The fantasy playoffs are underway in most leagues this week. With the bye weeks over and players starting to get healthy again, the waiver wire has some slim pickings, but is still worth perusing if you're hunting for a championship. If you're still dealing with injuries or depth issues, here are five wide receivers that could help you out.
Julian Edelman, New England Patriots (owned in 53 percent of leagues)
The Patriots' offense is firing on all cylinders again, and Edelman is once again Tom Brady's most trusted target. Over the past two weeks, he racked up 18 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns. With Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins still hampered by injury, Edelman should be plenty of targets against the Browns next week, even if he's facing Joe Haden. He's a safe play in PPR leagues.
Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers (owned in 47 percent of leagues)
Crabtree made his season debut against the St. Louis Rams. He only caught two passes, but turned those into 68 yards and played 42 of 67 snaps. Crabtree should be back in the full time rotation for Sunday's showdown with the Seahawks. The 49ers are getting healthy at the right time and will be one of the most dangerous teams down the stretch. Crabtree should be locked in as a WR3 for the fantasy playoffs.
Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions (owned in 43 percent of leagues)
Burleson was a hot waiver pickup last week, but for whatever reason he wasn't in the Lions' game plan on Thanksgiving, recording zero targets. Was that a fluke or a sign of things to come? Hard to say, but Burleson is by far the Lions' second-best receiver and has a dream matchup with the Eagles in Week 14. He's a risky play but has WR3 upside.
Kenny Stills, New Orleans Saints (owned in 33 percent of leagues)
Stills' situational role means that he'll never get many targets, but he has the deep threat to singlehandedly flip the scoreboard. On the season, he turned just 22 catches into 470 yards and four touchdowns. Stills remains a boom-or-bust option in deeper leagues and is hard to trust in 10- or 12-team leagues.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings (owned in 25 percent of leagues)
The Vikings continue to promise more touches for Patterson. He did show what he's capable of against the Bears, lining up in the backfield and taking a handoff 33 yards to the house. It was a play that reminded Vikings fans of Percy Harvin. He has too much talent to keep off the field, but is still a huge risk to start. He has more value in leagues that count return yards.
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