Week 16 marks the semifinal round in most fantasy football leagues, but heading into this critical juncture, many managers find themselves desperately seeking replacements for injured superstars. With the fantasy playoffs hanging in the balance, let’s dive into the top free agents to target on the waiver wire.
Quarterback Pickups for Patrick Mahomes Managers
The fantasy world held its collective breath when Patrick Mahomes went down with an ankle injury in Week 15. While his status remains uncertain, savvy managers should prepare a contingency plan. Here are the top QB streaming options:
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (43.8% rostered)
Vintage Rodgers returned in Week 15, torching the Jaguars for a season-high 30 fantasy points. With a receiving corps featuring Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson, Rodgers gets enviable matchups to close out the fantasy season against the Rams, Bills, and Dolphins.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (39.4% rostered)
Don’t let last week’s weather-induced dud deter you. Stafford has Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp at his disposal and draws friendly matchups with the Jets, Cardinals, and Seahawks, including two home games. Fire him up as a high-end QB2.
Running Back Replacements for David Montgomery
Fantasy managers who rode David Montgomery into the playoffs just received devastating news – a sprained MCL will likely sideline the Bears’ workhorse for the remainder of the season. If you didn’t handcuff Jahmyr Gibbs, consider these widely available options:
Craig Reynolds, Detroit Lions (0.2% rostered)
Next man up in Detroit, Reynolds instantly becomes fantasy-relevant behind an offensive line ranked 13th in run block win rate. The Lions’ remaining schedule features plus matchups against the Panthers, Bears, and Packers. Reynolds offers RB2 upside in this dynamic offense.
Sincere McCormick, Las Vegas Raiders (32.6% rostered)
Monitor the ankle injury that knocked McCormick out of Week 15, because he could be a league-winner if he suits up. The rookie has earned a featured role and would feast against the Jaguars, Saints, and Chargers. Stash him if you have an available IR spot.
Wide Receiver Sleepers to Stream
If you need receiver reinforcements, shift your gaze to Lambeau:
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (40.4% rostered)
Touchdown regression hit at the perfect time for Doubs. The rookie has led Green Bay in routes run and could thrive in approaching matchups with the Vikings and Lions, two of the most generous secondaries to opposing wideouts.
Tight End Waiver Wire Gem
At fantasy’s thinnest position, one name stands out above the rest:
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (2.0% rostered)
With Evan Engram done for the year, Strange immediately steps into a full-time role. He garnered 12 targets last week and gets a dream schedule against the Raiders, Titans, and Colts, three of the most exploitable defenses versus tight ends. Strange has legitimate top-5 upside at the position.
Remember, the waiver wire is your ticket to surviving and advancing in the fantasy football playoffs. As the old adage goes, you can’t win your league at the draft, but you can win it with savvy pickups and start/sit decisions down the home stretch. May the fantasy gods be with you in Week 16 and beyond.
