NFL Week 16 is upon us, which means it’s time to scour the fantasy football waiver for the top pickups of the week ahead of Wednesday.
Whether you’re looking to replace a top player who sustained an unfortunate injury or eyeing darkhorse players who have popped out of nowhere through the first few games of the season, fantasy football experts Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon have you covered with their best Week 16 waiver wire adds.
NFL Week 16 Waiver Wire Breakdown
As usual, the duo hopped on the Fantasy Flex pod on Tuesday and discussed all things related to Week 16 waiver candidates. Among the players highlighted are a few players available in over 60% of leagues. Find out more below.
Make sure to check their weekly fantasy football rankings by subscribing to FantasyLabs’ 2024 fantasy football kit to see how other waiver wire candidates look this week.
NFL Week 16 Waiver Wire Adds
* Availability in home leagues is noted in parentheses.
Quarterback
Anthony Richardson (44%)
- He’s still available in around half of leagues. Hopefully, you aren’t needing to add a QB from the waiver wire to start in the semifinals.
- He had a brutal game as a passer and still finished QB15, thanks to his 7/46/1 rushing line.
- That was a tougher matchup against the Broncos.
- This week is more of an average matchup against the Titans, but it’s at home. He still has rushing upside.
- He’s a high-ceiling play, so add/use him if you are an underdog.
Running Back
Kendre Miller (88%)
- Alvin Kamara is questionable with a groin injury.
- If he were ruled out, Kendre would require a max bid.
- Maybe since Kamara is questionable, we can get him cheap.
- Saints are huge underdogs this week against the Packers. It might not make sense to push Kamara when their playoff chances are essentially toast.
- Derek Carr ruled out for rest of season.
- Might want to see what they have in Kendre, a 3rd round pick last year. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
- I think he’s pretty good; my comp was Aaron Jones.
- 9/46/0 rushing line. I bet we see him more involved in the passing game if Kamara is out too.
- Low-end RB2 if Kamara is out.
Alexander Mattison (63%) / Sincere McCormick (59%)
- Both RBs got banged up last week. Sincere left the game with an ankle injury and didn’t return.
- No clue if he suits up this week, but this is a good matchup against the Jaguars, closer to a pick ’em.
- If Sincere is unable to suit up, Mattison would likely be the lead back and offer RB3/Flex value.
- People who need an option at RB would want to have 1-2 of these backs and see how it works out.
- Again, I am writing this Tuesday morning, and it will feel like weeks go by before these teams play Sunday. No clue if Sincere will play or not.
Wide Receiver
Romeo Doubs (62%)
- You want to have enough depth at WR to have hit on 1-2 guys in order to have 4-5 solid WRs.
- If you need a plug-and-play, Doubs is my highest-ranked WR, who is available in 50%+ of leagues as my WR42.
- He returned last week with a 3/40/2 game.
- I like his TD upside vs. NO. The Packers have the second-highest team total, but he does have a lower floor if he doesn’t score since it should be more of a run-heavy game plan.
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry (51%)
- Coming off a bit of a dud (4/25/0), but scored about the same 0.5 PPR points as Brock Bowers.
- Pats are massive underdogs against the Bills; it should be a pass-heavy game script, which helps.
- Only 1 TD on the season, not too crazy playing for a low-scoring team but should still be due for more TDs going forward.
- Opens the week as my TE9.
Defense
Packers (49%)
- I was already tipping people off about this in the discord that they would be the defense streamer for Week 16.
- Their ownership has gone up; people should have been proactive about it.
- Great spot against the Saints.
- Spencer Rattler should start; he should be good for some sacks and maybe a turnover.
- The Saints have by far the lowest team total.
Kicker
Chase McLaughlin (51%)
- Still one of the most underrated kickers
- Made all 4 FGs last week
- Gets to play indoors here
- TB has one of the highest team totals of the week
