Week 16 fantasy football waiver wire: These next-men up could save your season
See which players are worth adding to your fantasy football roster ahead of Week 16's action.
With another stud QB going down with a season-ending injury, and a host of other banged-up players. Week 16 arrives at a brutal time for fantasy managers navigating their playoff landscape.
Patrick Mahomes (ACL) is out for the season, while Davante Adams (hamstring) could miss a crucial Thursday night game. Several running backs are also banged up — including RJ Harvey, Woody Marks, Zonovan Knight, and Devin Neal — with Knight likely out this week. At wide receiver, Christian Watson (chest) is in danger of missing Saturday’s matchup in Chicago.
With championships on the line, the waiver wire once again becomes a survival tool rather than a luxury. Below are the top players to target ahead of Week 16 — plus FAAB recommendations and matchup context for each position.
Current ownership percentage based on Yahoo fantasy football leagues at the time of publishing.
Week 16 waiver wire cheatsheet
🤕 Week 16 pain index
Quarterbacks to add in Week 16
J.J. McCarthy (MIN) — Streamer
35% owned
McCarthy has quietly become one of the more reliable fantasy streamers over the past two weeks, producing six total touchdowns and finishing as a top-10 QB in back-to-back games against Washington and Dallas. After a rough midseason stretch, he’s finally benefiting from soft matchups — and that trend continues against the Giants, who remain one of the league’s most generous defenses to opposing quarterbacks. With confidence growing and his rushing ability providing a stable floor, McCarthy is a strong QB2 streamer in championship week. FAAB: 1–2%
Others to stream: C.J. Stroud (HOU); Tyler Shough (NO); Gardner Minshew (KC)
Running backs to add in Week 16
Michael Carter (ARI) — Top priority
5% owned
After Bam Knight was carted off with an ankle injury, Carter immediately took over Arizona’s backfield and handled true bell-cow volume. He finished with 18 touches for 94 yards, out-snapping Emari Demercado 53–7, even in a negative game script against Houston’s elite defense. With Trey Benson on season-ending IR and Knight likely out in Week 16, Carter profiles as one of the rare plug-and-play RB options available this late in the year. Matchups against Atlanta and Cincinnati only add to the appeal.
Blake Corum (LAR) — Top priority
40% owned
Corum continues to deliver fantasy starter production despite technically being Kyren Williams’ backup. He’s rushed for 70+ yards and a touchdown in three straight games, averaging 17.8 fantasy points over that stretch. The Rams may lean even more heavily on their running game with Davante Adams sidelined, and Corum’s double-digit carry totals make him a viable RB3/Flex even in a tough matchup against Seattle. While his ceiling is matchup-dependent, the volume and touchdown equity are real.
FAAB: 10–12%
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) — Streamer
48% owned
With Chris Rodriguez Jr. sidelined by a groin injury, Croskey-Merritt stepped into the lead role and delivered 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. While the Eagles present a tougher matchup, Washington may continue evaluating the rookie during a lost season. If Rodriguez is ruled out again, Croskey-Merritt becomes a viable RB3/Flex with upside based on sheer workload.
FAAB: 5–8%
Others to stream (depending on injuries): Jawhar Jordan (HOU); Audric Estime (NO); Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN)
Wide receivers to add in Week 16
Jayden Reed (GB) — Top Priority
41% owned
With Christian Watson dealing with a chest injury and Green Bay likely to be cautious, Reed once again tops the waiver list at WR. Even with Watson active recently, Reed has produced 108 scrimmage yards over two games, reminding managers of his ceiling. As a rookie, Reed finished WR23 with 10 touchdowns despite limited snaps, and in 2024, he was a WR1/2 through nine weeks before usage dipped. If Watson sits, Reed immediately profiles as a WR3/Flex with top-20 upside. FAAB: 10–12%
Luther Burden III (CHI) — Streamer
17% owned
Burden’s status hinges on his ankle, but when healthy, he’s been Chicago’s most reliable target with Rome Odunze sidelined. He’s led or tied for the team lead in targets in three straight games and averaged 12.7 fantasy points over his last two. If Odunze remains out — or limited — Burden is a strong WR3/Flex against a Packers defense that’s struggling to contain opposing receivers. FAAB: 8–10%
Others to stream: Troy Franklin (DEN); Devaughn Vele (NO); Jayden Higgins (HOU)
Tight ends to add in Week 16
Colby Parkinson (LAR) — Streamer
4% owned
Parkinson is one of the hottest players in fantasy football, scoring six touchdowns in his last six games and ranking as the TE4 in points per game since Week 10. He just posted a season-best 5/75/2 line and now faces his former team on Thursday night. Seattle has struggled against tight ends, and with Adams potentially sidelined, Parkinson could again see heavy red-zone usage.
Others to stream: Darren Waller (MIA); Coleston Loveland (CHI); Dalton Schultz (HOU)
D/STs to add in Week 16
Bills (BUF) — Streamer
54% owned
Savvy managers have already stashed the Bills, Chiefs, or Niners for this week. Buffalo draws Cleveland, whose implied team total (16) is one of the lowest of the week. The Browns’ quarterback issues are compounded by offensive line injuries, and the Bills have quietly forced an interception in seven of eight games since their Week 7 bye. While not elite week-to-week, this matchup gives Buffalo both floor and upside in a critical playoff week. FAAB: 1–2%
Others to stream: Saints (NO); 49ers (SF); Vikings (MIN)
Others to stash (Week 17): Patriots (NE); Saints (NO); Cowboys (DAL)
Kickers to add in Week 16
Eddy Pineiro (SF) — Streamer
17% owned
Pineiro returned from a hamstring injury and didn’t miss a beat, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points in Week 15. He’s now a perfect 25-for-25 on field goals this season and averages 10.6 fantasy points per game. An indoor matchup against Indianapolis only strengthens his profile as the top widely available kicker this week. FAAB: 1–2%
Others to stream: Jake Elliott (PHI); Andy Borregales (NE)