For most leagues, the fantasy season ended in Week 17. And what a season it was. As we look back ever-so-fondly on the season that was, let’s give it up for our most-mentioned waiver pickups at every position:
Running Back: We’ll just say we willed this into existence. Whether it was as a top add, a bye week flier, or just a stash, Boston Scott was in this article eight times this season. And what did he do in Week 17? Two touchdowns. It had to work eventually.
Wide Receiver: This won’t come as a surprise. Recommended eight times at various points this season was Tim Patrick. If Denver upgrades their quarterback next season, the Broncos could have an elite offense immediately, so consider me a Patrick believer.
Tight End: As usual, the tight end position was a jungle mixed with a desert. Mixed with quicksand. So it makes sense that a player with as solid a floor as Evan Engram was recommended nine times. Such is life.
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Fields each made the weekly list seven times, presenting the yin and yang of floor and ceiling.
The common thread seems to be having enough opportunity and potential to be recommended but not enough production to be more than 50% rostered. Such is life.
Anyway, If your league is really hardcore (or if your commissioner just isn’t good with the league settings), then you may have another week to go. For those elite few, I’ll give you one top pick at each position. But first, a note: keep an eye on teams like the Packers, Bengals, Bucs, Cowboys, and others who have little to gain from playing their starters a full 60 minutes. If you’re in the final, there’s a good chance you have starters on your roster from playoff-bound teams.
Percentages are based on Yahoo! leagues.
Running Back
Boston Scott, Philadelphia (31%)
We’re all about the narrative here. It wouldn’t be a waiver wire article if I didn’t recommend Boston Scott, so I won’t disappoint you. Jordan Howard limits Scott’s ceiling to a Flex option if he returns for Week 18. UPDATE: Scott and Howard were both placed on the COVID list on Monday, so keep an eye on Philadelphia this week.
Wide Receiver
Braxton Berrios, New York Jets (7%)
With Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, and Elijah Moore all missing in action, Braxton Berrios has emerged as the WR1 in Newark. Berrios was giving off some serious Amon-Ra St. Brown vibes in Week 17 as a target monster, turning 12 targets into 8 receptions, 65 yards, and a touchdown. The Bills will be looking to clinch the AFC East against the Jets, so I’m looking for some late-game garbage time to keep Berrios’ floor in the WR3 range.
Bonus: Cedrick Wilson (4%) replaces Michael Gallup (ACL) as the slot receiver in Dallas for Week 18, and could see a lot of snaps and targets if Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb don’t play the whole game; Zay Jones (1%) has seen 7+ targets the last four weeks and should be heavily involved as the Raiders try to sneak into the playoffs.
Tight End
Foster Moreau, Las Vegas (22%)
It’s the usual suspects at tight end, but I still prefer the upside of Foster Moreau as long as Darren Waller is sidelined. If Waller plays, just close your eyes and pick between Tyler Conklin, Evan Engram, Cole Kmet, or whoever else you want.
Quarterbacks
Taysom Hill, New Orleans (46%)
Taysom Hill came through in Week 17 against Carolina, and I don’t expect the Falcons to put up much of a fight in the final game of the season. Plus, New Orleans still has a shot at a wild card spot, so Hill should have the entire starting offense at his disposal.
Defense
Tennessee Titans (42%) @ Houston Texans
Tennessee is still playing for the #1 seed in the AFC, and the Texans are always a good matchup. Coming off a strong Week 17 against Miami, look for Tennessee to put their best foot forward.
(Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire)