Finally, there is no further waiting! The fantasy football playoffs first round has arrived in most leagues. Congratulations on everyone who has qualified for the postseason! That is truly an accomplishment! With the playoffs here, some may think that the waiver wire is no longer of importance. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, it can be argued that the wire is more essential than ever. That is the assessment that we here at Belly Up Sports believes. There still are plenty of players injured and many more simply needing replacement due to bad performances. There is no need to fear figuring out which players to select, however, as the hard work has already been done. This fantasy football playoff waivers edition is presented to help managers in the selecting the right player. As we dive in, remember that all ownership percentages are taken from ESPN.

Top First Round Running Back Waiver Pickups

Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers, 18.5% Owned

Those managers that wrote off Chuba Hubbard earlier in the season had every reason to do so. After all, Hubbard has produced seven games in which he has scored six or fewer fantasy points this season, including six with two or fewer points. What is different now? Over his past two games, Hubbard has rushed 31 times for 139 yards.

On Sunday against Seattle, Hubbard carried the ball 14 times for 74 yards and a score. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry and scoring 18 fantasy points should interest any manager, even with D’Onta Foreman also on the roster. Foreman had a productive day as well as he matched Hubbard’s 74 yards on the ground.

True, both players went up against the Seahawks joke of a defense, but this week’s opponent is Pittsburgh, and they are middle of the road when it comes to defending the run. Detroit’s terrible defense follows. Foreman is owned in 83 percent of leagues and isn’t available. However, Hubbard is owned in less than 20 percent. He would make a nice addition to a fantasy playoff roster. Add him if the need exists at running back.

Zonovan Knight, New York Jets, 50% Owned

With all that has gone on in the New York Jets backfield, who knew that a player named Zonovan would rise to the top of the recommended list on this fantasy football playoffs waivers edition? Yet here Zonovan Knight is and after his last three performances, he definitely belongs. After producing nothing in the first ten weeks, simply stated, Knight has come alive.

Over those games, Knight has rushed 46 times for 230 yards. When using a calculator, Knight’s yards per carry average comes to a nifty 5.03. Plenty of fantasy managers can use that kind of production going into the playoffs. Most importantly, Knight punched in a 13-yard touchdown, his first of his career. In the fantasy realm, Knight has been incredibly consistent, scoring 12, 16 and 15 points in his last three games.

Many thought that with Michael Carter back on the field, he would take over lead back duties. Not so, as Knight out touched him 19 to eight. Additionally, Carter only rushed for 20 yards and fumbled away a crucial opportunity for the Jets. Detroit is next up, presenting Knight with an opportunity to produce four stellar games in a row. If available, there is no need to overthink this. Simply add Knight and celebrate your good fortune.

Jerick McKinnon, Kansas City Chiefs, 33.5% Owned

It should come as no surprise that Jerick McKinnon makes a second straight appearance in these articles after the Sunday that he just had. Remember what McKinnon did against Cincinatti? Rushing eight times for 51 yards while catching two passes, one for a touchdown, was just a preview of what was to come against a tough Denver defense.

Let’s start with the passing stats, shall we? McKinnon was targeted nine times, catching seven, the most receptions he has had this year, topping the six he has accomplished twice. He turned those catches into 112 yards and two touchdowns. The 16 yards per catch he produced would make any wide receiver proud. Further, he carried the ball six times for anther 22 yards.

All of the above produced 37 fantasy points on the day for McKinnon. Obviously, that made any manager that started him smile the rest of the day. Ready for the best part? Houston is next up for the Chiefs. The Texan defense just happens to rank next to last in the NFL against running backs.

That last tidbit alone should be enough to convince any manager to add McKinnon to the roster, if available. He certainly gets a very high recommendation on this fantasy football playoff waivers edition.

Another running back worth considering:

It is likely that J.K. Dobbins isn’t available in most leagues, but managers should check anyway. If he is present, act immediately and scoop him up. That is the rational conclusion to come to after he rushed 15 times for 120 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh. The yards per carry average comes out to an excellent 8.0. Next on the schedule is the Cleveland Browns and their 29th ranked rush defense. Getting Dobbins into the starting lineup, if available, is an extremely recommended move for the first round of the fantasy playoffs.

