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Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups: Michael Carter's Volume Spike Makes Him a Must-Add
These players are generally available in at least 70% of Sleeper leagues and ranked in order of priority, by position.
Your bid should vary by format and situation. Need help at RB? Prioritize that position. All set there? Then, you probably don’t need to chase the top guys.
As we approach the end of the season, feel free to make aggressive bids to secure the players you want.
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Contents:
- Quarterbacks
- Running Backs
- Wide Receivers
- Tight Ends
- Injuries to Watch
- Handcuffs
- Top Streaming Defense
- Top Streaming Kickers
Quarterbacks
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
QB11 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 6-8%
What Changed?
Stroud had his second-highest fantasy output of the season against the Cardinals in Week 15. He threw for 260 yards and 3 TDs in Houston’s 40-20 win.
Stroud also hit double-digit rushing yards for the ninth time in 11 starts.
What’s the Outlook?
The Texans have won six straight, with Stroud starting the last three. In Week 16, the Texans host a hapless Raiders team that just accumulated 75 yards of offense in a shutout loss to the Eagles.
Houston is the biggest favorite of the week. Injuries to RBs Woody Marks and Nick Chubb could also motivate a passing lean.
Look for the Texans to try to get out to a quick lead against an opponent that will be hard-pressed to mount any credible offense.
Stroud is a viable streaming option with top-12 upside in Week 17.
Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
QB22 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-7%
What Changed?
Washington has ruled Jayden Daniels out for the rest of the season, leaving Mariota to start the rest of the way.
Mariota made his seventh start in relief of Daniels in Week 15, throwing for 211 yards, 1 TD, and adding 43 yards on the ground.
What’s the Outlook?
The QB switch won’t have a drastic effect on Washington’s offense. Mariota has been solid filling in for Daniels:
- Week 3 - QB6
- Week 4 - QB19
- Week 8 - QB19
- Week 10 - QB13
- Week 11 - QB8
- Week 12 - QB3
- Week 13 - QB19
Mariota’s rushing ability gives him a decent floor as a mid-range QB2 this week in a neutral-to-negative matchup against the Eagles, but Week 17 looks much more palatable.
Washington hosts a Dallas squad that surrenders the most fantasy points to QBs. Daniels was injured in his previous game against Dallas, but still posted QB13 numbers.
If you are looking for a streamer to stash, add Mariota now for less than he’ll command next week.
Running Backs
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals
RB28 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 25-35%
What Changed?
Bam Knight suffered a “bad” ankle sprain in Arizona’s Week 15 loss to Houston. We aren’t expecting Knight to suit up this week, which sets up Carter to be the Cardinals’ latest No. 1 RB.
After Knight went down, Carter dominated playing time in Arizona’s backfield. He got 79% of the Cardinals’ snaps, commanded 70% of the RB carries, and drew an 11% target share.
Carter out-touched Emari Demercado 18-3.
What’s the Outlook?
Sunday was Demercado’s first game back after missing three with an ankle injury. But his lack of involvement seemed telling. From Weeks 9-11, Demercado played 33% of Arizona’s snaps and accounted for 39% of the backfield carries.
In Week 15, he was only in on 11% of the Cardinals’ snaps and got one carry despite Knight’s injury.
Carter looks poised to be Arizona’s lead back in Week 16, with Demercado mixing in as a change-of-pace option.
Potential volume puts Carter in the RB3/Flex radar this week against an Atlanta defense that surrenders the 13th-most fantasy points to RBs.
If Knight remains out in Week 17, Carter will be in the RB2 conversation against a Cincinnati defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing RBs.
Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals
RB45 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What Changed?
Perine matched his season-high with 14 carries against the Ravens, one more than Chase Brown. Since returning from an ankle injury, Perine has played 42% of Cincinnati’s snaps and accounted for 45% of the backfield’s carries.
Perine has hit 14 carries in two of Cincinnati’s last three games and played 73% of the team’s long down and distance snaps.
What’s the Outlook?
Perine is averaging 11.3 carries per game in his last three, but hasn’t been as involved as a receiver. Miami has allowed the sixth-most receptions to RBs (68), so the Bengals may look to exploit that this week.
Cincinnati ends the season with the 12th-most friendly schedule for RBs, which includes a Week 16 trip to Miami and a Week 17 matchup with an Arizona team that cedes the fourth-most fantasy points to RBs.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
RB53 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What Changed?
Baltimore ran for 189 yards against Cincinnati. Derrick Henry led the way with 11 carries for 100 yards, while Mitchell played 40% of the team’s snaps and rushed 8 times for 66 yards.
