Even with the season winding down, we identify a couple of options out on waivers about whom we feel pretty solid. A few others are worth watching, and we troll the deepest of depths for those of you in deep leagues that need to find something to keep your playoff run going. We spread the wealth out among all the skill positions, something for everyone this week!
Solid Pickups
WR Brandon Gibson, St. Louis
The return of Danny Amendola did not put much of a dent in Gibson's numbers, as he caught six passes which were good for 76 yards against the Minnesota Vikings. His numbers came at the expense of Chris Givens, who saw his production cut to the bone. Amendola is going to get his stats, with Gibson second in line on the Rams. Look for Gibson to continue to be a low-end fantasy option, especially against a weak Tampa Bay defense in Week 16.
RB Jackie Battle, San Diego
With Ryan Mathews lost for the season, Battle becomes the starting back for the Chargers. Curtis Brinkley got more action last week, but that was only because San Diego was playing from behind. The running game will be on display against the New York Jets in Week 16, so look for Battle to be a decent flex play in Week 16.
On the Radar
QB Kirk Cousins, Washington
After calmly stepping in to complete a clutch comeback against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago, not much was expected of the rookie as the starter this week against the Cleveland Browns. He was surprisingly impressive, spreading the ball around on his way to 329 yards and two touchdown passes. With the listless Philadelphia Eagles on the schedule this week, the Redskins can afford to give Robert Griffin III's knee another week to get better. Keep an eye on injury reports; if Cousins is tapped again as the starter, look for him to have another very successful day against Philadelphia.
WR Rod Streater, Oakland
After back-to-back games of close to 100 yards, Streater kept things going with a five-catch, 62-yard effort against the Kansas City Chiefs. This is the third week that Streater has been the leading wide receiver for the Raiders, ahead of both Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey. We like his chances to continue these numbers, even against a tough Carolina Panthers team this upcoming week.
TE Tony Scheffler, Detroit
A disappointing fantasy week for Scheffler; only three catches for 36 yards. We expected more, especially when it was announced that Brandon Pettigrew was not going to dress. Keep an eye on Pettigrew's status. If he is out again this week, look for the Lions to get Scheffler more involved this week against the Atlanta Falcons.
WR Braylon Edwards, New York Jets
The Jets are so desperate at wide receiver that they not only claimed Edwards off waivers, but they dropped him right into the starting lineup on Monday night. We hold no illusions that the New York passing game is about to take off with their new acquisition, but as a starter, Edwards will see upwards of half a dozen looks per game. Middle of the road stats, but we see Edwards as a goal line threat, which adds a bit to his modest fantasy value.
Deep and/or Dynasty Only
TE Zach Miller, Seattle
We dig into the depths of tight end to find something, with Miller being a player that has found the end zone in back-to-back weeks. He's averaging only three catches per game over the last five games, so not a lot expected here. Those looking for a threat to find the end zone off the waiver wire at tight end can consider Miller.
WR DeVier Posey, Houston
In just two weeks, Posey has quickly moved into favor with the Texans coaching staff. He's getting just as much playing time opposite Andre Johnson as Kevin Walter, but he has had more passes thrown in his direction. Look for him to continue to distance himself from Walter. The starter opposite Johnson is worth taking a look as a low-end fantasy option.
WR Deion Branch, New England
The Patriots continue to look for a third wide receiver, having lost Julian Edelman and most recently Donte Stallworth for the season. Branch is very familiar with the New England offense, with he and Tom Brady having success and a trust of one another over the years. This is a bit of a fantasy reach as Branch is behind Wes Welker and the recently productive Brandon Lloyd (not to mention Aaron Hernandez), so only the desperate at wide receiver need apply here. Expectations are that he'll grab 4-6 passes for 30-50 yards per game in the prolific Patriots passing game.