Waivering: Week 16

Tue Dec 16 9:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Carter could get some starts


For the second straight week, we have some iffy options out there on waiver wires. There are a few decent pickups but no sure things by any means. We know there are never sure things, but it seems there are more question marks than usual with this group. Hopefully, you aren’t searching for too much help on waivers for this week’s crucial set of fantasy games.

But if you need some players, here are some to consider. . . . .

QUARTERBACK

Tyler Shough, Saints (32.0% owned). Shough topped 20 fantasy points for the third straight game. He has 20-plus fantasy points four of his last five starts. He keeps getting it done on a weekly basis in this emerging Saints offense. Shough is giving fantasy owners a ton of consistency right now.

Kirk Cousins, Falcons (24.6% owned). Cousins had his best game of the season last weekend, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns. He topped 30 fantasy points. Cousins is looking more and more comfortable in this offense and has a favorable matchup this week against the Cardinals. He could be worth a spot start, especially in two-quarterback leagues.

RUNNING BACK

Audric Estime, Saints (1.2% owned). Estime could be the next man up with Devin Neal banged up last week. Estime had 50 total yards in Week 14 on six touches. He might be worth grabbing if you are desperate for running back help.

Jawhar Jordan, Texans (0.0% owned). Jordan got his first touches of the season last week and looked great. He ran 15 times for 101 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards. He might be the last man standing at running back for the Texans with both Woody Marks and Nick Chubb banged up right now. Jordan is an unknown but showed last week he could help fantasy teams in a starting role.

Michael Carter, Cardinals (23.8% owned). The Cardinals are all beat up at running back. Carter is about the only healthy option left for the team. He got extended work last week after Bam Knight was hurt. Carter ran 14 times for 56 yards and caught four passes for 38 yards. He could be worth a start for fantasy teams if he finds his way into the starting lineup in this explosive offense.

WIDE RECEIVER

Jalen Coker, Panthers (15.0% owned). Coker has found the end zone two straight games. He has double-digit fantasy points three of his last four games. He doesn’t rack up a ton of targets but is a big-play threat that is getting some red-zone looks. Coker is gaining value on a weekly basis.

Jalen McMillan, Bucs (6.4% owned). McMillan made his season debut last week and had two receptions for 38 yards. He made a couple big plays and should see his playing time rise in the coming weeks. He had legit fantasy value last year as the slot receiver in this offense, so don’t discount him to have a solid finish to his season now that he is healthy.

TIGHT END

Colby Parkinson, Rams (17.1% owned). Parkinson remains available in most leagues and probably shouldn’t. The numbers don’t lie. He has 12-plus fantasy points two straight and four of six games. He has scored touchdowns five of his last six games. Parkinson is starting to get it done on a weekly basis, making him a low-end TE1.

Dawson Knox, Bills (4.7% owned). Knox splits time with Dalton Kincaid at tight end, but is producing his best numbers his last two games. He has nine receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets his last two games. Knox has 17-plus fantasy points each of those two games. He is no sure thing in this offense but has a high ceiling when getting the looks.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 16

Player Notes
Kyle Monangai Dec 16 7:00pm CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has had some impressive performances during his first year in the NFL. Monangai has rushed for over 100 yards twice but has been held in check lately. Even though D'Andre Swift remains Chicago's primary back, Monangai continues to get consistent playing time in the backfield. The 23-year-old has 10 carries or more in five straight contests. The biggest problem is that Swift has been the much more effective runner lately. The Bears have shown they will ride with the hot hand, which is Swift right now. Monangai is worth holding, but he shouldn't be considered as much more than a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in fantasy for the rematch against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 on Saturday night.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Dec 16 6:50pm CT
Younghoe Koo

New York Giants kicker Younghoe Koo was waived by the organization on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero. This doesn't come as a total shock after Koo's struggles this past Sunday. The 31-year-old missed three kicks during the 29-21 loss to the Washington Commanders. He connected on six of nine field-goal attempts while making 13 of 14 extra points during his five-game span with the Giants. It's unclear if Koo will get another opportunity this season with only three games left in the regular season. The Giants are expected to elevate Ben Sauls off the practice squad to serve as their kicker for the Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers should avoid Sauls everywhere.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Dec 16 6:50pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (neck) was a non-participant during Tuesday's practice session with a stinger that he suffered in the Week 15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. This was only a walkthrough, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried yet. Barkley is coming off a solid performance, where he rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in the blowout win over the Raiders. He's a little banged up to begin the week, but he should be fine with a few days of rest. Barkley has another plus matchup ahead of him against the Washington Commanders defense in Week 16. As long as he's active on Saturday, Barkley is a must-start, as always, in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Dec 16 6:50pm CT
TreVeyon Henderson