Per Pro Football Focus, Henry only played four more snaps than Mitchell in the first half, and both backs played evenly in the third quarter.
What’s the Outlook?
Mitchell is averaging a robust 7.6 yards per carry. He has averaged 72 rushing yards in the Ravens’ last two and has averaged 8.4 fantasy points per game since Week 13, RB31 during the stretch.
Mitchell has finished as a weekly RB3 in Baltimore’s last three games, and the Ravens have shown more willingness to get their ancillary backs more involved, particularly as receivers.
Since Week 11, Mitchell leads Baltimore’s backfield with a 7% target share and 31% targets-per-route-run rate.
Baltimore’s remaining schedule, which ranks as the second-toughest for RBs, includes a Week 16 matchup against the Patriots, who allow the third-fewest fantasy points to RBs, followed by a Week 17 trip to Green Bay in another bottom-10 matchup.
The tough schedule should assure Mitchell continues to have a role. He’s a deep-league stash, especially if you’re looking to add Henry’s handcuff for the fantasy playoffs.
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
RB62 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Starter RJ Harvey exited Week 15 with a rib injury in the final 2 minutes. That timing makes it tough to know whether Harvey could have re-entered.
McLaughlin entered the game on Denver’s next series and carried the ball for a 2-yard gain. Besides Harvey, he was the only Broncos’ RB to receive a rush attempt.
What’s the Outlook?
We’ll keep an eye on Harvey’s status this week. If Harvey does miss, the Broncos would split time between McLaughlin and Tyler Badie. McLaughlin would be the better bet to lead in carries. Badie carried just twice through Denver’s first 13 games but has garnered 25 targets.
McLaughlin has only averaged 3.6 yards per carry on 19 attempts this season. We’d expect the Broncos to be more pass-heavy if Harvey misses time, especially with a remaining schedule that ranks third-toughest for RBs.
If Harvey is ruled out, McLaughlin would be a modest flex option in deeper leagues against Jacksonville this week and vs. the Chiefs in the fantasy finale.
Wide Receivers
Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
WR33 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What Changed?
Coker came off a bye to catch all four targets for 60 yards and 1 TD in Sunday’s loss to the Saints. The score blended Coker's smooth route running with his budding connection alongside Bryce Young. They’ve combined for a strong 75.8% catch rate on 29 targets.
Coker has also scored in back-to-back games and led Carolina with a 23% target share over that span.
What’s the Outlook?
Coker enters the spot-start discussion for a Week 16 matchup with Tampa Bay. The Bucs have allowed the second-most passing yards in the league. They’re also thin in the secondary, as starting CB Zyon McCollum landed on IR on Monday.
Coker’s fantasy appeal will fade a bit for Week 17, with Carolina hosting a Seahawks unit that’s fourth-toughest in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
WR41 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What Changed?
Slayton drew a season-high 10 targets against Washington in Week 15. Those 10 looks tied Wan’Dale Robinson to lead the Giants, and Slatyon finished 1 yard behind his teammate.
Slayton's 39 routes were his most since Week 2 and continued a three-game trend of increased participation.
He has scored at least 9.3 PPR points in each of his last four healthy games.
What’s the Outlook?
Slayton ranks second in New York’s WR corps with an 80% snap rate and 15% target share. That volume keeps Slatyon as a flex option in deeper leagues.
Sunday’s matchup against the Vikings -- who give up the fewest fantasy points to WRs -- caps Slayton’s upside. But a Week 17 tilt against the Raiders looks promising. Vegas yields the seventh-most points to the position.
There’s WR3 potential in that matchup.
Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets
WR40 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-7%
What Changed?
Brady Cook looked overwhelmed in his first NFL start, as expected, throwing for 148 yards and 3 INTs. But Cook threw a 9-yard TD to Mitchell, who had a solid outing overall.
Mitchell led the Jets in targets (nine), receptions (6), and receiving yards (58).
Since debuting with the Jets in Week 11, Mitchell leads the team in route rate (87%) and target share (27%).
What’s the Outlook?
Mitchell has finished among the top 14 PPR receivers two of the past three weeks, despite playing in one of the worst QB situations in the league.
We should get some clarity on HC Aaron Glenn’s QB plans by Wednesday. Tyrod Taylor (groin) is the most credible passer, but Cook flashed good chemistry with Mitchell.
We’ll also keep an eye on Garrett Wilson’s status. If Wilson returns, Mitchell’s volume would take a hit. (But holding Wilson out the rest of the way sure seems more sensible from here.) Even a return by Wilson, though, likely wouldn’t knock Mitchell’s playing time.
