For those of you reading this article, congratulations are officially still alive in the Fantasy Football Playoffs. This week’s waiver article is not the usual, instead of being chalked full of players that are plug in ready, it is filled with players that you should only play if you are in a serious pickle, pickled pepper that is. With lineups being similar to those that were ran all year, these are some players that may be a good add in the case of an emergency.
Jeff Wilson- In San Francisco or rather Arizona, the Shanahan system rotates through numerous backs. So, to see Jeff Wilson with 49% of snaps comes as a bit of a surprise. Raheem Mostert, who has suffered from injuries all season, is once again banged up with a hurt ankle. Last week, Wilson took 11 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown and one catch for 13 yards. Wilson is not the most talented back, but if he leads the backfield, he can take advantage of the system.
Scoville Units: Cubanelle Pepper- 450
Lynn Bowden- The Dolphins backfield was completely depleted going into Week 14 against the Chiefs. Lynn Bowden was projected to be one of the beneficiaries of injuries in the backfield, he was a beneficiary, but not in the backfield. The Dolphins saw both DeVante Parker and Jakeem Grant go down with injury and Bowden stepped in as the lead receiver. Bowden caught seven of nine passes for 82 yards, he has shown he is a capable receiver, look for the former Kentucky Wildcat to take on a bigger role in Miami.
Scoville Units: Cascabel Pepper- 2,000
Nelson Agholor- When the Raiders signed Nelson Agholor this summer, he projected to be nothing more than a depth player at best. Fast forward seven months and three appearances in my waiver wire articles and Agholor is the most productive receiver in Las Vegas. Derek Carr has found the speedy receiver for seven touchdowns this year. On Sunday, Agholor caught five of nine targets to the tune of 100 yards and a touchdown. Agholor has some middling matchups for the rest of the year, but with the work he has been getting that should not stop him.
Scoville Units: Bedfordshire Super Naga- 950,000
Chad Hansen- The Texans’ receiver room has had quite the last couple of weeks. Kenny Stills was cut, Will Fuller was suspended, Randall Cobb went on injured reserve, Brandin Cooks was out with an ankle injury, and an injury to Deshaun Watson to cap it off. Despite all of these complications, they have also found a potential diamond in the rough. Hansen was active in his first game in Week 13 and since has put up solid numbers. Last week, Hansen caught all seven of his targets for 56 yards. While he has looked promising, he was placed on the practice squad on Monday. Chances are he is called back up for the Colts game so stay on the lookout.
Scoville Units: Ancho Chile- 1,250
Irv Smith- Kyle Rudolph missed last week against the Buccaneers and Irv Smith took full advantage. Smith was a highly touted tight end in the 2019 draft but has had minimal opportunity to show his worth. In Week 14 he did just that, catching four of four targets for 63 yards and a touchdown. With Rudolph expected to miss again, Smith is a great option.
Scoville Units: Prairie Fire Pepper- 80,000
Cole Kmet- Last April, the Chicago Bears selected Cole Kmet with their second-round pick, and this December he has finally become the guy. In the last three weeks, Kmet has out-snapped Jimmy Graham culminating in an 86% to 48% clip. With Kmet finally taking the reins, and tight end being the shaky position that it is, he is worth a look and possibly a start against a Minnesota team who most recently allowed a touchdown to Gronk last week.
Scoville Units: Japones Pepper- 20,000
