Unlock Hidden Fantasy Football Gold: The Must-Make Week 16 Waiver Wire Moves for Every NFL Team
Every fantasy league’s waiver wire is like a secret garden — wildly different, endlessly intriguing, and often downright confounding. As we march into Week 16 of the NFL season, the question isn’t just who to pick up, but how to navigate this maze of opportunity and risk in a way that sets you apart from the pack. Gone are the days when managers simply wanted a quick shortlist; now, it’s about dissecting matchups, injuries, and the subtle shifts in player stock. Whether you’re fishing for that hidden gem or trying to stay ahead of last-minute news that could make or break your roster, this detailed breakdown of fantasy-relevant NFL players offers both the insights and practical moves you need. Ready to stop guessing and start owning your waiver wire strategy? Dive in and let’s make this weekend’s moves count. LEARN MORE
The waiver wire looks different for every fantasy league. So, we’re breaking down how to handle every fantasy-relevant player in the NFL as we head into Week 16.
The average fantasy football manager has gotten more sophisticated over the years. And several of them have moved past simply wanting to be told who to pick up each week.
If you are one of those people, this is for you. We still have our most important weekly recommendations (conveniently located at the top of this article), but we’re giving you more.
Want to know the key injuries that happened this week? We’ve got that. What about the depth chart with the players who could benefit from a key injury? We’ve got that too.
There is also a key fantasy move to make for each team so you can see which players’ stocks are on the move. No matter how deep you want to dig to manage your fantasy roster, we’ve got you covered. We have the recommendations you want in addition to the information you need to make informed decisions. And we’ll continue to add recommendations throughout the week as major news breaks.
Week 16 Waiver Wire Moves
- Add C.J. Stroud: For fantasy managers who had Patrick Mahomes and are scrambling for a quarterback, C.J. Stroud might the best one available on the waiver wire. Since returning from injury three weeks ago, Stroud is averaging 246.3 passing yards per game. He only threw for one touchdown in his first two starts back but tossed three touchdowns in a blowout win over the Cardinals in Week 15. He faces the porous Raiders defense in Week 16 and can be expected to put up solid numbers again. If he’s available, and you need a quarterback, he should be a priority add.
- Add Michael Carter: Bam Knight left Sunday’s contest with an ankle injury, and Carter stepped into the starting role. His numbers weren’t outstanding, but it worked out as a volume play. He finished with 14 carries for 56 yards and four receptions for 38 yards. That was good enough to be RB17 in PPR formats entering Monday night. If Knight misses time (which looks likely), Carter becomes the starter and a must-add in all formats.
- Add Ryan Flournoy: Flournoy followed up a huge game in Week 14 with a decent four-catch day against the Minnesota Vikings. Flournoy is the rare receiver handcuff. He’s proven to be an obvious starter when CeeDee Lamb is out and still has standalone value when the Cowboys receivers are healthy. He should be rostered in most formats.
- Bench Alec Pierce: Pierce is a very talented wide receiver, but his talent doesn’t align with the Colts’ current quarterback. Philip Rivers played about as well as the Colts could’ve hoped for a quarterback coming off his couch at the age of 44, but he needs to get rid of the ball quickly because of his limited mobility. Pierce is more than a deep threat, but a significant portion of his production comes from downfield routes that are unlikely to be available on Rivers’ clock. Pierce caught his only target for 16 yards in Week 15, and, while we expect a modest bounce back as the Colts try to get him more involved, we wouldn’t recommend starting him next week.
New Key Injuries Entering Week 16
- Patrick Mahomes: Tore his ACL in Week 15 and will miss the remainder of the season.
- Woody Marks: Left Week 15 with an ankle injury, but head coach DeMeco Ryans said Marks could have come back in if needed. He should be ready to go for Week 16.
- Bam Knight: Was carted off with an ankle injury in Week 15 and is set to have an MRI this week to determine how much time he will miss.
- Devin Neal: Left Week 15 with a hamstring injury and did not return. The Saints will likely be cautious with the rookie, which means his Week 16 status is in jeopardy.
- Davante Adams: Left Week 15 with a hamstring injury, and head coach Sean McVay said Adams is unlikely to play in Week 16, although he wouldn’t fully rule him out just yet.
- Christian Watson: Left Week 15 with a chest/shoulder injury but seems to have avoided a major injury. His practice status will need to be monitored to see if he can play in Week 16.
