Deeper Waiver Wire Sleepers: Players Who May Still Be Available

December 10, 2014

Evan O. analyzes deeper Week 15 fantasy football waiver wire sleepers (PPR and non-PPR). Target these waiver wire sleepers after Week 15 waivers have run in your leagues.

Did you lose someone to injury last week and need a fill-in for the Week 15 playoff push? Well have no fear, because we’re digging deep every week for some waiver wire adds that can help propel your team to a fantasy championship. 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 under owned. 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 15 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

Johnny Manziel - QB, Cleveland Browns

19% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

It’s finally (once again) time to bring in a new era in Cleveland.  After the failed QBs of the 2000s, Tim Couch, Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Colt McCoy, Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer, Johnny Manziel will look to become the sparkplug that the Browns have been seeking to reinvigorate the franchise.  In regards to fantasy, he’s someone to definitely keep an eye on.  With weapons like Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron along with a great running game and top-tier offensive line, he’s going to be in position to be a top-12 option for the rest of the season, based purely on his rushing yardage.  Manziel still lacks pocket presence and has obvious accuracy issues, but the Browns have a nice schedule with the next two games against the Bengals and Panthers.  If you’re missing Cam Newton for the season, or are a fan of streaming QBs, Manziel is going to be a better option the rest of the way than Josh McCown, Shaun Hill, RGIII (or McCoy) and more. He has a similar ceiling to Russell Wilson, who's been a consistent top-five QB the last two years in terms of fantasy.

Marquess Wilson - WR, Chicago Bears

2% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

I wouldn't necessarily consider Wilson a deep sleeper, but he was probably on the waiver wire in almost every league outside of dynasties.  Wilson was a mega-prospect coming out of college that has a size/speed skillset not unlike his teammate Alshon Jeffery (except with more speed).  After injuring his collarbone to begin the year, it’s taken Wilson a while to make major progress in the offense, but he’s drawn his fair share of targets, and has become the fifth option in a high-volume offense.  With the loss of Brandon Marshall, Wilson immediately becomes an every-down player, and an intriguing one at that.  While I expect that the loss of Marshall will benefit Martellus Bennett more than anyone else (Jeffery will likely maintain his level), Wilson becomes an immediate FLEX play at worst, with WR2 upside.  He still has a very limited route tree, but the matchup against the Saints is enticing.  He’s the best upside option that can be had on the waiver wire this week, but his ceiling is capped with the presence of Jeffery, Bennett and Forte hogging targets.

Joseph Fauria - TE, Detroit Lions

1% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

Need a tight end streamer?  Look no further than the touchdown machine.  Eight touchdowns on just 23 receptions is going to draw the eye of any fantasy footballer, and the matchups are mouthwatering, as well. The Vikings have been below average at covering opposing tight ends, while the Bears are just a downright mess on defense.  With Brandon Pettigrew stuck in a blocking role, and also being in the doghouse for unknown reasons, look for Fauria to see at least one end zone look this week, and expect him to convert it.  It’s near-impossible to predict, but with tight end being so weak this year, Fauria is a roll-of-the-dice option.

Other Players to Keep An Eye On

Kerywnn Williams - RB, Arizona Cardinals

1% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

He's got some tough matchups over the next two weeks, or else I’d consider him a great add.  The Cardinals are desperate for anything from the running back position, and WIlliams is the best bet to produce at this point, especially since  the guys he shares the backfield with in Arizona at this point are not really NFL-level talents.

Juwan Thompson - RB, Denver Broncos

6% Owned in Fleaflicker leagues

The Broncos finally seem to have their “guy” in CJ Anderson, but Thompson has still made a lot out of his limited touches, including plenty of goal line runs.  Even though Anderson got the looks last week, expect Thompson to see at least one per game, while also having the opportunity to get big chunks of yardage on the ground.  He’s becoming a nice dynasty league prospect, and he runs really well for a big guy.