With the NFL trade deadline approaching, teams are starting to make moves in preparation for the final stretch. Diontae Johnson was traded to the Ravens on Tuesday, creating an opportunity for a pair of young receivers in Carolina. As always, I’ll be here every Tuesday with my top waiver adds of the week. Percentages are based on ESPN’s rostered player data.
Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (33.5%)
Despite having to play within the Jaguars’ lackluster offensive scheme, Lawrence continues to scrape together quality fantasy performances. He’s committed just five turnovers all year and has just enough weapons to provide a high enough floor where fantasy managers can start him and not worry about an Anthony Richardson-type performance.
Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts (2.1%)
With Richardson’s dreadful play continuing last week, he’ll head to the bench in Week 9 and Flacco will return to the starting lineup. There’s no doubt the savvy vet gives the Colts a better chance to win games right now, and this week he’ll face a Vikings defense that has looked vulnerable as of late.
Running Backs
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (16.6%)
Davis remains one of the best handcuffs in fantasy, and his rostership percentage should be higher than it is. There aren’t any clear running back adds on waivers this week, so make sure to look out for No. 2 running backs who are just one injury away from a big role on a good offense.
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens (23.7%)
Hill isn’t normally a contributor for the Ravens and tends to benefit only when they’re playing from behind, and the Ravens haven’t done much of that this year. Nonetheless, Hill has looked electric at times this season, and given he’s the No. 2 back on the Ravens behind Derrick Henry, he deserves to be rostered.
Wide Receivers
Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns (16.2%)
People didn’t seem to take Tillman’s 12 targets in Week 8 seriously, and his rostership remained low going into last Sunday. His seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns should change things, so make sure to enter a healthy bid for Tillman if he’s still available.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (24.0%)
Legette is the best-remaining receiver on the Panthers besides Adam Thielen, who is working back from a hamstring injury. Despite putting up just 68 yards over his past four games, Legette is a decent add because you’re betting on the continued development and eventual breakout of the 32nd pick of the draft. I wasn’t a fan of Legette as a prospect due to his late breakout and lack of polish as a route runner, but sometimes you just have to bet on draft capital even though NFL teams often miss badly in their evaluations — especially the Panthers.
Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers (0.1%)
With Johnson gone, Coker figures to take over as the main slot man until Adam Thielen returns. The undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross has made the most of his opportunities, and last week posted a 4/71/1 line against the Broncos. While it’s unclear if he’ll maintain his role for the rest of the season, he’s worth picking up in the event he does.
Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns (1.3%)
In his past two games, Moore has 14 catches on 18 targets for 126 yards. The Browns’ offense improved noticeably with Jameis Winston at the helm, and it looks like Moore could be a solid contributor from here on out thanks to more opportunities in a revived offense.
Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars (0.1%)
The Jaguars’ banged-up receiving corps will give Washington a full-time role with Christian Kirk ruled out for the season and Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis also dealing with injuries. While the extent of Thomas’ and Davis’ injuries is unclear, Washington will serve as the No. 3 receiver with room to grow if either misses next Sunday’s contest against the Eagles.
Tight Ends
Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins (7.3%)
Smith has 21 targets over his past three games, as the Dolphins have found a role for him in the offense. Smith is one of the better tight ends in the league. He hasn’t earned much recognition over the years due to being misused by past coaches, but he’s an athletic pass-catcher who looks to be the No. 3 option in Miami’s passing game right now.
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (10.4%)
Gesicki caught seven of eight targets for 73 yards last week while Tee Higgins missed time with a quad injury. If he sits out Week 9, Gesicki will likely see plenty of usage again versus the lowly Raiders. If Higgins suits up, though, Gesicki is unlikely to contribute much, as his routes have been limited when both Chase and Higgins are on the field.
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