Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups - Fantasy Football Free Agent Adds and Stashes (2025)

Rob's Week 16 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds, stashes, and sleepers to target for 2025. His top waiver wire adds for Week 16 at RB, WR, TE, QB, K, D/ST.

We are now two weeks away from crowning a fantasy football champion. Two more victories. That's all that stands between us and immortality, or at the very least, year-long bragging rights. This week brought several running back injuries, which could create a busy waiver wire week.

However, it doesn't seem that many of the injuries are serious, which will leave a lot of fantasy managers in either a holding pattern or trying to make educated guesses on what will transpire throughout the week. Injuries to Woody Marks (ankle) and R.J. Harvey (ribs) are the two biggest storylines that fantasy managers need to be following this week, along with Luther Burden III (ankle).

Be sure to also check out our free Who Should I Pickup? tool and compare up to four free-agent players at once -- we'll tell you who to pick up. Please use the promo code "BOOM" to get 10% off our premium subscription tools. Now, let's get to the best waiver wire adds for Week 16. If you've been reading this article all year, I just want to say thank you as we approach the end of the season.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16

RB3's

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 35.7% Rostered

Rodriguez missed Week 15 due to a groin injury. Before that, he had been operating as Washington's starting running back. While they were using a committee approach, Rodriguez was the primary ball-carrier and their first choice in the backfield once they got close to the end zone.

Since Week 9, Rodriguez has either 10+ carries or a touchdown in every game. During this five-game stretch, Rodriguez has scored over 7.5 half-PPR points in four of them, including two double-digit performances. He has not scored more than 13, however. This is a committee-backfield in Washington, which caps his upside, but Rodriguez is the primary rusher and the preferred goal-line option.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt played well in Rodriguez's absence, which will be something to watch moving forward. Croskey-Merritt's performance could once again change this into more of a committee than fantasy managers would like. However, given how well Rodriguez had been playing, he's worth adding. Fantasy managers do need to watch his injury status and practice availability this week.

Priority Adds

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders - 47.9% Rostered

As noted above, Rodriguez missed Week 15 due to a groin injury. He was deemed a game-time decision, indicating, at least on some level, that he was close, but he was ultimately ruled out. Croskey-Merritt had been relegated to No. 3 on the depth chart, but Rodriguez's being out moved him back to being the team's primary early-down back, with Jeremy McNichols working as the third-down and pass-catching back.

Bill Croskey-Merritt sprints in from 16 yards out!

WASvsNYG on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/OeWJ4KI7jG

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

Croskey-Merritt was given 18 carries and was effective with them, finishing with 96 yards and a touchdown en route to 15.6 half-PPR points. It's possible that Rodriguez returns next week and Croskey-Merritt returns to the No. 3 role he occupied the week prior. However, it's also possible his performance has given him a second chance at a consistent role.

There's also a chance Rodriguez's groin doesn't respond as well as they hope, and Croskey-Merritt is the starter again. The latter two possibilities make him a priority add this week.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 29.7% Rostered

Corum is the best handcuff in fantasy football. That alone deserves consideration for your weekly waiver claim this week. However, Corum has also been more involved as of late. In the past three weeks, Corum has had four touchdowns and has surpassed 70 rushing yards in all three.

#Rams Week 15 RB Usage

- Kyren Williams: 54% snaps, 15 carries, 15 routes, 1 target (88 yds, 2 TDs)
- Blake Corum: 46% snaps, 11 carries, 10 routes, 0 targets (71 yds, TD)

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) December 15, 2025

Earlier in the year, Corum was nothing more than a handcuff. Now, however, Corum is a reasonable RB3 start. He's a bit touchdown-dependent, but with how effective and explosive the Los Angeles offense is, Corum will have plenty of opportunities week-to-week.

Potential Starters/Injury-Impacted RBs with Upside

Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - 1.0% Rostered

R.J. Harvey left late in the fourth quarter due to a rib injury. At this time, there have been limited reports regarding the severity. If Harvery is unable to play in Week 16 or if he's limited in any way, McLaughlin would likely be the biggest beneficiary. J.K. Dobbins (foot) is still on IR, so the Broncos will be short-staffed if Harvey can't go.

If Harvey is inactive for Week 16, McLaughlin would likely be ranked as an upside RB3 play. Denver would likely use another running back to handle early rushing downs and, potentially, goal-line situations, which would limit McLaughlin's appeal. However, if Harvey is out, McLaughlin should be expected to handle 12-14 touches, giving him flex appeal.

Jawhar Jordan, Houston Texans - 0.0% Rostered

Nick Chubb didn't play this past weekend due to a rib injury, but was questionable heading into Sunday and could return in Week 16. Starter Woody Marks left midway through the second quarter due to an ankle injury. Following the injury, Jordan became the Texans' primary running back.

