Hello and welcome to the Week 16 Waiver Wire Watch for Wide Receivers!
The first week of fantasy playoffs has wrapped up, and some of you might be feeling pretty good about inching closer to league victory. On the flip side, others are desperately trying to avoid last place in the loser’s bracket. Regardless of your situation, it’s time to boost your roster for the upcoming postseason round.
Here are some wide receiver performances worth considering as you browse the waiver wire ahead of Week 16. Just a reminder, we’re focusing on players available in up to 60% of leagues. And, well, it’s crucial to note that no team is on a bye week anymore—everyone’s in action for the rest of the season.
Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos (53.4%)
The Broncos have joined the Rams in securing a playoff spot, clinching it with a 34-26 win over the Packers. Franklin had quite the game, catching all six thrown his way for 86 yards, including a touchdown that put Denver ahead late in the third quarter.
This second-year player from Oregon State now has six touchdowns this season and remains a solid option for Bo Nix. With him sitting around 50% in rosters, you might not want to miss your chance to claim him on the waiver wire.
Week 16 matchups: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:05 p.m. ET
Adonai Mitchell, WR, New York Jets (27.5%)
The Jets are playing pretty much how everyone expected at this stage—eyes on a top-five draft pick while giving young players a shot. In a 48-20 loss to the Jaguars, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught six passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.
That makes two touchdowns in the past three weeks for this second-year player. He’s proving to be more than just a piece from the Source Gardner trade. No matter who’s throwing for the Jets next week in the Superdome, they’ll likely target Mitchell pretty often.
Week 16 matchups: @ New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET
Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers (5.9%)
The Panthers held a brief lead in the NFC South but fell to the Bucs on Sunday, losing 20-17 to the Saints. On a brighter note, Jalen Coker had another solid performance, leading the team with six receptions for 60 yards and contributing a touchdown in the third quarter.
This marks his second consecutive game with a touchdown, as the Holy Cross alum is becoming a dependable target for Bryce Young lately. Given the recent struggles of the Bucs’ defense, I think Coker has a real shot at reaching the end zone again in this critical NFC South matchup.
Week 16 matchups: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET
Luther Baden III, WR, Chicago Bears (21.9%)
Baden played a key role in the Bears’ 31-3 win over the Browns, bouncing back from a loss the previous week. He had a strong outing, gaining 81 yards while catching six of seven targets during the home game.
This is the third consecutive week where he’s helped boost the team, demonstrating a reliable connection with Caleb Williams through a 76.6% catch rate. Baden managed 67 receiving yards against the Packers before and will get another shot at improving those numbers when they meet again this Saturday night at Soldier Field.
Week 16 matchups: vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET (Saturday night)
