So, you’ve made it through the grueling regular season, patched up your lineup during those pesky bye weeks, and now you’re staring down the fantasy playoffs. Kudos to you! Your dedication and strategy have paid off. But wait—did you just realize you were relying on Derek Carr? Or that you were banking on Jonathon Brooks and Bucky Irving to lead you to victory in these crucial weeks? And to top it off, you spent your entire waiver wire budget last week? Don’t lose hope just yet! There’s still time to scour the waiver wire and discover players who are still available in your league to help you make a playoff push.
Our weekly Waiver Wire Watchlist column dives deep into advanced statistics, using Aaron Schatz’s DVOA metrics and FTN’s detailed charting data to pinpoint players with favorable short-term matchups. We’re not just looking for players who might be good; we aim to identify potential breakout stars a week before they explode onto the scene. We’ve successfully called out players like JK Dobbins, Jauan Jennings, and Jerry Jeudy before they had their breakout moments. Why waste your FAAB dollars or waiver priority on someone later when you can snag them for free right now?
Fantasy football waiver wire watchlist: Week 16
Reminder: This list was compiled in the lead-up to Week 15, focusing on players who could become hot waiver wire targets ahead of Week 16. If you have a roster spot to spare, consider these free agent options to beat the rush.
All players listed have less than 50 percent ownership in either ESPN or Yahoo leagues unless stated otherwise.
Week 16 fantasy waiver wire watchlist: QB
Jameis Winston, QB, Cleveland Browns (34% owned in ESPN leagues/20% owned in Yahoo leagues)
Reason: High-risk, high-reward option
Time Frame: Rest of season
Winston has been our go-to recommendation for those in need of a quarterback, and we’re sticking with him. You won’t find a more prolific passer available on the wire. Other backup quarterbacks are usually limited in their attempts, but Winston has thrown the ball over 40 times in most of his starts this season. He’s topped 20 fantasy points in half of his games and has even surpassed 25 points twice. Sure, he might throw a few interceptions, but if you lost Carr or are just streaming quarterbacks, you could do much worse.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets (34%/42%)
Reason: Favorable opponent schedule
Time Frame: Weeks 15-16
If you’re holding out hope for Carr’s return, Rodgers could be your best shot at getting to the championship. The Jets face the Jaguars and Rams in the next two weeks, both of which are favorable matchups for fantasy quarterbacks. Jacksonville, in particular, allows 28% more fantasy points than average to QBs. Rodgers recently topped 300 yards against Miami, and while he might struggle against Buffalo in the championship week, that’s a concern for another day.
More Quarterback Options
- Drake Maye (rushing value, rest of season)
- Will Levis (opponent schedule, rest of season)
- Cooper Rush (opponent schedule, Weeks 15-16)
- Bryce Young (surprising improvement, rest of season)
Week 16 fantasy waiver wire watchlist: RB
Sincere McCormick, RB, Las Vegas Raiders (31%/23%)
Reason: Potential RB1
Time Frame: Rest of season
Finding clarity in the Raiders’ backfield has been a challenge, but McCormick is making a case for himself. After speculation about Alexander Mattison reclaiming the top spot, it seems McCormick is the one to watch. His snap and carry share have increased over the past three weeks, and he ranks third in rushing DYAR since taking over as the starter. The Raiders face tough matchups this week, but with Jacksonville and New Orleans on the horizon, there could be plenty of opportunities for him to shine.
Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns (41%/31%)
Reason: Increased workload
Time Frame: Rest of season
Nick Chubb hasn’t looked like himself since returning from injury, prompting the Browns to give Ford more touches. He’s received double-digit carries in his last two games, and with Chubb’s struggles, it’s likely Ford will continue to see increased work. If you’re searching through free agents, Ford is worth a gamble.
More Running Back Options
- Tyjae Spears (handcuff stash, rest of season)
- Tyler Allgeier (handcuff stash, rest of season)
- Kimani Vidal (increased workload, rest of season)
- Alexander Mattison (Raiders RB roulette, rest of season)
Week 16 fantasy waiver wire watchlist: WR
Cedric Tillman (33%/36%) and Elijah Moore (21%/22%), WR, Cleveland Browns
Reason: Return to health
Time Frame: Weeks 16-17
Tillman has been sidelined with a concussion but returned to practice, which is promising. He was leading the Browns in target share before his injury, making him a solid option for the fantasy playoffs. If he doesn’t clear protocol in time, Moore could step up as the deep threat, making him a worthwhile backup option.
Devaughn Vele, WR, Denver Broncos (14%/3%)
Reason: Championship Week stash
Time Frame: Week 17
Vele had a quiet game recently, but he’s shown potential with at least four touches in previous outings. His Week 17 matchup against a struggling Cincinnati defense could be a game-changer, making him an intriguing option for the final stretch.
More Wide Receiver Options
- Romeo Doubs (return from injury, rest of season)
- Xavier Legette (improved offense, rest of season)
- Keon Coleman (return from injury, rest of season)
Week 16 fantasy waiver wire watchlist: TE
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots (43%/61%) and Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders (48%/64%)
Reason: Returning from byes
Time Frame: Rest of season
This season has been tough for tight ends, but Henry and Ertz are back from their bye weeks and ready to contribute. Henry is a low-ceiling, high-floor option, especially with the Patriots likely to be in pass-heavy situations. Ertz has been consistently scoring double-digit fantasy points, making him a reliable choice as well.
More Tight End Options
- Cole Kmet (increased workload, rest of season)
- Juwan Johnson (increased workload, rest of season)
- Will Dissly (opponent schedule, Week 17)
- Noah Fant (opponent schedule, Week 16)
Week 16 fantasy waiver wire watchlist: Defense
For Week 15:
- Commanders at Saints (Jake Haener)
- Cardinals vs Patriots (Drake Maye)
- Falcons at Raiders (Aiden O’Connell or Desmond Ridder)
- Bengals at Titans (Will Levis)
For Week 16:
- Packers vs Saints (Jake Haener)
- Raiders vs Jaguars (Mac Jones)
- Falcons vs Giants (Tommy DeVito)
- Colts vs Titans (Will Levis)
For Week 17:
- Chargers at Patriots (Drake Maye)
- Titans at Jaguars (Mac Jones)
- Bengals vs Broncos (Bo Nix)
- Colts at Giants (Tommy DeVito)
As you gear up for the fantasy playoffs, remember that the waiver wire can be your best friend. Make those strategic pickups, and you just might find the missing piece to your championship puzzle!
