By: Jim Bratton//Contributing Writer
This week marks the official halfway point of the NFL season and it’s the perfect time to focus on the playoff push in fantasy football. Have you been looking for that much needed spark in your fantasy lineup? Here are a few names to look for on the waiver wire that might just help you in your league:
Derek Carr, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders– Derek Carr just had a monster game against the San Diego Chargers. Carr finished with 289 yards, three touchdowns and 23 fantasy points. Carr is leading the Raiders offense to the 12th-most points per drive this season, and his rapport with young wide receiver Amari Cooper should only continue to improve. If you are looking for a bye week/injury fill-in, I definitely recommend Carr.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback, New York Jets– Although he was facing an impressive Patriots defense, Fitzpatrick still finished with 295 yards and two touchdowns this past week. Fitzpatrick is familiar with Jets’ offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, having played in his system in Buffalo. He has also established a good rapport with wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker in the passing game. I would strongly recommend Fitzpatrick if you are in need of more quarterback depth.
Chris Conley, Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs– With star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin battling a concussion, Conley definitely made the most of his opportunity against the Steelers. The rookie out of Georgia pulled in six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. With Maclin’s concussion and running back Jamaal Charles out for the season with a torn ACL, I expect Conley will start getting more targets in the passing game.
Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings– One of the more productive receivers in fantasy football over the past few weeks has been Vikings’ receiver Stefon Diggs. Against the Chiefs, the rookie from Maryland finished with seven catches for 129 yards and 12 fantasy points. This past week against the Lions, Diggs hauled in six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 16 fantasy points. Recently, Diggs has become one of Minnesota’s favorite targets in the passing game.
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST– And, if you are looking for a defense to get you over the hump this week, I would recommend the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the past two weeks, the Chiefs defense has combined for four interceptions and one fumble recovery. If the Lions’ offense struggles against them this week, then it could be a pretty good weekend for Kansas City’s defense.
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