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!
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers
With the injuries that have struck the backfield of the San Francisco 49ers, there are always new names to acquire. Jeff Wilson Jr. has stepped into that starting role at the right time with the first round of fantasy playoffs beginning. He finished with a massive performance as his season has been detailed with injuries. He finished with 110 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. He should have strong games against the Titans and Texans as well over the next two weeks. He should be a number one target on the waiver wire as he was already a popular name coming into the week for a huge performance.
Ronald Jones, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A hamstring injury to Leonard Fournette is now likely forcing him to miss the rest of the regular season. This is a critical loss for fantasy owners as he proved to be quite a surprise as the RB1 for the Buccaneers. Ronald Jones should be an immediate pick up as his replacement. Jones won’t add much in the receiving game, as Ke’Shawn Vaughn could be the one who fills that role. But Jones is an established running back who was the previous lead back before Fournette. He could easily see 12-16 touches per game as long as he fixed his fumbling issue.
Craig Reynolds, RB, Detroit Lions
A surprise roster addition for the Detroit Lions, Craig Reynolds has shockingly rose to the number one back role with De’Andre Swift out with an injury. He finished with over 25 touches last week against the Cardinals in what turned out to be one of the most shocking upsets of the season. He earned himself 112 yards rushing on 26 carries. The falcons and Seahawks are two favorable matchups for Reynolds to have big games. He should be targeted on the waiver wire as long as swift continues to miss games.
Gabriel Davis, WR, Buffalo Bills
With Cole Beasley being unvaccinated and going on the COVID list, Gabirel Davis should see a much expanded role. Not to mention he has already put on strong performing games with Stefon Diggs and Beasley. He’s scored four touchdowns in the last three games including two in the last game against the Carolina Panthers. He’ll likely have two more big games against the Falcons and Jets towards the end of the season. He should be a heavily considered option on the waiver wire.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Carolina Panthers
Ameer Abdullah has seen more usage than expected with Chuba Hubbard failing to have the same kind of production he has when Christian McCaffery was out of the lineup earlier in the season. Abdullah has been involved way more in the passing game out of the backfield, giving him high upside in PPR formats. Last week against the Bills, Abdullah finished with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. He’s not the first option to consider, but a reliable backup waiver claim for this week.
Ethan Hartley 