Best fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 16

Yearly, random RBs and WRs are beginning for groups in fantasy soccer championship video games, and this 12 months, it seems to be like Tony Pollard and Salvon Ahmed shall be amongst these gamers, as each headline our prime Week 16 fantasy waiver wire pickups and free agent provides. Pollard and Ahmed weren’t the one “handcuff” RBs to interrupt out final week, as Sony Michel additionally performed effectively in reduction of Damien Harris and Le’Veon Bell scored even earlier than Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered a possible critical leg harm. Russell Gage, Lynn Bowden, Keke Coutee, Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward, and Darnell Mooney are additionally seeing frequent targets and will discover themselves in WR3 spots subsequent week. 

Our full free agent listing incorporates a host of streamers at QB, WR, TE, and D/ST for Week 16, together with Jalen Hurts, Rashard Higgins, Tyler Eifert, and the Chargers D/ST, amongst many others. Matchups are extra vital than ever along with your season on the road, so do not be afraid to discover all prospects. The streaming choices might be discovered on the finish of this listing. 

WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Clearly, there is no cause to carry again your waiver claims now, so go all-in for whoever you may want or whoever you wish to preserve your opponent from getting. And do not be hooked up to anybody you are not going to play this week. You are higher off having viable beginning choices and emergency handcuffs (at a number of positions) in your bench than a middling participant in a nasty matchup who’s been in your staff many of the 12 months. 

WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

There isn’t any have to overthink issues relating to who you really select to begin, however be sure to give your self the perfect choices and play correct protection in opposition to your opponent. — Matt Lutovsky

Until in any other case famous, solely gamers owned in fewer than 50 p.c of Yahoo leagues thought-about.

• #1

  Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys

  Ezekiel Elliott (calf) was a shock scratch in Week 15, and Pollard took benefit, totaling 132 yards and two touchdownon 18touches. Pollard did most of his injury via the air (6-63)till a late 40-yard TD run,but it surely’s clear the Cowboys don’t have any downside leaning on him so long as Zeke is out. It is also price mentioning that Pollard had only one fewer carry than Elliott when each have been lively in Week 14. It appears seemingly that Pollard will proceed to see sufficient touches to advantage flex consideration subsequent week in opposition to Philadelphia whether or not Elliott performs or not, and if Elliott is out once more, Pollard shall be a strong RB2. —Matt Lutovsky

• #2

  Le’Veon Bell, RB, Chiefs

  Bell’s possession is all the way down to 52 p.c in Yahoo leagues, however with ClydeEdwards-Helairesuffering a serious-looking leg harm in Week 15, Bell figures to be extremely owned forward of Week 16’s recreation in opposition to the Falcons. Bell performed effectively in opposition to the Saintseven beforeCEHexitedlatein the fourth quarter, finishingwith 63 yards and a TD on 16 carries. He additionally added 14 receiving yards on his lone goal. It is cheap to anticipate Bell to get near 15 touches subsequent week, and despite the fact that Atlanta has an honest run protection, Bell shall be a primary candidate for a landing, as Kansas Metropolis ought to transfer the ball at will via the air. —ML

• #three

  Salvon Ahmed, RB, Dolphins

  In his first recreation since Week 11due to a shoulder harm, Ahmed picked up proper the place he left off, working 23 occasions for 122 yards and a TD in opposition to the Patriots in Week 15. In his three begins this 12 months, Ahmed has averaged 21 touches, but it surely’s vital to notice that each one three video games got here with Myles Gaskin (COVID) inactive. Gaskin is anticipated again subsequent week in opposition to Las Vegas, so it is unclear who will see extra touches. Each backs have performed effectively sufficient this 12 months that it is honest to anticipate considerably of a cut up, and in opposition to the Raiders’ porous protection, that places them each in flex territory. —ML

