Finding the right Fantasy Football Week 16 waiver wire targets can make or break your season. With injuries, breakout performances, and shifting depth charts after Week 15, the waiver wire is packed with must-add players who can give your roster an edge. Whether you’re looking for a running back to replace an injured starter, a wide receiver with breakout potential, or a quarterback stream for Week 16, we’ve got you covered with the top waiver wire pickups you need to prioritize.
Michael Carter, RB (ARI)
Rostered: 5%
Michael Carter has emerged as one of the most intriguing waiver wire targets in fantasy football after taking over as Arizona’s lead back in Week 15. With Bam Knight exiting early due to an ankle injury and Emari Demercado struggling to maintain a significant role, Carter handled an every-down role against an elite Texans defense. He finished with 14 carries for 56 yards and added four receptions for 38 yards, showing both rushing and receiving utility. Carter also out-snapped Demercado 53-7 in a negative game script, a strong indicator of coaching trust. With Trey Benson officially done for the season, Carter now sits atop a very thin Cardinals backfield. That workload alone makes him one of the safer running back adds available this late in the season.
Looking ahead, Carter has a favorable path to RB2 production in fantasy football with upcoming matchups against the Falcons and Bengals. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, increasing the likelihood that Arizona will have a better game script to maintain the rushing volume. Even if Demercado regains some passing-down work, Carter projects to lead the team in carries and could realistically approach 20 touches in one of the next two weeks. While managers may not feel comfortable starting him immediately, Carter is a strong waiver wire add for depth, matchup-based starts, or simply blocking opponents. Monitor Knight’s injury closely, but Carter currently offers rare volume upside in December. In shallow and deep leagues alike, he’s a priority pickup.
Darren Waller, TE (MIA)
Rostered: 35%
Darren Waller is once again a compelling waiver wire target in fantasy football, largely due to his underlying usage metrics and remaining schedule. While his box-score production hasn’t jumped off the page, the efficiency and role are encouraging. Waller previously averaged 15.2 PPR points per game from Weeks 4–6 before his injury, reminding managers of his ceiling. His reduced playing time in Week 14 was largely due to Miami blowing out its opponent. With his health trending in the right direction, Waller remains a high-upside tight end option.
The Dolphins’ remaining schedule significantly boosts Waller’s fantasy football appeal. Miami faces the Steelers, Bengals, and Buccaneers, all of whom rank inside the top 12 in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. The Bengals, in particular, have been the most generous defense to the position this season. Any tight end facing Cincinnati belongs in fantasy starting lineups, making Waller a strong waiver wire addition for managers streaming the position. While he carries some risk, his upside surpasses most available tight ends. If he flashes against Pittsburgh, Waller could be a league-winning play down the stretch.
Dalton Schultz, TE (HOU)
Rostered: 49%
Dalton Schultz continues to be one of the most underrated waiver wire targets in fantasy football, especially in PPR formats. Since Week 3, Schultz ranked as the TE11 in fantasy points per game while commanding an 18.2% target share and nearly 50 receiving yards per contest. Despite limited touchdowns earlier in the season, his role in Houston’s offense has been steady and reliable. That usage finally translated into a ceiling game in Week 15, when Schultz posted a massive 31% target share, eight receptions, 76 yards, and a touchdown. His recent involvement solidifies his status as a dependable weekly option. For managers who value floor and consistency, Schultz checks every box.
Schultz’s upcoming schedule makes him even more appealing on the fantasy football waiver wire. He faces the Raiders in Week 16, a team that has clearly packed it in defensively, followed by the Chargers and a nice matchup in Week 18 against the Colts. At worst, Schultz provides a safe floor with his volume in the passing game, which won’t sink a playoff matchup. His lack of flashy efficiency has kept him widely available, but that’s a market inefficiency savvy managers should exploit, looking for more stability at the position. Schultz is a strong TE1 add and arguably the top tight end pickup available this week.
Colby Parkinson, TE (LAR)
Rostered: 4%
Colby Parkinson has quietly become one of the hottest tight ends in football after scoring six touchdowns over his last six games. In Week 15 alone, Parkinson turned an 18.4% target share into five catches, 75 yards, and two touchdowns, marking the best performance of his career. The Rams’ heavy usage of 13 personnel has drastically increased his snap share and red-zone opportunities. Parkinson played all 46 snaps in 13 personnel last week, highlighting how locked-in his role has become. With Tyler Higbee on injured reserve, Parkinson has seized control of the tight end room. Few available tight ends offer his current touchdown equity.
The situation becomes even more attractive with Davante Adams dealing with a worsening hamstring injury. If Adams misses time, the Rams could continue deploying heavy personnel at a historic rate, keeping Parkinson heavily involved near the goal line. Upcoming matchups against the Seahawks and Cardinals further enhance his fantasy football outlook, as both defenses rank inside the top eight in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. Seattle, his next opponent, has been especially vulnerable at the position. Parkinson may not offer consistent yardage, but his scoring upside is undeniable. He’s a premium waiver wire add who can be started immediately in Week 16.
Luther Burden, WR (CHI)
Rostered: 17%
Luther Burden III has steadily emerged as a strong contributor and is now a strong waiver wire option at wide receiver. Over the past three weeks, Burden has posted a 16% target share and an impressive 2.28 yards per route run. With Rome Odunze sidelined, Burden stepped up in Week 15, leading the Bears with six catches and 84 receiving yards despite playing just 39% of the snaps after leaving with an injury. His efficiency and first-read usage suggest his role is more meaningful than the snap count implies. Burden has increasingly become Chicago’s primary slot option in 11 personnel. When the ball comes his way, he’s producing at a high level.
Burden’s ankle injury introduces some uncertainty, but if he avoids missing time, he should be rostered in all fantasy football leagues. Even with Odunze healthy, Burden has shown he can command meaningful volume in a part-time role. He already posted 67 yards against Green Bay earlier this season and follows that matchup with a favorable game against San Francisco. If his health checks out, he’s a priority waiver wire add with Flex upside. Monitor injury reports closely before finalizing bids.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB (WAS)
Rostered: 48%
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has re-entered the fantasy football waiver wire conversation after delivering his best performance of the season in Week 15. With Chris Rodriguez Jr. sidelined by a groin injury, Croskey-Merritt handled the bulk of early-down work, rushing 18 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. He was clearly more effective than Jeremy McNichols, who managed just 22 total yards and coughed up a fumble. While McNichols handled passing-down duties, Croskey-Merritt dominated the rushing workload. His efficiency and decisiveness stood out on film and in the box score. If Rodriguez remains out, Croskey-Merritt’s role is secure.
Looking ahead, Croskey-Merritt offers volume-based Flex appeal in fantasy football, particularly if Washington can keep games competitive. The Commanders face the Eagles and Cowboys next, both of whom have allowed above-average production to running backs. Game script will be key, as negative scripts favor McNichols, but Croskey-Merritt has the clearest path to double-digit carries. He’s a strong waiver wire add for managers seeking rushing volume or injury insurance. If Rodriguez misses another week, Croskey-Merritt becomes a viable playoff starter. Even if Rodriguez returns, the rookie’s strong showing could earn him continued work.
Jayden Reed, WR (GB)
Rostered: 41%
Jayden Reed is trending upward as a waiver wire target in fantasy following his return from a collarbone injury. Over the past two weeks, Reed has logged a route share above 65% and has tied for the team lead in first-read targets. In Week 15, he led the Packers in receiving yards with five catches for 55 yards. Reed’s usage remained steady even after Christian Watson exited with a chest injury, and his role could grow if Watson misses time. Historically, Reed’s fantasy production has spiked when Watson is out of the lineup. His versatility allows Green Bay to deploy him all over the formation.
With upcoming matchups against the Bears and Ravens, Reed has a realistic path to WR2 or WR3 production in fantasy football. Both defenses have been favorable to wide receivers, particularly in the intermediate areas where Reed thrives. While Green Bay rotates pass-catchers, Reed’s target efficiency and first-read usage separate him from the pack. He’s a strong PPR Flex option with upside, especially if Watson’s injury lingers. Reed should be rostered in all competitive leagues and is a top waiver wire addition this week. His floor and ceiling combination make him extremely appealing late in the season.
Blake Corum, RB (LAR)
Rostered: 40%
Blake Corum continues to gain traction as a strong option after posting double-digit carries in back-to-back games. Over his last three contests, Corum has scored four touchdowns while averaging nearly 50% of the offensive snaps. Even against a tough Lions defense in Week 15, he turned 11 carries into 71 yards and a score. The Rams appear comfortable running a near-even backfield split between Corum and Kyren Williams. With the offense humming, both backs are producing consistently. Corum’s increasing snap share suggests his role is no longer just complementary.
The Rams’ potential loss of Davante Adams could further tilt offensive emphasis toward the run game. That scenario would only enhance Corum’s value as a Flex option in fantasy football. His role-by-drive rotation gives him consistent opportunities, particularly near the goal line. While Williams remains the lead back, Corum’s touchdown equity keeps him fantasy relevant. He’s a strong waiver wire add for managers seeking depth or a matchup-based starter. If anything does happen to Williams, Corum automatically becomes a top 12 RB as well. In deeper leagues, Corum is nearly a must-roster player heading into Week 16.
Marcus Mariota, QB (WAS)
Rostered: 10%
Marcus Mariota remains one of the more intriguing waiver wire quarterbacks in fantasy due to his rushing production. While his Week 15 passing output disappointed, Mariota once again rushed 10 times for 43 yards, continuing a trend of strong ground usage. He’s rushed for at least 43 yards in four of his last six starts, providing a stable fantasy floor. Even when his passing efficiency dips, the rushing keeps him viable. Washington just announced that they are placing Jayden Daniels on injured reserve, which makes him a great long-term add as well.
