Waiver Wire Watch: Week 15 Fantasy Football Targets

Dec 11, 2017

Editor's Note: We're happy to have Brandon Niles on the Waiver Wire Watch this year. He'll work in conjunction with Senior Editor John Paulsen to compile the weekly list of pickups and generate recommended prices for FAAB leagues.

Here is a look at the top waiver wire pickups for Week 15. To be eligible for discussion, the player must be owned in 50% or fewer Yahoo leagues, though we’ll stretch the rules a bit for the RB position, which is usually very thin. We’ll also include suggested bid prices (with a $100 budget) for those leagues that use Free Agent Acquisition Budgets (FAAB). Of course, player value depends on league characteristics and team needs. Players are listed by position in order of importance.

Quarterbacks

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars ($10)

Carson Wentz owners can look to Bortles in the fantasy playoffs. Bortles has now thrown four touchdowns and no interceptions over his past two games and he has a fantastic schedule remaining. While the Jaguars have been winning with a running attack thanks to their elite defense, Bortles has thrown for 577 yards over the past two weeks and has found some new targets in Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole. Fantasy owners who have been streaming all season should be able to count on Bortles for the final three games.

Next up: Texans, @ 49ers, @ Titans

Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles ($10)

With Wentz out with a torn ACL, the Eagles now turn to Foles as the starter. He has been a productive fantasy option in the past, and with the Giants and Raiders next on the schedule, he’s worth picking up and starting for the remainder of the fantasy season.

Next up: @ Giants, Raiders, Cowboys

Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers ($6)

Garoppolo had a nice game in his second start as a 49er, putting up 334 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in a victory. The 49ers have now won three of their last four games, and Garoppolo will look to end the season on a high note. He has a nice matchup against the Titans this week before a tough game against the Jaguars in Week 16, and he’s worth considering at least as a one-week streaming option in all league formats. Fantasy owners in leagues where keepers are allowed off the waiver wire should also look at him to stash for next season.

Next up: Titans, Jaguars, @ Rams

Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears ($1)

Trubisky had a good game against the Bengals on Sunday, throwing for 271 yards and a touchdown, and adding another touchdown as a runner. The Bears dominated the Bengals, giving some hope to Chicago fans already looking to next season. With the Lions and Browns next on the schedule, Trubisky has some upside in deep leagues, although he’s very risky since his fantasy numbers have been so low up to this point.

Next up: @ Lions, Browns, @ Vikings

Blaine Gabbert, Arizona Cardinals ($1)

Gabbert hasn’t played well the past two weeks, including only 178 yards in an ugly 12-7 victory over the Titans on Sunday. Gabbert was sacked eight times in the game. However, he faces the Giants in Week 16, who just gave up 332 yards and three touchdowns to Dak Prescott and are limping across the finish line. Forward-thinking fantasy owners in deep leagues who need a quarterback after this week might grab Gabbert now.

Next up: @ Redskins, Giants, @ Seahawks

Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills ($1)

I have a passing interest in Taylor with a nice schedule to finish out the season, assuming his health takes a positive turn over the next few days. With his job security and injury status, he’s probably not a priority option on waivers, but keep him in mind as a last-minute streaming option if he ends up getting the start at home against Miami this week.

Next up: Dolphins, @ Patriots, @ Dolphins

I’m not buying: DeShone Kizer had a nice game on Sunday, but I expect he’ll have a harder time against the Ravens this week. T.J. Yates played well in relief on Sunday, but with the Jaguars and Steelers next on the schedule, I’m not looking at any Houston quarterbacks.