• #Four

  Sony Michel, RB, Patriots

  Michel was the first again for the Patriots on Sunday with Damien Harris (ankle) out of motion. Michel discovered a number of success in opposition to the Dolphins, as he totaled 74 yards on 10 carries and added an eight-yard catch. With the Patriots formally eradicated from the playoffs, they might take it straightforward with Harris down the stretch, so Michel must be picked up forward of a strong matchup with the Payments. Buffalo has allowed the 10th-most fantasy factors to RBs this season and simply noticed Melvin Gordon rating twice on them. Michel may discover the top zone if Invoice Belichick continues to belief him. —JC

• #5

  Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles

  Hurts was spectacular once more in his second profession begin,throwing for 338 yards and three TDs whereas including one other 63 yards and a landing on 11 carries. A matchup subsequent week in opposition to Dallas, who entered Week 15 having allowed a league-high 28 passing TDs, ought to assist him proceed his late-season surge. Most fantasy homeowners enjoying of their fantasy championship recreation seemingly needn’t stream a QB, however Hurts has a excessive ground due to his dashing capability and excessive ceiling due to the matchup, so he is effectively price beginning in case you do not belief your regular QB. —ML

• #6

  Russell Gage, WR, Falcons

  Gage continues to make the most of Julio Jones’s hamstring harm, catching five-of-10 targets for 68 yards and a TD in Week 15. Gage has seen 42 targets over his previous 5 video games, and he is now scored in three straight contests. Atlanta will seemingly should throw rather a lot to maintain up with the Chiefs subsequent week, so even when Jones is again, Gage is in play as a WR3. —ML

• #7

  Keke Coutee, WR, Texans

  Coutee continues to ascertain himself because the No. 2 goal for Deshaun Watson within the wake of the Texans’ issues at receiver. Coutee noticed seven targets in Week 15, tied for second most on the staff, and caught 5 for 53 yards and a TD. He almost had a second rating, however the ball was ripped out of his fingers close to the aim line. Coutee might be counted on as a strong WR3 in a good Week 16 matchup in opposition to the Bengals, and he may go his approach into WR2 territory in PPR leagues. —JC

• #eight

  Darnell Mooney, WR, Bears

  Mooney tied for the team-lead in targets (5) in opposition to the Vikings and caught a TD for the second time in as many weeks. Plainly Mitchell Trubisky is discovering methods to get Mooney the ball, so he might be trusted as a strong flex play with excessive growth potential in a good matchup in opposition to the Jaguars subsequent week. Jacksonville ranks backside 10 in each yardage allowed and TDs allowed to WRs this 12 months, so Mooney ought to make the most of that. —JC

• #9

  Lynn Bowden Jr., RB/WR, Dolphins

  With most of their prime receiving choices (DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki, Jakeem Grant) out in opposition to the Patriots, the Dolphins relied on Bowden as their go-to pass-catcher. Bowden noticed a team-high seven targets and caught six passes for 37 yards whereas including a nine-yard run. Bowden did not publish large numbers, however he is a superb PPR flex choice, and if the Dolphins are nonetheless lacking a few of their receivers in opposition to the Raiders, Bowden might be trusted in commonplace codecs, as effectively. —JC

• #10

  Rashard Higgins, WR, Browns

  Within the two video games previous to Week 15 Higgins averaged 9.5 targets, six receptions, 81.5 yards, and a TD. He then went out and caught four-of-five targets for a team-high 76 yards in opposition to the Giants on Sunday evening. With the Browns taking up the Jets in Week 16, Higgins may very well be an enormous waiver-wire sleeper and will have the ability to publish at the least WR3 numbers. —JC

• #11

  Jalen Reagor, WR, Eagles

  Reagor has rapidly became Jalen Hurts’ favourite goal. Reagor noticed eight targets in opposition to the Cardinals and caught 5 of them for 49 yards. Subsequent week, the Eagles have a good matchup in opposition to the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed the second-most fantasy factors to WRs this 12 months, so Reagor may have a strong recreation. Final time he performed the Cowboys, Reagor caught the one TD of his NFL profession, and he ought to have a shot at one other. —JC

• #12

  Greg Ward, WR, Eagles

  Ward did not see a number of targets in opposition to the Cardinals (5), however every of his first two catches went for TDs. Hurts evidently likes wanting the best way of the college-QB-turned-slot-man within the pink zone, so he might be added as a TD risk forward of a very good matchup. The Cowboys have allowed a league-high 24 TDs to WRs this 12 months, so Ward can definitely make the most of that. —JC