Top First Round Wide Receiver Waiver Pickups

DJ Chark, Detroit Lions, 19% Owned

After appearing in my week fourteen article, it should come as no surprise that DJ Chark shows up again in this fantasy football playoff waivers edition. For anyone that hasn’t been paying attention, the Lions scored 34 points on the Vikings one week after putting up 40 points on the board against Jacksonville.

Over his past two games, Chark was targeted 13 times, resulting in 11 catches for 196 yards. Chark didn’t score a touchdown against the Jaguars but took care of that against Minnesota. Over his past three games, Chark has increased his fantasy production, scoring nine, 14 and then a robust 22.

Chark was tossed to the curb after missing six games and then following that up with a big, fat zero in his return. Fantasy managers should put any and all worries to bed when it comes to Chark moving forward, even with a tough Jets defense upcoming. The Panthers appear next, and they aren’t nearly as skilled against receivers as New York. If receiver is a need, no other thought is needed. Add Chark today.

Chris Moore, Houston Texans, 2.3% Owned

Perhaps Chark above isn’t available. Perhaps a manager doesn’t like the matchup and would prefer another receiver. If either of those are true, perhaps Chris Moore might be of interest. To be sure, no one would have guessed that of a player on a team that has won just a single game all season. The facts here warrant a closer look, however. Everyone knows the Cowboys have been poor against the run this year.

That in no way explains why Dallas had such a hard time with Moore and the Texan passing attack. Check out the game film and Moore was all over the field against the Cowboys. He was targeted 11 times, catching 10 for 124 yards. Certainly, those stats are in line with the best receivers in the game. All that Moore lacked was the touchdown.

That missing ingredient might be located against the Chiefs, next on the Houston schedule. Kansas City ranks an awful 30th against wide receivers and just allowed Jerry Jeudy to score three against them Sunday. Clearly, Moore is set up for another huge game, making him a must add going into the playoffs.

Richie James, New York Giants, 0.9% Owned

This recommendation is more for next week. However, if receiver is a pressing team need and neither of the above players are available, perhaps Richie James can meet it. Granted, the Giant offense has not been impressive much of the season. Even so, James has turned in three solid performances in his last four games. In those games, James has 15 catches in 18 targets for 150 yards.

Even more impressive, James has three touchdowns. Hopefully, James and the Giants can get something going against the Commanders, next up for New York. That is the one game out of his last four that James has not been fantasy relevant with just five fantasy points. However, if there is spot to stash a player for the second round, James would be it.

Once the Giants are finished with Washington, New York plays Minnesota. Any fantasy manager who has seen the track meets that both Dallas and Detroit put on Minnesota in recent weeks should just envision what James can do against them. The Giants are in neither of those team’s leagues on offense, of course, but the matchup presents a solid floor and ceiling for James. The waiver wire can be bare at times but striking now would solve that issue next week and is a recommended move on this fantasy football playoff waivers edition.

NOTE: James is in concussion protocol as the week begins. Make sure to monitor his status and be ready to claim another receiver, such as Ben Skowronek (2.6% owned) of the Rams if he doesn’t get clearance before the game with Washington this weekend. Another receiving option is Demarcus Robinson (8.7% owned) of the Ravens who has caught 12 of 14 targets for 93 yards the past two weeks.

Top First Round Tight Ends Waiver Pickups

Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars, 44% Owned

Wow, when Evan Engram makes an entrance, does he make an entrance. For those fantasy managers that were trying to make the playoffs, his performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Recommended last week, all Engram did was tie for the most fantasy points by a tight end in a game this season with 41. That total is about four or five games worth for any other tight end. Extra credit to anyone who can guess the name of the tight end that also scored 41 fantasy points in a game. The answer to that is T.J. Hockenson.

Back to Engram, all he did against Tennessee is catch 11 of 15 targets. You read that correctly: Engram had 15 targets in the game. Those 11 catches resulted in 162 yards and two touchdowns. Even though the Titans rank just 23rd against the position, that was a shocking output by Engram. The Cowboys are next for Jacksonville, and they are actually solid (5th) against tight ends in 2022.

