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RotoBaller staff's fantasy football Week 15 waiver wire pickups for 2025. Expert advice for waiver wire RB, WR, TE, QB targets from Phil, Dan, Craig and Alex.
It's fantasy football playoff time in most leagues, which means if you're still diving into the waiver wire, you likely have something to play for! Naturally, the waiver wire is thin at this point in the season, but you should never stop trying to improve your roster. You never know when the next big injury will force players on your bench into action when it matters most.
Pivoting when your players are injured or underperforming is always the name of the game in fantasy football, and we're here to guide your waiver-wire decisions. In this article, we won't cover some of the top chalk options, such as Luther Burden III, Bam Knight, and Harold Fannin Jr. Instead, we'll focus on some players deeper in the waiver wire rankings who can be more reasonably acquired.
Our RotoBaller experts Phil Clark, Alex Ciulla, Craig Rondinone, and Dan Fornek are here to help you identify the top RB, WR, TE, and QB targets ahead of Week 15.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) rankings
- Quarterback (QB) rankings
- Tight end (TE) rankings
- Defense (D/ST) rankings
- Kicker (K) rankings
- FLEX rankings
- Dynasty rankings
Running Backs Waiver Wire Week 15
Selections By Phil Clark
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
Corum’s presence among the elite handcuff options has been unwavering due to his role as the RB2 behind Kyren Williams in Sean McVay’s prolific offense. However, Corum’s usage and output have also expanded in recent weeks, which includes the second-year back’s numbers when Los Angeles traveled to Arizona in Week 14.
Corum surpassed a 30% snap share for the fifth consecutive week (31.4%). He also carried 12 times, while exploding for career highs in rushing yards (128), and generated multiple touchdowns for the first time in his career. Corum had attained a 21.9% snap share from Weeks 1-6, but his share has improved to 32.8% since Week 7. Corum was also averaging 26 yards per game from Weeks 1-6, but his average has increased to 59.5 yards per game since Week 9.
Blake Corum rumbles 48 yards for the TD!
LARvsAZ on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/aroS7jo0iI
— NFL (@NFL) December 7, 2025
He has also generated 56+ yards in four of his last six contests, while eclipsing 80+ during each of his previous two games. 15 of Corum’s 20 carries inside the red zone have also been generated since Week 7, including 11 since Week 10.
Corum’s surging involvement has bolstered your incentive to seize him from your waiver wire. He has now secured standalone value and is capable of delivering a statistical eruption if Williams is sidelined during any of the Rams’ upcoming contests. Los Angeles will host Detroit in Week 15 before traveling to Seattle and Atlanta in Weeks 16-17.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Gainwell remains embedded in his role as Pittsburgh’s RB2, while operating as the unchallenged backup to Jaylen Warren. Gainwell has achieved a 46.4% snap share since Week 1, which includes five games with shares that exceeded 51%.
He has also accumulated 130 touches (10 per game) and 657 total yards (50.6 per game). He is also pacing the Steelers’ backfield in routes run (202), targets (58/4.5 per game), receptions 50/3.8 per game), and receiving yards (286/22 per game). He has also operated with double-digit touch totals during six different matchups, including the season-high 25 touches that he accumulated in Week 4, when Warren was sidelined with a knee injury.
Gainwell also secured a 49% snap share in Week 14. He also accumulated 10 touches, 42 total yards, and generated his fourth rushing touchdown of the season. Gainwell also ran 19 routes and captured six of his seven targets. Gainwell has also sustained his placement among the top-tier handcuff options entering the fantasy postseason, as he would become a valuable resource if Warren is absent during any of the Steelers’ remaining contests. Pittsburgh will host Miami in Week 15 before visiting Detroit and Cleveland in Weeks 16-17.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins
Wright‘s unexpected ascension within the fantasy landscape has been fueled by the convergence of multiple factors during Miami’s Week 14 matchup with the Jets. De'Von Achane was sidelined by a rib injury, while Wright catapulted Ollie Gordon II to operate as the Dolphins’ RB2 during the contest. Wright had been relegated to averages of 7.4 snaps/3.6 attempts/13.0 rushing yards per game from Weeks 1-13.
However, Wright eviscerated his previous career highs in snap share (52.3%), carries (24), and rushing yards (107), while also leading Miami’s backfield in all three categories. Wright also generated the first rushing touchdown of his career. Gordon registered a 25% snap share while accumulating five attempts and 17 rushing yards. Gordon also produced his third rushing touchdown of the season.
