The finish line is in sight, friends. Win two more games and walk away a fantasy football champion.
It’s been a wild season. Never could I have imagined that at any point I would be putting Michael Wilson ahead of Justin Jefferson in my weekly fantasy football rankings. But, well, the NFL is wild, and so is fantasy football.
With luck, your roster is strong and injury-free, and you do not need to hit the waiver wire this week.
But just in case you’re streaming a position or need to patch a hole, we’re here for you.
Let’s take a look at this week’s most desirable waiver offerings.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 16
Week 16 Waiver Grade: C-
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings
Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.
(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues; Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)
Running Backs
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Michael Carter (RB – ARI): 5% Rostered
- Next Opponents: ATL, @CIN, @LAR
- True Value: $14
- Desperate Need: $21
- Budget-Minded: $9
Analysis: Bam Knight was carted off the field with an ankle injury against the Texans in Week 15. With Knight out, Michael Carter was the lead back. Although the Cardinals’ offense met its match against an elite Texans defense, Carter finished with 14 carries for 56 yards on the ground and four receptions for 38 yards. Considering that he did this against the Texans, Carter could very well provide RB2 numbers against the Falcons and Bengals over the next two weeks. Monitor Knight’s status and adjust bids accordingly, but with Trey Benson now on season-ending injured reserve (IR), Carter and Emari Demercado are basically the only backs left in Arizona. Carter out-snapped Demercado 53-7 in a negative game script, suggesting that Carter might be a rare plug-and-play running back this late in the season.
Blake Corum (RB – LAR): 40% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @SEA, @ATL, ARI
- True Value: $9
- Desperate Need: $14
- Budget-Minded: $6
Analysis: The Rams’ offense is rolling, and Blake Corum has seen double-digit carries in each of his last two games. He’s also scored four touchdowns in his last three games. The Rams also lost Davante Adams to a hamstring injury on Sunday. As a result, this team may be forced to lean on its one-two running back punch of Corum and Kyren Williams. Even against a stout Lions defense, Corum had 11 carries for 71 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Williams also came through with 15 carries, 78 yards and two scores on the ground. This week, the Rams have a massive divisional game against the Seahawks. Corum has proven to be a reasonable Flex option late in the regular season.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WSH): 48% Rostered
- Next Opponents: PHI, DAL, @PHI
- True Value: $7
- Desperate Need: $12
- Budget-Minded: $4
Analysis: It seems fitting to end the season with Jacory Croskey-Merritt being an attractive pickup after he was such a popular player in August. With Chris Rodriguez Jr. missing Week 15 with a groin injury, Croskey-Merritt was the Commanders’ primary ball-carrier. He finished with 18 carries for 96 yards and a score in the Commanders’ 29-21 win over the Giants, turning in his best game since Week 5. Without Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols split carries 32-30, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Despite playing nearly identical snaps, McNichols had only 10 touches for 22 total yards. If Rodriguez misses additional time, Croskey-Merritt will be a solid Flex play against the Eagles in Week 16, with the Cowboys on deck in Week 17. The Eagles have given up an average of 107.8 rushing yards a game to opposing running backs over the last five weeks. Croskey-Merritt offers little as a pass-catcher, but his rushing volume should be ample if Rodriguez remains out.
Jawhar Jordan (RB – HOU): 3% Rostered
- Next Opponents: LV, @LAC, IND
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $7
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: If Jawhar Jordan isn’t a name you recognize, don’t worry. The 2024 sixth-round pick touched the ball for the first time this season in Week 15. Not only did he get his first carry, but Jordan had 15 carries for 101 yards and caught both of his targets for another 17 yards. Woody Marks came into Houston’s Week 15 game banged up and left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. If Marks isn’t able to play in Week 16 and Nick Chubb isn’t ready to come back from a rib injury that kept him out on Sunday, Jordan could be the Texans’ lead back against the Raiders this week. Monitor the status of Marks and Chubb, and scale your waiver bid on Jordan accordingly.
Samaje Perine (RB – CIN): 4% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @MIA, ARI, CLE
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Bengals seem committed to using both Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. Brown is the clear lead back and outsnapped Perine 47-34 on Sunday against the Ravens. Despite the difference in snaps, Perine had one more carry than Brown, finishing with 14 carries for 42 yards and one reception for one yard. What is often believed to be a powerful offense was stifled by the Ravens in a 24-0 loss. However, the Bengals play the Dolphins and Cardinals over the next two weeks, which are great matchups. It may be tough to play Perine in most leagues, but if you are desperate in a deep league, he could give you some production.
