With Week 10 almost in the books, most fantasy players are either gearing up to make one last push for the playoffs or trying to put the finishing touches on a roster that's ready to compete for a championship. As a result, waiver wire additions are becoming increasingly important. Not only do you need to piece together a winning roster for the upcoming week, but looking ahead at playoff schedules could help put you in position to take home a title.
This week's list of waiver wire targets primarily features players who can help you out in Week 11, but a few speculative adds are included to help those of you who may already be looking ahead to your postseason.
Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
Yahoo Ownership: 44 percent
Over the last month, Derek Carr has been surprisingly consistent, averaging 18.2 fantasy points per game. He's starting to look like a viable streaming option in most matchups, and in Week 11 he draws one of the most favorable defenses available in the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincy has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season and has allowed at least 20 points to the opposing quarterback in five straight games.
Derrius Guice, RB, Washington Redskins
Yahoo Ownership: 36 percent
The Washington Redskins activated Derrius Guice off the IR last week. Given the Redskins' offensive woes, immediate expectations for Guice should be modest, but he's worth a speculative add if you're thin at running back. Despite his inability to stay healthy, Guice is just 22 years old, and the team definitely still has high hopes for the former second-round pick. With this season already down the drain, it would make sense for Washington to let Guice cut into Adrian Peterson's workload. A favorable schedule could also boost Guice's value down the stretch. Washington has remaining games against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers -- each of whom rank among the six defenses allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.
J.D. McKissic, RB, Detroit Lions
Yahoo Ownership: 21 percent
The Lions lost Ty Johnson to a concussion on Sunday, and his status for Week 11 will likely remain unknown for at least a few days. In his absence, J.D. McKissic took over as the feature back, finishing with 10 carries for 36 yards. While the rushing output is discouraging, McKissic may actually have a fantasy higher ceiling than other Lions backfield options due to his already high usage in the passing game. McKissic has at least three targets in five straight games and saw a season-high seven on Sunday. If Johnson sits out next week, McKissic will have a high ceiling against the Dallas Cowboys, especially in PPR leagues.
Brian Hill, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Yahoo Ownership: 2 percent
Devonta Freeman left the Atlanta Falcons' Week 10 game due to an ankle injury and did not return, opening the door for Brian Hill to take over as the feature back. Hill had previously been Atlanta's third-string running back, but backup Ito Smith was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. In Freeman's absence, Smith managed just 63 yards on 20 carries, so the production wasn't exactly encouraging. But if Freeman misses time, Hill will be forced to see a high volume due to the severely depleted depth chart.
Will Fuller, WR, Houston Texans
Yahoo Ownership: 53 percent
Through Week 6, the last full games Will Fuller played, he was the 13th-highest scoring receiver in fantasy football. In an explosive Houston Texans offense, Fuller's ceiling is remarkably high, which makes it somewhat surprising he was dropped in so many leagues after suffering a hamstring injury. Fuller's status for Week 11 remains in doubt, but the Texans are reportedly hopeful he can return to the field. Even if he isn't quite ready, it's probably time for Fuller to be rostered again in hopes he can help out in time for the fantasy playoffs.
Cole Beasley, WR, Buffalo Bills
Yahoo Ownership: 32 percent
Cole Beasley has scored at least eight fantasy points in seven of his nine games this season. His ceiling is never elite -- he's peaked at 11.6 points -- but the consistency makes him an option on a weekly basis. In Week 11, he should have another strong outing against the Miami Dolphins, who have struggled to defend slot receivers this year. Entering Week 10, Miami was allowing an NFL-worst 10.7 yards per target to slot receivers, according to Sports Info Solutions.
Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
Yahoo Ownership: 10 percent
Giants rookie Darius Slayton broke out with a monster game against the New York Jets on Sunday, hauling in 10 receptions on 14 targets for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. His volume was tied directly to the injuries to Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram, but it's possible both will be out awhile longer. In fact, New York has reportedly discussed placing Shepard on the IR. The Giants' offense is inconsistent, so Slayton may not be worthy of your lineup every week, but it's worth nothing he has a Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins that could prove valuable for your fantasy playoff run.
O.J. Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yahoo Ownership: 40 percent
We've been waiting all season for O.J. Howard to put up some numbers, and it finally happened on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Howard saw a season-high seven targets and hauled in his first touchdown reception of the year. Bruce Arians' refusal to feature Howard in the offense has frustrated many fantasy owners, and it's certainly possible this breakout game was just a fluke. Given Howard's obvious talent and past success, however, a speculative add could be justified depending on the state of your roster.
Cleveland Browns, Defense
Yahoo Ownership: 58 percent
If you're streaming defenses, matchups with the Miami Dolphins have been a goldmine -- so much so that, depending on the state of your roster, it might make sense to get an early jump on adding their opponent. The Cleveland Browns play Miami in Week 12, so you may want to add them a week early to increase the chances you win the waiver bid. You may also be able to justify using the Browns for their Week 11 matchup at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And if things go well over the next two weeks, you could end up keeping this defense for awhile. After their game versus Miami, the Browns play Pittsburgh again, following by a matchup with the Bengals.
Oakland Raiders, Defense
Yahoo Ownership: 2 percent
The Oakland Raiders defense has posted negative points a few times this season, leading to its low ownership. However, Oakland is about to enter a two-week stretch in which it hosts Cincinnati, followed by a trip to the New York Jets. Defenses have scored at least seven points in seven of nine games against both the Bengals and Jets offenses. So while Oakland's defense has struggled this year, it's probably safe to use the unit in each of the next two weeks.