Achane’s status should be monitored. However, Wright has emerged among the top priorities from this week’s waiver wire, following his career-best performance. Even though it appears that Achane could have returned in Week 14, Wright is now primed to seize another expanded workload if Achane is unable to function as a workhorse back for any reason during the Dolphins' next three matchups.
Miami will visit Pittsburgh in Week 15 before returning home to face Cincinnati and Tampa Bay in Weeks 16 and 17.
Wide Receivers Waiver Wire Week 15
Selections By Alex Ciulla
Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans
Houston and Kansas City capped Sunday's festivities with a defensive-focused slugfest. Even with the Texans' offense stalling for most of the second half, they beat out the hosting Chiefs in a hard-fought 20-10 victory. Houston's attack wasn't at its best, but I'm still willing to give Jayden Higgins a chance on the waiver wire.
C.J. Stroud only threw for 203 yards on the evening, and Nico Collins accounted for 121 of them on 4-of-8 receiving -- all team-highs. Higgins came in behind him, though (3/34), operating as the team's No. 2 wideout for yet another contest.
With a stellar defense supporting Houston's O, it won't be too often that the unit finds itself in a shootout, culminating in a lower ceiling for the Iowa State alum than other secondary wideouts around the league. With that in mind, tight end Dalton Schultz appears to be the only significant target threat outside of Collins in the offense. Higgins has established himself as a solid WR3, and I feel a blowup game coming on the horizon. Grab him before it's too late.
John Metchie III, New York Jets
The Jets' outing in Week 14 got off to a rough start right out of the gates. Aside from being down 21-0 within the first 10 minutes of the contest, quarterback Tyrod Taylor (groin) exited with a groin injury shortly after the game began, ceding way for rookie Brady Cook to close out their 34-10 loss.
Cook looked like a fish out of water, but I still think John Metchie III can be a fantasy asset. Metchie could only haul in four passes for the second straight week, although he'd also command another eight targets, tying him for the team lead with tight end Mason Taylor. Despite another lowly yardage total (34 yards), the 25-year-old's share of New York's pass attempts is substantial since he joined the team.
Teammate Garrett Wilson's (knee) potential return in Week 15 will hurt Metchie's opportunity, but should also help open things up for the rest of the offense. Even with a slight downtick in that aspect, there's a decent PPR floor here. Variables notwithstanding -- including who will be the quarterback in next Sunday's road meeting with the Cleveland Browns -- there is latitude for another modest fantasy option in New York if Wilson plays again this year. I prefer Adonai Mitchell's talent, but I'm staking my claim on Metchie with Wilson's impending reinstation.
Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
Jalen Coker and the Panthers didn't suit up in Week 14, as they were one of the final four squads to get a week off. However, I'm recommending him for this feature anyway, since I've liked what I've seen from him since he rejoined the team following an injury.
The former undrafted free agent showed promise during his rookie season in 2024, but a quadriceps injury mid-year slowed his progress. Another quad injury kept him out during the first half of this season, but he has been gaining momentum over the past few weeks. Coker has at least four targets in five of seven appearances thus far, and his performance in Week 13 was the best yet, pulling in four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown (six targets).
I've advocated for a secondary Panthers' pass-catcher behind rookie Tetairoa McMillan all season, and I'm hopeful that Coker will be the one to prove me right. Pay no attention to his slight dip in snaps from a week ago, as he played ahead of teammate Xavier Legette for each of the four games prior.
Tight Ends Waiver Wire Week 15
Selections By Craig Rondinone
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars
Another week, another column, another mention of Mr. Strange. Brenton Strange continues to be an underrated target of Trevor Lawrence’s in Jacksonville’s passing attack. Since returning from injury, he has picked up where he left off, providing 11 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown over the last three weeks.
Strange should continue to find room to roam against opposing defenses now that top target Brian Thomas Jr. appears healthy and newly-acquired Jakobi Meyers appears to have fully grasped the offense. Look for Strange to be no stranger to more catches this week in a home tilt against the hapless 3-10 New York Jets.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
Dalton Schultz keeps pushing the fantasy needle, especially in the reception and target departments. He has only had one game this season where he was targeted less than four times, which is why he has been in the top five for tight end receptions throughout the season. He has another good matchup this week against Arizona’s suspect secondary, but it sure would be nice if Schultz had more than one touchdown on the year, though.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford is clicking on all cylinders, and so are the pass catchers around him. Colby Parkinson seemed like a multimillion-dollar bust last year after signing his big contract, but he is paying off dividends this season. He has caught touchdown tosses in four of his last five games and has supplanted Tyler Higbee (ankle) while he has been on the injured reserve.