- Ricky Pearsall: Aggravated a knee injury in Week 15. His status for Week 16 is in doubt.
- Rome Odunze: Aggravated the stress fracture in his foot during warmups in Week 15 and didn’t play. His status for Week 16 is in doubt.
- Luther Burden III: Injured his ankle in Week 15 and will need to have his practice status monitored.
- Devaughn Vele: Had his arm in a sling after Week 15, which is worth monitoring during the week.
Jump to an AFC Team
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Jump to an NFC Team
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Buffalo Bills
Move to Make: Bench Khalil Shakir
Shakir had a solid game against the Patriots, catching all five of his targets for 65 yards. In Week 16, he faces a Browns defense that has given up at least 23 points in six of their last seven games and 31 points each of the last two weeks. So, the temptation to start him is understandable.
However, the Browns have actually allowed the fewest net passing yards per game this season and when they do give up passing yards, it’s usually not to one player. The Browns have allowed just two receivers to surpass 90 yards in a game this season, tied with the Dolphins for the fewest times in the NFL entering Monday night.
So, Shakir is unlikely to reach his ceiling against this defense, and he doesn’t have a high floor. He’s had 16 or fewer receiving yards in three of his last five games. A low floor and an unlikely shot at a ceiling make him a Flex play only for desperate fantasy managers.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Josh Allen, Mitch Trubisky
- Running Back: James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson
- Wide Receiver: Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Gabe Davis, Keon Coleman, Tyrell Shavers, Brandin Cooks, Curtis Samuel
- Tight End: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes
Miami Dolphins
Move to Make: Will Update After Monday Night Football
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson
- Running Back: De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, Jaylen Wright
- Wide Receiver: Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Dee Eskridge
- Tight End: Darren Waller, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner
New England Patriots
Move to Make: Add Mack Hollins
Mack Hollins led the Patriots with a 36% target share on Sunday. He saw eight targets during the Patriots’ loss to the Bills, his second-highest target count this season. Although he only hauled in four of those targets for 41 yards, the usage is encouraging. The Pats have the Ravens next week, who are giving up 29.9 PPR fantasy points per game to wide receivers, making it a good matchup for Hollins and the other Patriots receivers.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
- Running Back: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings
- Wide Receiver: Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams
- Tight End: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper
New York Jets
Move to Make: Add Adonai Mitchell
Adonai Mitchell should be one of the hottest targets on the waiver wire. He has 27 targets over the last three weeks and two touchdowns. Starting any Jets player is a risk but Mitchell is one of the last available difference-makers on the waiver wire this late in the year.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Tyrod Taylor, Justin Fields
- Running Back: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwangwu
- Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Adonai Mitchell, Allen Lazard, Tyler Johnson, Arian Smith, Isaiah Williams
- Tight End: Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt
Baltimore Ravens
Move to Make: Add Keaton Mitchell
With just a couple of games left in the fantasy season, it’s prudent to target some upside players for your last few bench spots, as you’re less likely to need depth with no byes remaining.
Keaton Mitchell has been underdiscussed as a solid handcuff, but he’s looked explosive as the backup to Derrick Henry. He is averaging 7.56 yards per carry and rushed eight times for 66 yards in Week 15.
Henry is the oldest starting running back in the league, so grabbing an explosive player that is his backup is a worthwhile choice in most leagues.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush, Tyler Huntley
- Running Back: Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell, Justice Hill
- Wide Receiver: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace
- Tight End: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar
Cincinnati Bengals
Move to Make: Start Chase Brown
It was a disappointing Week 15 for the Bengals, who got shut out by the Ravens.
But despite the awful day for the offense and Samaje Perine getting one more carry (14 to 13), Brown managed to put together 90 scrimmage yards and had seven catches to bolster his PPR score.
Brown is surefire starter each week and should be trusted again next week against the Dolphins.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco, Jake Browning
- Running Back: Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks
- Wide Receiver: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones
- Tight End: Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Noah Fant, Tanner Hudson
Cleveland Browns
Move to Make: Start Harold Fannin Jr.
Fannin caught seven passes for 48 yards against the Bears and continues to get an absurd amount of targets from Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders targeted Fannin on 14 of his 31 throws that weren’t thrown away. No other Brown got more than four targets. Isaiah Bond caught two deep shots but can’t be counted on each week.
