Welcome to the final stretch. I hope your teams are faring better than mine. After pulling off a trifecta in Week 9, my three teams are back in the dumpster after Week 10. The lone win was only because the other team was only slightly more terrible than mine. My Herbert/Bowers stack that posted 74.5 fantasy points only posted 20.6 last week. Nothing feels predictable this season. My records now sit at 6–4 (6th), 4–6 (8th), and 4–6 (10th). With four weeks to go, all three still have a chance, but they need to turn it up a notch in the final stretch.
There are still opportunities on the waiver wire. Unless you’re 2–8 or worse, you can still slide into the playoffs.
Here’s last week’s “crystal-ball waiver lineup”—a simple gauge of waiver strength by building a lineup from last week’s streamers (1 QB, 1 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX [RB/WR/TE], 1 K, 1 D/ST):
QB — Davis Mills — 31.6
RB — Emari Demercado — 13.4
WR — Malik Washington — 9.3
WR — Michael Wilson — 7.4
TE — Cade Otton — 17.2
FLEX — Coleston Loveland (TE) — 9.5
K — Jason Myers — 16.2
D/ST — Chicago Bears — 9.0
Week 10 Total — 113.6
Week 9 — 102.3
Week 8 — 133.35
Week 7 — 152.15
It looks like the weekly slide in waiver opportunities has leveled off, and quarterbacks and tight ends remain the deepest pools.
Now, on to business…
If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.
If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep-roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.
Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their names to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.
I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — '1st' being the toughest matchup, '32nd' the softest. Then in the blurb, I give each player's four-week stat line, such as (CMP-ATT/YDS-TD-INT) for a quarterback.
If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Adds - Week 11 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 11 by Chris Hexter.
Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.
Quarterbacks
Jacoby Brissett, Ari v SF (23rd, 30th, 18th, 9th) – Brissett (68-111/798-6-0, 15/61-1) has stacked four straight games of 250-plus yards and two passing TDs, even salvaging production last week despite two fumbles returned for scores. The Cardinals are rolling with him while Kyler Murray rehabs and the organization considers offseason options, which secures Brissett’s role. Volume is stable and red-zone efficiency has held up through this run. With the 49ers’ defense banged up, he profiles as a mid-QB1 this week.
*Davis Mills, Cle @ Ten (20th, 4th, 15th, 12th) – Mills (44-75/429-2-1, 3/27-1) rallied the Browns with late TDs to Jayden Higgins and Dalton Schultz, then added a 14-yard rushing score to complete the comeback. His usage spiked in catch-up mode, and he distributed confidently in the fourth quarter after a slower start. Expect the team to pivot back to C.J. Stroud (concussion) if he clears the protocol, but Mills showed he can keep the offense on schedule if called again. If Stroud remains out, Mills is a viable QB2 streamer on volume and a small rushing boost.
*Marcus Mariota, Wsh @ Mia (25th, Bye, 2nd, 13th) – Mariota (41-62/489-3-3, 15/84-0) delivered an efficient line with three completions of 30-plus yards and two short TDs within a controlled plan. He has topped 20 rushing yards in every game in which he has thrown a pass this season, keeping a usable floor. With Jayden Daniels (elbow) sidelined, Mariota remains the starter. He’s a QB2/Superflex streamer while the legs and play-action explosives hold.
Geno Smith, LV v Dal (32nd, 5th, 3rd, 2nd) – Smith (55-81/494-4-2, 10/17-0) battled a quad contusion, took six sacks, and had a tipped-ball interception off Ashton Jeanty’s hands in a rough outing. The Raiders expect him to be available after the mini-bye, and the staff kept him in despite the issue. Protection must be better, but a generous Cowboys defense this week helps the outlook. He’s a volatile QB2 with contingent upside if the pocket holds.
Tua Tagovailoa, Mia v Wsh (28th, Bye, 14th, 21st) – Tagovailoa (72-110/739-6-6, 6/6-0) mixed two TDs with two interceptions again and logged his fifth game under 200 passing yards. Turnovers have cropped up too often, but the Dolphins still lean into quick timing throws to Malik Washington and Jaylen Waddle. Miami plays a neutral-site game in Madrid against a soft Commanders defense, which can support efficient drives even if attempts stay modest. He remains a volatile QB2 who needs cleaner decisions to fully cash in.
