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!
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
Things have come full circle for Cam Newton. After a surprising cut from the New England Patriots, he returns home to Carolina in an honestly much better situation for what’s needed from him. He’s partnered with one of the best running backs in the league with elite pass-catching that is complementary to Newton’s lack of long throws in Christian McCaffrey. Newton still has a quality number one receiver in DJ Moore. In his first full game against the Washington Football Team, Newton finished with 189 passing yards and two passing touchdowns along with 46 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. His future is bright with the team as Newton is already an established dual-threat quarterback.
Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets
The time is now as Elijah Moore is emerging as another breakout rookie wide receiver in an already loaded draft class. Moore has currently scored four touchdowns in the last three games. Last week was his best game in his young career. Against the Miami Dolphins, Moore finished with eight receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. What’s more intriguing about his performance is that now Corey Davis and Jamison Crowder are both healthy. Moore is lined up for another positive matchup against the Texans next week, a deciding game on his outlook for the rest of the season.
Devonta Freeman, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Despite having a quarterback who loves running the ball, almost too much, Devonta Freeman has still managed to produce consistent outings since Week 6. His only game during that where he wasn’t able to score 10 fantasy points was Week 10 against the Dolphins. Last week was his best performance of the season. He finished with 16 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. He also finished with six receptions for 31 yards. With Latavius Murray still injured, Freeman has a high upside until then and could even still be the RB1 for the team for the rest of the season.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans
With the injury concern and future for AJ Brown currently unknown, it’s possible that Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could be the wide receiver one for Tennessee Titans for a handful of games. He also had his best game of the season last week against the Houston Texans. He finished with seven receptions for 107 yards. His season high before this game was only 53 against the Colts during Week 3. Brown did have a negative X-ray test but his status for next week is currently unknown.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints
Now with Adam Trautman expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL, Juwan Johnson is now expected to be the new Tight End one for the New Orleans Saints. Johnson hasn’t been involved with the offense as much compared to earlier in the season. He was a massive talking point after Week 1 when he finished with 21 yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers. However, he was quickly left out of the main offensive game plan after that. With Trevor Siemian favoring Truatman more as he adjusted to being the starting QB, it sets up a favorable connection for Johnson going forward.
Ethan Hartley 