The key to winning your fantasy football league is not how well you draft, but the players you add off waivers. This is extremely important because securing hidden talent could replace those late-round selections, even mid-rounders, that aren’t having the best season. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. You can also make life easier by checking out our Consistency Rankings!
Jeremy McNichols, RB, Tennessee Titans
With Derrick Henry likely done for at least the regular season after a foot injury, Jeremy McNichols is the next man up on the depth chart for the Tennessee Titans. Even with the signing of Adrian Peterson, McNichols will still likely be getting a good chunk of the snaps from the backfield. He’s younger and is a much better pass catcher than Peterson. However, it is still an open competition on who will help keep the Titans afloat for their playoff hopes after a big win against the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday.
Ty Johnson, RB, New York Jets
The New York Jets are starting to figure out the future of their backfield with two great young backs in Michael Carter and Ty Johnson. Carter had a lot of hype coming into the beginning of the season, but Johnson has seen a mid-season improvement. Whether it is Mike White or Zach Wilson at quarterback, taking advantage of Johnson’s pass-catching ability is a strategy that should continue to be used as it helped the Jets earn a huge win over the Cincinnati Bengals when he totaled 71 receiving yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Expect Johnson to get consistent opportunities going forward.
Trevor Siemian, QB, New Orleans Saints
With Taysom Hill and, now, Jameis Winston out with injury, Trevor Siemian looks to be the next man up in the New Orleans Saints organization barring any trade. Siemian did a solid job after taking over the duties for Winston this past Sunday, finishing with 159 yards, a touchdown, and zero turnovers. The Saints as a whole also finished with a major win over division rival, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Today’s trade deadline could have a lot of questions on who will be the starter for the Saints going forward. But Trevor Siemian is a solid candidate if the Saints would prefer to avoid taking on any more money with the cap tightness they’re already dealing with.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, San Fransisco 49ers
Now that Jimmy Garoppolo is back as the starter for the 49ers, it is a much more clear picture that he’ll be the starter for the rest of the season. Despite preseason success, Trey Lance struggled heavily during his playing time as the starter; the inexperience really showed in his game and he still has long strides to go as a passer. Garoppolo also had a solid game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. He finished with 322 passing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. The 49ers have one of the best offenses when healthy. Geroge Kittle should be returning soon and Deebo Samuel has been dominant this season. An uptick in production should come as long as Garoppolo stays healthy.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
A popular trade target, Marcus Mariota could be on the move today when the trade deadline approaches. Mariota has been a backup quarterback for the last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, but has shown promise in his limited time playing. Teams like the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers could all be possible suitors for Mariota depending on how they view their existing quarterback situation. His fantasy value could see a change depending on if and which team he is traded to
Ethan Hartley 