Wide Receivers
Written by Derek Brown
Darius Slayton (WR – NYG): 41% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIN, @LV, DAL
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: In Weeks 5-14, Darius Slayton had a 13.9% target share with 45.3 receiving yards per game, 1.80 yards per route run, a 14.5-yard average depth of target (aDOT) and a 17.5% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those six games, he had one red-zone target, eight deep targets and three top-36 finishes in weekly scoring (WR34, WR27, WR19). On Sunday against the Commanders, Slayton had a 27.7% target share that he turned into only 53 receiving yards, but if he didn’t have stone hands, it would have been a better day. Slayton dropped one touchdown and another potential big gain. Slayton doesn’t have a fearsome secondary left on his schedule for the rest of the season. He should continue to provide WR3 production with WR2 upside when he and Jaxson Dart connect on big plays.
Jayden Reed (WR – GB): 41% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CHI, BAL, @MIN
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: In Week 14, Jayden Reed returned from a broken collarbone and had a 65.4% route share, a 16% target share, 31 receiving yards, 1.82 yards per route run and a 25% first-read share (tied for the team lead), per Fantasy Points Data. Reed didn’t have a red-zone target or a deep target. In Week 15, Reed had a 71.6% snap share, a 67.3% route share, a 15% target share and he tied for the team lead in receiving yards with 55. The Packers could lean on him more for the rest of the season if Christian Watson‘s chest injury forces him to miss a few games. Reed is a decent PPR Flex option who could easily flirt with WR2/WR3 production for the rest of the season.
Luther Burden III (WR – CHI): 17% Rostered
- Next Opponents: GB, @SF, DET
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: In Weeks 12-14, Luther Burden III had a 54.7% route share with a 16% target share, 48.7 receiving yards per game, 2.28 yards per route run and a 23.6% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those three games, Burden had weekly scoring finishes of WR36, WR44 and WR25. With Rome Odunze a last-minute inactive, Burden led the Bears with a 25% target share, six receptions and 84 receiving yards. Burden did this while only playing 39% of the snaps with a 50% route share, per PFF. Burden did sustain an ankle injury last week, so that could also be partially to blame for the usage. Burden could still be locked into a part-time role for the rest of the season with how much 12 and 21 personnel the Bears want to utilize. It won’t matter, though, if Burden continues to see volume like this. Burden is a solid Flex play for the rest of the season.
Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU): 43% Rostered
- Next Opponents: LV, @LAC, IND
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Weeks 10-14, Jayden Higgins was the WR27 in fantasy points per game with an 18.1% target share, 46.8 receiving yards per game, 2.11 yards per route run and a 21.6% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those five games, Higgins had four red-zone targets and six deep targets. In Week 15, he had a quiet game with only one target, one reception and four scoreless receiving yards against the Cardinals. That’s not what you wanted to see if you flexed him last week, but it happens. Higgins should bounce back this week against a Raiders secondary that has allowed the ninth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers since Week 10.
Devaughn Vele (WR – NO): 14% Rostered
- Next Opponents: NYJ, @TEN, @ATL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Weeks 10-14, Devaughn Vele had a 17.6% target share with 46.3 receiving yards per game, 1.35 yards per route run and a 17.9% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those four games, Vele had two red-zone targets and five deep targets. During that span, Vele had one WR1 weekly finish (WR7) but has been outside of the top 45 in weekly receiver scoring in the other three games. On Sunday versus the Panthers, Vele had an 18.7% target share with a solid Flex stat line of five receptions and 69 scoreless receiving yards. In PPR leagues, you’ll take that stat line from Vele. Monitor his health this week. Vele left last week’s game with a shoulder injury and didn’t return. Assuming he is healthy, Vele should continue to be a solid Flex play for the rest of the season with plus-matchups each week. Since Week 10, the Jets have ranked 16th in PPR points per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers, while the Titans and Falcons, respectively, have allowed the third-most and second-most PPR points per target to that position.
Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE): 29% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @BAL, @NYJ, MIA
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Kayshon Boutte has been a risky Flex option with a high ceiling, with five top-24 weekly finishes this season. That has been because of his downfield role and touchdown-scoring prowess. Boutte entered Week 15 with 10 deep targets and six touchdowns despite seeing only two red-zone targets this season. That upside didn’t hit in Week 15, as Boutte had only one target that he secured for 30 yards, but it could land in Week 16. Baltimore has allowed the 10th-highest deep ball completion rate and the seventh-most deep passing yards per game, per Fantasy Points Data.