• #13

  Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs

  Watkins was fourth on the Chiefs in targets (6) in Week 15, however he ended up second on the staff in complete receiving yards in opposition to the Saints with 4 catches and 60 receiving yards. Watkins and the Chiefs are taking up the Falcons and their weak secondary in Week 16, so in case you want a flex play, Watkins ought to have a fairly excessive ceiling in that matchup. —JC

• #14

  John Brown, WR, Payments

  In his closing two video games earlier than occurring IR, Brown was focused 19 occasions and averaged seven catches for 85.5 yards per recreation. He must be able to return to motion for the Payments and will return to being their downfield risk. Brown has a matchup in opposition to the Patriots in Week 16, so that will not be straightforward, however with Stephon Gilmore (knee) banged up, all of Buffalo’s receivers will see improved matchups. —JC

• #15

  Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs

  Hardman was extra concerned within the Chiefs offense in opposition to the Saints than he has been all season. Hardman logged a season-high 9 targets and totaled three catches, 22 yards, and a TD within the recreation. With the Chiefs taking up the Falcons in Week 16 and the Falcons having allowed the third-most fantasy factors to WRs this 12 months, Hardman is a strong pickup and will emerge as a boom-or-bust flex choice. —JC

• #16

  Tyron Johnson, WR, Chargers

  With Keenan Allen (hamstring) and Mike Williams (again) banged up, Johnson stepped up for the Chargers and was very efficient in opposition to the Raiders. Jalen Guyton (Four-91) outproduced him due to an extended catch in extra time, however Johnson was in a position to catch three passes for 61 yards and located the top zone early for Justin Herbert. Johnson seems to be just like the No. three receiver for the Chargers and will proceed to be productive in a Week 16 recreation in opposition to the Broncos, who’ve struggled in opposition to WRs in latest weeks since A.J. Bouye’s suspension. —JC

• #17

  Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos

  Patrick had a two-game TD streak snapped in opposition to the Payments, however he nonetheless noticed 4 targets and can proceed to be one of many prime targets for Drew Lock within the pink zone. In Week 16, the Broncos are taking up a Chargers staff that has struggled in opposition to WRs in latest weeks and is barely under common in opposition to the place as an entire. —JC

• #18

  Chad Hansen, WR, Texans

  Hansen was solely focused 3 times in opposition to the Colts, however he was in a position to catch two passes for 55 yards and a TD. For the reason that suspension of Will Fuller, Hansen has been focused 17 occasions and has posted at the least 55 yards in each recreation. He’ll have excessive upside as a flex play in opposition to the Bengals, which had allowed the seventh-most TDs to WRs (15) coming into Week 15. —JC

• #19

  Benny Snell, RB, Steelers

  With James Conner (quad) ailing, Snell will get one other likelihood to step up as Pittsburgh’s lead again. He is had various levels of success in that function — and with a troublesome matchup in opposition to Indianapolis on deck, Snell may not have a ton of worth in Week 16 if Conner stays out — however beginning RBs all the time have upside, so Snell is price grabbing now. —ML

• Gore shouldn’t be the sexiest pickup, however he’s getting too many touches to be ignored. In opposition to the Rams, Gore carried the ball 23 occasions and generated 59 yards and a TD. These numbers could not look nice, but it surely’s vital to keep in mind that Gore was enjoying in opposition to the NFL’s finest run protection on this contest. If he will get one other 20-plus touches subsequent week in opposition to the Browns, he will definitely have an opportunity to be a flex play due to his TD upside. —JC

• #21

  Ito Smith, RB, Falcons

  Smith led the Falcons backfield in touches in opposition to the Bucs. That resulted in simply 24 yards on six carries and 9 yards via the air, however with Todd Gurley being phased virtually utterly out of the Falcons rotation, Smith has some upside. He might be added on the prospect he will get 10-plus touches in a good matchup in opposition to the Chiefs in Week 16. The Falcons could should throw rather a lot to compete in that recreation, however Smith may catch some checkdowns and be a strong flex in PPR and commonplace codecs. —JC

