Best fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 15

Hubbard impressed for the second-straight game, totaling 99 yards and a TD on 17 touches (three receptions) against the Seahawks in Week 14. Even though he had seven fewer carries than D'Onta Foreman, he managed the same number of rushing yards and generally looked like the better back most of the game. Hubbard has seen 31 carries in his past two games, and that kind of workload will give him flex upside in any matchup. There's a very real chance he takes over the primary RB job and sees even more touches next week against Pittsburgh.

Strong finally got an appreciable number of touches in Week 14, and he responded in a big way, rushing for 70 yards and a TD on just five carries and adding another 20 yards on two catches. With Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and Damien Harris (thigh) dinged up, it's possible Strong is starting in Week 15 in a favorable matchup against the Raiders. Kevin Harris (eight carries, 26 yards, TD) would also be involved if both Stevenson and Damien Harris are out, but Strong has the higher ceiling. Even if one of New England's normal committee backs is active, Strong could have flex value.

With Kenneth Walker III (ankle) and DeeJay Dallas (ankle) on the sidelines in Week 14, Homer handled the bulk of the Seahawks' RB snaps. He disappointed with just 34 total yards on 11 touches, but as long as Homer is starting, he has the potential for value. Seattle has a quick turnaround for a Thursday night showdown against the 49ers, and even though that isn't an ideal matchup for Homer, he could work as a PPR flex if you're hurting at RB. He'd have much more value if he's still starting in Week 16 against the Chiefs.

Harris operated as New England's No. 2 back on Monday night, and he came through with 26 yards and a TD on eight carries after Rhamondre Stevenson's ankle injury. Harris was outshined later in the game by rookie Pierre Strong Jr. (seven touches, 90 total yards, TD), but it's clear that both backs will be involved if Stevenson and Damien Harris (thigh) continue to miss time. A favorable RB matchup awaits in Week 15 against Vegas, so Harris (and Strong) are both worth speculative adds.

With Josh Jacobs nursing a finger injury and the Raiders all but out of playoff contention, White could see significantly more carries down the stretch. White would likely see the bulk of the RB touches next week if Jacobs is out, though Ameer Abdullah would handle most of the receiving work. Even though Vegas has a brutal fantasy playoff schedule for RBs (Patriots, Steelers, 49ers), White and Abdullah should be owned in deep leagues.

An ankle injury forced Dameon Pierce to the sidelines in the fourth quarter last week, and if he's unable to go in Week 15 as expected against the Chiefs, some combination of Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale will pick up the slack. Burkhead got some key goal-line carries late against the Cowboys and is the preferred receiving option for Houston, so we're listing him here, but it's not a bad idea to grab Ogunbowale, too, as he could just as easily start and see the bulk of the carries if Pierce can't go. 

Abdullah is in line for more playing time if Josh Jacobs is held out because of his finger injury. He would likely be more of a passing-down back playing behind Zamir White, but he could actually have more value in PPR leagues given Vegas' matchups in Weeks 15-17 (Patriots, Steelers, 49ers). All three have top-12 run defenses, so Abdullah is worth adding, as he could be a cheap source of five-plus receptions every week.

Chark has either caught a TD or had at least 98 yards in each of his past three games. He almost did both in Week 14, catching six-of-seven targets for 94 yards and a score. Even with Jameson Williams back, Chark is seeing the second-most snaps among Detroit's WRs. Given how effective the Lions' offense has been lately, that's enough to give Chark flex value in any matchup, including next week against the Jets.

Williams played sparingly in Week 13, but he made his presence felt in Week 14, catching a 41-yard TD pass in the first quarter. It was his only reception on just two targets, but his big-play potential gives him plenty of upside in Detroit's high-powered offense. Williams should continue to play more snaps, giving him boom-or-bust flex value next week against the Jets.

Moore, who caught 10-of-15 targets for 124 yards in Week 14 with Brandin Cooks (calf) and Nico Collins (foot) out, will likely be Houston's top receiver in a highly favorable Week 15 matchup against Kansas City if both are inactive. He still has upside in deep leagues if even just one is back, so grab him now and enjoy the production. The same applies to Collins if he's expected back next week.

James did most of his damage in garbage time last week, but he still finished with a solid seven catches (nine targets) for 61 yards and a TD. He's now scored in three of his past four games, so with a slightly favorable matchup against Washington on deck next week and a much more favorable matchup against Minnesota the week after, James is worth grabbing now. Teammate Isaiah Hodgins has some deep-league appeal, too.

Okownkwo hauled in five targets for 68 yards in Week 13, seemingly replacing injured rookie wideout Treylon Burks (concussion) as Ryan Tannehill's preferred deep threat. He kept up the momentum in Week 14, hauling in all six of his targets for 45 yards and a TD. He now has a favorable matchup in Week 15 against the Chargers, who serve up the 11th-most FPPG to TEs this season, so his big-play ways could really pay off even if Burks is back.

