UNtangling the Waiver Wire (Fantasy Football 2020 – Week 16)

If you are reading this, you are definitely either in the finals, some money round, or you must really like me. Whichever it is, I find that a good thing. I mean, I am fairly likeable.

This week, I am going to place these waiver wire picks in the exact order I would add them for each position as well. I don’t always do that. If you have FAAB left, just use it all, and get your guys.  Also, if you do not need a running back, but you know because of injuries your opponent does, add in the order provided as long as you are not giving up someone you may need or is a keeper. People often underestimate the benefit of a nice block.

NOTE: If you are new around here, this column refers to players rostered in under 50% of Yahoo, ESPN, and Sleeper Leagues.

Quarterbacks

Jalen Hurts – Hurts had 338 yards and 3 touchdowns passing, plus 63 yards and a touchdown rushing, in Week 15. I had him here last week. If you are streaming QB, he is playing the Cowboys in Week 16. 40% rostered on Yahoo, 46% rostered on ESPN, and 11% rostered on Sleeper.

Baker Mayfield – Mayfield is playing the Jets in Week 16. He passed for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 15 against the Giants. Frankly, he’s been on a tear. 47% rostered on Yahoo, 35% rostered on ESPN, and 43% rostered on Sleeper.

Tua Tagovailoa – Tua gets to play the Raiders, a defense that gets torched weekly by the pass in Week 16. Tua also ran for 2 touchdowns against the Patriots defense in Week 15. I look at him as a viable option in Week 16. 21% rostered on Yahoo, 31% rostered on ESPN, and 48% rostered on Sleeper.

Other Quarterbacks to consider: Marcus Mariota and Mitch Trubisky

Running Backs

Tony Pollard – Ezekiel Elliott got badly needed rest in Week 15. Pollard carried the load, filling the stat sheet with 69 yards and two touchdowns rushing and 6 receptions for 63 yards receiving. If Zeke is out again, you want Pollard in your lineup. 47% rostered on Yahoo, 47% on ESPN, and 54% rostered on Sleeper.

Le’Veon Bell – Bell became the primary ball carrier for the Chiefs in Week 15 due to an injury to rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire. IF CEH is out, Bell will be the Chiefs main man running the ball. If you don’t see value in that, I honestly can’t help you much. 55% rostered on Yahoo, 59% on ESPN, and 67% rostered on Sleeper.

Other running backs to consider: Leonard Fournette, Jeff Wilson, and Benny Snell.

NOTE: If available, I would make Darrell Henderson my first add at running back. He rostered in over 60% of leagues.

Wide Receivers

Russell Gage – OK people, my own research told me to play him last week and I felt I must be wrong. Beezy and Paulie told me to play him and still it just felt wrong. Guess what? Sometimes things that seem wrong are just oh so good. Averaging over 8 targets a week for three straight weeks, Gage has caught two touchdowns and thrown another. I would play him against the Chiefs Week 16. 24% rostered on Yahoo, 31% on ESPN, and 23% rostered on Sleeper.

Rashard Higgins – Higgins has been in this column before. He is trusted by Mayfield, gets targets, and produces yards. The Browns play the Jets Week 16. The opportunity to play him is now. 25% rostered on Yahoo, 26% on ESPN, and 35% rostered on Sleeper.

Darnell Mooney – If you are desperate, Mooney has been getting touches. Up against the Jaguars and their bottom 10 pass defense in Week 16, Mooney could be looking at 5 catches for 50 yards and touchdown. 25% rostered on Yahoo, 41% on ESPN, and 28% rostered on Sleeper.

Other wide receivers to consider: Tim Patrick, Keke Coutee, and Mecole Hardman

Tight Ends

Nothing to see here for Week 16. If you don’t have this position figured out somewhat and made it this far, please read  Kyle Larson’s Stream Options for Week 16.

Thanks for checking out our waiver wire column. For more great content from the Undroppables, follow us on Twitter, follow @MikeReedyFF for more great content, and visit back soon for Mike’s weekly Money Makers and Heart Breakers.

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