Roman Bruno

Content Contributor

Week 14 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 15 (percentages according to ESPN):

RB Jerick McKinnon (KC) – 35% Rostered

McKinnon had a fantastic performance on Sunday against the Broncos. Most of his production came through the receiving game, totaling seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. It is unrealistic to expect McKinnon to do this on a consistent basis. The Chiefs face the Texans in Week 15, so the game script may not be in McKinnon’s favor. Regardless, consider him one of the top waiver wire pickups this week. He should be rostered in all leagues regardless of format. He will be a solid FLEX option if he can stay involved on passing downs.

unreal.

btw who started jerick mckinnon today? 🙋 pic.twitter.com/mmgFJBoR89

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 11, 2022

RB Chuba Hubbard (CAR) – 19% Rostered

Hubbard was the most effective running back for the Panthers, arguably outplaying co-starter D’Onta Foreman. While Foreman had more carries than Hubbard, they both finished with 74 rushing yards. Hubbard also had a rushing touchdown in addition to three receptions for 25 yards. This backfield has been hard to dissect these past couple weeks, but if they choose to go with the hot hand, then Hubbard is having his time in the lime light. Expect Foreman to stay involved, but Hubbard can be rostered as an insurance option or a bench upside stash. The Panthers have won two in a row, and their offense has shown some signs of life. Hubbard can be useful for fantasy teams as we begin the fantasy playoffs.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) – 44% Rostered

DPJ is coming into his own as the Browns WR2. On Sunday against the Bengals, Peoples-Jones eclipsed 100 receiving yards for the first time this season, finishing with 114. He also saw a season-high in targets (12) and receptions (8). DPJ has been on the top waiver wire pickups lists before. He has produced over 12 fantasy points in five of his last six games. Deshaun Watson has not looked like his old self, but Peoples-Jones has not seen a negative impact of that. DPJ is seeing a great target share. He can be started in Week 15 against the Ravens.

WR DJ Chark (DET) – 23% Rostered

After missing six consecutive games earlier in the season due to injury, Chark is finally starting to produce for the Lions. Chark has nearly gotten to 100 yards receiving in each of his last two games. In Week 14, Chark finished with 21.4 PPR points, especially with the assist of a 41-yard touchdown heave in the second quarter against Minnesota. The Lions WR room is perhaps one of the most cohesive in the league. Getting Jameson Williams back adds another threat to this offense. Williams will likely usurp Chark in touches by the end of the season, but Chark has been a solid FLEX option these past couple weeks. The Lions will get a dose of Sauce Gardner this week vs. the Jets, so maybe stray away from Chark this week. However, Chark can continue to produce for the Lions if he can make the most of his targets.

TE Evan Engram (JAX) – 45% Rostered

Engram had a MONSTER performance against the Titans last week. Targeted 15 times, and caught 11 balls for 162 yards and two touchdowns. This equated to 39.2 PPR fantasy points. TEs in fantasy are mostly inconsistent, but he has been looking great with the gradual progression of QB Trevor Lawrence. Fantasy managers will be flocking to pick Engram up on waivers, so get in on the action. There are not many tight ends that can casually put up a statline like that. Engram may have league winning upside.

Honorable Waiver Wire Pickups: RB Zonovan Knight (NYJ), RB Gus Edwards (BAL), RB Jordan Mason (SF), QB Trevor Lawrence (JAX), WR Jameson Williams (DET)

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports