Week 16 Waiver Wire – NFL Fantasy Football – 2025

DFS Army’s Gthom breaks down this week’s top waiver wire targets. These players are typically available in around 50 percent of ESPN leagues. This article is geared toward traditional 12-team leagues, but managers should always check their own waiver wire for potentially better options.

Follow Gthom on the cesspool they call X: @GarettThomas.

QUARTERBACKS

 

Jacoby Brissett (ARI) – 44% Rostered

Brissett is our residential mainstay for the quarterback section. Despite facing the NFL’s most difficult matchup for fantasy quarterbacks, at least on paper, he still finished with 21.5 fantasy points on the back of 249 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Brissett is the definition of a fantasy-floor play due to his 42 pass attempts per game he averages as a starter this season. On top of that, he consistently reaches the 20-point mark nearly every week, only failing to hit that mark in 33.3 percent of his games. In those games he failed to reach 20 fantasy points, he scored no lower than 18.6 fantasy points.

His next game will be at home against the Falcons, a defense that fantasy managers should not shy away from. They allow 16.6 fantasy points to opposing signal callers this season, and that is practically right in the middle among their NFL peers. With an at-home matchup against an average defense, Brissett is a high-end QB2 with the potential to finish among the top 12 quarterbacks for Week 16.

C.J. Stroud (HOU) – 52% Rostered

Stroud was surgical in Week 15 against the Cardinals. He finished 22-of-29 with 260 passing yards, three touchdowns and added 10 rushing yards on six carries. His 23.4 fantasy points was the most since Week 5 when he traveled to face the Ravens. His next game looks very favorable for fantasy purposes as well.

In Week 16, the Texans will take on the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders’ offense is notoriously awful this season, and it does not seem to be getting better. That does not bode well for them, as Houston’s defense is easily one of the top units in the league. This can easily set Stroud and the Texans up with lots of offensive opportunities and maybe even some short fields.

Las Vegas allows a middling amount of fantasy points to quarterbacks at a 16.6 per game clip, which is lower than most would expect. This speaks more to the blowouts that the Raiders find themselves in, rather than their defense’s ability to stop quarterbacks. Start Stroud up with confidence, but there are some blowout concerns, which is why Jacoby Brissett (ARI) is preferred out of these two.

J.J. McCarthy (MIN) – 31% Rostered

It seems the rookie is finding his stride. Over his last two games, he has six total touchdowns and 20 or more fantasy points in each contest. This seems to be far different than the fantasy production that showed in Week 11 and 12, where McCarthy combined for 6.48 fantasy points across those games.

His next game will be against a bad New York Giants team. Minnesota should control this game, and at worst, barely trailing and being forced to throw the ball even more. Either scenario seems great for McCarthy’s fantasy profile. It also helps that the Giants allow 20.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the fourth-highest amount in the NFL this season.

McCarthy should be viewed as the riskier option than the other quarterbacks discussed in this section. However, he likely has the highest ceiling of the group. Do what you must with this information as McCarthy will certainly be a high-end QB2 option that can easily finish as a top 12 option at the position. The downside seems to be when he busts, it is epically bad.

Low-End Streaming Options at Quarterback

1. Trevor Lawrence (JAX) @ Denver Broncos
2. Bryce Young (CAR) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Sam Darnold (SEA) vs Los Angeles Rams

 

 

RUNNING BACKS

 

Blake Corum (LAR) – 30% Rostered

As the RB2 in this offense, he has gotten it done on a flex level in three consecutive weeks. During this three-week stretch, he is averaging 17.7 PPR points on the back of 10 carries, 93.3 rushing yards, and 1.3 touchdowns per contest. Consider playing him in any matchup as a flex moving forward.

He faces the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. Seattle held Corum down to just eight carries for 10 yards in Week 11, when the Rams last faced Seattle. This makes sense when considering the Seahawks allow 19.4 PPR points per game to opposing running backs, the seventh-lowest mark in the NFL.

