Roman Bruno
Content Contributor
Week 10 of the NFL season was full of fantasy football excitement, disappointment, and everything in between. There were also plenty of injuries, and fantasy teams are certainly looking to either find replacements or just upside bench depth. Here are 5 players on the fantasy radar as waiver wire pickups for Week 11 (percentages according to ESPN):
RB Rachaad White (TB) – 24% Rostered
After Tampa’s Week 10 matchup versus the Seahawks in Munich, it seems like White has all the momentum in the backfield. He out-carried Leonard Fournette 22-14, rushing for 105 yards. Fournette did leave the game in the fourth quarter with a hip injury. This could put White on track for an increase in usage. White has a ton of upside as a potential lead back, so he should be considered a top waiver wire pickup. The Bucs head into a bye week, however, which gives Fournette time to recover. Even if their roles stay the same in the backfield, White is a player to own as we get closer to the fantasy playoffs.
Bucs’ RB Rachaad White vs. Seahawks’ S Quandre Diggs: pic.twitter.com/JkoumCrjZg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 13, 2022
RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (MIA) – 77% Rostered
Even though Wilson is still rostered in most leagues, many managers likely dropped him after the Niners traded for Christian McCaffrey. Then the Niners traded Wilson to Miami to reunite with Mike McDaniel. Since then, Wilson has really made his mark in the backfield, as he out-snapped Raheem Mostert on Sunday 61% to 28%. Against the Browns, Wilson had 17 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown. He also tacked on two receptions for 24 yards. Many managers thought Mostert was the Dolphins RB to own while they still had Chase Edmonds. However, Wilson is now overtaking Mostert as the prime fantasy option. Both will still get sufficient volume, but Wilson seems to have picked up second wind this season. Miami heads into a bye week, but Wilson should be back on rosters if he is still sitting on waivers.
WR Christian Watson (GB) – 6% Rostered
Welcome to the NFL, Christian Watson! After some early season struggles, the rookie broke out against the Cowboys in Week 10. Watson was targeted eight times, hauling in four catches for 107 yards and three touchdowns. The Packers and Aaron Rodgers needed a game like this from Watson as reassurance, and he delivered. Watson did tweak his ankle and was limited in practice to begin this week. However, there is a chance he suits up on a short week, as the Packers face the Titans on Thursday. With a lack of reliable receivers in Green Bay, Watson can emerge as another option alongside Lazard and Doubs. He will be an interesting player to monitor in these next few weeks. Watson is available in almost all of leagues, and he will be an upside WR3 as long as he gets the targets.
TE Cole Kmet (CHI) – 39% Rostered
This is the second week in a row where Kmet has put up 20+ PPR fantasy points. It is very encouraging to see from the young TE, who has developed a really nice connection with QB Justin Fields. Against the Detroit Lions, Kmet caught four balls for 74 yards and two touchdowns. His second TD came on a wide open 50-yard catch-and-run. Kmet now has five touchdowns in his last three games. He will be a solid TE1 option this week against the Falcons, and hopefully he will continue to have those valuable redzone targets.
JUSTIN FIELDS TO COLE KMET FOR SIX 🎯
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/RklPaQkVqY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 13, 2022
QB Deshaun Watson (CLE) – 28% Rostered
Watson has been cleared to practice with the Browns as his suspension comes to a close. While most fantasy teams (at least good ones) are already set at the QB spot, Watson could provide a lot to teams looking for a spark. It would not be surprising if Watson started looking a little rusty, but he easily has Top 5 upside. The Browns have the weapons to produce a good offense, and Watson can take advantage of that. Depending on the league setting and the roster format, Watson could be a great add for any and all fantasy teams. However, do not waste the roster spot on him if you do not have to.
Watson has either roamed the waiver wire the whole season, or he has been a strategic bench stash. His trade value is beginning to increase as well, so better to scoop him up on waivers now while you can. Watson is arguably still one of the best waiver wire pickups for QBs.
Honorable Waiver Wire Pickups: RB Jaylen Warren (PIT), RB Isiah Pacheco (KC), WR Kadarius Toney (KC)
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