Mitchell looks like a risk-reward play in low-WR3 range the rest of the way.
Tre Harris, Los Angeles Chargers
WR49 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Quentin Johnston injured his groin at practice last Friday and was ruled out for Sunday’s game at Kansas City.
Harris filled in for Johnston and ran his most routes (27) since Week 2. He also tied a season-high with five targets and posted his most receiving yards (49) in a game.
What’s the Outlook?
We’ll be on the lookout for updates on Johnston’s health, but you should prepare for a multi-week absence if you roster him.
The Chargers’ passing attack has been scuffling, but Harris’s 84% snap share and 82% route rate against the Chiefs were encouraging.
Harris looks like a solid flex option in Week 16 as the Chargers travel to Dallas to take on a Cowboys defense that cedes the most fantasy points to WRs.
Tight Ends
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams
TE12 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-12%
What Changed?
Parkinson set a career-high with 24.5 PPR points against the Lions.
Two TDs helped, but the veteran also notched a season high in yardage (75) and tied a season high in target share (19%).
What’s the Outlook?
It’s much improved, and not just because of Sunday’s outing. Parkinson has now finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in five of his past six outings.
There’s also Davante Adams’ hamstring injury. He’ll miss at least Thursday’s game vs. Seattle, opening up a 25% target share and a huge red-zone role. Adams ranks second league-wide with a 35.6% RZ target share.
Meanwhile, QB Matthew Stafford leads the position in red-zone passing scores (28). That only boosts Parkinson’s appeal as a TE1 candidate vs. the Seahawks.
A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks
TE20 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Rookie TE Elijah Arroyo landed on IR ahead of Week 15.
Barner beat his season-average in route rate, 77% to 66%, in Sunday’s win over the Colts. He narrowly topped his season-long target share (16% to 15%), snagging three of six targets for 27 yards.
What’s the Outlook?
Barner has proven volatile this season, but the ceiling makes him interesting in deeper formats this week. The second-year pro has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in five games.
Now, with Arroyo out, Barner’s playing time should remain at an attractive level. Week 16 brings a Rams unit that allowed him 10 catches (on 11 targets) and 70 yards in Week 11.
Injuries to Watch
- Davante Adams (hamstring)
- Woody Marks (ankle)
- Christian Watson (chest)
- Bam Knight (ankle)
- Tee Higgins (concussion)
- Luther Burden (ankle)
- Rome Odunze (foot)
- Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle)
RB Handcuff Top 10
| RANK | PLAYER | TEAM | LAST WEEK |
| 1 | Blake Corum | Rams | 1 |
| 2 | Zach Charbonnet | Seahawks | 2 |
| 3 | Kenneth Gainwell | Steelers | 3 |
| 4 | Kyle Monangai | Bars | 4 |
| 5 | Emanuel Wilson | Packers | 9 |
| 6 | Tyler Allgeier | Falcons | 6 |
| 7 | Samaje Perine | Bengals | 7 |
| 8 | Jordan Mason | Vikings | 8 |
| 9 | Devin Singletary | Giants | 5 |
| 10 | Brian Robinson Jr. | 49ers | 10 |
Top Streaming Defense
New Orleans Saints vs. New York Jets
The Saints continue to be overlooked on defense. In Week 15, they held the Panthers to 281 total yards and 17 points. That helped New Orleans improve to 11th overall in defense (311.2 yards per game), and sixth versus the pass (180.6 yards per game).
In Week 15, New Orleans held Bryce Young to 154 passing yards – their fifth straight game holding an opponent under 190 and registering at least one turnover.
That streak looks likely to extend to six in Week 16 as the Saints host a New York Jets team that hasn’t hit 160 passing yards in four of their last five games. With undrafted Brady Cook filling in at QB, the Jets have turned the ball over 3 times in back-to-back games, and Cook has been sacked 9 times.
New York ranks 29th in total offense (275.5 yards per game), allows the third-most sacks (50), and is tied for the third-most giveaways (20).
This is an ideal matchup for a Saints squad that has won back-to-back games and could very well close out the season with five straight wins with their remaining schedule. The team’s defense will also be in play next week as they travel to Tennessee to take on a Titans’ offense that is even worse than the Jets.
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Check our Week 16 DST streamers for more insight.
Top Streaming Kickers
- Charlie Smyth, Saints
- Zane Gonzalez, Falcons
- Andres Borregales, Patriots
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Our Week 16 PK rankings have more streaming options and are continuously updated throughout the week.
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