Fannin is the go-to guy for the Browns and is a TE1 again this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel
- Running Back: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Jerome Ford
- Wide Receiver: Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Bond, Jamari Thrash
- Tight End: David Njoku, Harold Fannin Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Move to Make: Will Update After Monday Night Football
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph
- Running Back: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson
- Wide Receiver: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek
- Tight End: Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, Darnell Washington
Denver Broncos
Move to Make: Add Pat Bryant
Bo Nix threw passes to eight different receivers in Week 15 and targeted five players at least three times. Pat Bryant was noticeably absent due to a hamstring injury, resulting in an uptick in targets for Troy Franklin.
Nix has thrown for 295 yards or more in three of his last four games and connected on four TDs in Week 15. Bryant could come back and continue the ascent he was on prior to his injury. He’s rostered in under 5% of leagues on most formats and could be a solid add that slips under the radar.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham
- Running Back: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie
- Wide Receiver: Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Pat Bryant, Trent Sherfield Sr.
- Tight End: Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins
Kansas City Chiefs
Move to Make: Bench All Complementary Players
The Kansas City Chiefs’ season has been a disaster from start to finish. They have been eliminated from the playoffs, and Patrick Mahomes is done for the year with a torn ACL.
Gardner Minshew replaced Mahomes and completed three of his five pass attempts for 22 yards and an interception. Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce will probably still get enough volume to be worthy of a start, but the target share and level of production behind them is a mystery. If your playoffs hopes are on the line, avoid the Chiefs until we see more of what a Minshew-led offense looks like.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Gardner Minshew
- Running Back: Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith
- Wide Receiver: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton
- Tight End: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Robert Tonyan
Los Angeles Chargers
Move to Make: Add Tre Harris
Tre Harris had an intriguing game in Week 15. He ran 27 routes, which was topped only by Ladd McConkey (28) and saw more snaps than any Charger receiver or tight end.
He saw five targets, tied for second on the team and has seen an uptick in usage in recent weeks. It’s too late in the season for speculative adds, but if you’re desperate or in a deeper league, Harris might be an emerging option on the Chargers.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
- Running Back: Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins
- Wide Receiver: Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, Tre Harris
- Tight End: Oronde Gadsden, Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin
Las Vegas Raiders
Move to Make: Bench Raiders’ Receivers
You wonder just how bad it can get for the Raiders. They didn’t score against the Philadelphia Eagles and didn’t get into the red zone once. If you don’t have Brock Bowers or Ashton Jeanty, then you’re out of luck.
Tre Tucker ran 30 routes, first among Raiders wide receivers, but failed to record a catch. To make matters worse, the Raiders play the Texans next week, who have one of the stingiest defenses in the league. No Raiders wide receiver merits starting consideration this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Geno Smith, Kenny Pickett
- Running Back: Ashton Jeanty, Raheem Mostert, Dylan Laube
- Wide Receiver: Tre Tucker, Dont’e Thornton, Jack Bech, Tyler Lockett
- Tight End: Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas
Houston Texans
Move to Make: Add C.J. Stroud
For fantasy managers who had Patrick Mahomes and are scrambling for a quarterback, C.J. Stroud might the best one available on the waiver wire.
Since returning from injury three weeks ago, Stroud is averaging 246.3 passing yards per game. He only threw for one touchdown in his first two starts back but tossed three touchdowns in a blowout win over the Cardinals in Week 15.
He faces the porous Raiders defense in Week 16 and can be expected to put up solid numbers again. If he’s available, and you need a quarterback, he should be a priority add.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills, Graham Mertz
- Running Back: Woody Marks, Nick Chubb, Dare Ogunbowale, Dameon Pierce
- Wide Receiver: Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson,
- Tight End: Dalton Schultz, Harrison Bryant, Brenden Bates
Indianapolis Colts
Move to Make: Bench Alec Pierce
Pierce is a very talented wide receiver, but his talent doesn’t align with the Colts’ current quarterback.
Philip Rivers played about as well as the Colts could’ve hoped for a quarterback coming off his couch at the age of 44, but he needs to get rid of the ball quickly because of his limited mobility. Pierce is more than a deep threat, but a significant portion of his production comes from downfield routes that are unlikely to be available on Rivers’ clock.
