The fantasy football playoffs are nearing, so now’s the time to start building your roster for the postseason.
It’s still difficult to bolster your lineup on the waiver wire, but loading up your bench with players who have been inconsistent, but still productive at times, along with players who are one play away from major production, is the best way to attack the waiver wire this late in the season.
There weren’t major injuries in week 10, so this week is all about suspensions, returns and playing for the future. Here’s an early look at the week 10 fantasy football waiver wire.
Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns
I have no idea what to expect from Gordon when he’s eligible to return in week 13. What I do know, though, is when he last played a full season in 2013, he led the NFL in receiving yards. He hasn’t seen the field since 2014, but he’s still young at age 26, and he’ll probably enter his first week back with the Browns as the No. 1 option.
The Browns don’t have a wide receiver who can create separation on a consistent basis. Maybe Gordon can’t do that either, but he has shown in the past to be that kind of receiver. You shouldn’t expect a dominating WR1 right away, but as the playoffs near, he’s a nice bench stash based on potential.
Of all the wide receivers left on the waiver wire (he’s owned in 34 percent of leagues on Yahoo), Gordon has the highest ceiling. He also is a great mystery. You should take a chance on that mystery this week and grab him on the waiver wire.
Danny Woodhead, RB, Baltimore Ravens
The opportunity to grab a running back with a shred of potential is slim on the waiver wire. That’s why Woodhead offers a decent opportunity to pick up a running back who can put up some fantasy points. Woodhead is scheduled to reappear from injured reserve in week 11. When he comes back, he’ll have to compete with Javorius Allen and an emerging Alex Collins in the backfield.
You shouldn’t be worried about Woodhead being behind Allen, but Collins has been good enough in recent weeks to take a bite out of Woodhead’s touches.
Even so, Woodhead should still see plenty of targets out of the backfield as a receiver. Woodhead is a nice bench option and Flex possibility for your playoff run. Pick him up now so you don’t have to worry about the rest of your league-mates getting wise about Woodhead’s return.
Thomas Rawls, RB, Seattle Seahawks
It’s been a rough year for Seattle’s running backs. That’s why Rawls doesn’t offer the best add, but he deserves your attention based on possible production.
Eddie Lacy exited the week 9 loss to Washington, giving Rawls the main running back duty. He didn’t do a ton, but he did muster some yards in the passing game, adding 31 yards receiving to 39 yards rushing. It’s tough to trust Seattle running backs this season, but if Lacy is forced to miss week 10, Rawls has to be added since he’ll be the No. 1 running back.
Rawls won’t be a player who contributes much past this next week based on Lacy’s injury diagnosis, but for week 10, he offers some potential.
Aldrick Robinson, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are tanking. We thought Buffalo and the New York Jets were tanking before the season began, but those teams have actually been much better than predicted. The 49ers, who weren’t that bad in the beginning of the season, have made the decision to tank.
There’s no guarantee that Jimmy Garoppolo will see the field soon and the team just doesn’t have the personnel to keep up with the rest of the league. In that desire to tank, Robinson should continue to see an increase in targets, especially with Pierre Garcon out for the remainder of the season.
Without Garcon on the field in week 9, Robinson had eight targets, the second-best this season. What also helps Robinson is that San Francisco will keep trailing often, giving way to several opportunities. Robinson had eight targets in the week 9 loss, but failed to put up many fantasy points thanks to only catching two balls. I’m not worried about the lack of production. Those targets should remain in that range, making him a desirable option, especially with bye weeks continuing.
Terrance Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Consistency isn’t Williams’ forte. You can’t ask too much from the waiver wire, though.
Williams was a monster in week 9 against Kansas City, netting nine catches on nine targets for 141 yards. The Chiefs are terrible on defense, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that Williams was able to put up monster yardage. Williams’ stat line was far higher than what he’s done this season.
So it’s not guaranteed he will still have relevance going forward. However, Dez Bryant exited the game with an injury, thrusting Williams more in the spotlight.
This team will need a playmaker to step up to help the offense. Williams may have some major opportunities in the coming weeks, so he should get a spot at least on your bench.