View Corum as a flex player who can do enough in a bad matchup, but do not expect upside from him. He is the top running back available leading into Week 16, and his Week 17 game against the Falcons should be a favorable matchup.

Michael Carter (ARI) – 9% Rostered

It seems that starting back Zonovan Knight (ARI) will be on the shelf for multiple weeks. He left his Week 15 contest with an ankle injury and needed to be carted to the locker room. This leaves further opportunity to Michael Carter, who finished Week 15 with 13.4 PPR points on the back of 14 carries for 56 yards, while adding four catches for 38 yards

Carter and the Cardinals face the Atlanta Falcons defense. The Falcons allow 23.5 PPR points to opposing running backs this season, which is middle of the pack.

Carter will presumably split work with Emari Demercado (ARI), with Carter likely doing most of the ground work. The fifth season veteran should be viewed as the primary pickup of the two, and he will profile to be a flex-worthy running back, that should be better fit for PPR formats.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) – 46% Rostered

It took a fellow running back to be inactive, but it was enough opportunity for Croskey-Merritt to go for 18 carries, 96 yards and one touchdown in a win against the Giants. If Chris Rodriguez (WAS) is once again unable to go against the Eagles in Week 16, fantasy managers can turn to Croskey-Merritt to be a low-end flex option in a tough matchup.

The Eagles’ defense has not been strong against fantasy running backs compared to recent seasons. They allow 24.1 PPR points per game, and that is the 11th most in the NFL this season. It bodes well for the Commanders’ run game if Jalen Carter (PHI) remains inactive on the opposing side’s defense.

Emari Demercado (ARI) – 9% Rostered

Demercado should be getting more run now that Zonovan Knight (ARI) is seemingly on the shelf for multiple weeks. Demercado will split with Michael Carter (ARI), with Demercado likely doing the majority of work on passing downs and third downs.

We have seen Demercado in this similar role before, and he has produced serviceable fantasy scores of 13.4 and 10.1 PPR scores. While he has found small success, his floor will be very low – especially in non-PPR formats. The good news is that this offense throws the ball over 40 times per contest since Week 6, and that plays right into Demercado’s strengths as a pass-catching back.

Carter should be the priority pickup of these two, but Demercado can be viewed as a PPR-only option for deep-league managers’ flex position.

Nick Chubb (HOU) – 39% Rostered

Starting running back Woody Marks (HOU) left Week 15’s game due to injury. In the event that Marks is unable to suit up in Week 16 against the Raiders, Chubb becomes a very interesting pivot. He is off the fantasy radar if Marks is able to go against Las Vegas.

Chubb was the starting running back to start the season but gave way to a younger and more exciting Marks as the season progressed. Chubb still found himself involved but since Week 10, his usage shows he is viewed as the backup. With a poor Raiders team on deck, Chubb can create serviceable fantasy value in multiple ways. Consider him as a second flex or a deep league flier.

Jawhar Jordan (HOU) – 0% Rostered

In his first-ever NFL game, the rookie running back finished with 17 touches and 118 total yards. This stat line tallied 13.8 PPR points. His 6.73 yards per carry average is very hard to ignore, especially for an offense that only has Woody Marks (HOU) as an explosive option in the running back room. Perhaps this game was good enough for Jordan to find additional work, which would likely be at the expense of Nick Chubb (HOU).

The truth is Jordan will be hard to this fantasy season as we are entering most leagues semi-finals and finals over Week 16 and 17. The Raiders matchup is prime for running backs in Week 16, but if Marks and Chubb are both active, Jordan is a dart throw at best. He really needs both to be inactive to have any reliability – or some seriously encouraging coach-speak about increasing his usage.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) – 37% Rostered

Rodriguez trended the right way leading into Week 15, but ultimately was unable to suit up against the Giants. If he can get healthy and play against the Eagles he may jump right back into his role as the primary ball carrier in this three-headed running back trio.

Prior to being inactive in Week 15, Rodriguez was getting the most usage in the running back room since Week 9. He averaged 9.0 PPR points during that time, which is about as miserable as it sounds. This average ranked as the 41st best running back average in PPR formats between Week 9 and 14. Furthermore, he averaged 10.8 carries, 50.6 rushing yards and 0.6 touchdowns during that stretch.

Rodriguez faces a Philly front that has been worse than usual against running backs this season. Despite that, managers should really try and find better options before resorting to Rodriguez in Week 16.

Running Backs with Low-End FLEX Potential

1. Blake Corum (LAR) – 30% Rostered
2. Michael Carter (ARI) – 9% Rostered**
3. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) – 46% Rostered**
4. Nick Chubb (HOU) – 39% Rostered**
5. Samaje Perine (CIN) – 6% Rostered
6. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) – 33% Rostered
7. Emari Demercado (ARI) – 9% Rostered**
8. Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) – 37% Rostered
9. Devin Singletary (NYG) – 35% Rostered
10. Jawhar Jordan (HOU) – 0% Rostered**
11. Ameer Abdullah (IND) – 0% Rostered
12. Audric Estime (NO) – 0.% Rostered**
13. Isaiah Davis (NYJ) – 4% Rostered

 

** Indicates usage is injury-dependent

Stash Only Running Back Candidates

1. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) – 24% Rostered
2. Malik Davis (DAL) – 1% Rostered
3. Emmanuel Wilson (GB) – 37% Rostered
4. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) – 23% Rostered
5. Tyjae Spears (TEN) – 32% Rostered
6. Sean Tucker (TB) – 19% Rostered

 

** Indicates usage is injury-dependent

 

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

 

Jayden Reed (GB) – 46% Rostered

Reed finished his game against the Broncos with 10.5 PPR points. This was on the back of five catches for 55 yards against a very difficult Broncos’ defense. One other item of note for this game is that teammate Christian Watson (GB) left this game with an injury. This passing attack is already missing Tucker Kraft (GB), and if Watson misses, then it condenses the targets even more. That benefits Reed and other pass catchers.

The Packers will be traveling to Chicago to take on the Bears in Week 16. Reed finished with 9.3 PPR points in Week 14 against Chicago, which was his first game back from injury since Week 2. Chicago’s defense continues to give up points to fantasy receivers at a high rate. On average, they allow 35.7 PPR points per game to Reed’s position, which is the 10th most this season.

Luther Burden III (CHI) – 15% Rostered

Burden became a very interesting last-second player in Week 15 after his teammate, Rome Odunze (CHI), reinjured himself in pregame warm-up. The rookie from Mizzou posted six catches for 84 yards, which generated 14.4 PPR points. He was in the same situation in Week 14 and finished with 11.0 PPR points against the Packers. As long as Odunze is out of the equation, Burden is firmly in play in all PPR formats. His talent alone is worth keeping him stashed on the back of your bench, too.

The Bears’ next game will be the Packers, which will be for the second time in three weeks. Green Bay allows 32.8 PPR points, which is a middling clip. If Odunze misses Week 16, consider Burden a flex option with WR2 upside. There is merit to playing Odunze in deep leagues if Odunze is able to suit up, but his floor will be low.

Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) – 30% Rostered

He finished with nine targets, six receptions, 58 receiving yards and one touchdown with his third-string quarterback. It will never feel good, but he will be the alpha receiver in New York unless Garrett Wilson (NYJ) gets healthy enough to return.

His next game is on the road against a very stingy New Orleans defense, who allow 28.2 PPR points per game to fantasy receivers. Consider Mitchell a volatile flex option that can hit a ceiling in the right situation.

Devaughn Vele (NO) – 7% Rostered

After a five catches for 69 yards game against the Panthers in Week 15, Vele had his arm in a sling, which suggests he may not be available for Week 16 when the Saints take on the Jets. If Vele is available for that, he would be facing a secondary that allows 29.1 PPR points per game to fantasy receivers. That is the 11th-lowest mark in the NFL. Despite that, Vele has averaged 6.5 targets since coming out of his bye week. In that time frame, he has averaged 12.2 PPR points per game as well.

Vele needs to show he is healthy to be trusted. The more “full practices” he is able to log leading into Week 16, the better. If he does suit up, consider him to be a flex option that sees a target-floor on a weekly basis.

Jalen Coker (CAR) – 3% Rostered

Coker is heating up and heading into a great matchup in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The sophomore receiver went four catches for 60 yards and one touchdown against the Saints in Week 15, which tallied 14.0 PPR points. It was his second consecutive game with at least 14 or more PPR points and his third double-digit finish in his last four contests.

His next game will be against the Bucs, who were most recently exposed by Kyle Pitts (ATL) career day. Pitts was 11 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns for 45.6 PPR points. For the season, Tampa Bay allows 32.4 PPR points per game to wide receivers.

Kayshon Boutte (NE) – 27% Rostered

The early-2025 days of Boutte seem to be behind him. Since returning from a multi-week injury, he has posted 3.5, 13.5 and 4.0 PPR points, respectively. His 4.0-point effort in Week 15 was on the back of a lousy one catch for 30 yards.

Boutte’s next matchup will not be easy either. He faces the Ravens in Baltimore, a talented and desperate team with their back against the wall. They allow 35.4 PPR points per game to fantasy receivers, which ranks the 12th highest.

Parker Washington (JAX) – 14% Rostered

Whether it was the blowout that took place in Week 15, or the fact a running back caught three touchdown passes, either way Washington was not needed. He went for three catches for 53 yards and played 45 percent of snaps, a very low amount compared to recent stretches.

Between Weeks 7 and 12, Washington was solid for fantasy. He averaged 13.4 PPR points during that timeframe, and that was the 24th highest average at his position. The risk that Washington faces now, that did not exist during his solid run, is that this offense is finally getting healthy. Additionally, they added Jakobi Meyers (JAX) at the trade deadline, which happened leading into Week 10. This past game against the Jets was the first time we saw the full compliment of weapons, therefore Washington isn’t the sure bet he was earlier in the season.

While there should be an expectation of volatility, Washington may be worth chasing due to how well his quarterback, Trevor Lawrence (JAX), is playing, and because his snap count should increase. They face a very difficult test against the Broncos in Week 16, who only allow 28.0 PPR points to opposing receivers. That ranks as the eighth-lowest mark in the NFL. Consider Washington a shaky flex option in a tough road matchup.

Darius Slayton (NYG) – 22% Rostered

His 10 targets against the Commanders only resulted in four catches for 53 receiving yards and 9.3 PPR points. Managers who are forced to rely on Slayton shouldn’t expect much more from Slayton. While he is a serviceable deep-league flex option, his ceiling is not something he has been able to access in 2025.

Managers should look for better options than Slayton in Week 16. He faces the Vikings, and they allow 26.3 PPR points per game to the opposing wide receivers, and that is tied for the second-lowest mark in the NFL.

Jayden Higgins (HOU) – 39% Rostered

His last two weeks have been rough. Higgins had 6.4 PPR points in Week 14, and 1.4 in his most recent game in Week 15. His floor has seemingly disappeared, but he has a great matchup against the Raiders, who cannot seem to stop opposing pass catchers. They allow 36.3 PPR points to receivers this season.

Managers can view Higgins as a last resort option who has flashed flex-worthy production for 12-team, full-PPR leagues only.

Mack Hollins (NE) – 3% Rostered

Look I get it, this feels silly but hear me out. Hollins has played a lot of snaps of late. Since Week 10, he has played at least 75 percent of offensive snaps. The odd man out continues to be Stefan Diggs (NE) who has played no more than 50 percent of snaps over the last three games. Additionally, in that three-game stretch, Hollins has outscored Diggs for fantasy (albeit, barely).

Hollins had four catches for 41 yards against the Bills in Week 15. He tallied 8.1 PPR points, his most since Week 11. Hollins is trending in an interesting way and has favorable matchups the rest of the way. His next two games will be against the Ravens and the Jets. Both defenses can easily be beat by opposing wide receivers.

Consider Hollins a desperate flex option in favorable matchups.

Chimere Dike (TEN) – 20% Rostered

His last five games speak to his volatility: 3.4, 21.4, -0.1, 13.4 and 5.0 PPR points, respectively. In Week 15 he was four catches for 17 yards. Now he will take on a totally different Chiefs team, one that will feature Gardner Minshew (KC) under center instead of Patrick Mahomes (KC). That makes this more competitive for a team like Tennessee but they still face an uphill climb.

The Chiefs allow 29.3 PPR points to opposing receivers this season and that is the 12th lowest mark across the league. The good thing is this game is being played at home for Tennessee which does make things easier for this Titans’ offense.

Dike is a risky bet for fantasy in Week 16 but sometimes where there is smoke, there is fire. That smoke is the backup quarterback they will face. There are narrow paths to Dike or even his teammate Elic Ayomanor (TEN) finishing as a serviceable deep-league flex option in Week 16. Dike has flashed his ceiling before so he does get the nod over Ayomanor against the Chiefs.

 

 

TIGHT ENDS

 

Colby Parkinson (LAR) – 6% Rostered

I hope you joined our “Parkinson” band wagon last week when we mentioned him in this article. If you did, he rewarded you with 5/75/2 performance which was easily the best fantasy production for a single-game in Parkinson’s career. It is worth noting that fellow pass catcher Devonte Adams (LAR) looks to have injured his hamstring and that may leave more targets for Parkinson moving forward.

Parkinson and the Rams will go on the road and take on the Seattle Seahawks. Parkinson faced this divisional foe in Week 9 and was able to deliver a 2/14/1. Seattle also allows 15.8 PPR points to fantasy tight ends, which is the sixth highest average in the NFL.  Start Parkinson up as a low-end TE1 in Week 16. His target count should get a bump up with Adams being presumable out, and he has scored one-or-more touchdowns in five of his last six contests.

Colston Loveland (CHI) – 41% Rostered

Loveland has played pretty well since blowing up in Week 9. Since then, he is the TE5 overall and averages 12.9 PPR points, which ranks as the sixth-highest average at the tight end position during this stretch. The main thing keeping Loveland from having better fantasy production is his teammate Cole Kmet (CHI), who still leads Loveland in offensive snaps played on a week-to-week basis.

As far as tight ends are concerned, it is hard to find better options than Loveland, despite him not playing the most offensive snaps at his position. He will face the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, and they are better than most at slowing down fantasy tight ends. They allow 12.5 PPR points per game. Loveland most recently faced the Cheese Heads in Week 14, where he finished with four catches, 29 yards and one touchdown.

Consider Loveland a low-end TE1 who does not feel great to start. But given the lack of production around the tight end position in the NFL of late, Loveland should be serviceable enough.

Theo Johnson (NYG) – 47% Rostered

The sophomore out of Penn State finished his Week 15 contest against the Commanders with three catches for 72 yards, which totaled 10.2 PPR points.

Johnson is another tight end that seems to have a reliable floor (at least for his position) and can be played in Week 16. He and the Giants will play host to the Minnesota Vikings, who allow opposing tight ends 12.8 PPR points per contest. This average ranks slightly better than the majority of NFL teams.

Since Jaxson Dart (NYG) took over at quarterback in Week 5, Johnson sees an average of 5.7 targets per game, which is more than most tight ends can say. He also has four touchdowns, but has not found the end zone since Week 9 against the 49ers.Start him up as a high-end TE2 and if he catches a touchdown he can finish as a top 12 option at the position.

 

 

DEFENSES TO STREAM

1. 49ers D/ST @ Indianapolis Colts
2. Chiefs D/ST @ Tennessee Titans
3. Saints D/ST vs New York Jets
4. Titans D/ST vs Kansas City Chiefs