Each week, TSN.ca takes a look at the top available players in fantasy football ahead of the weekly waiver deadline. 

Quarterbacks

Colt McCoy, Washington Redskins (vs St. Louis)

Last Week: 31/47, 392 yards, 3 TDs, 4 fumbles

Wow; another good start for McCoy. There are causes for concern – notably his four fumbles – but McCoy’s last two games came against decent defences so if you’re still alive in your league and you need a QB – maybe you drafted RG3, McCoy may be worth riding while he’s hot. If McCoy can put up big numbers against a tough Rams defence next week, he should earn your trust for playoff time.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans (at Jacksonville)

Last Week: 24/33, 358 yards, 6 TDs

The Texans had to go back to Fitzpatrick after Ryan Mallett’s audition ended early and he rewarded them with his best performance of his career. Don’t expect that to last however, as Fitzpatrick started fast at the start of the year too before fading and eventually getting bench. And because he’s Ryan Fitzpatrick. That said, he has two matchups with Jacksonville still on the schedule so if you’re desperate heading into in the playoffs, you could do worse.

Shaun Hill’s big performance in Week 13 deserves a mention, but he doesn’t have the Raiders again on his remaining schedule so is likely not worth taking a shot on.

Running Backs

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers (at New Orleans)

Last Week: 12 carries, 85 yards; 2 receptions, 25 yards

Panthers coaches appear to be the last to recognize DeAngelo Williams is out of gas, but a broken hand may do it for them. If Williams can’t go because of his hand injury, Stewart should get a decent workload and put up solid RB2 numbers. But if Williams is active the Panthers backfield remains a time share to avoid.

Daniel Herron, Indianapolis Colts (at Cleveland)

Last Week: 8 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD

Any running back currently in a time share with Trent Richardson deserves to be owned. He’ll score more points in the meantime and should eventually earn close to a full workload after proving how much better an option he is. Daniel Herron is that guy in Indy right now and he’s coming off his second straight promising week.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Detroit)

Last Week: 18 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD

Martin has returned atop the Bucs’ depth chart at running back and while he’s a shadow of his 2012 self, he’s still capable of putting up half decent numbers. He’s still nothing special, but even against the Lions next week should be good for 60+ yards if Tampa doesn’t mess with the RB order too much. If you’re starting Martin you’re going to have to luck into a touchdown to make it worth it.

Wide Receivers

Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts (at Cleveland)

Last Week: 3 receptions (4 targets), 134 yards, 2 TDs

Moncrief made this list a number of weeks ago and deserves to return after another breakout week. That he’s a borderline own has nothing to do with his talent – he’s shown already that he’s a legit talent – but rather (still) his involvement in the passing game. Moncreif is seeing more time than Hakeem Nicks as the Colts’ third receiver, but still not getting enough snaps to put up consistent fantasy weeks.

Marqise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs Houston)

Last Week: 6 receptions (8 targets), 75 yards, 1 TD

The past two weeks Lee has been the leading receiver of a team known for their late game garbage yards. That’s a player that’s worth owning in most leagues. The second-round pick is loaded with potential too, and should only add to his first career touchdown catch gained last week.

Steadman Bailey was on his way to a monster fantasy week before the Rams took their foot off the gas against a brutal Raiders team. Like Hill, Bailey likely won’t reach those heights again against the non-Raiders teams still left on St. Louis’ schedule.

Tight Ends

Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins (vs St. Louis)

Last Week: 9 receptions (11 targets), 123 yards

Reed had become a bit of a forgotten man in Washington, in part because of injury, but he’s back on the fantasy radar after his big Week 13. There is hope his performance can be sustainable because he’s as healthy as he’s been in some time and McCoy, likely the Redskins’ starter the rest of the year, likes utilizing the tight end.