Quarterbacks
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Bryce Young (QB – CAR): 18% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TB, SEA, @TB
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: Bryce Young was hot early on in the Panthers’ Week 15 game against the Saints, dropping a beautiful throw to Jalen Coker for his lone passing touchdown. But Young finished with only 163 passing yards in Carolina’s disappointing 20-17 loss to New Orleans, adding seven carries for 49 yards. The Panthers host the Buccaneers this week. Over the last five weeks, they have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. With the Panthers’ last three regular-season games being must-win affairs, Young will need to do everything he can to make his first NFL postseason. With the Buccaneers’ defense being very beatable, Young looks like the top streaming option for Week 16.
Marcus Mariota (QB – WSH): 10% Rostered
- Next Opponents: PHI, DAL, @PHI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Touted as the best streaming option for Week 15, Marcus Mariota let managers down with only 13.7 fantasy points against a weak Giants defense. Why give him another chance? Well, for the second time in three weeks, Mariota had 10 rush attempts for 43 yards. He also had 49 rushing yards against the Dolphins in Week 11 and 55 rushing yards against the Broncos in Week 13. That type of production on the ground is desirable from a streaming quarterback option. Mariota also played a clean game against the Giants on Sunday, completing 10-of-19 passes for 211 yards and a score. This week, he takes on a more formidable opponent in the Eagles. Although the Eagles’ defense boasts a lot of big names, we saw Mariota post a QB3 finish against the vaunted Broncos defense in Week 13. If you just lost Patrick Mahomes, Mariota is a solid option to close out the season.
C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU): 48% Rostered
- Next Opponents: LV, @LAC, IND
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The turnaround for the Texans since their Week 6 bye is one of the most impressive storylines of the season. Powered by their incredible defense, they’re now in the thick of the playoff chase. Although Houston’s defense deserves a lot of praise, C.J. Stroud has admirably controlled games and limited turnovers. On Sunday, he had 260 yards and three scores without an interception in a 40-20 win over the Cardinals. In Week 16, Stroud faces the Raiders, who had the NFL’s eighth-worst opponent passer rating going into Week 15. With the Texans’ defense likely controlling this game from the opening kickoff, Stroud probably won’t be asked to do a lot. However, if the Raiders can make this a game, only Maxx Crosby stands in the way of another solid fantasy finish for Stroud.
Aaron Rodgers (QB – PIT): 26% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @DET, @CLE, BAL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Aaron Rodgers we saw in Week 14 is a version we have only seen glimpses of over the last two years. However, if Rodgers has adopted the “let my weapons make plays” mentality, we could see more deep shots in the final weeks of the regular season. In Week 14, we saw Rodgers complete 23-of-34 passes for 284 yards and a score in a 27-22 win over the Ravens. He also had his first rushing touchdown since Week 17 of the 2022 season. With a Week 16 shootout on tap against the pass-funnel Lions defense, the gunslinging Rodgers may need to return as the Steelers push for the AFC North crown. Rodgers offers a solid floor but a limited ceiling.
Tight Ends
Written by Derek Brown
Dalton Schultz (TE – HOU): 49% Rostered
- Next Opponents: LV, @LAC, IND
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $7
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: In Weeks 3-14, Dalton Schultz was the TE13 in fantasy points per game with an 18.2% target share, 47 receiving yards per game, 1.53 yards per route run and a 19.2% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those 11 games, he had seven red-zone targets, five deep targets and only one touchdown. On Sunday, Schultz had another stellar game with a 31% target share, eight receptions, 76 receiving yards and a score in Houston’s win over Arizona. Schultz should continue to provide strong TE1 production for the rest of the season.
Darren Waller (TE – MIA): 35% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CIN, TB, @NE
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Weeks 13-14, Darren Waller had a 60.8% route share, a 13.6% target share, 30 receiving yards per game, 1.94 yards per route run and an 18.8% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Waller has a wonderful schedule remaining that could allow him to post strong TE1 numbers weekly. Each of his final opponents ranks inside the top 12 for most fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends.
Colby Parkinson (TE – LAR): 4% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @SEA, @ATL, ARI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Colby Parkinson is a fantastic streaming candidate for the rest of the season, whom you could sneak through waivers for cheaper than you should be able to. In Week 15, Parkinson parlayed an 18.4% target share into 75 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Over the next three weeks, Parkinson has dates against Seattle and Arizona, who, respectively, have allowed the sixth-most and eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Theo Johnson (TE – NYG): 46% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIN, @LV, DAL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Weeks 4-14, Theo Johnson was the TE12 in fantasy points per game with five top-12 finishes in weekly scoring. During that span, Johnson had a 19.1% target share with 40.7 receiving yards per game, 1.49 yards per route run and a 22.5% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those 10 games, he has nine red-zone targets, four deep targets and five receiving touchdowns. On Sunday, Johnson had only a 10.8% target share against the Commanders, but he led the Giants with 72 receiving yards. With Johnson and Jaxson Dart in sync, Johnson should continue to hover around TE1 production for the rest of the season.
