Pickings are slim on the waiver wire come playoff time, but there are still a few guys out there who could improve your starting lineup. I’ve listed a few players owned in less than 60% of Yahoo leagues that could help.
QB:
Josh McCown (34%) / Jay Cutler (32%): Whichever one of these guys gets the start against the Cowboys Monday night should get consideration as your starter this week. The Bears have good matchups in weeks 16 & 17 as well (PHI, GB) so Cutler has more long-term potential.
Max FAAB: $25
Carson Palmer (46%): He’s thrown at least 3 TD passes in each of the last five games and over 300 yards in the last 3, but he has a brutal schedule to finish the season (STL, TEN, SEA, SF) so don’t expect too much.
Max FAAB: $10
EJ Manual (9%): Has 4 TDs / 0 INT in his last 2 starts and an easy slate of games the rest of the way (TB, JAX, MIA, NE). I wouldn’t feel comfortable starting him quite yet, but if he plays well this week he might be worth a start against Jacksonville in week 15.
Max FAAB: $5
RB:
Donald Brown (44%): T-Rich was finally benched (about time) and Donald Brown is officially the lead back in Indy. He’s a low-end RB2 or a strong flex play the rest of the season.
Max FAAB: $30
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Montee Ball (57%): I think the Broncos will rest Knowshon Moreno more often down the stretch and Ball will be the beneficiary. He has been able to put up decent stats on limited touches the last few weeks (13-117 last week) and could be a monster if he gets the bulk of the carries in Denver.
Max FAAB: $25
LeGarrette Blount (7%): Only if you’re desperate. Blount led the Pats in carries last week and found the end zone, but who knows what Belicheck has up his sleeve next week. Maybe Ridley will be back, maybe Boldin or Verren will get the bulk of the carries, maybe he’ll play Gronk at RB? It’s a risky play, but based on last week Blount looks like the best bet to get red zone carries.
Max FAAB: $7