With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks for Week 16 in the second round of the playoff push for most leagues. You shouldn’t need to start or stash these guys, but if you are in a pinch, there are some adds to make in the waiver wire. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 16 for the fantasy playoff push.
Running Backs to Add for Week 16
Audric Estime (vs. New York Jets): ESPN- 11.5%
Honorable Mention: Emeri Demercado (vs. Atlanta Falcons): ESPN- 10.4%
The Saints’ backfield has been volatile, but Audric Estime is specifically called out as the one with projectable upside over Evan Hull, with Devin Neal and Alvin Kamara out. The Jets’ defense gave up a massive fantasy day for Travis Etienne and the Jaguars last week. While it was through the air with touchdowns, Estime had 3 receptions, and most of the carries, and was involved as a receiver when Neal went out vs. the Panthers.
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 15
Jalen Coker (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers): ESPN- 11%
Honorable Mention: Adam Thielan (@ Detroit Lions): ESPN- 6.2%
Jalen Coker’s role as a perimeter WR aligns with how opponents have been attacking the Buccaneers, as his usage has increased over Xavier Legette coming off injury opposite Tetairoa McMillan. This could be a shootout for the NFC South that could reveal the division winner this week, as the Panthers’ receiver Coker could have another solid day, including about 4-5 receptions and a touchdown, like against the Saints in Week 16.
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 16
Mike Gesicki (@ Miami Dolphins): ESPN- 3.2%
Honorable Mention: Chig Okonkwo (vs. Kansas City Chiefs): ESPN- 5.1%
Although Mike Gesicki didn’t get there last week, Noah Fant and Drew Sample could be out again, giving the Bengals tight end upside against his former team. The Dolphins‘ defense was exposed last against the Steelers’ tight ends, and with no playoff hopes on the line, this game could have sneaky high-scoring potential (even with Miami rookie Quinn Ewers starting on the opposing side), with Tee Higgins questionable heading into this game.
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 16
Bryce Young (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers): ESPN- 13.5%
Honorable Mention: Tyler Shough (vs. New York Jets): ESPN-10.5%
Falcons veteran QB Kirk Cousins was able to torch this Tampa Bay defense, and while Bryce Young has been hot and cold at times this year, it is a good spot to stream regardless. Carolina’s offense could get going in a good environment where Baker Mayfield should be able to support a fun back-and-forth offensive affair.
Defenses to Stream for Week 16
Carolina Panthers (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers): ESPN- 6.3%
Tennessee Titans (vs. Kansas City Chiefs): ESPN- 10.5%
Carolina’s defense has been advantageous at times, and while this could be a high-scoring game, the Panthers’ defense has been able to force multiple turnover scores, like vs. the Rams a few weeks ago. Mayfield and the Bucs offense haven’t been the same the past few months despite their star players coming back, as he’s also playing through injury and just not on the same page with his pass-catchers, along with inconsistent playcalling.