As barren as the position is at present, don’t let that stat get in the way of adding a player capable of producing a line like Engram just did. His quarterback is hot, and he is hot. There will be many managers running to the wire this week to add Engram. If tight end is a need, beat them to the punch and add him immediately.

Austin Hooper, Tennessee Titans, 12% Owned

Perhaps, and maybe likely, Engram is nowhere to be found on the waiver wire. If such is the case, cast a glance at the player opposite of Engram Sunday. That player is Austin Hooper. To be honest, there is not a lot that jumps out at you when looking at Hooper’s stats. As has been pointed out again and again, tight end is a vast wasteland out there. Engram exploded this past Sunday and perhaps Hooper can do the same.

He does have an excellent opponent that could make that happen. The Chargers check in ranked 21st against the position. For his part, Hooper caught all five of his targets for 68 yards against the Jaguars. Hooper is capable of big games, as his two TD performance against the Packers in week 11 clearly demonstrates.

After Los Angeles comes Houston, ranked 18th against the position. There are two games which could propel Hooper to near the top of the tight end rankings the next two weeks. At just 12 percent owned, Hooper gets the recommendation on this fantasy football playoff waivers edition.

Top First Round Quarterback Waiver Pickups

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions, 29.6% Owned

Another player recommended last week making a return appearance is Jared Goff. Obviously, that should come as no surprise after Goff’s last few games. Those performances are the reason that Goff’s ownership percentage has skyrocketed 20 points or so in the last few weeks. How many other quarterbacks have thrown seven touchdowns against no interceptions over his past three games? The answer, I’m sure, is zero.

Just know that the going won’t be quite so easy this week for Goff and the Lions. The Jets rank sixth against quarterbacks and just limited Josh Allen to 147 yards and a single touchdown against them Sunday. Even so, there really is nowhere else to turn if QB is a team need and Goff is available. If it makes you feel better, Carolina comes next after New York. They are mediocre defense against quarterbacks. No one is hotter at the position than Goff is right now. If available, he gets the call.

Brock Purdy, San Fransisco 49ers, 7% Owned

Talk here regarding Brock Purdy Last week, I mentioned that it would be difficult to find a player who has risen from obscurity to such promising heights as quickly as Mike White. Perhaps Brock Purdy saw that and took it as his personal mission to correct the record. It is truly fascinating to see how Mr. Irrelevant has become very relevant indeed.

When Purdy replaced an injured Jimmy G against the Dolphins, he calmly completed 25 of 37 passes for 210 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. It is almost a certainty that many fantasy managers thought to themselves let’s see it again. No issue for Purdy whatsoever. He made his first NFL start against the GOAT and the Buccaneers. What a start it was.

In the game against Tampa, Purdy completed 16 of 21 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns in directing the 49ers to a convincing 35-7 thrashing. In doing so, Purdy became the first quarterback to beat Tom Brady in his first NFL start. Pretty convincing.

The only small concern is that Purdy came out of the game with an oblique strain. However, it was also reported that if the game had been close, Purdy would have stayed in the lineup. He is listed as questionable against Seattle on Thursday but should play.  Playing the Seahawks is the best news of all. Their defense, already bad, has really collapsed of late. In a two QB league, Purdy is a must add. For everyone else, a second QB playing this well can be a real find this time of year. Add Purdy if there are any QB issues on the roster.

The Final Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy football waivers week fourteen edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Tune in for the Belly Up Fantasy Live Preview Show every Sunday morning at 11 AM EST on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or BellyUpTV. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news! 

Challenge Me!

Ever wonder how you stack up against the experts? Now’s your chance to find out! You can utilize what you learned in this fantasy football prime waiver adds for week seven and all of the other articles in the Belly Up Fantasy Sports website and use teams you’ve already drafted to take me on for weekly bragging rights with Flex Fantasy. Visit https://www.flex.fan/bellyup to sign up and challenge me, as I’ll be using lineups from my own home leagues. You can play for fun, play for money, or play for both! Look for kwilsea’s teams in the Flex Fantasy Arena and sign up today. I promise I won’t rub it in (much) when I win.