Defenses
Written by Pat Fitzmaurice
New Orleans Saints: 17% Rostered
- Next Opponents: NYJ, @TEN, @ATL
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: The Saints have an appealing schedule the next two weeks, with matchups against the Jets and Titans. If Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor isn’t ready to come back from a groin injury in Week 16, and if Justin Fields remains on the shelf with a sore knee, the Saints will get to face rookie Brady Cook, who threw three interceptions and took three sacks Sunday in a 48-20 loss to the Jaguars. Even if Taylor or Fields started for the Jets, this would still be an appealing matchup. Then, in Week 17, the Saints face the Titans, who have yielded the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
New York Giants: 5% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIN, @LV, DAL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: It’s hard to make any sort of case for the Giants’ defense on its own. It ranks dead last in fantasy scoring with a meager 2.6 fantasy points per game. The lone attraction here is a Week 16 matchup with the Vikings and second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has thrown 11 interceptions, fumbled five times and taken 24 sacks in eight starts. The Giants also have an attractive matchup against the Raiders in Week 17. But again, this is not an endorsement of the Giants’ defense itself.
Minnesota Vikings: 35% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYG, DET, GB
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has gone deep into his bag in recent weeks, dialing up some high-level stuff to smother opposing quarterbacks. The Vikings held opponents to an average of 136.8 net passing yards per game (passing yardage minus sack yardage) over a five-game stretch from Week 10 to Week 15. Before Dak Prescott threw for 294 yards against the Vikings on Sunday night, the last quarterback to throw for more than 200 yards against Minnesota had been Jared Goff in Week 9. Prescott had zero touchdown passes against Minnesota in Week 15. The Vikings have a Week 16 matchup against rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and the Giants. Dart has taken 24 sacks in nine starts.
Dallas Cowboys: 35% Rostered
- Next Opponents: LAC, @WSH, @NYG
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: With their offensive line decimated by injuries, the Chargers have become a team to target with opposing defenses. In the five games since star left tackle Joe Alt went on IR, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has taken 21 sacks and thrown four interceptions. The Cowboys have had a bottom-rung fantasy defense this season, but Dallas is a sneaky streaming option this week in a home game against Herbert and Co.
Kickers
Written by Pat Fitzmaurice
Eddy Pineiro (K – SF): 17% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @IND, CHI, SEA
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $3
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: After missing three games with a hamstring injury, Eddy Pineiro returned to action in Week 15 and went 3-of-3 on field goals and 4-of-4 on extra points in the 49ers’ 37-24 win over the Titans. Pineiro is averaging 10.6 fantasy points over 11 games this season. He’s a perfect 25-of-25 on field goals this season, although he’s missed four extra points. Pineiro gets an indoor matchup against the Colts this week — no small thing in late December. He’s the most appealing option of the widely available kickers.
Andy Borregales (K – NE): 14% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @BAL, @NYJ, MIA
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Andy Borregales is averaging 8.8 fantasy points a game for the season and 12.5 fantasy points over his last four games. The Patriots are averaging 27.3 points per game and haven’t been held to fewer than 23 points since Week 3. Borregales has a Week 16 matchup against the Ravens, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to kickers.
Matt Prater (K – BUF): 39% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CLE, PHI, NYJ
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: What’s most appealing about Matt Prater for Week 16 is that the Bills, who are averaging 29.4 points per game this season, have an ultra-favorable matchup against the 3-11 Browns, who have given up 26, 31 and 31 points in their last three games. But you might want to check the forecast for Cleveland before placing a claim on Prater. The Bills will be playing in Cleveland on Sunday, and Huntington Bank Field can be a tough place to kick when the winds are whipping off Lake Erie. As of this writing, the forecast for Sunday is calling for temperatures in the upper 30s with northwest winds of 10-20 miles per hour (MPH) and a 30% chance of rain.
Harrison Mevis (K – LAR): 16% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @SEA, @ATL, ARI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Betting on the Rams’ offense is rarely a bad move in fantasy football. The Rams are averaging 30 points per game this season and have scored 34, 28, 45 and 41 points over their last four games. Harrison Mevis still hasn’t missed a kick in his six games with the Rams, going 5-of-5 on field goals and 28-of-28 on extra points. The Rams don’t settle for a lot of field goals, but all the extra points give Mevis a relatively sturdy floor.
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