Michael Penix Jr. (S), Atl v Car (10th, 14th, 21st, 19th) – Penix (55-103/639-5-0, 5/24-0) has three straight games under 60 percent completions and is coming off a day with three sacks and a lost fumble. The passing tree remains narrow, with Drake London as the consistent downfield option. Until the accuracy and pocket management stabilize, the weekly ceiling is capped. He’s a deep 2QB/Superflex play rather than a 1QB streamer.
Dillon Gabriel (R), Cle v Bal (24th, 17th, 23rd, 20th) – Gabriel (51-85/439-4-2, 10/79-0) paired two TDs with 54 rushing yards, opening with scores to David Njoku and Jerry Jeudy before the offense stalled after halftime. The designed keepers and scrambles have provided a steady rushing element during his starts. Kevin Stefanski confirmed Gabriel will remain the starter for the rematch with the Browns, where he threw his first NFL TD back in Week 2. He profiles as a 2QB/Superflex option with his legs propping up the floor.
Running Backs
*Emari Demercado, Ari v SF (19th, 10th, 24th, 1st) – Demercado (18/143-0, 4-5/39-0) produced more efficiently than Bam Knight before Knight’s late ankle exit and finished over 100 scrimmage yards. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said he would ride the hot hand, and Demercado currently profiles as the healthiest option with Knight banged up. Trey Benson (knee) could be activated and Michael Carter is available, but Demercado’s path to Week 11 lead work is clear if Knight is limited. Treat him as a volume-leaning streamer while monitoring Knight’s status.
Rhamondre Stevenson, NE v NYJ (15th, 32nd, 30th, Bye) – Stevenson (32/122-1, 3-4/15-0) was listed as limited Monday with a toe injury after missing the last two games, a step forward from last week’s DNPs. TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings were also limited, underscoring how banged up the backfield is on a short week. If active, Stevenson should reclaim the lead role with his usual early-down and red-zone work.
Chris Rodriguez, Wsh @ Mia (25th, Bye, 5th, 12th) – Rodriguez (22/95-3, 0-0/0-0) left Sunday with a shoulder injury after logging six carries for 16 yards and a score. Washington finished with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols available, and McNichols has handled most third-down work to date. Practice participation will tell us if Rodriguez is healthy and able to keep his goal-line role this week.
Sean Tucker, TB @ Buf (27th, 1st, 20th, 18th) – Tucker (22/99-1, 2-3/0-0) led the Buccaneers in rushing yards last game and has nearly matched Rachaad White in carries over the last two weeks (21 to 23). White continues to handle most passing-down snaps, but Tucker’s early-down role is expanding, especially if Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) remains out. The Bills have been forgiving on the ground, which suits Tucker’s straight-ahead style when the Buccaneers avoid a pass-heavy script. He’s a viable streamer this week with value driven by early-down volume rather than targets.
Bam Knight, Ari v SF (19th, 10th, 24th, 1st) – Knight (33/112-0, 6-10/32-0) started and led the Cardinals in carries before an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. His Week 11 usage hinges on whether he can practice and handle early-down snaps. Michael Carter adds passing-down depth that could cut into Knight’s targets even if he’s active. Monitor participation—full work would point to a timeshare, while limited participation might leave Knight as a change-of-pace option.
Jeremy McNichols, Wsh @ Mia (25th, Bye, 5th, 12th) – McNichols (9/51-0, 8-10/91-0) logged a season-high five carries and was the only Washington back to catch a pass last week, consistent with his third-down/long-down role. That role keeps him on the field whenever Washington trails or faces passing situations. If Chris Rodriguez is limited, McNichols could see a small bump in snaps but remains reception-driven. Deep-league PPR streamer.
Jeremy McNichols, Wsh @ Mia (25th, Bye, 5th, 12th) – McNichols (9/51-0, 8-10/91-0) logged a season-high five carries and was the only Commanders back to record a reception, consistent with his third-down/long-yardage role. That usage keeps him involved in obvious passing situations. If Chris Rodriguez (shoulder) is limited, McNichols could see a small bump in snaps while Jacory Croskey-Merritt handles most base downs. He profiles as a deep-league PPR streamer driven by receptions rather than carries.
Isaiah Davis (S), NYJ @ NE (4th, 26th, 28th, 25th) – Davis (12/85-0, 8-10/67-0) fell back to a distant No. 2 with just four touches and 14 of 49 snaps while Breece Hall handled 35 snaps and a workhorse load. Without a change in usage, Davis’ weekly floor is thin. A stout Patriots run defense this week further narrows the path. He’s a contingency play who needs either a shift in rotation or game-flow help.