Mariota’s fantasy football value peaks in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, who have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Even in tougher matchups, he has proven capable of top-tier finishes, including a QB3 performance against Denver. For managers who lost Patrick Mahomes or are streaming quarterbacks, Mariota is a strong contingency add. He’s best suited for deeper leagues but offers legitimate upside with Daniels out. On the waiver wire, few quarterbacks combine volume and rushing like Mariota. He’s worth rostering now as a viable streaming option to close the season.
Jawhar Jordan, RB (HOU)
Rostered: 3%
Jawhar Jordan burst onto the fantasy football scene in Week 15, immediately becoming a waiver wire target worth monitoring. The rookie logged his first NFL carries and delivered 118 scrimmage yards on 17 touches, including 15 carries for 101 yards. With Nick Chubb inactive and Woody Marks exiting early due to an ankle injury, Jordan was thrust into a featured role and delivered. His decisiveness and burst stood out, and the Texans trusted him on early downs. Jordan also chipped in as a receiver, adding two catches for 17 yards. That all-around usage makes him intriguing.
Jordan’s fantasy football value hinges on the health of Chubb and Marks heading into Week 16. If both remain sidelined, Jordan could again lead the backfield against the Raiders in a favorable matchup. While Dare Ogunbowale would likely handle passing-down snaps, Jordan projects as the primary runner. His role may be short-lived, but volume is king this time of year. In deeper leagues, Jordan is a strong speculative waiver wire add. Savvy managers should grab him now and wait for injury clarity as the week progresses.
Evan Hull and Audric Estime, RB (NO)
Rostered: 1%
Evan Hull and Audric Estime are deep waiver wire options in fantasy football following Devin Neal’s hamstring injury in Week 15. After Neal exited, the Saints turned to a near-even split between Hull and Estime, with each playing 20 snaps. Hull handled more of the rushing work, while Estime operated as the primary receiving back. Neither back produced efficiently, but an opportunity could arise if Neal misses time. With Alvin Kamara also sidelined, New Orleans’ backfield remains unsettled. Volume alone makes this situation worth monitoring.
From a fantasy football perspective, Estime offers slightly more touchdown and PPR appeal, while Hull profiles as the early-down option. The Saints face the Jets and Titans to close the season, two defenses that can be exploited on the ground. However, a 50-50 split severely caps upside, and Kamara’s potential return complicates matters further. These backs are desperation adds rather than priorities. If forced to choose, Estime is the better speculative waiver wire play. Managers should wait for clarity before committing meaningful FAAB.
New Orleans Saints, DEF
Rostered: 17%
The New Orleans Saints’ defense is a sneaky waiver wire addition in fantasy football thanks to a favorable closing schedule. In Week 16, they face the Jets, whose quarterback situation is in complete disarray. If forced to start rookie Brady Cook again, New York could be highly turnover-prone. Even if Tyrod Taylor or Justin Fields returns, this matchup still favors opposing defenses. The Saints then draw the Titans in Week 17, a team that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to defenses this season. Matchup alone makes this defense appealing.
While New Orleans has been a league-average fantasy defense overall, they’ve shown the ability to spike in the right situations. They’ve already posted multiple double-digit fantasy performances this season. For managers streaming defenses, the Saints offer back-to-back playable matchups. As a waiver wire option, New Orleans provides short-term upside without long-term commitment. They’re a strong pickup for managers planning ahead for the fantasy playoffs.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- CJ Stroud QB (HOU) – 48% rostered
- Aaron Rodgers QB (PIT) – 26% rostered
- Gardner Minshew QB (KC) – 1% rostered
- Jaleel McLaughlin RB (DEN) – 5% rostered (Priority for RJ Harvey Owners)
- Malik Davis RB (DAL) – 1% rostered (Priority for Javonte Williams Owners)
- Jayden Higgins WR (HOU) – 43% rostered
- Darius Slayton WR (NYG) – 41% rostered
- Jalen Coker WR (CAR) – 5% rostered
- Devaughn Vele WR (NO) – 14% rostered
- Theo Johnson TE (NYG) – 46% rostered
- AJ Barner TE (SEA) – 12% rostered
- Andy Borregales K (NE) – 14% rostered
- Eddy Pineiro K (SF) – 17% rostered
- Minnesota Vikings DEF – 35% rostered
- New Orleans Giants DEF – 5% rostered
Droppable Players
- Patrick Mahomes QB (KC)
- Kareem Hunt RB (KC)
- Jordan Mason RB (MIN)
- Xavier Worthy WR (KC)
- Alec Pierce WR (IND)
Don’t Drop these Guys Just Yet
- Kenneth Walker RB (SEA)
- Romeo Doubs WR (GB)
- Ladd McConkey WR (LAC)
- Colston Loveland TE (CHI)
