HAPPY FANTASY PLAYOFFS! I can't believe we are here already — Week 15 and a fantasy championship is oh so close. YOU'VE GOT THIS! But do not let your foot off the gas. Week 14 gave us a few injuries to be concerned about and there are some solid pickups that can help bolster your bench for this run. 

There isn't much to change strategically for the playoffs. It's really important to look ahead and stash players with solid matchups in the next three weeks (and Chris Allen has a fantastic column on that). I really want to have more backup running backs on my bench than I do wide receivers — it's personal preference but we can see some of these starting running backs breaking down, so you never know when that next man up mentality is going to pay off.

This also might be a time where you stash a defense for the playoff stretch as well. Just remember you made it here for a reason, trust your gut and don't overthink it. Now let's go win a championship!

As always, all these players are less than 40% rostered across leagues. Good luck!

And don't forget about our waiver wire tool, which is an awesome way to visualize what I have below.

INJURY ROUNDUP

  • Panthers: Jonathon Brooks (out for the season)
  • Raiders: Aidan O'Connell (knee)
  • Saints: Derek Carr (out for the season)
  • Rams: Demarcus Robinson (shoulder)
  • Buccaneers: Bucky Irving (back)
  • 49ers: Isaac Guerendo (foot)
  • Chargers: Will Dissly (shoulder)

FANTASY FOOTBALL WAIVER WIRE ADDS FOR WEEK 13

Isaiah Davis, RB, Jets (11% rostered)

Braelon Allen is rostered in more then 40% of leagues, and if he is still available he is definitely the running back to get from this Jets backfield. Isaiah Davis actually had a solid role for the Jets in Week 14 against the Dolphins — he notched 10 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown, while catching 3 of 6 targets for 26 yards, for 15.7 fantasy points. He had a 7.5 Utllization Report Score, which is on the higher end of that scale. 

Of course we are going to have to see if Breece Hall is good to go this week against the Jaguars (which is a smash matchup). While the Jets have been eliminated from the playoffs, the team has said they aren't going to shut Hall down for the season… for now. 

Patrick Taylor, RB, 49ers (4% rostered)

So, the 49ers actually can't have nice things this season. I guess we were supposed to stash the back-up back-up back-up to the back-up running back this season lol. Isaac Guerendo was worth spending all your FAAB on for Week 14 — had 78 rushing yards on 15 carries for two touchdowns and 50 yards on two receptions, all good for 26.8 fantasy points. But the 49ers believe that Guerendo could have a sprained foot and with the team on a short week taking on the Rams for Thursday Night Football, it's best to prepare to be without him.

Patrick Taylor seems like the clear back who will step into a bigger role if Guerendo can't go. Israel Abanikanda is a total wild card, but I still think he's worth a stash. 

Sincere McCormick, RB, Raiders (15% rostered)

For the third straight week the Raiders were without Alexander Mattison and Zamir White. It seemed like Mattison was closer to a return, but in their absence, Sincere McCormick stepped up. He had 15 carries for 78 yards and also had two receptions for 11 yards. Should we expect him to continue in this role because he's looked so much better than all the other Raiders running backs? I think it's fair! With bye weeks completely finished, you'll probably have stronger options going into the playoffs, but the Raiders have a juicy schedule the rest of the way — especially when they take on the Jaguars in Week 16 and the Saints in Week 17. 

Sean Tucker, RB, Buccaneers (2% rostered)

We unfortunately saw Bucky Irving exit Sunday's matchup with a back injury, and while it's been reported that it was out of precaution, we still have to prepare for the worst. Sean Tucker would still work behind Rachaad White — the last time Tucker had significant playing time back in Week 6 he locked down 34.2 fantasy points. Now, don't get too excited, because they have a tougher matchup against the Chargers this week and we cannot expect that Week 6 level of opportunity; but if Irving is sidelined then he would give us some RB2 upside.

Cedric Tillman, WR, Browns (34% rostered)

The Browns announced that they are sticking with Jameis Winston going into Week 15 against the Chiefs, and even though there is an interception bug with Winston right now we should still be looking at viable receivers for this fantasy playoff run. Cedric4 Tillman is still in concussion protocol, but before their bye week he was locked, scoring 18+ fantasy points in three straight games. Jerry Jeudy has boomed in his absence but Winston always spreads the ball around, and against the Chiefs they will need to throw to keep this game competitive. 

Jalen McMillan, WR, Buccaneers (5% rostered)

We don't necessarily want to chase points here, but Jalen McMillan had an exceptional two touchdown Week 14 for the Buccaneers and walked away with 21.9 fantasy points. It's definitely something that catches our attention. I think he's a good pick-up for those deeper leagues, as McMillan makes you feel better about stashing him compared to other wide receivers.

Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Falcons (18% rostered)

If you rage dropped Kyle Pitts like I did a few weeks ago, how does it feel to sleep soundly at night? ANYWAY, Ray-Ray McCloud surpassed Pitts as the third option in the passing game over the last four games with a 19% target share according to Dwain McFarland's Utilization Report. McCloud has also averaged 12.2 points over those last four games and has a 5.7 Utilization Score. I look at McCloud as another deeper league stash that could help down the stretch if you run into wide receiver injuries. 

Kendre Miller, RB, Saints (4% rostered)

Look what happens when your head coach doesn't totally hate you! Kendre Miller came back from his stint on IR and had 10 carries for 32 yards and a touchdown. Sure, it was only 9.2 fantasy points, but he handled 30% of the rushing attempts, according to the Utilization Report, and he has been upgraded to an RB5 stash play in some of those deep leagues.