Woody Marks exited with an ankle injury. Other Texans RB Week 15 usage

- Jawhar Jordan: 44% snaps, 15 carries, 8 routes, 2 targets (118 yds, 13.8 fantasy pts)
- Dare Ogunbowale: 33% snaps, 5 carries, 10 routes, 4 targets (34 yds)

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) December 14, 2025

This is a difficult situation because we don't know if Jordan would have any role at all if Chubb were active. Adding Jordan is a crap shoot of sorts, but if you're desperate for a running back, he could be worth the dice roll.

Bam Knight - 41.2% Rostered, Michael Carter - 9.1% Rostered, and Emari Demercado - 8.8% Rostered, Arizona Cardinals

Knight was carted off due to an ankle injury in Week 15. He's been the team's primary starter the past few weeks; however, fantasy managers need to be highly cautious when adding him. Arizona's season is lost, which could lend itself to a more careful approach to injuries. Demercado had been dealing with an injury, as well, and while he was active when Knight went down, it was Carter who got the majority of the work.

Michael Carter Week 15

- 79% snaps
- 14 carries, 56 yards
- 29 routes, 4 targets, 4 rec, 38 yds
- 13.4 fantasy points

Bam Knight was carted off with an ankle injury

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) December 14, 2025

Given the fact that Knight was carted off, fantasy managers should prioritize Carter and Demercado. It'll likely be a committee approach where they may end up sticking with whoever is the most effective. That outcome would leave fantasy managers playing a guessing game. Some fantasy teams may be desperate for a running back starter, and if that's you, adding both of these guys could be an option, and waiting to hear some coach talk throughout the week to determine who might be the best bet.

Evan Hull - 0.0% Rostered and Audric Estime - 0.0% Rotered, New Orleans Saints

Alvin Kamara (knee) has missed the past few games with a sprained MCL. He wasn't placed on IR, indicating there's optimism that he'll play again this season. He has not practiced since the injury, which could mean he's still another week away. Since the injury, it's been rookie Devin Neal who has been the Saints' primary running back.

However, he hurt his hamstring this past weekend and didn't return to the game.

Following his absence, Hull and Estime were the primary running backs for the Saints. It was a committee approach, which limited both their appeal. The offense also limits their fantasy value. Both of them profile as nothing more than an RB4, but they have some upside in that one of them could become the hot head, or we may get more insight into what a Hull-Estime backfield could look like.

Adding either of them is more of a "wait and see" approach.

RB4/5s with High Contingency Value

• Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 22.8% Rostered
• Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 33.2% Rostered
• Devin Singletary, New York Giants - 34.9% Rostered
• Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings - 55.8% Rostered

RB5/6s With Contingency Value

• Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 37.2% Rostered
• Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 14.4% Rostered ***(De'Von Achane missed practice time with a rib injury, but was removed from the injury report. Something to watch in tonight's game)***
• Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 1.8% Rostered
• Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals - 6.0% Rostered
• Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 32.3% Rostered
• Nick Chubb, Houston Texans - 39.3% Rostered

Pure Running Back Handcuffs

• Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 24.8% Rostered
• Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles - 18.2% Rostered ***(Saquon Barkley seemingly got banged up, but was able to return to the game. Something to watch throughout the week)***
• Malik Davis, Dallas Cowboys - 0.2% Rostered ***(Javonte Williams also got banged up, was held for a few series, but eventually returned. Also, something to watch this week)***
• Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 5.0% Rostered
• Ameer Abdullah, Indianapolis Colts - 0.3% Rostered
• Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 6.7% Rostered
• Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 3.5% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.4% Rostered
• Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 19.2% Rostered

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16

Must Add

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears - 15.1% Rostered

Burden is surging. He has three catches in six consecutive games. He has four catches in three straight games, and he has over 65 yards in the past two games. He did hurt his ankle this past weekend, which will be something to watch. Rome Odunze (foot) has missed the last two games, which has expanded Burden's role in the offense, but he's shown he's plenty capable. Burden is a must-add this week.

Odunze is reportedly dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, so while he may return in Week 16, we may still see Burden, assuming he's healthy, continue to be heavily involved in the offensive game plan. He's leading the team in yards per route run and target rate.

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers - 45.9% Rostered

Reed returned in Week 14, and he's now been over 7.0 half-PPR points in both games he's appeared in since returning. This past weekend, Reed led the team in receiving yards. Christian Watson left the game and was transported to the hospital due to a chest injury. If Watson is unable to play in Week 16, Reed should be viewed as the Packers' No. 1 receiver.

Micah Parsons is also believed to have torn his ACL. He's been their best defender all year, and without him, the Packers may need to lean on their offense a bit more. If Reed is still on the waiver wire, he should be viewed as a WR3 with upside and is a must-add.

