Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16 (Fantasy Football)

The first week of the fantasy playoffs are in the books, so if you’re reading this, I hope you are in a good position heading into Week 16. Whether you need some help or are looking to fortify your roster, here are some waiver wire options to consider.

• Check out the Waiver Wire Rankings page with individual ranks and FAAB amounts
• Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s episode

Wide Receivers

It’s time we stop overlooking Jahan Dotson and the magic sprinkles that Taylor Heinicke brings to the holiday party. Even though the passing game was slow to start in Week 14, the Commanders lit up in the second half after the Giants were dominating. Dotson saw six targets for four receptions, 105 yards, and a touchdown, including a 61-yard reception. Heinicke proved that he is able to spread the ball around to his receivers who have names other than Terry McLaurin. The matchups are rough moving forward, but they do see Cleveland for the championship in Week 17.

Chris Moore is a surprising name that should be floating on the edge of managers’ radars. With no Nico Collins or Brandin Cooks and a beleaguered offense in dire need of fixing, Moore still saw nine targets against the Chiefs. He wasn’t able to do much with those nine targets last week, but he did turn 10 receptions into 124 yards in Week 13 against Dallas. He is just 9% rostered in sleeper leagues and should be widely available if you need some help at the wide receiver position. The Texans face the Titans in Week 16 who have allowed the second-most touchdowns, third-most receiving yards, and second-most receptions to the position this season.

• Check out the Waiver Wire Rankings page with individual ranks and FAAB amounts
• Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s episode

Running Backs

It’s unlikely that Jonathan Taylor will see the field again in 2022, so Deon Jackson is a must-add player on the wire. He is just 8% rostered and had 13 attempts for 55 yards after Taylor left the game in the first drive. Zack Moss has become relevant on the Colts with 24 attempts for 81 yards. Both should be widely available to add to your roster for the remainder of the playoffs.

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Jerick McKinnon is another option at running back, although he is over 50% rostered. His matchup against the Seahawks this week is juicy while the Broncos in Week 17 isn’t so great. Even so, McKinnon has solidified his place in the Chiefs’ offense in the run game as well as seeing nine and eight targets respectively in Weeks 14 and 15. I would rather roster McKinnon over Jackson or Moss if he is still available on your waiver wire.

Finally, Chuba Hubbard and Khalil Herbert are also viable options with possible standalone value. Hubbard and Foreman have been seeing split work for the Panthers while Herbert is the RB2 behind David Montgomery. Hubbard is the better option between the two for Week 15 as the Bears take on their rival, the Detroit Lions.

• Check out the Waiver Wire Rankings page with individual ranks and FAAB amounts
• Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s episode

Tight Ends

Chigoziem Okonkwo has emerged as a reliable target for Ryan Tannehill in the Titans’ offense. After posting double-digits in Week 14, he had a down week in Week 15 with eight fantasy points against the Chargers. However, a touchdown would have saved his fantasy day. It’s a wasteland out there, so you may have to settle for at least some points if you are in need of a tight end in Week 17.

Even better than Okonkwo, and more widely available, is the Saints’ Juwan Johnson. Johnson has scored at least 12.2 points or higher in four of his last five games, which includes his 20.7-point game last week against the Falcons. Andy Dalton looks for him in the red zone when Chris Olave is double-covered. The Saints will face the Browns and then have a tough matchup against the Eagles in Week 17 for the championship. If Johnson sees targets in or near the red zone, he has every opportunity to convert those looks into touchdowns.

• Check out the Waiver Wire Rankings page with individual ranks and FAAB amounts
• Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s episode

Team DEF/ST

• Check out the Waiver Wire Rankings page with individual ranks and FAAB amounts
• Catch today’s episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast for a full discussion of the top waiver adds

Quarterbacks

• Check out the Waiver Wire Rankings page with individual ranks and FAAB amounts
• Catch today’s episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast for a full discussion of the top waiver adds

Good luck with your waiver claims!

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