Deeper League Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16

December 22, 2020

Rishi Patel identifies players at QB, RB, WR, and TE to target or add from the waiver wire in deep fantasy football leagues for Week 16 of the 2020 NFL season.

We are now entering the heart of the playoffs and the stakes are even higher at this point in the fantasy season. For those who made it this far, congrats, and I wish you all the best as you look to close out the season on top of your league.

At this point, there are two weeks left in the NFL season and many players of impact are likely not available on waivers. Nevertheless, there are still a few serviceable options you could potentially grab these last couple of weeks, so let’s get to it!

As usual, players are rostered at or below 15% in Yahoo leagues.

Free Agent Quarterbacks

Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears- 13% rostered

Though much-maligned, Trubisky has come in these past four weeks for the Bears and posted at least 200 yards in all four games. He also has eight touchdowns to only three picks in that span. The QB hasn’t been playing as bad as many would expect and is thus worth consideration.

Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys- 13% rostered

Dalton now has at least 200 yards in four of the last five games along with 10 touchdowns to three picks. The veteran has been quite serviceable lately as the Cowboys look to make a playoff push (hopefully). With his recent numbers, Dalton could be worth a look as a streaming option.

Gardner Minshew II, Jacksonville Jaguars- 12% rostered

Minshew Mania is briefly back in Jacksonville to conclude the 2020 season and the QB posted 226 yards with two touchdowns in Week 15. The QB has had decent games this season, including three 300-yards outings. Thus, he’s worth stashing.

Marcus Mariota, Las Vegas Raiders- 1% rostered

Derek Carr is currently dealing with a groin injury and former Titan Marcus Mariota may have to start a game or two to close out the season. Nevertheless, Mariota was quite impressive in Week 15 in relief of Carr. The Oregon product had 226 yards with a touchdown and pick, along with nine rushes for 88 yards and a score. He’s certainly worth a look if you need QB help.

Free Agent Wide Receivers

Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears- 10% rostered

Mooney has certainly emerged as a factor on this Bears offense in 2020. In the past two games, the WR has two touchdowns. He also has at least four receptions, five targets, and 43 yards in two of the past three games. Though his numbers sometimes fluctuate, his role is solid. Mooney is a great addition.

Denzel Mims, New York Jets- 8% rostered

In five of seven games played this season, Mims has seen at least four targets. The rookie also has at least 40 yards in six of seven games. The Jets’ offense has been somewhat respectable in the past few weeks, so Mims isn’t a bad choice to stash.

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers- 7% rostered

In the past six games, Bourne has at least four targets, including several contests with at least six targets. The 49ers are injured all over the place, but Bourne has been a consistent factor this season. He has had over 40 yards in three of the past six games and his role is overall decent enough to merit a stash for your fantasy team.

Zach Pascal, Indianapolis Colts- 5% rostered

Pascal has been streaky this season, but he had five receptions for 79 yards and two scores on six targets in Week 15. Though the WR can sometimes go cold during any given week, he could also have monster games like this past one. He’s worth stashing as depth.

Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles- 3% rostered

Ward’s yardage total has been all over the place this season, but he does have three touchdowns in the past three games. He has also seen at least five targets in all three of those games too. With Philly’s WR corp mostly injured or inexperienced, Ward is not a bad choice to pick up.

Chad Hansen, Houston Texans- 2% rostered

Though Hansen was unknown a month ago, he has broken out into the fantasy spotlight in just the past few weeks. The WR has emerged as a solid option for Deshaun Watson. He has had seven targets in two of the past three games and at least 55 yards in the past three games. He’s showing some great consistency and is a solid pickup for the end of the fantasy season.

Jalen Guyton, Los Angeles Chargers- 1% rostered

Guyton has been streaky all season, but there’s no denying his explosiveness. In Week 15, the WR had four receptions for 91 yards on six targets. Overall, he’s had four games this season with at least 49 yards. He’s worth a stash.

Free Agent Tight Ends

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears- 12% rostered

Kmet has seen at least seven targets and gotten at least 37 yards in the past two games. The rookie was expected to have a bigger role in this offense eventually and he now looks to finish out 2020 strong. Based on his recent sample size, Kmet is worth adding.

Tyler Eifert, Jacksonville Jaguars- 6% rostered

In eight of the past nine games, Eifert has seen at least four targets and he also has at least 45 yards in two of the past three games. Overall, the size of his role in this offense has been quite encouraging in the past nine games and his numbers have been decent too as of recent. To close out the season, Eifert is one of the strongest adds at TE.

Jordan Akins, Houston Texans- 4% rostered

Akins has had six targets in the past two games and posted 50 yards in Week 15. The Texans are thin on receiving talent right now, prompting Akins to get more looks. Thus, he’s worth grabbing for your fantasy squad.

Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills- 2% rostered

Knox now has four targets in each of the past three games for this streaking Bills squad. The TE hasn’t had the biggest role on the team this season, but he’s also had at least 27 yards along with two touchdowns in the past three games too. He’s worth stashing as he is the TE1 of the Bills.

Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 1% rostered

Even though he is the TE2 on the Bucs, Brate has seen at least four targets and 34 yards in two of the past three games. While not that impressive overall, the consistency is good and for a fantasy position devoid of tons of elite talent, Brate is worth a look.

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