Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Playoff Pickups

Joseph McLaughlin
6 hours ago
4 min read

by Joseph McLaughlin 12/9/2025

Sportz Nation

The fantasy football playoffs are officially here, and now is the time that every fantasy manager has prepared for. If your team made it to the postseason, congratulations and best of luck in your championship quest. If you did not make the playoffs, that is okay. There are still important games to win to avoid whatever punishment your friends created for last place. Whatever group you are in, here are some names to look at this coming weekend as potential roster additions.

Quarterback

Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) - Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense are heating up at the right time, especially after a dominant performance against the Indianapolis Colts to place themselves in the driver’s seat of the AFC South. Lawrence has had three straight performances of 17+ points and is still available, only being on roughly 40% of fantasy rosters. If your quarterback is injured or underperforming, Lawrence is a safe bet going into the playoffs, especially with a favorable matchup against the New York Jets this Sunday.

Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers) - Another option that is quickly rising is Young. Young had a much-deserved bye week after a stellar performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. This week, Young prepares for a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers have a chance to put themselves in the lead for the NFC South and seek revenge for a Week 10 loss to this same Saints team. I expect Young to come out firing and put up more points than advertised.

Runningback

Blake Corum (Los Angeles Rams) - I had Corum on my list last week, and he exceeded my expectations. Corum, in a two-touchdown performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, put up over 26 points, making it his second consecutive performance of 14+ points this season. He will have a tougher time against a stout Lions defense, which is fighting for a playoff spot, but he is heating up right now and presents a lot of upside for points at the running back position.

Kyle Monangai (Chicago Bears) - Speaking of heating up, Monangai has become the guy in the Bears’ backfield. He had a tougher week against the Packers on Sunday, but he has a better matchup this coming week against the Browns. Before Sunday, Monangai had three 10+ point games in a row, making him a consistent producer of offense. I expect him to bounce back this week as the Bears look to get back on their feet after falling to their division rival.

Wide Receiver

Christian Watson (Green Bay Packers) - Even though his availability is slipping away, now on 69% of rosters, I am still placing Watson on this list as a must-have. If you can grab Watson, it would be a wise decision to do so, since the Packers’ receiver has so much upside. Watson has put up three 18+ point performances in the last four weeks and is becoming more and more involved in Green Bay’s offense. He does face the Denver Broncos this week, making things a little more difficult, but he still can be a reliable source of points on offense.

Chris Godwin Q (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Godwin is listed as questionable, but is likely to go this coming Thursday against the Falcons. Godwin put up 10+ points in the past two games and is another reliable source of offense in this part of the year. Godwin, along with Mike Evans, another name to look out for, should be back this week and can do damage for the Bucs as they fight to hold onto their division lead.

Tight End

Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens) - The Ravens are struggling, but Likely has been a bright spot in their offense. Despite an unfortunate fumble against the Bengals and a controversial incompletion against the Steelers, Likely has become the No. 1 target for Lamar Jackson in the tight end position. I expect him to get a lot of looks this week against the Bengals as the Ravens look to bounce back after a loss to the Steelers.

Colston Loveland (Chicago Bears) - Loveland has put up 12+ points in two of his last three games, having a good game against the Packers on Sunday. I expect Loveland to see a lot of production against the Browns as the Bears look to bounce back. Loveland would be a wise addition to your tight end roster.

Defense/Special Teams

Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST - The Jaguars’ defense has heated up at the right moment of the season and has an easier task against the struggling Jets this weekend. The Jags held the Colts to only 19 points and gave backup quarterback Riley Leonard a lot of trouble. I expect to see the same thing this week, especially in the pass rush.

Dallas Cowboys D/ST - The Cowboys’ offense has been up and down this season. However, they get a favorable draw against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings did shut out the Commanders after being shut out by the Seahawks, but the offense is still struggling this season, especially at quarterback. I expect the Cowboys to hold down the Vikings in what should be a close, lower-scoring game.