Swimming through the free-agent pool for injury replacements or DFS values is challenging each week, as information can turn on a dime. The key to success is understanding each player’s role and potential, without painting a higher profile than their playing time would suggest if given a bump in snaps.

Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts

Over the first 14 weeks of the season, the Colts ranked 10th in quarterback scoring (285.65 fantasy points) in four-point passing touchdown formats. They have 52 rushing attempts for 169 yards and five scores, which is an area where Rivers offers no value.

Indianapolis scored 39 touchdowns and kicked 17 field goals over its first 99 possessions, showing its ability to drive the ball and score. The Colts have a stud running back, a developing high-ceiling tight end, and three viable wide receivers. In addition, their offensive line allowed one sack or fewer in nine of their 13 games.

Rivers won’t get a senior-citizen discount from defenses, but he brings experience, the ability to read defenses, and the ability to get the ball out quickly. He offers no starting value this week, and he hasn’t been confirmed to start late in the afternoon on Friday. I’m keeping an open mind, given the offensive personnel in Indy. Rivers has a chance to be a Joe Flacco-type passer there.

READ MORE: Start Dak Prescott in Fantasy Football But Bench This Veteran QB in Week 15

Raheim Sanders, Cleveland Browns

The Browns placed Jerome Ford on injured reserve this week, and they ruled out Dylan Sanders. Sanders is the next man up on Cleveland’s running back depth chart. He brings a big back profile (6’0” and 230 lbs.), with a reasonable three-down skill set over the past three seasons at South Carolina (467/2,533/23 with 65 catches for 662 yards and four touchdowns).

The Browns should increase the touch opportunity for Quinshon Judkins against the Bears on the road, but I can’t dismiss Sanders being in the field for 35% of Cleveland’s plays.

Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have ruled out Tee Higgins this week, giving Iosivas a WR2 opportunity in the Bengals’ offense. He’s been in Cincinnati’s offensive system for three seasons while showcasing playable value in multiple games. Iosivas has 12 touchdowns over 46 games. The Bengals have featured him as a WR2 and WR3 at times. He teased in Week 18 (5/36/2) in 2023 while offering fill-in value on four games last year (2/7/2, 5/52/1, 3/35/1, 3/53/1). He helped fantasy teams three times (5/82, 5/66/1, and 4/61) this season, with each outcome coming at home.

His matchup vs. the Ravens should be favorable, but he’s had more than seven targets only once (8) in his career. Iosivas brings size (6’3” and 210 lbs.) to the table, helping his scoring value. The fantasy market should treat him as a flex option in leagues with three wide receiver starting roster slots. I expect between four and six catches with a run of 60 receiving yards with a 50% chance of scoring.

Anthony Firkser, Detroit Lions

The tight end position for the Lions has been a mess after losing Sam LaPorta for the season with a back issue. Firkser had TE1 snaps for Detroit in Week 14 (56%), but he only had one target. His best playing opportunity came in 2020 and 2021 for the Titans, where he flashed in three games (8/113/1, 3/24/1, and 4/56/1). Fisker brings no fantasy value to this week unless someone plays in an extremely deep league with a tight end issue.

READ MORE: Start Dak Prescott in Fantasy Football But Bench This Veteran QB in Week 15