DFS Army’s Gthom gives early waiver wire additions to target this week in fantasy football. These waiver wire targets are normally available in 50-percent of ESPN leagues.
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Nov 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) celebrates a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
WR – Elijah Moore (CLE) – 9%
Moore has been heavily targeted since Week 8. Over that span, he is averaging 59.6 receiving yards, 9.6 targets, 5.6 receptions, and a touchdown rate of 0.33%. Analyzing the Browns’ offense, Cleveland has relied on the pass heavily, posting the highest passing play percentage in the league over their last three games at 68.9%. Their season average of 65.2% is the second-highest in the NFL. This elevated passing rate bolsters the fantasy floor of all Browns pass catchers.
While Moore is an excellent option in full PPR leagues, his upcoming schedule poses challenges. The Browns will host Pittsburgh, travel to Denver, play Pittsburgh on the road, and then host the Chiefs. All of those teams have suppressed opposing wide receivers for fantasy purposes this season.
WR – Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO) – 14%
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. That’s how fantasy managers feel after watching MVS post his second consecutive game with 16-plus PPR points. In Week 10, he delivered three receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Many dismissed it as a fluke. However, in Week 11, he followed it up with two receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown. While luck certainly plays a role in these performances, MVS is thriving in his new role as the Saints’ stretch receiver and that brings great value for fantasy purposes.
The Saints will be on a BYE in Week 12, but Valdes-Scantling fits the mold of a high-risk, high-reward player for fantasy teams in need of upside. Once New Orleans returns, they’ll face the Rams at home, travel to play the Giants, and then host the Commanders.
TE – Jonnu Smith (MIA) – 32%
Smith erupted for 28.1 PPR points against the Raiders in Week 11, finishing with six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Smith has been trending upward for fantasy purposes for a while now, but his biggest appeal lies in his role within Miami’s revamped offense. For years, the Dolphins’ passing attack centered around Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. This season, the passing game has become more distributed, so much so that it has made Waddle largely irrelevant. This new pecking order has been a reason that Smith has averaged 5.2 targets this season.
The Dolphins have a favorable schedule ahead. They host the Patriots in Week 12, travel to play the Packers in Week 13, and return home to face the Jets in Week 14. Smith offers a solid floor for a tight end, with a higher ceiling than most at the position, due to the explosive nature of Miami’s offense. Smith currently ranks as the TE9 in PPR formats, averaging 10.2 PPR points per game, also the ninth most among tight ends.