Week 15, the first week of the fantasy playoffs, is just about wrapped up. We are one step closer to that championship. This article will discuss the key players worth picking up to help improve your roster. We will discuss what they have done and why they are important players to pick up on rosters. We will also discuss whether they are worth spending that number one waiver claim and how much FAAB percentage you should use on them.
The Week 16 waiver wire is starting to have names you will want to pick up to help your championship roster. There is a nice mix of players who all produced in Week 15 and should have value moving forward.
Jerome Ford, RB – CLE
Our top running back pickup for Week 16 is Jerome Ford. He is primed to take over the starting running back role in the Browns’ backfield. Starter Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot in Week 15 that will put him out for the season. While most of Ford’s fantasy production came on a 62-yard touchdown run, he is still an option for your lineups in Week 16. While Ford isn’t playing as he did in 2023, he can be a usable asset in fantasy lineups for a manager who is lacking in starting running backs. Cleveland will face off against the Bengals, who allowed Tony Pollard to score a rushing touchdown this week and TyjaeSpears to see 87 receiving yards. We know that the receiving game was Ford’s specialty for fantasy. In early 2024, Ford averaged ten fantasy points per game. Ford is a top pickup if you need running back help or attempt to stop your opponent from getting a possible starter. I’d also like to take this time to mention Tyjae Spears, but he is over the 40% ownership tier.
- Top Waiver Priority – Yes
- FAAB % – 20%
Kendre Miller, RB – NO
We have another possible running back starter widely available in fantasy leagues. Saints Kendre Miller could be in line to see a big workload in Week 16. Starting running back Alvin Kamara left Week 15 with a groin injury and did not return to the game. This week, Kendre Miller had a solid game with nine carries for 46 rushing yards. He had a few 10-yard runs in the fourth quarter after Kamara left the game. Kamara may play in Week 16, but if there is a chance he doesn’t since the Saints season is over, then Kendre Miller would likely get a bulk of the workload. The Saints should get Miller some reps since he has barely played during this two-year career. Miller would get a decent matchup in Week 16 as he faces the Packers. The Packers don’t have a strong run defense, so Miller’s explosiveness could break some big runs in that game. Miller is averaging 4.6 YPC on 28 attempts this season, so getting a bigger workload could end up doing well for Miller. You should pick him up before we find out if Kamara is playing in Week 16.
- Top Waiver Priority – Yes
- FAAB % – 15%
Aaron Rodgers, QB – NYJ
While you may not need a quarterback, as the fantasy playoffs move into round 2, your quarterback pick-up is Aaron Rodgers. He has played better football over the last four games by averaging 18.5 fantasy points. He is coming off his best performance in that stretch with 290 yards and three passing touchdowns. Rodgers has finally gotten his connection going with Davante Adams, which can be dangerous. He will face off against the Rams in Week 16. They have been a bottom-10 defense against fantasy quarterbacks this year. If you still struggle to trust your quarterbacks in the semifinals, then Rodgers could be worthy of the gamble to pick up and play in Week 16.
- Top Waiver Priority – No
- FAAB % – 2%
Brenton Strange, TE – JAX
Our tight end pickup for Week 16 should be Brenton Strange of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars’ original starter, Evan Engram, landed on the IR with an injury this past week. This made Brenton Strange see the starting role again, and he did not disappoint. He would be second in targets with 12 and catch 11 of those targets for 73 yards. The last time Strange was the starter, he averaged eight fantasy points per game from Week 2 to 5. This time, there aren’t as many options for the Jaguars to trust in the offense outside of Brian Thomas Jr. Strange could help lead you to a fantasy championship by giving solid production in your tight end spot. He gets an elite matchup in Week 16 versus the Raiders. They are a bottom-three defense against fantasy tight ends and have allowed 50-plus yards in 3 straight games. Strange is a pick worth picking up in Week 16.
- Top Waiver Priority – Yes
- FAAB % – 10%
Malik Washington , WR – MIA
This next waiver wire pick-up for Week 16 should be Malik Washington from the Dolphins. This may be a hold-and-see type of pick, but if you are desperate, then Washington could help. Jaylen Waddle left in Week 15 with an injury and did not return to the game. Washington would have his best receiving day of his career with five receptions for 52 yards. He would lead this team in receiving yards over players like Jonnu Smith and Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins will face off against the 49ers in Week 16 and likely double down on covering Hill, allowing Washington to see potentially plenty of one-on-one coverage. Washington has elite speed that fits the Dolphin’s offense perfectly. This pick-up only works if Jaylen Waddle misses Week 16, but Washington has game-winning upside that is worth throwing on your bench if you can.
- Top Waiver Priority – No
- FAAB % – 8%
Jalen McMillan, WR – TB
Our last pick-up should be able to help you in Week 16, which is Jalen McMillan. The rookie receiver has stepped up in the last few weeks in fantasy. In the previous two games, McMillan has 9 receptions for 135 yards and 3 touchdowns. It seems the Buccaneers offense is changing once again as McMillan is getting a more significant role, and players like Cade Otton and the backfield are seeing fewer targets. McMillan will face off against Dallas in Week 16. Dallas has a shakey secondary, and they continue to deal with injuries, which could be a great matchup for McMillan. McMillan has finally caught up to the game and is healthy after dealing with injuries in the first part of the season. McMillan offers FLEX value for your semifinal matchup that is worth adding to your roster if you need some upside for your team.
- Top Waiver Priority – No
- FAAB % – 10%
Photos by Icon Sports Wire and Adobe Stock | Adapted by Carlos Leano