Every QB below this point is a potential Week 15 streamer thanks to a favorable matchup:

Wilson got back on track with a monster Week 14 before exiting because of a head injury. If he returns for Week 15, he'll get another highly favorable QB matchup against Arizona. If you're streaming this week — or just need an insurance policy in a deep league in case something happens to your starter — you could do a lot worse than a healthy Wilson. Don't waste a waiver claim on him if his status is up in the air, but be ready to pounce in free agency if he gets cleared to play.

White has shown he can throw for a lot of yards and spread the ball around effectively to his talented receiving corps. In Week 15, he gets a home matchup against the Lions' 27th-ranked pass defense, so as long as he plays through his rib injury, he should have a high floor and potentially high ceiling.

The veteran signal-caller has been turnover prone over the past couple of weeks but has a chance to rebound against an opportunistic Vikings' defense. Entering Week 14, the Vikings were allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs and most passing yards per game, so Ryan should have a high floor.

Jones isn't usually a high-ceiling guy, but he's a solid streaming option against a Raiders' defense that allows the third-most FPPG to QBs this season. Jones has shown he can take advantage of favorable matchups, like when he put up 382 yards and two TDs against the Vikings in Week 12.

Entering Week 14, Atlanta was allowing the 10th-most FPPG to QBs this season. Dalton is not the most appealing fantasy option, but he has some decent weapons around him, so he should be able to produce around 250 yards and two TDs in Week 15.

Darnold is not on many fantasy owners' radar heading into Week 15, but he has a highly favorable matchup against the Steelers. Heading into Week 14, the Steelers were allowing the ninth-most FPPG to QBs. If the Panthers' offensive line can protect Darnold, he should have a solid floor and provide a decent number of fantasy points.

Every RB below this point is a potential Week 15 streamer thanks to a favorable matchup:

We don't normally recommend RB streamers, but Edwards, whose ownership has dipped to 49 percent in Yahoo leagues, qualifies. He posted 13 carries for 66 yards even with JK Dobbins back in Week 14, and in Week 15, he has a highly favorable matchup against a Cleveland defense that allows the second-most fantasy points per game to RBs. Edwards can work as a flex if you need him, though Dobbins (15-120-1) is the preferred play.

Every WR below this point is a potential Week 15 streamer thanks to a favorable matchup:

Campbell has been one of the lone bright spots on a Colts' offense that has not lived up to expectations this season. Given his occasionally high-target totals, he has WR3 upside in Week 15 against a Vikings' defense that allows the third-most FPPG to WRs this season.

The second-year wide receiver has been inconsistent this season, but that's partly due to the revolving door at QB for Carolina. However, Marshall has shown this season that he can be a WR3/flex in 12-team leagues and has a good opportunity to make some plays against the Steelers in Week 15, especially if D.J. Moore (ankle) is out. Entering Week 14, the Steelers had allowed the second-most FPPG and 15 touchdowns to WRs, so Marshall is a prime streaming candidate regardless.

Landry has only scored one touchdown since he returned from injury in Week 10, but he's playing a good number of snaps and seeing regular targets. He's in play as a solid streaming option in Week 15 against a Falcons' defense that entered Week 14 allowing the sixth-most FPPG to WRs.

We'e seen McKenzie have big games throughout the season, making him a borderline flex option most weeks. He's in a good spot in Week 15 against Miami's 22nd-ranked pass defense, and when these teams met earlier in the season, McKenzie posted seven receptions (nine targets) for 76 yards and a touchdown. 

Moore has been a huge bust this year, but he scored in Week 12 and had 16 combined targets in Weeks 13 and 14. He can continue to earn back fantasy owners' trust in a favorable Week 15 matchup against the Lions. Entering Week 14, Detroit was allowing the fourth-most FPPG to WRs this season, so Moore has some deep-league appeal.

The rookie wide receiver had one of his best games of the season in the Colts' blowout loss to the Cowboys in Week 13 and should be able to build off that performance in Week 15 against the Vikings. Minnesota allows a league-high 283.6 passing yards per game, so Pierce has a higher floor and ceiling than usual.

The rookie wide receiver has missed over a month because of an ankle injury. However, if he's back for Week 15 as expected, Doubs should be viewed as a low-tier flex option against the Rams. Entering Week 14, L.A. has allowed the seventh-most FPPG to WRs, so Doubs has some upside even with Christian Watson seemingly taking over the WR2 spot.

Entering Week 14, the Titans allowing the most FPPG to WRs this season, so Carter has some deep-league appeal in Week 15 even if L.A.'s top-three WRs are healthy. If any are out, Carter would instantly become one of the top streamers of the week.

