If you want to have long-term success in fantasy football, you need to work the wire. Here’s a look at the top waiver wire adds of the week, including Utah State’s LaJuan Hunt and Western Michigan’s Jarvion Franklin.
Quarterbacks
Brent Stockstill, Middle Tennessee
% Owned: 55%
I had high expectations for the Blue Raiders offense this season with the talent they have. The Stockstill-James connection was one that was supposed to be as strong as the Rudolph-Washington connection at Oklahoma State. However, injuries have hit the team hard, leaving gaping holes in the MTSU offense. Richie James is done for the year, but if Stockstill is available in your league, then he should be an immediate addition. Stockstill is a game-changer, as he has shown by throwing for 3,000+ yards the past two seasons. His presence could also mean big things considering the fantasy playoffs are right around the corner.
Nick Starkel, Texas A&M
% Owned: 1%
There is no doubt that the Aggie’s offense simply runs better with Nick Starkel under center. Had he been able to finish out the game against UCLA, Texas A&M may have avoided one of the largest comebacks in NCAA history. Starkel won’t put up spectacular yards, but he has scored three touchdowns in the two weeks since his return. Don’t expect Starkel to be a league-winner for you, but consistency can prove to be valuable in the postseason.
Tyler Huntley, Utah
% Owned: 28%
I have mentioned Tyler Huntley in this space before, but I’m going to bring him back up after his injury because he is still just as valuable as he was before the injury. A four-interception performance against Arizona State was concerning, but he bounced back against Oregon with two touchdowns and then another four against UCLA. Huntley is owned in just 28 percent of all leagues, and he gets a good matchup against Colorado on championship week.
Running Backs
LaJuan Hunt, Utah State
% Owned: 2%
Kent Myers hit the bench, and LaJuan Hunt’s fantasy stock went through the roof. Hunt has topped 100+ yards twice and has rushed for six touchdowns in the last three weeks. Many fantasy owners are looking through waivers this week trying to replace Rashaad Penny (bye) or find that one player who can provide a last-second push toward the playoffs. Hunt has a 16-point floor, which makes him an RB2 or Flex option.
Marquis Young, UMASS
% Owned: 8%
UMASS made a splash this past weekend by going toe-to-toe with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. It was Marquis Young’s third straight 100+ yard game. Young has found the end zone three times in three weeks, and with the soft upcoming schedule, that is sure to increase. To close out the year, UMASS takes on Maine, a soft BYU team, and FIU. Young is also active in the passing game, racking up 3-4 catches per game, which pays big dividends in PPR formats.
Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan
% Owned: 65%
Franklin’s ownership may seem high to be on a Waiver Wire list, but Jamauri Bogan’s season-ending injury should make his stock skyrocket. The two-headed beast in the Broncos’ backfield has been a fantasy downer the past few seasons, as both backs earned equal touches. In Bogan’s absence last week, Franklin recorded a 200+ yard game on fewer than 25 carries. Franklin will take over the backfield in the Broncos offense and should torch the Kent State Golden Flashes next week.
Wide Receivers
Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
% Owned: 1%
All throughout the season, it seemed as if Baker Mayfield was the only Sooner worth adding in fantasy. I was expecting Jeff Badet to take over as the guy once Sterling Shepherd and Dede Westbrook left for the NFL, but it looks like Brown in the next man up. After all, Marquise Brown racked up nine receptions for 265 yards and two scores last week. In an offense led by the probable Heisman trophy winner, Brown has an opportunity to be a WR1 the rest of the way.
Felton Davis III, Michigan State
% Owned: 4%
Michigan State hasn’t had the flashiest of offenses all season long, but they really seemed to pick up steam by knocking off Penn State. Brian Lewerke has been a revelation for the Spartans and is possibly the most talented quarterback they’ve had since Kirk Cousins. Felton Davis is an interesting option, as Michigan State has thrown for 400+ yards in the last two games on an incredible 113 attempts. Davis is the go-to receiver, and if Dantonio keeps passing the ball like this, Davis has WR1 potential.
Tight Ends
Noah Fant, Iowa
% Owned: 17%
The Iowa Hawkeyes absolutely crushed Ohio State this past weekend and benefit from playing so many tight ends. There is no denying that the Hawkeyes are a run-first team, but what can’t be ignored is that Fant has found the end zone at least once in the past three weeks. If Fant can be successful against the Buckeyes, he should have no problem against Purdue and Nebraska in Weeks 12 and 13.