Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups
Here we are folks, Week 16 of the NFL regular season, otherwise known as championship week for fantasy football. With one game left in the fantasy football playoffs, constructing the perfect lineup this week could be the difference between winning a few hundred dollars (and some bragging rights) or winning nothing and being one game away from glorious victory. My personal strategy for Week 16 is to forget anything I’ve learned over the course of the season and look strictly at this week’s matchup. Some studs who have carried you this far may cost you the week, while no-name players could be the reason why you win your league. There were several big hit plays in last week’s article and I think this week will be filled with even more potential league-winners.
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Quarterbacks
Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles | Rostered in 33.1% of ESPN leagues
Can we take a moment to recognize that Jalen Hurts has made the Eagles offense 10X better since taking over as their starter? The rookie out of Oklahoma has been on fire through his first two starts, rushing for 169 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries, while throwing for over 250 yards-per-game and four touchdowns. Hurts is an explosive dual-threat and he was impossible to stop on Sunday against Arizona, with over 400 total yards to his name. This week he leads the Birds into battle with an abominably bad Cowboys defense that will likely be without Leighton Vander Esch. Hurts has the potential to drop 40+ fantasy points once again this week and is a must-start for anyone who doesn’t have Patrick Mahomes.
Baker Mayfield
Cleveland Browns | Rostered in 27.3% of ESPN leagues
Mayfield’s second-half resurgence has been marvelous. He once again looks like the guy we saw in 2018 who set a record for touchdown passes by a rookie. I don’t think Mayfield has gotten enough credit for his play this season, as he’s been much more than a game manager, with 35 money throws (tied with Patrick Mahomes for the second-most in the NFL) and a true passer rating of 121.3 (top-five in the NFL). With the dismal Jets on the slate this week, Mayfield is a legit QB1 for any teams in need of a starting quarterback.
Running Backs
Tony Pollard
Dallas Cowboys | Rostered in 34.9% of ESPN leagues
Pollard started Sunday’s game in place of Ezekiel Elliott and played better than we’ve seen any Cowboys’ running back play this season. The second-year back rushed for 69 yards and a pair of touchdowns against a stingy 49ers’ defense while adding six receptions for 63 yards as well. Pollard’s outburst likely sent several teams to their league’s championship game, and he could be a great play once again if Elliott is out against the Eagles this week. As Dallas looks toward their future, it appears as though Pollard may be the RB1 in 2021 and these upcoming games will give the team a great gauge of whether he can be “the guy”.
Salvon Ahmed
Miami Dolphins | Rostered in 24.2% of ESPN leagues
Ahmed single-handily kept Miami’s playoff hopes alive with his performance this week. The rookie ran for 122 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, setting the tone for the rest of the team with his inspired play. While Myles Gaskin will be returning this week, it’s hard to imagine Ahmed losing too many touches after this week’s performance. While we could see a 50/50 split between the former University of Washington teammates this week, the Raiders’ defense is not very good against the run and both could be startable flex plays.
Jeff Wilson Jr.
San Francisco 49ers | Rostered in 50.1% of ESPN leagues
Wilson has been at the forefront of San Francisco’s running back committee for the better part of this month. Raheem Mostert left Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys and it’s very possible that the team will be shutting him down in order to avoid further injury. If Mostert is out this week, Wilson is a great start against the Cardinals’ defense. He’s been their go-to guy in the red zone so at the very least he’s got some touchdown upside.
Wide Receivers
Kendrick Bourne
San Francisco 49ers | Rostered in 2.1% of ESPN leagues
Bourne has had some good games this season, with another coming this week against the Cowboys. With Deebo Samuel’s season over, Bourne is the unquestioned WR2 for this team right now. He’s far from a sexy option but there’s a good chance that he delivers a double-digit receiving performance this week.
Tre’Quan Smith
New Orleans Saints | Rostered in 7.1% of ESPN leagues
Smith has been enticing yet underwhelming since coming into the NFL. However, this could be the week that he finally puts it together. Facing a deflated Vikings secondary with Drew Brees back under-center and Michael Thomas on IR, Smith is my “living on a prayer” play of the week. While he left this contest due to an ankle injury, Smith should be okay to go this week.
Jalen Guyton
Los Angeles Chargers | Rostered in 1.6% of ESPN leagues
Guyton has been a solid piece for Los Angeles this season, stretching the field well for Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are limping to the finish line (literally) and both could be game-time decisions this week. If one or both is out, Guyton is a great upside play against the Broncos. The North Texas product caught four passes for 91 yards this week against the Raiders, filling in brilliantly for the hampered Allen.
Tyron Johnson
Los Angeles Chargers | Rostered in 2.6% of ESPN leagues
While Guyton played great it was Johnson who really caught my eye. The rookie caught three passes for 61 yards and a touchdown, his second consecutive game with a touchdown reception. When he’s been involved in the offense, Johnson has been an incredible playmaker, as his first three career receptions were all 50+ yards. I think it’s very possible that we see him and Guyton start for the Chargers this week, and if that’s the case then both are startable in my eyes.
Tight Ends
Dawson Knox
Buffalo Bills | Rostered in 1% of ESPN leagues
Knox is a player who I’ve always liked and he’s been a solid contributor in the last month, with nine receptions for 99 yards and three touchdowns in his last four games following Buffalo’s bye week. I don’t love his matchup with the Patriots this week, but I do believe that Knox will see some volume. Josh Allen has looked towards him often in the red zone as well, so don’t be surprised if he hauls in a TD this week.
