FantasyPros – Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Jake Ciely’s Top Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets For Week 15 (Ep. 1886)
Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Joey P. Zappia
Guest: Jake Ciely (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

In this playoff-focused episode, Joey P. and fantasy football analyst Jake Ciely break down the top waiver wire targets for Week 15. With the postseason upon us and injuries mounting, the duo helps managers identify critical pickups, debates their upside, and shares strategic advice for blocking league rivals. The tone is conversational, quick-witted, and steeped in practical fantasy insight for the stretch run.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Injuries and Their Fantasy Impact (00:45–02:52)

• Major quarterback injuries, notably Daniel Jones, are reshaping playoff landscapes.
• The fallout: Pittman's value increases due to target share, while Alec Pierce and other secondary receivers may decline.
  • “Daniel Jones one is probably the worst … Pittman was the only one that benefited … but you have to worry about Alec Pierce.” – Joe Fitz, 01:25
• Miami Dolphins RB situation: If Devon Achane misses time, Jalen Wright becomes the likely lead, with Ollie Gordon as the probable goal-line option.
  • “Jalen Wright looks like he's actually going to be the lead … And Ollie Gordon would probably be the goal line option.” – Joe Fitz, 02:19

Top Waiver Wire Targets for Week 15

1. Jaden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers (02:52–04:09)

• Widely available: under 50% rostered.
• Returned from injury, immediately slotted in as slot receiver and filled Tucker Kraft’s void.
• Value: Immediate WR3/flex start with upside.
  • “If you had Reed or if you need to pick him up, I'd immediately throw him back in as a wide receiver three starting next week.” – Jake Ciely, 03:58

2. Ryan Flournoy, WR, Dallas Cowboys (04:09–05:23)

• Stash/streamer if CeeDee Lamb misses time (concussion protocol).
• Has consistently been the next man up, ahead of Turpin/Tolbert.
  • “It's been clear from them it's been Flournoy. So if there is no CD Lamb, Flournoy steps up.” – Joe Fitz, 04:31
• Recommendation: WR4/flex if Lamb is out, in a pass-heavy offense.

3. Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns (05:23–07:07)

• Shador Sanders’ improved QB play is opening up the offense and pass-catching RB roles.
• Sampson is the primary backup to Judkins, with added appeal as a receiving back.
• Injuries to WR corps (Corley, Tillman) could lead to more RB targets.
  • “Sampson is the one that we want … we are talking about pickups at this time of year if something were to happen to Judkins.” – Joe Fitz, 05:50

4. Isaiah Bond, WR, Cleveland Browns (07:09–09:02)

• Newly elevated opportunity due to multiple WR injuries.
• Hyper-athletic, undrafted talent with explosive upside, especially for boom/bust playoff weeks.
• Soft upcoming matchup vs. Chicago, then Buffalo and Pittsburgh.
  • “The real appeal here is we saw Isaiah Bond was kind of sprinkled in earlier this year … now the opportunity is there because there's not really many options left.” – Joe Fitz, 08:05

5. Jack Besh, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (09:02–10:36)

• Led Raiders in receiving yards last week, finally earning more snaps.
• Schedule is tough (Philly, Houston), but Week 17 vs. NY Giants offers championship upside.
• Compared to Jacoby Myers as a potential reliable PPR option.
  • “Besh actually came out and led the wide receivers in yardage and as promised by the team, he's going to get more opportunities.” – Joe Fitz, 09:20

Strategic Playoff Waiver Tips & Bonus Pickups (10:36–12:27)

• Waiver Blocking: Pick up players you may not need, but who could help your playoff opponent.
  • “At this point in the season too, it's also about picking up players so other teams can't have them.” – Joey P., 10:36
• QB Streamers: If waivers are thin and you/your rival are weak at quarterback, add backup options.
  • Mention: Marcus Mariota (Washington) as a high-upside add if Jaden Daniels is out.
    • “Marcus Mariota, go grab him. He has top 15 upside. He has the rushing ability ... block in case somebody loses their quarterback or heck, maybe you lose yours.” – Joe Fitz, 11:14
• RB Handcuffs: Rasheena Lee (Baltimore) steps up in case of Derrick Henry injury, with Justice Hill/Keaton Mitchell both out.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On playoff anxiety:
  “We're talking playoffs right now. At Flournoy I would not start more than a wide receiver for.” – Joe Fitz, 04:17

• On Cleveland's 'problem child' wide receivers:
  “If you've got problems, you come here. We're the Cleveland Browns. We love all the problem children.” – Joey P., 07:43

• On fantasy chess moves:
  “I've got fab to spend and I've got bench spots that are open. Why not play a little blockage there?” – Joey P., 10:40

• On past regrets:
  “I did not win that playoff game because I had to go with Johnny [Manziel].” – Joe Fitz, 11:08

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:45: Playoff injury fallout overview
• 02:52: Jaden Reed as top WR pickup
• 04:09: Ryan Flournoy’s opportunity if Lamb is out
• 05:23: Dylan Sampson as a pass-catching RB stash
• 07:09: Isaiah Bond’s expanded role in Browns’ depleted WR corps
• 09:02: Jack Besh’s late-season emergence for the Raiders
• 10:36: Strategy: Waiver blocking and additional stashes
• 11:14: Marcus Mariota as a “break glass” QB streamer
• 12:08: Rasheena Lee as Baltimore RB handcuff

Tone & Style

The episode features an upbeat, expert-yet-relaxed tone, blending industry-grade fantasy insights with friendly banter and in-jokes. Joey P. and Jake Ciely’s chemistry keeps the waiver rundown engaging and actionable for fantasy managers, especially those navigating the high-stress playoff weeks.

Summary Table: Top Waiver Adds

| Player | Position | Team | Key Reason | Starting Recommendation | |------------------|----------|------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------| | Jaden Reed | WR | Packers | Back from injury| WR3/flex, immediate plug-in | | Ryan Flournoy | WR | Cowboys | Lamb’s absence | WR4/flex if Lamb is out | | Dylan Sampson | RB | Browns | Passing role, handcuff| Deep flex, stash (esp. PPR) | | Isaiah Bond | WR | Browns | Expanded role | WR4 boom/bust, possible flex | | Jack Besh | WR | Raiders | Role expansion, soft W17| WR4, keep an eye on usage | | Marcus Mariota | QB | Commanders | J. Daniels out | QB streamer/block, top-15 upside | | Rasheena Lee | RB | Ravens | RB injuries | Handcuff, deep-league RB2 stash |

Closing Notes

For a full, customizable waiver list and projections, Joey and Jake encourage checking out FantasyPros' Waiver Central.
"It's never too late to use the tools... They're there to help support you on your path to a championship." – Joey P., 12:46

For easy playoff prep, use these recommendations to strengthen your lineup, block your rivals, and ride savvy pickups into your fantasy football championship!