WR4/5s with some Upside

• Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans - 38.4% Rostered
• Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets - 29.6% Rostered
• Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers - 3.5% Rostered
• Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots - 27.3% Rostered

Potential WR5/6s

• Devaughn Vele, New Orleans Saints - 7.3% Rostered
• Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers - 40.7% Rostered
• Pat Bryant, Denver Broncos - 2.2% Rostered
• Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys - 5.2% Rostered
• Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders - 3.0% Rostered
• Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars - 14.1% Rostered
• Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons - 45..8% Rostered
• Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts - 48.0% Rostered
• Isaiah Bond, Cleveland Browns - 0.3% Rostered
• Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills - 44.2% Rostered
• Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans - 20.8% Rostered
• Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans - 9.2% Rostered
• Darius Slayton, New York Giants - 22.2% Rostered
• Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks - 49.9% Rostered

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16

Must Add

Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears - 40.4% Rostered

Odunze is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, Burden hurt his ankle this past weekend, and D.J. Moore has been very inconsistent this season. Given the state of Chicago’s receiver group, depending on their health, Loveland may be Caleb Williams’ No. 1 target in Week 16.

Since Week 12, the rookie tight end has seen at least five targets in each contest and has averaged 10.9 PPR points per game during this stretch.

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams - 10.5% Rostered

Parkinson has now caught six touchdowns in his last six games. He’s coming off the best game of his career. On Sunday afternoon, Parkinson brought in five of his seven targets for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Davante Adams hurt his hamstring in their Week 15 victory, and head coach Sean McVay all but guaranteed he’d miss time.

Colby Parkinson is going to EAT on Thursday night vs. his former team in Seattle https://t.co/4JgxQnAsNJ

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) December 15, 2025

The Rams are using more 13-personnel (three tight ends on the field) than any other team in football. Parkinson has become a part of the weekly game plan and, given the team’s explosive offense, boasts significant touchdown upside as we’ve seen. With Adams in serious danger of missing their contest on Thursday, Parkinson has a clear path to operate as the team's No. 2 pass catcher.

High-End TE2s with Upside

• Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans - 54.7% Rostered

pic.twitter.com/Yg9EhXHwkc
Here's Dalton Schultz's seventh catch today, a touchdown from C.J. Stroud @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 14, 2025

• Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 46.9% Rostered

TE2s with Some Upside

• Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars - 32.6% Rostered
• Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins - 19.4% Rostered
• Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints - 58.0% Rostered

Deep, Deep League Options

• Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals - 3.9% Rostered
• AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks - 16.0% Rostered
• Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens - 24.9% Rostered
• Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers - 4.0% Rostered
• Evan Engram, Denver Broncos - 41.9% Rostered
• Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans - 5.7% Rostered
• Gunnar Helm - Tennessee Titans - 0.6% Rostered
• Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers - 5.2% Rostered

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16

Must Add

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 47.4% Rostered

Since Week 5, Lawrence is averaging 21.9 PPG. Over this stretch, Lawrence is the QB3 behind only Josh Allen and Jaxson Dart. Over these 10 games, Lawrence has scored 19 or more points in 6 of them. This includes a 26.24 and this past weekend, a 44.3-point performance. Since their Week 8 bye, Lawrence has scored 15 or more points in six out of seven games and has been above 19 in four of them.

Count 'em... 6️⃣ TDs for Trevor Lawrence pic.twitter.com/FwNQvLbHG8

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

Lawrence is playing some of his best ball of the season. The acquisition of Jakobi Meyers has greatly helped, and Brian Thomas Jr. has seemingly returned to form. Lawrence can score points with his legs, an essential aspect of fantasy value. Lawrence has Denver in Week 16, which is a tough matchup, but he gets a solid matchup in Week 17 against the Colts. He scored 19.36 points against them in Week 14.

Mid-QB2s

• Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals - 44.1% Rostered

Back-End QB2s

• Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints - 6.9% Rostered
• J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings - 30.5% Rostered
• C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans - 51.7% Rostered
• Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks - 44.9% Rostered

QB3s

• Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons - 3.6% Rostered
• Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers - 23.9% Rostered
• Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers - 11.5% Rostered
• Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns - 7.3% Rostered
• Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins - 12.1% Rostered
• Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans - 6.0% Rostered

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 16

• Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans - 30.3% Rostered
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers - 36.6% Rostered
• Detroit Lions vs Pittsburgh Steelers - 60.7% Rostered
• Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns - 43.7% Rostered
• Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears - 55.1% Rostered
• Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants - 38.2% Rostered

Waiver Wire Parameters for This Article

A few rules and notes about this weekly waiver wire article. Every league is different, with varying roster formats and sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different. Even the host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that differ from Yahoo! 's, which in turn differ from CBS's or Sleeper's, and all of this affects which players are drafted and which are not.

We only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of 60% or less. For running backs and receivers, that number drops to 50%. We don’t delve too deeply into defenses, but I highlight a few streamers to target each week.

Positions are also categorized into different groups, such as RB3 or a potential league-winner to stash. You’ll need to know your roster and what to look for on the waiver. From there, each positional group is arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. We use ESPN’s roster percentages for this article.

For example, if you are looking for immediate value, you might be more interested in someone like Burden than Bryant right now because Burden is more likely to score points in the short term. Know your team and your team’s needs. If you’re healthy and your starting roster is strong, shoot for upside.

As a reminder, please use promo code "BOOM" at checkout for an additional 10% off any NFL Premium package.

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