This article is part of our NFL Waiver Wire series.
This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based on both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. This column will run every Tuesday to, hopefully, accommodate the various waiver schedules. I'll update it in the comments section during the week; please keep in mind a lot can change from Tuesday to Sunday.
Players listed/discussed last week: Matt Moore, Danny Woodhead, Chris Ivory, T.J. Yeldon, Byron Marshall, D.J. Foster, Kerwynn Williams, Corey Coleman, Kenny Stills, Bruce Ellington, Russell Shepard and Adam Shaheen.
This week will revisit some players highlighted in the last month, only because something changed from where they've been on the depth chart the last few weeks. Just realize a few of these players are owned in some leagues.
QUARTERBACK
Secondary Targets
Jimmy Garoppolo, SF - Depending on the severity of C.J. Beathard's injury, Garoppolo could start the next game and beyond. Beathard hasn't exactly played lights out and even a minor injury could be the excuse the 49ers need to make the switch. Garoppolo doesn't have a ton of weapons, but the pedigree is solid and in limited work last season in New England he had a 8.0 YPA with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Watch for reports on Beathard's injury. FAAB: $3-$6, go 3x-4x in two-quarterback leagues
Aaron Rodgers, GB - Rodgers is 59 percent owned on Yahoo, and that could be a tad high if he's in an IR spot depending on league specs. He reportedly threw a 50-yard pass Sunday, suggesting he's close to returning. But Rodgers said he will only come back if the team clears him and won't push to do so. The Packers likely won't win the NFC North, and it makes no sense to bring Rodgers back unless they want to hurt their draft seeding. Still, he could return Week 15 and immediately help those in the fantasy playoffs. FAAB: $2-$4
Patrick Mahomes, KC - There was a quarterback controversy in preseason after the Chiefs traded up 17 spots and used their first-round pick to draft Mahomes. The pick was about both preparing for the future and a lighting a fire under Alex Smith, which seemed to work as Smith guided Kansas City to a 5-0 start. However, the Chiefs have lost five of their last six, and the fan base is wondering if it's Smith's fault. If Smith doesn't get the offense clicking soon, Mahomes could take over for the final few games. FAAB: $2-$4
RUNNING BACK
Primary Targets
Jamaal Williams, GB - Williams, who has taken over as the bellcow in the Packers' backfield, had a highlight-reel catch-and-run touchdown Sunday night. He's little more than 50 percent owned in fantasy leagues, not too much more than when he was discussed here a few weeks ago. Ty Montgomery is on the mend, but it would make a lot of sense if he was used as the third down/pass-catching back when he returns while Williams handles the early down and goal-line work. FAAB: $20-$30
Kenyan Drake, MIA - Drake is in line for a full workload with Damien Williams expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. Since the Jay Ajayi trade, Drake has only had one subpar game, scoring double-digit fantasy points in the other three. Like Williams, he's owned in roughly half of fantasy leagues, so don't be surprised if he's gone. FAAB: $20-$30
Secondary Targets
Jacquizz Rodgers, Peyton Barber, TB - The Bucs finally have a reason to get away from Doug Martin and his 3.2 yards per carry average. Martin has been horrible for quite some time, averaging 3.0 yards per carry since the beginning of last season (16 games). Quizz had 4.3 yards per carry a season ago in relief of Martin and Barber got the goal-line work as the bigger back Sunday. This is a situation to pay attention to but not get overly excited about. FAAB: Quizz, $4-$8; Barber, $3-$6
Secondary Targets
Rod Smith, DAL - One of the lone bright spots for Dallas on Thanksgiving was Smith, who to even the casual observer looked much better than Alfred Morris. Smith scored the lone touchdown for the Cowboys, getting Dallas' only carries (2) inside the 10. He also caught two passes. He's averaging 4.5 yards per carry in limited work (Morris averages 5.8, believe it or not) could get more opportunities to see if he can be the Cowboys' future backup. FAAB: $3-$6
WIDE RECEIVER
Primary Targets
Josh Gordon, CLE - The Browns will reinstate Gordon this week, as they're ready to give him another chance to play in the NFL. Only 26, Gordon reportedly has looked great in practice, but he's played just four games in the last three years, none since Week 16 in 2014. Even if Gordon isn't in the Browns' future plans, the team might want to feature him down the stretch to increase his trade value. Provided he keeps his nose clean he could make a significant fantasy impact, though he's owned in more than 50 percent of leagues. FAAB: $20-$30
Secondary Targets
Cordarrelle Patterson, Seth Roberts, OAK - Michael Crabtree was suspended Monday for two games and Amari Cooper suffered both a concussion and ankle injury in the Raiders' win Sunday. This week, the Raiders have a solid matchup against a Giants defense that has not been good against the pass all season. Derek Carr has to throw to someone, and Patterson and Roberts should be the top-2 candidates to replace Crabtree and Cooper. FAAB: Patterson, $3-$6; Roberts, $2-$4
TIGHT END
Secondary Targets
Ricky Seals-Jones, ARI - RSJ has made a splash with Blaine Gabbert, scoring three touchdowns in two games since Gabbert took over at quarterback. While he won't unseat Jermaine Gresham as the starter, he could play more meaningful snaps on passing downs as he's carved out a role for himself. His offensive snaps increased from eight to 17 the last two games, and that number should increase again this week. FAAB: $3-$6
