The fantasy football playoffs are only a few weeks away. That means our objectives for the waiver wire should be either to get the guy we need to win this week and stay in contention or to find guys who are under the radar and could have a good schedule or situation for the fantasy playoffs. Here are the guys that are rostered in less than 50% of leagues that I think could be worth targeting on waivers this week.

Quarterback Targets

Trevor Lawrence (30%)

If you need someone desperately in the short term, Lawrence may not be the guy, as he was held out this week and only has one week left before the team’s bye week. If you’re looking to potentially improve a bad quarterback situation on your roster, Lawrence could be a sneaky pickup for the home stretch. He’s currently sitting as the QB12, and in weeks 14-17, he plays the Titans twice, along with the Jets and the Raiders, which could give him the chance to put up solid numbers if you can roster him until that stretch.

Matthew Stafford (31%)

The matchup against the Dolphins could tell us a lot about Stafford as he should have Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua available. Stafford has proven in the past to be a great QB and with his talented receivers he’s put in a great position to succeed for the rest of the year.

Running Back Targets

Cam Akers (16%)

The running back options on the waiver wire are pretty bare in most leagues. Akers, however, seems to have a firm grasp as the RB2 on the Vikings and the possibility of more work if Aaron Jones has to miss time. Jones left the game temporarily this week, though reports are suggesting that he should be back for next week. Still, it’s a situation worth monitoring.

Tyjae Spears (45%)

As I perused the roster percentages for each player I was surprised to see Spears on this list. I assume it’s because he’s been out for long enough that teams had to drop somebody, and he hasn’t been added back in many leagues. Spears gets decent receiving work in the games he’s played, and with the Titans seeking to manage Tony Pollard’s touches, Spears could be worth a look as a flex option for rosters that are banged up.

Wide Receiver Targets

Rashod Bateman (14%)

Many people assumed that Diontae Johnson’s trade to the Ravens would sink any value that Bateman had, but that seems it isn’t the case. If you didn’t know the name or situation and just saw the numbers, most people would want Bateman on their roster. In PPR, he is WR19 on the season. Since week 5, he’s averaging 5.5 targets per game and 12.6 points per game. In fact, just this week, even after the addition of Johnson and the resurgence of Mark Andrews, Bateman had the most targets on the team.

Adam Thielen (27%)

When Thielen is able to return from injury, he’s coming back to a receiver room that is now missing Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo, who were both traded away. There is the risk that there was a setback with his recovery after his 21-day window was opened, but if he does make his way back onto the field, he is in a great position to succeed.

John Metchie (0.3%)

Metchie’s performance against the Lions could be a flash in the pan, especially with Nico Collins presumably returning soon. Still, in a game where risks are necessary, Metchie has as much upside as anyone you can find on waivers. He has the pedigree and talent to perform well in the NFL, but he has not had much opportunity. He was second to Tank Dell in targets and looked the part. He should be available in all but the very deepest of leagues, so if you’re desperate, he’s worth a shot.

Tight End Targets

Cole Kmet (49%)

Cole Kmet has had a season that is almost the exact opposite of Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews. He started strong and has struggled recently. Still, he is as good of a pickup as you can find at tight end. I fully expect the Bears to change what they’re trying to do offensively. That does not mean that Kmet will automatically produce more, but it certainly won’t make it worse. If he does return even close to his production from the first 6 weeks, he’s well worth the roster spot.

Will Dissly (2%)

Dissly is extremely overlooked for a couple of reasons. First, the Chargers don’t throw the ball as much as most offenses. Second, he doesn’t have a history of strong performances and the name recognition that comes from that. Yet, since the Chargers’ week 5 bye, he is averaging 6.4 targets and 8.5 points per game. Those numbers would put him right between Zach Ertz and Sam Laporta on the season. He isn’t going to be game-breaking, but he’s a good replacement player that should be available in just about every league.