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As the fantasy football playoffs become ever more visible, successful teams will need to ensure that they have the stars and depth to compete against the top opponents in their leagues. Waiver wire acquisitions are now as essential as ever as fantasy participants can never have too many contingency plans. With bye weeks no longer a mitigating factor, fantasy owners can now exploit the sheer number of options that are available. At this point, competing teams should have well-established rosters that may need some fine-tuning over the coming weeks to become truly formidable.
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Buffalo Bills (vs. New England Patriots)
Despite not allowing more than 237 passing yards in their last five games, Tyrod Taylor has the arm and athleticism to keep New England’s defense on their heels. Although Taylor was benched two weeks ago, his points scored in his last two starts (18.12 vs. Chargers, 14.02 vs. Chiefs) are indicative of a player that is determined to earn his starting role every week. Although Taylor may not have a high ceiling, his established floor when he has started makes him very reliable against mediocre defenses.
Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)
One of the several fantasy assets emerging from the Jets, wide receiver Robby Anderson has scored a touchdown in five straight games and was phenomenal against a respected Carolina Panthers defense (six, receptions, 146 receiving yards, two touchdowns). With a career-high 10 targets last week, Anderson has clearly established himself as quarterback Josh McCown’s favorite receiver and is a potent deep threat on a consistent basis. Against a Chiefs defense that has been a shell of itself in recent weeks, Anderson should have another fantastic week as a starting fantasy weapon.
Alex Collins, RB, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Detroit Lions)
Averaging 17 carries over his last four games, Collins has gone from an unknown practice squad player to the Ravens starting running back. Scoring a touchdown in his last two games, Collins is now getting the requisite red zone reps needed to be viable starting running back in fantasy. Better still, Collins is now getting targets as a receiver, an ideal skill set for a trusted PPR player. Facing a Detroit Lions defense that has relinquished the sixth-most points to opposing running backs, Collins should continue to garner increased reps while receiving more opportunities in the red zone.
Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Washington Redskins)
Since running back Ezekiel Elliot finally accepted his six-game suspension, the Cowboys offense has struggled mightily. However, against the banged-up defense of the Redskins, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys receiving corps should be more much efficient. While Jason Witten’s production as a fantasy player has been mostly anemic this year, he still has the hands to be a reliable target for a struggling Prescott. Although Witten’s target shares have fluctuated this season, he rarely drops passes that are thrown his way and he will have nice opportunity to be productive against a Redskins defense that has allowed a touchdown pass to opposing tight ends over their last five games.