Shaheed is a deep sleeper who possesses top-tier speed and continues to make plays on offense for the Saints. The 24-year-old wideout had the best game of his career against the Bucs in Week 13, catching all four targets for 75 yards. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Shaheed replicate this performance in Week 15 against the Falcons. Entering Week 14, the Falcons had allowed the sixth-most FPPG to WRs. We know Andy Dalton will throw the ball a ton and take some shots down the field, which is good news for Shaheed, who is available in almost every league.

Every TE below this point is a potential Week 15 streamer thanks to a favorable matchup:

Johnson's three-game TD streak was snapped in Week 13, but he has a good shot at a top-10 TE finish against the Falcons in Week 15. Entering Week 14, the Falcons had allowed the seventh-most FPPG and second-most receiving yards to TEs.

Henry has always had good chemistry with Pats QB Mac Jones, as evidenced by his 15-point PPR performance on Thanksgiving against Minnesota. The Raiders entered Week 14 surrendering the sixth-most FPPG to tight ends this season, so Henry's floor and ceiling are higher than usual. Consider him one of the top streams for Week 15.

Entering Week 14, the Lions had allowed the fifth-most FFPG to TEs, so the inconsistent Conklin is a prime streaming candidate in the favorable matchup.

Tonyan hasn't looked like the same tight end we saw back in the 2020 season when he had a career-high 11 touchdowns. However, he will look to turn back the clock against the Rams in Week 15. L.A. has allowed a tight end touchdown in five of its past seven games, so this matchup is even better than it appears at first blush.

Thomas started to get more work in the Commanders' offense, catching nine-of-13 targets in his past two games. He has a good chance of continuing to be a factor in Week 15 against a Giants' defense that entered Week 14 allowing the eighth-most FPPG to TEs.

Granson received six targets in his last game, and in Week 15, he gets a Vikings' defense allowing the ninth-most FPPG to TEs. He's not a high-floor option, but he has some streaming appeal in deep leagues.

Every D/ST below this point is a potential Week 15 streamer thanks to a favorable matchup:

The Rams' dumpster fire of a season at least ensures we always have a go-to team to stream defenses against. Without Matthew Stafford (neck) and likely without Cooper Kupp (ankle), L.A. continues to be a top-three team in points allowed to D/STs, so take advantage with a solid Green Bay squad. We're not expecting more Mayfield magic in a chilly prime-time road game.

The lone bright spot for the Broncos this season has been their defense, and a home tilt against an oft-erratic Cardinals offense could spell fantasy success. Arizona entered Week 14 allowing the 12th-most FPPG to D/STs, and Colt McCoy will likely be even more giving in the Rockies in December.

If Baltimore is forced to start third-stringer Anthony Brown in Week 15, the Browns' D/ST, which had a monster day against Kyle Allen and the Texans in Week 13, is a borderline must-start.

The Steelers aren't great like they once were on defense, but they are certainly serviceable now that T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are reunited and tag-teaming QBs. Sorry, Sam Darnold — you may want to schedule an ice bath after Week 15. The Panthers entered Week 14 allowing the seventh-most FPPG to D/STs.

The Commanders have been low-key killing it defensively ever since Taylor Heinicke reinvigorated this franchise. Against a sack-prone and turnover-prone Giants offense with a poor passer like Daniel Jones, fantasy points could come in bunches in Week 15.

The Cardinals could benefit greatly from the awful antics of DangeRuss Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett, who seem allergic to the end zone and can't scheme themselves out of constant pocket pressure. Denver will score some points in Week 15, but it will also give some back to Arizona's aggressive, playmaking D/ST.

Minnesota's defense has its issues, but for fantasy, there does exist some appeal. Matt Ryan sees ghosts on the field, so he's good for a few sacks and an interception or two on the regular. Entering Week 14, no team was allowing more FPPG to D/STs than Indy, so there are far worse defenses to stream in Week 15 than Minnesota at home.

When in doubt, grab a decent defense at home against a rookie QB. Kenny Pickett continues to experience growing pains, and he has still yet to log two passing TDs in a game. Pittsburgh entered Week 14 allowing the ninth-most FPPG to D/STs, so even Carolina can take advantage in Week 15.

The Patriots have trouble with the blitz and often resort to short dinks and dunks because they don't fully trust Mac Jones. New England entered Week 14 allowing the eighth-most FPPG to D/STs, so look for the Raiders to continue to rack up sacks and cause a turnover or two.

The Falcons are the bottom of the barrel for Week 15 streamers, but they're not completely void of value or appeal. Atlanta has improved mightily defensively, and the Saints have not improved whatsoever on offense. Red Rifle is more liable to shoot his eye out than he is to engage in an actual scoring shootout, so the Falcons have a decent floor/ceiling combo against a Saints' squad that entered Week 14 allowing the fifth-most FPPG to D/STs.