• #22

  Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens

  With Mark Ingram a wholesome scratch in Week 15, it seems to be like Edwards has change into the clear-cut No. 2 choice for the Ravens. Edwards received 11 touches in opposition to the Jaguars in Week 15 and turned them into 78 yards. The Ravens are enjoying the Giants and their strong protection in Week 16, however in case you want some further depth on the RB spot, Edwards is the perfect participant to focus on as a possible TD-dependent flex play. —JC

• #23

  Devine Ozigbo, RB, Jaguars

  James Robinson is reportedly coping with an ankle harm, and whereas the extent of difficulty is unknown, it is at the least potential he may miss Week 16 in opposition to Chicago. If Robinson is out, Ozigbo would seemingly deal with the majority of the carries whereas Dare Ogunbowale would combine in on passing downs. It is potential Ogunbowale would deal with the majority of the RB touches and be the higher pickup, so watch the apply stories. —ML

• #24

  Austin Hooper, TE, Browns

  No staff has allowed extra fantasy factors to tight ends than the Jets, who Hooper will see in Week 16. With Hooper’s possession falling under 50 p.c, he is a must-add in case you want a TE streaming choice. Hooper broke out out a 5-41-1 line on six targets in Week 15, so hopefully he can carry that momentum over to Week 16. —JC

• #25

  Tyler Eifert, TE, Jaguars

  In three of his previous 4 video games, Eifert has logged both 45 receiving yards or a TD, together with a three-catch, 51-yard outing in opposition to the Ravens in Week 15. In Week 16, the Jaguars are going through the Bears, who’ve given up the third-most fantasy factors to TEs this 12 months. They’ve additionally allowed seven TDs to TEs of their previous seven video games. Eifert may very well be the following in line to have a giant day. —JC

• #26

  Jordan Akins, TE, Texans

  Some could also be scared off by Akins as a result of he has dropped three potential TDs since Thanksgiving. That mentioned, he has been getting targets and simply racked up 5 catches for 50 yards in opposition to the stingy Colts protection. Akins goes up in opposition to a Bengals protection that has allowed 867 receiving yards to TEs. That was good for probably the most within the NFL coming into Week 15, so Akins ought to have an opportunity to proceed to rack up yards and be a possible top-15 TE in Week 16. —JC

• Kmet noticed simply two targets within the Bears’ win over the Vikings, catching each for 12 yards. That mentioned, Kmet nonetheless was on the sphere for many of the recreation, and he has been focused 16 occasions up to now three video games.He ought to see extra alternatives in a extra favorable matchup in opposition to the Jaguars in Week 16. Jacksonville has allowed 11 TDs to TEs this 12 months, so Kmet may have an opportunity at a TD and extra catches. —JC

• #28

  Jimmy Graham, TE, Bears

  Graham has misplaced enjoying time to Kmet in latest weeks, however he out-produced him in opposition to the Vikings. Graham logged two catches for 25 yards and noticed three targets. Like Kmet, he’ll profit from a good matchup with the Jaguars, so you possibly can be at liberty to belief Graham since he’ll see some red-zone alternatives in that contest. —JC

• #29

  Jordan Reed, TE, 49ers

  Reed ranked third on the 49ers in targets (5) in opposition to the Cowboys and caught two passes for 18 yards and a TD. The 49ers are enjoying the Cardinals in Week 16 and whereas the Cardinals have been good in opposition to TEs this 12 months, Reed will proceed to be a prime red-zone risk for the 49ers so long as George Kittle (foot) is out, so he could be a TD-dependent streamer in case you’re determined at TE. —JC

• #30

  Dalton Schultz, TE, Cowboys

  Schultz posted a line almost similar to that of Reed — two catches, 12 yards, and a TD. Schultz has seen constant targets this 12 months and is enjoying a weak Eagles protection in Week 16. Schultz is averaging about 5.6 targets per recreation this 12 months, so he might be trusted given his quantity on this matchup. —JC