*Ty Johnson, Buf v TB (24th, 9th, 8th, 32nd) – Johnson (7/16-1, 4-4/36-0) found the end zone in Week 9 and, per usage, moved into Buffalo’s No. 2 role behind Ray Davis. He played more snaps than Davis in that game and handled late-half goal-line work. Expect him to remain the top reserve with change-of-pace and occasional red-zone chances. He's viable as a deeper-league bench play with touchdown paths.
Receivers
Malik Washington (S), Mia v Wsh (30th, Bye, 13th, 10th) – Washington (14-19/123-2, 4/17-0) continues to function as an extension of the run game, getting touch-passes off pre-snap motion and the occasional sweep, and he scored again on a nine-yard catch in Week 10. He has multiple receptions in eight straight games but has yet to clear 48 yards in any outing. The Dolphins are scripting screens and quick crossers to get him into space, which supports a steady floor. Against a soft Commanders pass defense, that usage keeps him in streamer range with a path to another short score.
*Tyler Lockett, LV v Dal (31st, 12th, 2nd, 1st) – Lockett (7-9/62-0, 0/0-0) led the Raiders in catches, yards and targets in his second game with Geno Smith, immediately absorbing work after the Jakobi Meyers trade. The veteran’s familiarity with Smith showed on timing routes and quick hitters, and the snap-to-target efficiency ticked up. With the Cowboys very forgiving to wide receivers this week, the usage trend gives him a viable streamer path even if the role isn’t fully settled.
*Andrei Iosivas, Cin @ Pit (32nd, 19th, 29th, 14th) – Iosivas (8-14/115-1, 1/4-0) just matched a season high in receptions and logged his first touchdown, remaining the clear No. 3 behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Joe Flacco’s aggressiveness in Zac Taylor’s system plus Bengal’s defensive issues continue to support pass heavy script. With the Steelers Defense last against WRs this week, Iosivas is positioned for downfield and red-zone chances on ancillary volume.
Christian Watson, GB @ NYG (26th, 7th, 21st, 28th) – Watson (8-12/188-0, 0/0-0) has topped 20 yards per catch in each of his three appearances, flashing field-stretching ability with two chunk gains on Monday. Romeo Doubs’ early exit (chest) and Matthew Golden’s inactive status helped keep Watson’s perimeter role prominent. The Giants have been generous to WRs, which suits his vertical usage. If Romeo Doubs or Matthew Golden sit again, Watson’s route share should remain elevated.
*Mack Hollins, NE v NYJ (10th, 16th, 26th, Bye) – Hollins (17-21/253-0, 1/4-0) delivered season highs in targets and yards, highlighted by a 54-yard strike while Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was out. He led the Patriots in all three receiving categories and worked as Drake Maye’s perimeter chain-mover with selective deep shots. The weekly leader has rotated for New England, but Hollins’ recent target share keeps him in streamer range. If Kayshon Boutte remains sidelined, Hollins’ downfield role should hold for another week.
Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth, Pit v Cin (32nd, 23rd, 1st, 12th) – Freiermuth (14/17-184-3) caught all three targets for 33 yards and logged a 50% snap share, second among Steelers tight ends. He’s settled into steady involvement with at least three catches in four straight while the Steelers continue to rotate him with Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. A soft matchup with the Bengals boosts his touchdown odds and puts him in TE1 territory.
Noah Fant, Cin @ Pit (28th, 25th, 12th, 1st) – Fant (9/10-113-2) scored on two of three targets and split snaps evenly with Drew Sample. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins driving most of the Bengals’ targets, his usage remains modest and touchdown-dependent. A soft matchup with the Steelers keeps him in play for one-week streaming.
*Colby Parkinson, LAR v Sea (29th, 11th, 26th, 17th) – Parkinson (9/10-98-1) just produced his best game of the season on five targets, but he remains part of a four-man rotation with Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson. Routes and red-zone looks are split, which limits predictability. The Seahawks have been soft against tight ends, making him a viable deep-league streamer.
Jonnu Smith, Pit v Cin (32nd, 23rd, 1st, 12th) – Smith (9/16-74-1) led Steelers tight ends in snaps last week but managed just one catch for four yards. The rotation with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington continues to cap route volume and consistency. The Bengals defense ranks last against tight ends, so there’s a rebound path, but he still profiles as touchdown-leaning depth.
