Deeper Waiver Wire Sleepers: Players Who May Still Be Available

Did you lose someone to injury last week and want a stash? Well, have no fear, because we’re digging deep every week for some waiver wire adds that can help propel your team through the fantasy playoffs. I'm going to take a look at some players that are almost definitely available in your league who could provide quite a boost to your team for this week and through the season.

In this piece, I’ve attempted to identify some deeper sleepers who may have either fallen off the radar, or are not getting enough love from fantasy football owners and are still underowned. Some of these players may be available in your leagues, depending on the league size and format, so feel free to pick them up and stash them if they’re still sitting out there.

You never know-- any of these players could emerge in Week 13 or beyond to become difference-makers for fantasy football owners– especially in deeper leagues. Remember, we’re digging deeper here, so let’s see what the free agent pool has lying around.

Digging Deeper - Potential Waiver Wire Sleepers

Donte Moncrief - WR, Indianapolis Colts

8% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

Moncrief's upcoming matchup has all the makings of a blowout. With questionable weather coming up this weekend, some games might be lower scoring than originally thought, but with Indianapolis playing in a dome, we won’t have to worry about that.  Reggie Wayne has been particularly ineffective over the past four weeks, but Moncrief hasn’t been getting much done in front of him.  He may get his opportunity against an abysmal, reeling Redskins team, as the Colts attempt to limit Wayne’s snaps.  In his short stint as a starter to begin the year, Moncrief showed that he run with the defenses in this league.  I wouldn't expect huge numbers, but his snap count shout substantially increase, and he has a lot of touchdown potential with Dwayne Allen being questionable, as well.  He’s certainly not the worst option if you're desperate for a play.

Andrew Hawkins - WR, Cleveland Browns

50% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

I’d expect more than a few teams to have dropped Andrew Hawkins with the return of Josh Gordon and the imminent return of Jordan Cameron, but he should still be very much owned. Even with Gordon seeing a whopping 20 targets this past week, Hawk still was second on the team with five catches for 93 yards (on just five targets).  He was out-targeted by Miles Austin in this game, but that number is going to change when Hoyer doesn’t throw 50 passes next week. Buffalo can be beaten in the air, though, so look for Hoyer to make quick use of both of his explosive receivers. Gordon is clearly the man to own, but Hawkins is still going to be more than relevant.  He makes for a safe FLEX play in PPR leagues with a low ceiling but a high floor.

Kenny Stills - WR, Cincinnati Bengals

44% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

I failed to mention Kenny Stills here this past week, but I’m not going to miss him this time.  After Brandin Cooks went down with an injury, Stills became the #2 receiver in the explosive Saints offense, and he didn't disappoint, hauling in eight catches for 98 yards.  This coming week against the Steelers will be smoother sailing, as their defense is a shell of what it has been in previous years.  Brees could very well be in for another 400-yard day, and I expect Stills to be a main beneficiary of that as the target leader behind Graham and possibly Colston.  Pierre Thomas shouldn't be limited anymore, but his impact on Stills is minimal at best.  The best news is that he out-targeted Colston against the Ravens, and I expect that trend to continue.

Players Listed Previously That Should Be Owned

Latavius Murray - RB, Oakland Raiders

29% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

I listed Murray very early in the season when Jones-Drew began to struggle.  It took way longer than expected, but Murray finally has his opportunity.  His athletic ability is slightly inflated by some due to his outrageous 40-yard-dash time, but the talent is still there.

Josh McCown - QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

27% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

McCown has averaged over 300 yards and two touchdowns a game since regaining the starting job.  Against a middle-of-the-road Bengals pass defense, that trend should continue.  People still underrate just how dominant Mike Evans has been for McCown.  Who would have thought that of all the quarterbacks, McCown would be winning fantasy playoff matches two years in a row?

Jarvis Landry - WR, Miami Dolphins

19% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

Landry had an excellent matchup this past week and thrived against the Broncos, scoring two touchdowns.  He actually tied with Mike Wallace for the team lead in snaps, as well.  Against a terrible Jets secondary, Landry is a WR2/3 with a very high floor.

Charles Johnson - WR, Minnesota Vikings

2% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

Even with Jarius Wright and Greg Jennings back, Johnson still led the team in targets.  He’s been a dynasty hold for two years now, and is making the best of his first real opportunity.  The Panthers can’t defend anything, so while Johnson is a risky play, he has the highest potential of anyone you can find on the waiver wire.