The Waiver Wire Stretch Run Begins
We’ve crossed the mid-season threshold. For fantasy managers, this isn’t the time for reflection; it’s the time for action. The decisions you make over the next few weeks, on the waiver wire and in the trade market, will define your season. The goal is no longer just to win this week, but to build a roster that can win you a championship.
This is where you stop being a manager and start being a strategist. In this article, we’ll help you target smart stashes, trade moves, and playoff schedules to build a championship roster.
5 Waiver Wire Targets with Playoff Upside
The best waiver wire additions aren’t always for your starting lineup this Sunday. They are investments in your future self. These five players, prioritized for their potential role in the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 15-17), are worth adding now, even if you have to bench them for a week or two.
-
WR Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
Coker is currently sitting on the waiver wire because he’s been injured, but that’s precisely the opportunity. The Panthers have opened his 21-day practice window, and his 2025 debut is imminent. He flashed high-end potential last season and returns to an offense where rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan will command the defense’s primary attention. With QB Bryce Young showing signs of regaining his confidence, Coker could step into the lucrative slot role that Adam Thielen turned into PPR gold during Young’s late-2024 surge. He’s a low-cost, high-reward stash who could be a league-winner down the stretch.
-
RB Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
This is an anticipatory move. The Saints are fading from contention, and as they look toward the future, it makes sense to evaluate their young assets. Miller has the draft capital and talent to suggest he could handle an expanded role. He may not be a workhorse today, but as the season winds down, New Orleans could pivot, making him a potential three-down back for the fantasy playoffs. Stash him now before the cost of acquisition skyrockets.
-
WR Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots
Boutte’s boom-or-bust nature has managers wary, but you’re buying the situation, not just the player. The Drake Maye breakout is in full swing, and Boutte is playing more snaps than any other Patriots receiver. He has clear downfield chemistry with his ascending quarterback, posting two massive games (Weeks 1 and 6). At just 23 years old, he’s still developing and is positioned to be a key part of a passing game that also features Stefon Diggs. His ceiling is a high-end WR2 for the playoff run.
-
TE Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Tight end is a wasteland, so you need to play the situations. With Brock Bowers likely out another week, Mayer is the immediate starter and is coming off a 16-point fantasy performance. While the Week 7 matchup is tough, his role is secure for now. More importantly, if Bowers’ knee issue becomes a lingering problem, Mayer could hold this job long-term, giving you a viable, low-cost starter at the most challenging position.
-
RB Isaiah Davis, New York Jets
The Rationale: This is a pure, deep-league stash for a potentially shifting backfield. The Jets are a team in turmoil, and with trade rumors swirling around Breece Hall, the entire dynamic could change. If Hall is dealt, Davis would likely step into a primary early-down and goal-line role. Even if Hall stays, Davis could see an expanded role as the Jets evaluate their future. He costs nothing and could provide massive returns if the landscape shifts.
3 Buys and 3 Sells Before the Deadline
Trading is about perception versus reality. Your goal is to acquire players whose best football is ahead of them and sell players whose value is at its peak.
Buy Low
-
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Why Buy: Stevenson’s production has been underwhelming, but the context is encouraging. The Patriots have committed to him as the clear lead back, refusing to increase TreVeyon Henderson’s role. With Drake Maye elevating the entire offense, Stevenson’s chemistry with the rookie QB in the passing game and his hold on goal-line work make him a prime candidate for a second-half surge. Buy him before the touchdowns start coming in bunches.
-
QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Why Buy: His manager might be panicking. The Ravens are 1-5, and Lamar is on a bye coming off a hamstring injury. This is your window. Although he ranks as the QB16 in total fantasy points due to missed time , Jackson leads the league with a 130.5 QB rating when active.The Ravens’ post-bye schedule (vs. CHI, at MIA, at MIN) is a goldmine. A desperate Baltimore team will unleash him, guaranteeing high passing volume. Acquire a league-winning talent at a discount
-
WR Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears
Why Buy: Coming off a quiet game in terrible weather, the early-season hype has cooled. Don’t be fooled. Odunze is the clear WR1 in a Bears offense that is improving under Ben Johnson. He had a touchdown erased by a penalty in Week 6 and continues to see elite route participation. As the offense ascends, so will his production.
Sell High
-
QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Why Sell: The Bills’ offense has hit a rough patch, scoring 20 and 14 points in their last two games. The loss of key weapons is showing. While Allen remains the QB2 in fantasy points per game (22.9) , his weekly ceiling has dropped, exemplified by a QB5 finish in Week 5 which was significantly lower than his Week 1 production. His playoff schedule includes potential bad-weather games. If you can still get near-elite value for him, cash out and pivot to a hotter option.
-
RB Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Why Sell: The situation is deteriorating. Samaje Perine is now taking almost half the snaps, a clear sign the coaching staff doesn’t trust Brown in all situations. With a struggling offensive line, the run game has no room to operate, and Brown isn’t creating on his own. His value is plummeting; sell for whatever you can get.
-
TE Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Why Sell: Andrews is coming off a bye on a 1-5 team. While his snap share remains high, his fantasy floor is tied directly to Lamar Jackson’s health. Importantly, despite Isaiah Likely’s high snap count (81% in Week 6) , Andrews maintains the dominant passing-game role. Sell high before the team’s struggles lead to long-term injury or lower efficiency. His name value still carries weight, use it to acquire a more productive or ascending asset at another position.
Projecting Playoff Strength of Schedule
For fantasy playoffs, ignore pre-season projections. The true strength of schedule is determined by how opponents are performing now. Here’s who benefits and who suffers during the fantasy championship run.
Favorable Playoff Schedules:
- New England Patriots: Their soft schedule is a major boost for Drake Maye, Kayshon Boutte, and Rhamondre Stevenson. Target them.
- Carolina Panthers: An easy path sets up Bryce Young, Jalen Coker, and Tetairoa McMillan for a strong finish. Prime stash candidates.
- New York Jets: A theoretically soft schedule adds speculative value to Breece Hall or Isaiah Davis if the offense finds a spark.
Challenging Playoff Schedules:
- Chicago Bears: A brutal final stretch tempers expectations for Rome Odunze. He’s a hold, but anticipate tougher production.
- New York Giants: Jaxson Dart faces a gauntlet. His playoff upside is limited, making him a stronger sell-high candidate.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Tough matchups are a minor concern for Isiah Pacheco and the passing game, though their talent often overcomes it.
The stretch run has begun. Your mission is clear: be proactive, not reactive. Use the waiver wire to plant seeds for December and use the trade market to harvest value from your opponents.