This is it. It's the last big waiver wire period of the fantasy football season. Regardless of whether you're playing in your league championship or just trying to claw your way to a higher finish in the consolation bracket, you may find one last waiver wire gem that will be the key to ending your season on a positive note.
Keeping with the Tuesday tradition, I'll point out some under-owned players and give you the rundown on the week's hottest pickups. I've included 26 players in this article for you to consider, and if you're juggling defenses based on the matchups, I have three D/ST recommendations for you. Three of my top-10 defenses for the week are available in at least 65% of leagues.
FAAB values don't really have meaning anymore, but I've still included values to help communicate my level excitement for each player. Feel free to spend all your money on one guy, especially if you or your opponent will start that player. This isn't Applebee's. Leaving money on the table doesn't help anyone.
Notes: Scoring is standard non-PPR. Ownership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues as of Tuesday morning at 1:11 AM Eastern Time. FAAB values are listed as a percentage of your season budget. Within each section the players are listed in the order that I'd pick them up.
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Under-Owned
These players are already on most fantasy radars, but they need to be owned in significantly more leagues. Either due to impressive performances or increased opportunities, the values of these players are on the rise. If your league is small, has shallow benches, or is filled with checked-out managers who have given up on the season, then you might be lucky enough to stumble across one of these guys on your waiver wire.
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Vick Ballard (IND – RB): 49% Owned, 100% of FAAB
With Donald Brown on injured reserve and Delone Carter battling a multi-week ankle injury, Ballard handled the majority of the Colts' rushing duties this week. He has averaged 115 total yards over the past two games, and should put up another solid performance against the Chiefs at Arrowhead this weekend.
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DeAngelo Williams (CAR – RB): 59% Owned, 90% of FAAB
Williams has back-to-back games with at least 17 fantasy points. Even though Mike Tolbert and Cam Newton are vulturing touchdowns, Williams has carved out enough work for himself in Jonathan Stewart's absence to become a viable flex play. The Panthers host the Raiders this week in a juicy matchup.
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Brandon Gibson (STL – WR): 15% Owned, 50% of FAAB
With back-to-back solid games and the Buccaneers next on the schedule, Gibson is worth throwing a dart at as a flex play this week.
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Hot Pickups
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