Pierce caught his only target for 16 yards in Week 15, and, while we expect a modest bounce back as the Colts try to get him more involved, we wouldn’t recommend starting him next week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard
- Running Back: Jonathan Taylor, Ameer Abdullah, DJ Giddens, Tyler Goodson,
- Wide Receiver: Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin
- Tight End: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Olgetree
Jacksonville Jaguars
Move to Make: Add Trevor Lawrence
We hope you listened last week when we recommended streaming Lawrence against the Jets. He was a fantasy superhero with 330 passing yards, 51 rushing yards and a Josh Allen-esque six total touchdowns.
Lawrence is still available in some leagues and would be the easiest plug-and-play on the waiver wire if not for a tough matchup. The Broncos have tied for the third-fewest passing touchdowns allowed in the league this year and have the pass rush and secondary to force Lawrence back into some bad habits if the Jaguars aren’t playing their best around him.
But with how he’s played lately, Lawrence is still a worthy gamble for those desperate for a high-ceiling quarterback. Over the past four weeks, Lawrence has thrown for the sixth-most yards per game (264.8) and the most touchdown passes in the NFL (12). Crucially, he’s also scored points with his legs lately, with at least 20 rushing yards in five of his last seven games and four rushing touchdowns in that span. Any quarterback is a bit risky against the Broncos, but Lawrence’s ceiling makes him worthwhile as a starter for desperate fantasy managers.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
- Running Back: Travis Etienne Jr., Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen
- Wide Receiver: Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, Dyami Brown
- Tight End: Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt
Tennessee Titans
Move to Make: Start Tony Pollard
It’s been too risky to start a Titan for a long time. But after two good weeks in a row, Tony Pollard could be worth a gamble this week.
Pollard hasn’t been very useful for most of the fantasy season as the Titans have fallen behind early and negated any chance he had to get a lot of carries. He certainly hasn’t gotten a lot of scoring opportunities, either.
But Pollard now has back-to-back weeks of 100 or more rushing yards and at least one rushing touchdown. It’s no coincidence it’s come as the Titans have had two of their three highest scoring games of the season. When the offense isn’t in a desperately negative game script, Pollard can have value.
That could be the case against the Saints again in Week 16. New Orleans has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game in the league and, while they’ve been better lately, haven’t won a game by more than 12 points this year. The Titans should be able to keep the game close enough to keep Pollard involved, which makes him an RB2 this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen
- Running Back: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut
- Wide Receiver: Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson,
- Tight End: Chig Okonkwo, Gunner Helm
Dallas Cowboys
Move to Make: Add Ryan Flournoy
Flournoy followed up a huge game in Week 14 with a decent four-catch day against the Minnesota Vikings.
Flournoy is the rare receiver handcuff. He’s proven to be an obvious starter when CeeDee Lamb is out and still has standalone value when the Cowboys receivers are healthy. He should be rostered in most formats.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III
- Running Back: Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue
- Wide Receiver: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin
- Tight End: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford
New York Giants
Move to Make: Add Darius Slayton
Darius Slayton ran 40 routes in Week 15 as the Giants fell to the Washington Commanders. He was targeted on 25% of those routes and had a burn on 80% of them.
Slayton’s season, on a whole, has been wildly inconsistent, but his advanced metrics still look good. His 65.3% burn rate and 79.6% open rate are both second on the team. He’s worth a look in really deep leagues.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, Russell Wilson
- Running Back: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary
- Wide Receiver: Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Jalen Hyatt, Beaux Collins
- Tight End: Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz
Philadelphia Eagles
Move to Make: Start DeVonta Smith
Smith got just two targets in the Eagles’ Week 15 win over the Raiders but made the most of them, catching both for 50 yards.
The usage is discouraging, but Smith had at least five targets in the previous nine games and a combined 27 from weeks 12-14, so it’s easy to chalk up Week 15 as an aberration. The Eagles play the Commanders, who have had a bottom-five defense in terms of both passing yards per game allowed and passing touchdowns allowed, so Smith is a solid Flex play this week with upside.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Sam Howell
- Running Back: Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon, Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby
- Wide Receiver: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Xavier Gipson, Darius Cooper
- Tight End: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Cameron Latu
Washington Commanders
Move to Make: Add Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Croskey-Merritt saw his roster percentage dip below 50% after Chris Rodriguez Jr. took over the starting job a few weeks ago.
