Welcome to the Consistency Check-in! Each week Ron Rigney will highlight players at each position that either barely recorded a Clutch Game or fell just short. Are they must adds, or must drops? Was it a fluke or is there consistency to be had? Come back here each week to find out! Follow Ron on Twitter @ronrigney
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Finding waiver wire consistency for the playoff run can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are some options that could be available for that championship push!
Quarterback
Mac Jones – NE
Jones isn’t going to be confused on the statsheet with Patrick Mahomes, but he does have some value against bad defenses. In a Week 12 matchup against the Vikings he went off for 382 yards and two scores. Mac gets the Raiders in Week 15, and the Dolphins in Week 17 so he’s a candidate to start for your squad. However, Week 16 brings a Bengals defense that has been dialed in as of late, so he’s shaky there.
Brock Purdy – SF
Purdy kept the train rollin’ against Seattle on Thursday night with 217 yards and two touchdowns. If you play in a league that penalizes interceptions guys like Purdy can help you more than you think. Much like Jones, the numbers won’t be eye popping. But with matchups against the Commanders and Raiders in Weeks 16 and 17 there’s plenty of potential for playoff Clutch Games.
Running Back
Cam Akers – LAR
With Darrell Henderson gone, Akers seems to be the current favorite in the Rams backfield. They don’t figure to be stellar on offense at any position for fantasy, but volume is volume. Akers has seen 29 carries over the last two weeks and scored three touchdowns. With Green Bay, Denver and The Chargers ahead on the schedule, Akers makes for a great flex option in the playoffs. Who knows? Maybe Baker Mayfield has finally found a home and makes the passing offense something defenses will have to worry about, opening things up a bit for the Rams’ backfield.
J.K. Dobbins – BAL
Baltimore didn’t seem concerned with Dobbins’ health in his Week 14 return. The second year back saw the most snaps of any running back and totaled 120 yards and a touchdown. He will see Cleveland, Atlanta and Pittsburgh down the stretch. Dobbins is set up for huge success in Weeks 15 and 16, and could terrorize the Steelers again during Championship Week.
Jamaal Williams – DET
No surprises here. You’ve probably got a share of Williams on your playoff teams, but his run should continue over the next few weeks. He’s getting consistent touches, unlike much higher draft pick D’Andre Swift and he’s scoring touchdowns in bunches. Week 15 could be a tough go against a nasty Jets defense, but with matchups against Carolina and Chicago he will be a huge contributor.
Wide Receiver
Drake London – ATL
We’re gonna swing for the fences on this one. With Desmond Ridder looking like the QB for the rest of the season, it scares me a bit. However, the Falcons will face the Saints, Ravens and Cardinals over the next three weeks. The targets will be there for London since there isn’t much else in the way of passing weapons. He’s coming of a game where he tied his career high in targets with 12, and set a career high in yards with 95. He slots in nicely as a WR3/FLEX option for the remainder of the season.
Donovan Peoples-Jones – CLE
DPJ has taken a big step this season, and is 62% consistent in 2022. In Week 14 he collected his first Clutch Game with Deshaun Watson as the QB, posting 114 yards on eight catches. Despite having just one touchdown, he’s already set a career high in receiving yards with 751, so he’s been a valuable piece in many lineups. The Browns get Baltimore, New Orleans and Washington during the fantasy playoffs, so he will remain a helpful flex option.
Tight End
Hunter Henry – NE
It’s no secret New England loves throwing to the tight end and Henry seems to be the favorite once again. WIth the WR corps banged up, he seems to be Mac Jones’ favorite target. He won’t be posting Travis Kelce type numbers, but the three catches for 70 yards proved to be useful last week at a thin position. Henry has the Raiders, Bengals and Dolphins on deck and will continue to collect targets.
Dalton Schultz – DAL
At 55% consistent and 14th in total points, it’s been a down year for Dalton Schultz. However, he is coming of a six for 87 effort against the Texans. He’s seen 16 targets over the past two games, so hopefully that trend continues. With the Jaguars, Eagles and Titans over the playoff run, Schultz should be a big contributor at the position.
