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Eric Moody, ESPN
The NFL is a “next man up” league. By extension, your fantasy football league is as well. You acquired your team during the draft, but it’s the moves you make as the season unfolds that will ultimately decide whether you’re playoff-bound or planning for next season. Every week, we’ll help you identify the players available in more than 50% of ESPN leagues whose value has taken a turn for the better and should be added to your roster as starters or as smart stashes for your bench.
Next man up
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The fantasy playoffs begin in Week 15 for many leagues. Whether you’re competing for a championship or just trying to avoid a last-place punishment that could go viral on social media, I’m here to help.
Every season, a few players come out of nowhere to help managers win championships. We’re talking playoff heroes — waiver-wire gems who turn into instant starters. By season’s end, you’re kicking yourself for having overlooked them. Sincere McCormick (rostered in 11.2% of ESPN leagues) of the Las Vegas Raiders could be that guy this year.
McCormick has solidified himself as the Raiders’ top running back with injuries keeping both Zamir White and Alexander Mattison sidelined for three straight games. The former practice squad player has looked sharp, totaling 27 rushing attempts over the last two games with 60-plus rushing yards in both contests and it’s even more impressive that he averages 5.2 yards per carry.
The snap count suggests that McCormick will continue to dominate both early-down and short-yardage situations moving forward. With upcoming matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints — two defenses ranked in the top eight in terms of most RB fantasy points allowed — McCormick should be at the top of your waiver wire priorities.
Other RB options
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8.5%): McMillan scored a season high 21.9 fantasy points against the Raiders on Sunday, reaching the end zone twice in a breakout game for the 2024 third-rounder out of Washington. He’s worth adding in deeper leagues, but keep in mind that McMillan has seen seven-plus targets in only three games this season. The Buccaneers have a favorable schedule the rest of the way, but it would be encouraging to see McMillan receive more consistent targets behind Mike Evans.
Next TE up
Editor’s Picks
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Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (48.2%): Freiermuth has stepped up in the Steelers’ passing game since their Week 9 bye, scoring 10-plus fantasy points in five straight games. However, he’s seen four-plus targets in just two of those games, and Russell Wilson’s modest 30.4 passing attempts per game is worth noting. If you need a tight end, don’t overlook Freiermuth as he faces the Ravens and Chiefs in Weeks 16 and 17, both ranking among the top-eight most generous defenses for TE fantasy points allowed.
Another TE option
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (13.9%): The Saints are running low on receiving playmakers. Chris Olave is on IR and both Rashid Shaheed and Taysom Hill are done for the season. Johnson stepped up against the Giants on Sunday with five targets and 15 fantasy points. Looking ahead, he faces the Packers and Raiders in Weeks 16 and 17. Both those defenses rank among the top-10 most-generous defenses for TE fantasy points. This makes Johnson a reliable option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues during the fantasy playoffs.