The playoffs are closing in. We are just a few weeks away from almost all playoffs starting in all fantasy leagues. This is also the time of the season when fantasy managers get slack in checking the waiver wire. Family, holidays, and other things get in the way. Don’t let that be you. Jump on the opportunity to snag up some players that could very well help you win playoff games down the stretch. Here are the Top 5 waiver pickups that need to be on your list.
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Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada and what proceeded to happen in the first week without him at the helm was nothing short of outstanding. The Steelers had over 400 yards of total offense, something they haven’t done in the previous 58 games they have played. They also looked dynamic, moving the ball fluidly. Pat Freiermuth resumed his position as an elite pass-catching tight end, exploiting the middle of the field. He finished with nine catches on 11 targets for 120 yards. He is not only a startable tight end from here on out, he should be 100 percent rostered.
Jalin Hyatt, WR, New York Giants
Tennessee rookie Jalen Hyatt had his first big game of the season. After posting mediocre numbers over the first 11 weeks on an offense that is one of the worst this season, Hyatt saw six targets, the most of any game this season. He also caught five of them for 109 yards, totaling 15.90 fantasy points. Hyatt is a big-play receiver resembling Christian Watson of the Green Bay Packers. If he can get the ball down the field, Hyatt should continue to be relevant. He should be rostered, though not started yet.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Rico Dowdle is getting to the place on the Dallas Cowboys roster where he is beginning to have stand alone value, splitting carries and getting redzone looks even with Tony Pollard. In two of the last three weeks, Dowdle has had a touchdown, one rushing and one receiving, surpassing double-digit fantasy points in those weeks. He has run for over 100 yards over the last three weeks and caught three passes for 12 yards. He is not close to an RB1, but to have a player that can be added to your bench that sees opportunity is worth it.
Greg Dortch, WR, Arizona Cardinals
After not really participating or playing a role in the first 10 weeks of the season, the fourth-year receiver Greg Dortch has now made his presence known for the second straight week of fantasy relevance. He posted six receptions for 76 yards on eight targets last week with Kyler Murray back under center. On Sunday he saw nine targets, the most on the team. He pulled three of those in for 27 yards and a touchdown. Both of those weeks were against above average defenses. Now, he will finish out the season with below average defenses.
Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Elijah Mitchell has established himself as the clear-cut backup running back to Christian McCaffrey. Though Mitchell does not have stand alone value with CMC in any given game, he should be rostered for the sole purpose of immediately being an RB1 should something happen at any point to the star running back. He saw seven carries last week for 39 yards and a reception in the team’s win over Seattle. He has also posted three games straight of points as well.
