Hello and welcome to Week 16 of Waiver Wire Watch!
As the first week of fantasy playoffs wraps up, some teams are inching closer to glory while others are already looking ahead. With just one game left—tonight’s clash between the Dolphins and Steelers—it’s a good time to explore ways to improve your lineup for the upcoming rounds.
Let’s dive into some players you might want to grab off the waiver wire before Week 16. Just a quick note: we consider exempt additions as players on rosters in less than 60% of leagues. At this point in the season, all teams are active; there are no bye weeks.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars (54.0%)
Lawrence is on fire, leading the Jaguars to their fifth consecutive win with a 48-20 rout of the Jets on Sunday. He racked up 330 passing yards, 51 rushing yards, and six total touchdowns—his best regular-season performance so far, netting him 44.3 fantasy points. Quite a showing!
Since the season’s second half, he has been nearly unstoppable, including a streak of three games without an interception. With the Jaguars sitting at 10-4 and the Chiefs out of the playoffs, he looks poised for a breakout as the playoffs approach. If you haven’t picked up Lawrence yet, you might still be in luck!
Week 16 matchups: @ Denver Broncos, 4:05pm ET.
Jacoby Brissett, QB, Arizona Cardinals (35.5%)
The Cardinals fell 40-20 to the Texans on Sunday, but let’s focus on Brissett. He threw for 249 yards and had a solid day with three touchdowns and one interception, earning him 21.6 fantasy points. The team’s struggles haven’t affected his individual performance, marked by six games this season with at least 40 attempts.
Brissett has become quite the late-game hero in fantasy, and he could be exactly what you need to navigate through your playoff rounds.
Week 16 matchups: vs. Atlanta Falcons, 4:05 p.m. ET
Blake Collum, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (42.6%)
The Rams secured a playoff spot for the first time, beating the Lions 41-34. One standout during this victory was Collum, who carried the ball 11 times for 71 yards and scored a touchdown.
This second-year player has scored in three consecutive games and has been logging significant carries, standing out as a dual threat. He could be a vital asset for the Rams as they aim for postseason success. Why not consider adding him to your fantasy team?
Week 16 matchups: @ Seattle Seahawks, 8:15pm ET (Thursday night)
Bill Klosky Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders (41.9%)
Merritt has somewhat flown under the radar lately, but he made an impact in Sunday’s 29-21 win over the Giants, finishing with 18 carries for 96 rushing yards and a touchdown—his first since Week 5.
His performance may indicate a potential return to form, especially since his yards per game had dropped significantly in the weeks leading up to this. Perhaps this is a sign he could be a valuable contributor in the final games.
Week 16 matchups: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 5 p.m. ET (Saturday night)
Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos (53.3%)
The Broncos also headed to the playoffs, following a 34-26 victory over the Packers. Franklin had an impressive performance, catching all six targets for 86 yards and scoring a key touchdown that helped secure the lead.
This gives the second-year wide receiver six touchdowns on the season, and he’s proving to be a reliable target for his quarterback. If he’s still available in your league, it might be a good time to make a move.
Week 16 matchups: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:05 p.m. ET
Adonai Mitchell, WR, New York Jets (27.6%)
The Jets are right where they’ve found themselves this season, focusing on the upcoming draft while utilizing their younger players. In their 48-20 defeat to the Jaguars, Mitchell stood out with six receptions, 58 receiving yards, and a touchdown.
With two touchdowns in the last three weeks, the second-year player is gaining traction as more than just a throwaway in previous trades. Regardless of who is under center for the Jets, he’ll likely be a focal point in their offense.
Week 16 matchups: @ New Orleans Saints, 1pm ET.
Colby Parkinson, TE, Los Angeles Rams (4.7%)
Parkinson has emerged as a standout tight end, particularly in the latter part of the season. During the Rams’ win over the Lions, he showcased his skills by catching five of seven targets for 75 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns.
This marks his sixth touchdown in as many games, proving he can contribute beyond just red zone targets. For fantasy managers, he’s a valuable asset that might still be available.
Week 16 matchups: @ Seattle Seahawks, 8:15pm ET (Thursday night)
Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills (2.3%)
Knox made significant contributions in the Bills’ tight contest against the Patriots, helping maintain their hopes for the AFC East title. He secured three catches for 37 yards, including two second-half touchdowns that fueled Buffalo’s comeback.
Following a solid 93-yard outing against the Bengals, he seems to be finding his groove with Josh Allen. This might be a good opportunity to capitalize on his momentum.
Week 16 matchups: @ Cleveland Browns, 1pm ET.