• #31

  Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns

  Nearly as good because the Jets appeared in opposition to the Rams in Week 15, they nonetheless have one of many NFL’s weakest defenses. Mayfield has been on a scorching streak of late — he has 9 complete TDs in his previous three video games earlier than his Sunday evening recreation in opposition to the Giants in Week 15 — and will have the ability to decimate the Jets’ lackluster secondary. —JC

• #32

  Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Bears

  Trubisky had an honest outing in opposition to a strong Vikings protection, throwing for over 200 yards, including 34 on the bottom, and tossing one TD. The Bears are enjoying the Jaguars in Week 16, so Trubisky might be trusted in that matchup. He has performed effectively in opposition to weaker defenses and has threethree-TD video games on the season in seven begins.– JC

• #33

  Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins

  In opposition to defensive mastermind Invoice Belichick in Week 15, Tagovailoa had a strong day. He handed for simply 145 yards, however he managed to run for 2 TDs. Tagovailoa will get a a lot simpler matchup in opposition to the Raiders in Week 16. The Raiders have allowed the 10th-most fantasy factors to QBs this 12 months and are coping with some key accidents on protection, so Tua may have one other multi-TD day. —JC

• #34

  Drew Lock, QB, Broncos

  Lock solely had one TD in opposition to the Payments, however in his previous three video games, Lock has posted seven TDs in comparison with 4 turnovers (a comparatively mild quantity for him) whereas averaging 188 passing yards per recreation. Lock’s numbers aren’t spectacular, however he can certainly make the most of a very good matchup in opposition to a Chargers protection that has allowed the third-most fantasy factors to QBs on the 12 months. Lock had 248 passing yards and three TDs the final time he performed the Chargers, and if he repeats that efficiency, he must be an intriguing QB streamer or DFS play. —JC

• #35

  Los Angeles Chargers D/ST

  The Chargers are enjoying the Broncos in Week 16. In opposition to the Payments, the Broncos dedicated their 30th turnover, probably the most within the NFL, and ensured that they’d dedicated a turnover in every of the video games they’ve performed this season. The Chargers protection has been rocky all year long, but when they will stress Drew Lock and power him into some errors, they may very well be a worthwhile streamer in opposition to a Broncos staff that enables the third-most fantasy factors to D/ST items. — JC

• #36

  Philadelphia Eagles D/ST

  The Eagles protection are ranked second within the NFL in complete sacks and they’ll have an opportunity to get a number of stress on Andy Dalton and the Cowboys. Dalton has been sacked a number of occasions in three of his final 4 video games and the Eagles ought to feast on Dallas’ offensive line. That ought to give them a excessive ground, so in case you want consistency on the D/ST spot, the Eagles aren’t a nasty choice. —JC

• #37

  Carolina Panthers D/ST

  The Panthers protection simply held Aaron Rodgers’ Packers to 3 factors within the second half of their Saturday evening recreation. They’re enjoying the Washington Soccer Crew, and Washington has scored a meager 24 offensive factors of their final two video games. If the Panthers’ go rush exhibits up, they need to have the ability to proceed to decelerate the Washington offense, no matter whether or not Alex Smith or Dwayne Haskins is enjoying quarterback for the staff. —JC

• #38

  Arizona Cardinals D/ST

  The Cardinals are enjoying the 49ers in Week 16 at residence. The 49ers have had some tough outing below Nick Mullens’ watch, and he has turned the ball over at the least as soon as in his final six video games performed. The Cardinals are bettering on protection and Haason Reddick has generated a number of stress lately, so the Cardinals are a possible top-10 protection this week. —JC

• #39

  Washington Soccer Crew D/ST

  Washington is a top-five staff when it comes to complete sacks, and its protection has improved exponentially in latest weeks. That they had a few defensive TDs in opposition to the 49ers and have been in a position to largely restrict an explosive Seahawks offense in Week 15. Subsequent week, they’re taking up the Panthers and will have an opportunity to get a number of stress on Teddy Bridgewater, who has been sacked seven occasions in his previous two video games behind a banged-up offensive line lacking Russell Okung. —JC