Dalton Kincaid, Buf v TB (11th, 5th, 28th, 32nd) – Kincaid (9/12-161-1) left Week 10 with a hamstring and is considered week-to-week after a 2-for-37 start. When healthy he’s a primary target alongside Khalil Shakir, but soft-tissue injuries often come with reduced routes or a pitch count on the first game back. His Week 11 status is uncertain; monitor the Bills practice reports. If he’s fully cleared without limitations, he profiles as a viable streamer.
Terrance Ferguson (R), LAR v Sea (9th, 24th, 15th, 20th) – Ferguson (4/10-117-1) ran fewer snaps than the other Rams tight ends last week but drew four targets and hit a long gainer to set up a Kyren Williams score. The rookie offers the best explosive-play profile in a crowded room that also includes Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen. Usage volatility keeps him a boom-bust streamer.
Tyler Higbee, LAR v Sea (29th, 11th, 26th, 17th) – Higbee (9/13-65-1) posted 3-33-0 and has seen at least three targets in five straight while sharing work with Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson. The role is steady but split across four tight ends, capping routes and weekly volume. In a soft matchup with the Seahawks, he remains a TE2 streamer whose best path is a red-zone target.
Greg Dulcich, Mia v Wsh (2nd, 27th, Bye, 19th) – Dulcich (6/9-71-0) served as the Dolphins’ primary receiving tight end with Julian Hill out, while Darren Waller remains on IR and Tanner Conner was waived. The Dolphins’ passing volume dipped last week, which kept the line modest. The Commanders have been stingy against tight ends, so yardage may be limited unless Hill sits again and routes consolidate.
Darnell Washington, Pit v Cin (32nd, 23rd, 1st, 12th) – Washington (8/12-60-1) followed a 4-43 game with one catch and the fewest snaps among Steelers tight ends. He remains behind Pat Freiermuth and shares time with Jonnu Smith, keeping targets thin. The Bengals have been soft versus tight ends, keeping him in the touchdown-dart tier for deep formats.
Mason Taylor (R), NYJ @ NE (25th, 12th, 2nd, 30th) – Taylor (9/15-69-1) drew just two targets in a run-heavy win, with only Garrett Wilson seeing more than two looks before exiting. His usage has been volatile, swinging between two or fewer targets and five-plus. If the Jets trail the Patriots, passing volume could support borderline streaming value.
Luke Musgrave, GB @ NYG (3rd, 13th, 21st, 12th) – Musgrave (4/6-46-0) operated as the Packers’ top tight end with Tucker Kraft on IR and posted 3-23-0 against the Eagles. With Matthew Golden out and Romeo Doubs leaving late, short-area opportunities remain, but the Giants have been stingy versus tight ends, which suppresses ceiling. He profiles as a usage-driven TE2.
Elijah Arroyo (R), Sea @ LAR (20th, 10th, 22nd, 2nd) – Arroyo (7/8-76-1) logged a 47% snap share but saw just one target in a game where the Seahawks attempted only 12 passes and scored twice on defense. He remains the No. 2 tight end behind AJ Barner. The role suggests thin weekly volume outside of specific red-zone packages.
*Davis Allen, LAR v Sea (29th, 11th, 26th, 17th) – Allen (6/7-49-1) continues to rotate with Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Terrance Ferguson, keeping routes and end-zone looks spread across the group. He has shown efficiency on limited targets, but week-to-week usage is fragile. The Seahawks have been soft versus tight ends, putting him on the deep-league streamer radar.
Kickers
Ka'imi Fairbairn, Hou @ Ten (2nd, 14th, 9th, 5th)
Evan McPherson, Cin @ Pit (29th, 8th, 30th, 9th)
Riley Patterson, Mia v Wsh (28th, Bye, 18th, 32nd)
Will Reichard (S), Min v Chi (11th, 15th, 6th, 28th)
Nick Folk, NYJ @ NE (8th, 30th, 24th, 19th)
Defense / Special Teams
Chicago Bears @ Min (30th, 11th, 12th, 4th)
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cin (24th, 2nd, 9th, 15th)
Atlanta Falcons v Car (25th, 29th, 26th, 13th)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buf (9th, 6th, 27th, 29th)
Cleveland Browns v Bal (15th, 28th, 17th, 32nd)