But Rodriguez missed Week 15, and Croskey-Merritt finished with 18 rushes for 96 yards and a score. That’s his highest PPR finish (RB13) since Week 5 and his second-best week this season.
Rodriguez could be back next week, but if he isn’t, Croskey-Merritt is the clear lead back and available in over half of the leagues out there.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota
- Running Back: Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols
- Wide Receiver: Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane Chris Moore
- Tight End: Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott
Chicago Bears
Move to Make: Add Colston Loveland
Rome Odunze reaggravated his foot injury in warmups and didn’t play in the Bears Week 15 win against the Browns. Luther Burden III left the game late with an ankle injury that could limit his practice participation this week.
Two of the Bears’ top three receivers could be limited or out this week. That would obviously prop up DJ Moore, who caught two touchdowns in Week 15, but it could also mean more targets for Colston Loveland, who has been a big part of Caleb Williams’ ascension.
Loveland caught four of five targets for 63 yards against the Browns and had a touchdown against the Packers (the Bears’ Week 16 opponent) just two weeks ago. He’s a solid streaming tight end this week, especially if Odunze or Burden misses the game.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum
- Running Back: D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Roschon Johnson, Brittain Brown, Travis Homer
- Wide Receiver: Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay
- Tight End: Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Durham Smythe
Detroit Lions
Move to Make: Bench the Complementary Players
The Lions have become one of the easiest teams to figure out in fantasy football.
When everyone is healthy, you start Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Jared Goff. David Montgomery is a touchdown-dependent Flex.
The rest of the team can stay on the bench. In the high-scoring affair against the Rams, Jared Goff completed 24 of his 25 passes to St. Brown, Williams and Gibbs. With how concentrated this offense is, it would take an injury to make anyone else on the roster worthwhile.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jared Goff, Kyle Allen
- Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Jacob Saylors
- Wide Receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond, Dominic Lovett
- Tight End: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Ross Dwelley
Green Bay Packers
Move to Make: Add Matthew Golden
Christian Watson’s injury leaves his status for Week 16 up in the air. That could make Golden a worthwhile add in fantasy.
Golden has had a disappointing rookie season, which has left him available on a lot of waiver wires. Even if Watson is out, he could very well go without a catch as Jordan Love gets other receivers involved.
This is where having an understanding of your matchup this week matters. If you’re projected to lose by a lot of points, Golden would have a fairly high ceiling in Week 16 if Watson misses the game. The Bears have been susceptible to the deep ball this year, as they are tied for the third-most passes of 25 or more yards allowed (31). Golden could be the deep option for Jordan Love in a game where deep shots may be available. If you feel good about your matchup, Golden isn’t worth the risk. But if you need a high ceiling to have a chance? Pick him up and see if Watson is out this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jordan Love, Malik Willis
- Running Back: Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks
- Wide Receiver: Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams
- Tight End: Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick
Minnesota Vikings
Move to Make: Start Aaron Jones Sr.
Jones hasn’t had a lot of startable games this year and is coming off 34 rushing yards on 12 carries against the Cowboys.
But the Cowboys have been fairly stout against the run since acquiring Quinnen Williams, and the Vikings have a much better matchup in Week 16 against the Giants. New York has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game in the NFL.
Jones has also been a factor in the passing game, with at least three catches in five of his last six games. He’s worth a shot as a Flex play in PPR leagues this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer
- Running Back: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott
- Wide Receiver: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor
- Tight End: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver
Atlanta Falcons
Move to Make: Start Kyle Pitts Sr.
Pitts has been one of the most frustrating players in fantasy football since being drafted in 2021. But after a monster week in a favorable matchup, he’s a no-brainer start this week.
After having just one touchdown the entire year, Pitts had three touchdowns along with 11 catches for 166 yards in Week 15. He had been solid the two weeks prior as well, with a combined 13 catches and 172 yards over those two games.
Pitts is the No. 1 option any week Drake London is injured, and the Cardinals (Atlanta’s Week 16 opponent) have allowed a combined 85 points over the last two weeks. It may seem odd to trust Pitts, but there aren’t many better options at tight end this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Kirk Cousins, Easton Stick
- Running Back: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Nathan Carter
- Wide Receiver: Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, Casey Washington, Khaderal Hodge
- Tight End: Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner
Carolina Panthers
Move to Make: Start Tetairoa McMillan
If it weren’t for touchdowns, McMillan would be having a really tough stretch.
