Precious Achiuwa and the playoff chase: Week 18 waiver targets that could swing final standings

For managers trying to lock in playoff seeding, roster moves this week matter more than usual — and that includes thinking about players like Precious Achiuwa when juggling minutes and category needs. Fantasy columnist Dan Titus lays out three immediate waiver candidates whose schedules and recent production create short-term upside. If you’re in the final push, these are the kinds of grabs that change matchups and free-agent priorities.

For managers tracking Precious Achiuwa and late-season roster decisions

Playoff-track teams feel the impact first: four-game weeks and compressed slates make streaming and targeted pickups valuable now. If you're wondering why this keeps coming up, it’s because a single hot week can flip a matchup in head-to-head leagues. What’s easy to miss is how schedule shape — which teams play four games, which lopsided slates are lighter — reorders priority on the waiver wire more than raw role projection.

• Keep roster flexibility: prioritize players with multiple games this week to maximize counting stats.
• Short-term upside matters more than long-term forecasting in the homestretch; roster a hot scorer or rebounder for one week if it improves playoff odds.
• Watch teams facing lighter slates: they can still deliver a high ceiling across a condensed lineup.
• Prioritize players who are producing across multiple categories if your matchup needs diversification.

Week 18 pickups and the numbers behind the recommendations

Below are the specific additions highlighted for this stretch — the suggestions focus on recent fantasy points, multi-game weeks, role opportunity, and short-term production rather than long-term certainty.

• GG Jackson — Noted as a high scorer, Jackson posted a 47-fantasy-point outing on Saturday and has averaged over 35 fantasy points across his last three games. His team plays four games this week with three on lighter slates, which creates a streaming-friendly window for managers who need a points boost.
• Guy Santos — Identified as his team’s best performer over the last 10 games, Santos is averaging 15 points, five rebounds and four assists while contributing just over two stocks per game. Ongoing injuries on his roster have widened his role, positioning him as a multi-category contributor for the week.
• Bagley — In a timeshare with Daniel Gafford, Bagley is presented as the stronger fantasy option of that pairing and has recorded double-doubles in his last two games. His team also has a four-game slate this week, which boosts his immediate fantasy value despite shared minutes.

Micro timeline: Week 17 discussion set these names up; the focus here is Week 18 action; the columnist signals to stay active heading into Week 19 for final adjustments. Schedule is subject to change and matchups can alter expected value quickly.

The real question now is how you prioritize these short-term surges against bench depth and injured-player replacements. Managers with thin front courts or a need for scoring on heavy-game weeks should be most active; those set in categories with established starters might pass.

Writer’s aside: The bigger signal here is how week-to-week scheduling and sudden role shifts can be more decisive than season-long projections — that’s what makes waiver strategy in the homestretch different from midseason roster building.

Actionable approach: if Precious Achiuwa is on your roster or radar, weigh whether a temporary swap for a high-floor, high-game candidate helps your immediate matchup. Keep an eye on roster churn and bench availability when placing claims, and be prepared to pivot again before Week 19.