I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgivings and that the games treated you well! After eating ourselves tired and watching football all day, it’s back to the grind. Fantasy playoffs are nearly here, and that means it’s time to solidify your roster and find your late-season bloomers. It’s never too early to be scouring the waiver wire for help, so here’s a look ahead at who to stash away for the home stretch.
Roster percentages are via Yahoo Fantasy.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Rostered: 38%
Not many will be rushing to grab C.J. Stroud off waivers with upcoming games against the Colts and the Chiefs. That should make him easily obtainable if you need a reasonable QB2 or spot starter for the playoff push.
The Texans are starting to heat up, and with their backs against the wall in the playoff race, there’s hope we can see Stroud finally take it to the next level. Playoff matchups against the Cardinals and Raiders make for great options if you aren’t starting a breadwinner at the position.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
Rostered: 22%
We may be seeing a changing of the guard in the Washington backfield. While no back has taken over, Chris Rodriguez saw a bulk of the carries with 15 in a close game against Miami. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has handled most of the work to this point, but he’s been lackluster ever since his blowup game against the Chargers in Week 5.
I wouldn’t recommend anyone on this offense against Denver, but that should lower everyone else’s guard. Jayden Daniels somehow appears to be returning sooner than later, so this offense still has a chance to take off. Playoff games against the Giants and Cowboys make for ideal opportunities for whoever the lead back is at that time.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Rostered: 54%
It’s a bit of a stretch with how rostered he currently is, but make sure that you’re the one to get him if he’s still available in your league.
Christian Watson has gone through a lot in his short career, but he’s quickly reminded us that he may still be the Packers’ best receiver. We’re a few years removed, but it’s worth remembering his stretch of dominance from his rookie year, where he scored seven touchdowns and totaled 300 yards in a four-game span.
With Matthew Golden and Josh Jacobs banged up, Romeo Doubs no more than a FLEX consideration, and Jordan Love needing a go-to target, Watson has the chance to once again shine.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans
Rostered: 34%
Don’t look now, but Jayden Higgins has had seven or more targets in four of his last five games, and a touchdown in three of them. We’re always keeping an eye out for the rookie receivers who have a second-half breakout, and it may just be him.
Higgins was drafted at the top of the second round and was highly coveted by several teams. After a slow start, he’s starting to hit his stride just as C.J. Stroud is expected to return. He’s especially in a position to eat with Nico Collins taking defense’s attention, but upcoming matchups against the Cardinals and Raiders don’t hurt, either.
Isaac Teslaa, WR, Detroit Lions
Rostered: 6%
Opportunity has presented itself for the Lions’ rookie. Like Higgins, Isaac TeSlaa was the target of an aggressive draft day trade and now has the chance for a massive second-half breakout.
The Lions are in the midst of a fierce NFC playoff race and are currently on the outside looking in. They already lost Sam LaPorta to injury and are now expected to be without Amon-Ra St. Brown for a couple of weeks. While we can expect this team to remain run heavy, they’ll need to air it out to keep up with teams like the Cowboys and Rams.
He’s done little to this point, but he’s one of the last men standing on a depleted Lions receiving corps.
Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Rostered: 29%
Brenton Strange was one of my favorite sleepers at the beginning of the season. He started off well with multiple games of four or more receptions before an injury cut him off. Upon his return against the Cardinals last week, he had five catches on five targets for 93 yards.
The Jaguars are now without Travis Hunter for the remainder of the season, and Brian Thomas Jr. has also been banged up through his sophomore slump. Liam Coen loves to get this position involved and needs a reliable target down the stretch. If you don’t have a premier or trustworthy TE, Strange can be your answer.