Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets & FAAB Pickups: Quarterbacks (Week 16)

Check out our top waiver wire targets for Week 16 of the 2022 fantasy football season. And check out our complete Week 16 fantasy football waiver wire advice.

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Fantasy Football Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups: Quarterbacks

Mike White (NYJ): 21% rostered

• Next opponents: JAX, @SEA, @MIA
• True value: $8
• Desperate need: $17
• Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: There is always a caveat in fantasy. White and the Jets have the most favorable schedule of any team in the fantasy football playoffs … if doctors clear him for contact with his “multiple rib fractures.” As someone who struggles to breathe after climbing a flight of stairs, I can’t imagine how dignified (and insane) one would have to be to play tackle football with broken ribs. I still hope he does and can stay upright against the Jaguars and Seahawks. White is a league-winning fantasy QB who elevates his skill players to the same heights when he is on the field instead of Zach Wilson.

Brock Purdy (SF): 20% rostered

• Next opponents: WAS, @LV, ARI
• True value: $7
• Desperate need: $15
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, might be living in a snow globe. The San Francisco offense perfectly insulates the QB position, and the Iowa State rookie has shown the moxie and swag to step right in and sling it … a few yards down the field. Fantasy football is all about the box score, which shines brightly on the 49ers’ newest adorable fling. Purdy has accounted for six passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in his three games filling in for Jimmy Garoppolo, with only one interception. When you combine his solid production with a gift-wrapped fantasy playoff schedule, Purdy is the bee’s knees.

Sam Darnold (CAR): 6% rostered

• Next opponents: DET, @TB, @NO
• True value: $4
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: I consider acquiring Sam Darnold an overt act of desperation to win a semifinal matchup. He is a one-game rental, a true mercenary. Carolina will probably get blown off the field by the resurgent Lions, but that Detroit defense is still appalling versus opposing QBs. At this stage of the season, fantasy managers must win at any cost. Luckily, your ticket to the final showdown won’t dent your wallet much at all. I once won a fantasy championship with unproven (and awful at the time) rookie Josh Allen. I imagine winning a trophy with Sam Darnold would be carved into my headstone.

Davis Mills (HOU): 5% rostered

• Next opponents: @TEN, JAX, @IND
• True value: $4
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Hold your nose and spend a lot less FAAB on one of the Houston signal callers. At least he is the one best-equipped to attack two of the weakest defenses through the air. Davis Mills was back in his 2021 form in Week 15 against the Chiefs, scoring twice through the air and another time on the ground. For those of you who have spent your waiver budget, Mills provides a good bit of upside against the Titans and Jaguars. The loss of Dameon Pierce for the season means what little rushing upside the Texans had is gone. Air it out and pray.