He has caught just five combined passes for 103 yards in the last three weeks, but two of them have gone for touchdowns and he has four TDs in his last four games. Week 15 was a complete dude as he had two catches for 25 yards.
The usage is concerning, and it would be prudent to downgrade him to a matchup starter for the time being. But Week 16 against the Buccaneers is the right matchup to try to get on track.
Since Week 10, the Buccaneers have allowed the second-most net passing yards per game (271.0) and the second-most passing touchdowns (13). The Buccaneers defense just got overwhelmed by the Saints and Falcons, so the Panthers should be able to exploit them as well. McMillan is a good bet to bounce back this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
- Running Back: Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard, Trevor Etienne, DeeJay Dallas
- Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Hunter Renfrow
- Tight End: Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans
New Orleans Saints
Move to Make: Bench Juwan Johnson
The Jets might seem like a good matchup for Johnson this week, but they have been surprisingly stingy against tight ends.
Kyle Pitts is the only tight end to exceed 50 receiving yards against the Jets all season. Johnson is coming off a pedestrian game with four catches for 30 yards and faces a matchup that’s more difficult than it looks at first glance. Look for a different streaming tight end this week.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler
- Running Back: Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal
- Wide Receiver: Chris Olave, DeVaughn Vele, Mason Tipton, Kevin Austin Jr.
- Tight End: Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Move to Make: Start Mike Evans
There was a question as to how healthy Evans would look coming back from injury. But he looked like himself, and Baker Mayfield wasted no time in getting his favorite target involved.
Evans had six catches on 12 targets for 132 yards. Even against a tough secondary like the Panthers in Week 16, Evans looks like a player that needs to started.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater
- Running Back: Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Josh Williams
- Wide Receiver: Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson
- Tight End: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Devin Culp
Arizona Cardinals
Move to Make: Add Michael Carter
Bam Knight left Sunday’s contest with an ankle injury, and Carter stepped into the starting role. His numbers weren’t outstanding, but it worked out as a volume play.
He finished with 14 carries for 56 yards and four receptions for 38 yards. That was good enough to be RB17 in PPR formats entering Monday night. If Knight misses time (which looks likely), Carter becomes the starter and a must-add in all formats.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett, Kyler Murray, Kedon Slovis
- Running Back: Trey Benson, Zonovan Knight, Michael Carter, Emari Demercado
- Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch
- Tight End: Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins
Los Angeles Rams
Move to Make: Start Blake Corum
Corum is still only rostered in 35% of fantasy leagues but he is a legit Flex option given his role behind Kyren Williams. He has finished inside the top 20 running backs in PPR now for three consecutive weeks and scored four TDs in that stretch.
The Rams play the Seahawks in Week 16, who have given up just seven rushing touchdowns in 14 games this season. Even with the tough matchup, Corum has been involved enough that he warrants Flex consideration.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett IV
- Running Back: Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter
- Wide Receiver: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Xavier Smith
- Tight End: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson
San Francisco 49ers
Move to Make: Add Jauan Jennings
Ricky Pearsall looked like the 49ers receiver trending upward, but he aggravated a knee injury and may miss time once again. If he does, Jennings could be a great add.
Jennings caught just three of his five targets for 37 yards in Week 15, but two of those grabs went for touchdowns. He’s had at least five targets in eight consecutive games and will likely get even more targets if Pearsall is unable to play. With how thin the waiver wire is on receivers this week, Jennings could be one of the top adds.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Adrian Martinez
- Running Back: Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson Jr., Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James
- Wide Receiver: Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson, Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Tight End: George Kittle, Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell
Seattle Seahawks
Move to Make: Add Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed saw the same number of targets as Cooper Kupp (7) in Week 15, and his 15.0 air yards per target were by far the highest on the team. He can be inconsistent, but he has nine catches for 141 yards over the last two weeks. The Seahawks clearly want to get him involved. The Achilles’ heel for the Rams defense this year has been the lack of size at cornerback, something Shaheed could take advantage of in Week 16.
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe
- Running Back: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, George Holani
- Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Tory Horton, Rashid Shaheed, Jake Bobo
- Tight End: AJ Barner, Elijah Arroyo, Eruc Saubert
For more coverage, follow along on social media on Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook and X.
The post Waiver Wire Plus: One Fantasy Football Move for Every NFL Team Entering Week 16 appeared first on Opta Analyst.
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