Absolute strike from Matthew Stafford to Colby Parkinson. 😮💨
📺: @NFLonFOX | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/oqEHwnKicw
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 7, 2025
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Gesicki easily had his best game of 2025 versus Buffalo in the snow on Sunday, setting season-highs across the board with six receptions for 86 yards and a TD. Up next is Baltimore’s 26th-ranked pass defense, a unit that has been near the bottom for the entire campaign. Gesicki should be in for another solid outing.
Quarterbacks Waiver Wire Week 15
Selections By Dan Fornek
J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy returned to the starting lineup in Week 14 after missing a game with a concussion and had arguably his best game of the season. The second-year quarterback completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns while adding six carries for 19 yards. Sure, the big game came against one of the worst defenses in the NFL (Washington), but that doesn’t matter too much for fantasy. You also won’t find a quarterback with a better stretch of opponents for the fantasy playoffs than McCarthy.
All three of the Vikings' remaining opponents rank top five in fantasy points allowed to the quarterback position. Two of the games (Dallas in Week 15 and Detroit in Week 17) will be indoors against opponents that will put up points. It will be hard to feel confident slotting McCarthy into your fantasy lineups given the struggles he’s had throughout the season, but it is hard to deny that he has league-winning potential against subpar secondaries to close out the season.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers came into Week 14 fresh off a stretch of four straight games with fewer than 10.0 fantasy points scored. However, he showed in Week 14 that he can still put together a fantasy-relevant week, even with a fractured non-throwing wrist. Rodgers threw for 284 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions in a win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. He also added two carries for zero yards and a touchdown. It was the third time that Rodgers scored more than 20.0 fantasy points this season, but the first time he’s hit that mark since Week 7.
The veteran quarterback will remain on the fantasy radar for the next two weeks with matchups against the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions on the horizon. Rodgers is certainly worth streaming in either of those matchups, especially if his willingness to attack down the field in Week 14 carries continues going forward.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Last time we saw Bryce Young, he threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns (while adding five carries for 23 yards) in a win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. Young scored 24.6 fantasy points that week, his second game in three weeks, where he surpassed 20.0 fantasy points.
For the second straight year, it seems that Young is getting hot to close out the season, which could benefit fantasy managers. The Panthers also had the benefit of a Week 14 bye to get healthy and figure out the best way to optimize their offense with a chance at an NFC South title, thanks to the Buccaneers scuffling to close out the season.
Carolina has matchups against the Saints and Buccaneers the next two weeks, two defenses that have struggled to stop opposing quarterbacks throughout the season. It will be difficult to trust Young in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks, but he has two matchups that can get you to your fantasy championship before that.
Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough has scored at least 17.0 fantasy points in three of his last four games, including back-to-back weeks in Week 13 and 14. In Week 13, Shough was able to put up a strong effort as a passer (239 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception). In Week 14, it was his rushing ability (seven carries for 55 yards and two touchdowns) that helped him score fantasy points.
HOLY SHOUGH!!!!#Saints | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/zI1xk1hVkc
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 7, 2025
Shough has at least six rushing attempts in all three games since the Saints bye. And while the Saints' passing game isn’t a strength of the team, he’s shown that he can take advantage of bad units so far as a rookie. If he can do that while continuing to be a factor as a rusher, he should have lasting fantasy appeal.
Shough has matchups against the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans during the fantasy playoffs. All three of those teams have questionable secondaries that the Saints can exploit.
Who Should I Pickup Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool here:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...
Who Should I Pickup? Some common 2025 fantasy football waiver wire decisions are regarding players like Blake Corum, Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Wright, Jayden Higgins, John Metchie II, Jalen Coker, Brenton Strange, Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, and Colby Parkinson. But not to worry, we are here to help make these waiver wire decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups in 2025. Our free Who Should I Pickup? tool will help make your fantasy football waiver wire decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to pick up... all free! Make the right decisions.
2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Blake Corum, Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Wright, Jayden Higgins, John Metchie II, Jalen Coker, Brenton Strange, Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, Colby Parkinson. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for Blake Corum, Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Wright, Jayden Higgins, John Metchie II, Jalen Coker, Brenton Strange, Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, Colby Parkinson:
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