We are about halfway through the season, and at this point, the focus has shifted to winning each week rather than building depth. Injury and bye-week fill-ins will be the biggest needs for moving forward.
Boston Scott RB Philadelphia Eagles 16%Owned
Miles Sanders, the starting running back for the Eagles, went down on Sunday in their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. He has a knee injury, and head coach Doug Pederson confirmed that Sanders would miss Thursday night’s game against the New York Giants. Scott will be the starter for this juicy matchup. This alone is enough to put Scott as my number one priority on the waiver this week.
He should lead the Eagles in touches and snaps for this backfield with only Corey Clement as competition. So far, Clement only has 13 total touches this season, and Scott has had some big games when he has been asked to shoulder the load in the backfield. Thursday night should be much of the same; I like his chances to be a top 20 running back this week.
JaMychal Hasty RB San Francisco 49ers 1%Owned
The 49ers backfield will go back to a hot-hand rotation after starting running back Raheem Mostert went down again on Sunday. Jerick McKinnon has been the main benefactor when Mostert has missed a game this year, but on Sunday, Hasty is the one who closed out the game.
If head coach Kyle Shannahan had confidence in Hasty to allow him to end a much-needed game, I think the 49ers and Hasty have a great chance of putting up some great offensive numbers against the Patriots this week.
Damiere Byrd WR New England Patriots 4%Owned
Byrd didn’t light the world on fire last week, but neither did any of the Patriots. However, Byrd has been the number two option as a wide receiver for the past two weeks, with 14 targets. It seems like his role in this offense should continue to grow as the weeks go.
The 49ers will be a tough test this week, and the best way to beat them is through the passing game. I think Byrd will finally have his breakthrough game this week.
Anthony Firkser TE Tennessee Titans 1%Owned
Anthony Firkser (8REC 9TGTS 113YDS 1TD) came out of nowhere last week and had one of the best games out of the tight end spot after Jonnu Smith left the game with an ankle injury. Firkser was more than ready for his time to shine. Smith is considered questionable to play this week, but I would pick up Firkser to be on standby, just in case.
Extra Adds: Jimmy Garoppolo QB 49ers; LaMichael Perine RB Jets; DeSean Jackson WR Eagles; Logan Thomas TE Washington; Los Angeles Chargers DEF; Will Lutz K Saints.