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had arguably his best performance of the season last week in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. Henderson rushed the ball 14 times for 148 yards and scored two touchdowns versus Buffalo. The rookie back put the league on notice when he took over as the lead RB when Rhamondre Stevenson missed three games earlier in the season. Since Stevenson returned, the two backs have been splitting the workload in the backfield. Henderson has been the much more productive option with 60 rushing yards or more in each of his last five games. The expectation is that Henderson will continue to be fed the ball often because of his explosive playmaking abilities. He'll have RB1 upside against the Baltimore Ravens defense in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Dec 16 6:40pm CT
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has only turned in two solid fantasy days in his last six outings. Darnold and the Seahawks' offense have failed to do well to find the end zone in recent weeks. Additionally, Darnold has been turning the ball over far too much. Although the Seahawks continue to win, their recent success is largely attributed to their stellar defensive play. Based on what we saw earlier in the season, we know what Darnold and this offense are capable of. However, NFL defensive coordinators are very adaptable, and they may have figured out the ticket to stopping Seattle. With matchups against the Rams, Panthers, and 49ers remaining, Darnold will face three solid-to-great defenses in a row. Streaming Darnold was fun earlier in the season, but it may not be feasible in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Dec 16 6:20pm CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a full participant in practice on Tuesday. Rodriguez was limited twice in practice last week before being ruled out for Sunday's win over the New York Giants. He appears to be trending in the right direction with a full session to begin Week 16 preparation. In his absence on Sunday, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries during Sunday's victory. The return of Rodriguez would likely reduce Croskey-Merritt's role for the upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. If healthy, Rodriguez should offer low-end flex appeal in deep leagues this weekend in a bad matchup.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Dec 16 6:20pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was a non-participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice. Wicks was on the injury report last week with a lingering ankle issue. He ended up playing on Sunday but was ineffective with one catch for six yards in the loss to the Denver Broncos. Wicks has been a non-factor since his two-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. The 24-year-old could see an increased role in Week 16 with Christian Watson (chest, shoulder) banged up to begin the week. The absence of both wideouts could mean bigger roles for Romeo Doubs,Jayden Reed, and rookie Matthew Golden. Fantasy managers will need to monitor the Packers' injury report throughout the week ahead of the Week 16 rematch against the Chicago Bears on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

RJ Harvey Dec 16 6:00pm CT
RJ Harvey

Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey (rib) left Sunday's win over the visiting Green Bay Packers with a rib injury, according to Jon Heath of Broncos Wire. However, there has been no official update on Harvey's injury or whether it could impact his status for the upcoming Week 16 matchup in Denver versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 24-year-old's injury came late in the Week 15 contest, and he did not return in the final two minutes with the Broncos salting the clock away. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Harvey's status on Wednesday after the team's first practice of the week. The Broncos claimed RB Cody Schrader off waivers on Tuesday, potentially indicating a serious injury for Harvey. If Harvey is limited or out this weekend, Jaleel McLaughlin would most likely be the team's early down back, with Tyler Badie handling third-down duties.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Dec 16 5:50pm CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings scored two touchdowns in Sunday's 37-24 win over the Titans. Jennings' day was propped up by the scores as he finished with just three catches for 37 receiving yards on five targets. This fits the mold of a trend that has been in the works for the last several weeks. Jennings is now up to six touchdowns in the 49ers' last six games, but in that span, he has averaged 47.2 yards and 4.3 receptions per game, making his fantasy production extremely reliant on touchdowns. Jennings may be in for a more balanced game in Week 16, when the 49ers face the Colts. Indianapolis has given up the most receptions and second-most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers in 2025. He projects as a WR2 candidate for the semi-final round of the fantasy football playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 16 5:50pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (chest) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Watson was injured in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos and was sent to the hospital for evaluation after the game. The 26-year-old was cleared of a long-term injury, but his status for Week 16 against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Saturday is up in the air. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Watson could be "fighting to make it by game time." Watson has been quarterback Jordan Love's favorite target since making his season debut in Week 8, catching 28 of 43 targets for 481 yards and five touchdowns in eight games. He had four grabs for 89 yards and two TDs in the first game against Chicago. If Watson is unavailable on Saturday, all of Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and rookie Matthew Golden could see more targets.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 16 5:40pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee), who was walking with a significant limp in the locker room while wearing a stimulation bracelet around his injured knee, made it clear on Tuesday that he "intends to play in Chicago" on Saturday against the division-rival Bears, per Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. "For me, it's harder to watch games than it is to play hurt," Jacobs said. The 27-year-old played through a questionable tag in Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos and had 12 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 19 yards and the second receiving TD of his career. It's an injury he's been dealing with since Nov. 16 against the New York Giants. Jacobs missed the following game but has been active each of the last three weeks. All signs point to him being active in Chicago, where he'll be a must-start RB1 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Dec 16 5:40pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle led the team in receptions and targets in the team's 37-24 win over the Titans on Sunday. Kittle caught eight of the nine balls thrown his way for a season-high 88 yards and a touchdown, his sixth of the year. Kittle missed five games with a hamstring injury earlier this season and was blanked in his return in Week 7, but since then, he has been a welcome presence on fantasy football rosters. Since Week 8, Kittle has averaged 5.9 receptions, 6.9 targets, and 65.6 yards per game and ranks third among tight ends in receptions and receiving yards. Kittle will again be in the TE1 conversation in Week 16, when the 49ers square off against the Colts on Monday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Dec 16 5:30pm CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (ankle, knee) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, according to the team. Kmet's status for Week 16 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Saturday is now worth monitoring now that he's dealing with multiple injuries. The 26-year-old caught two of his four targets for 28 yards in Sunday's blowout win over the Cleveland Browns and doesn't have as much fantasy upside as rookie first-rounder Colston Loveland in Chicago. However, if Kmet can play this weekend, he could see more targets if both receivers Luther Burden III (ankle) and Rome Odunze (foot) are unavailable. Kmet has been overshadowed by Loveland in 2025, as he's caught 24 of 39 targets for 301 yards and two touchdowns compared to Loveland's 39-498-4 line in 13 games.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Dec 16 5:30pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (back) popped up on Saturday's injury report with a back issue, but he looked healthy handling 22 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Titans. McCaffrey also caught his lone target of the day for 14 receiving yards. The reduction in pass volume was stark compared to the 8.2 targets he averaged before the 49ers' Week 14 bye, but it may have been a small act towards preserving the playmaker's health. McCaffrey will get an extra day of rest going into Week 16, as the 49ers will square off against the Colts on Monday night. Concern over McCaffrey's back makes Brian Robinson Jr. a must-stash as he would likely step into a bellcow role if CMC sits. Assuming McCaffrey is healthy, he will once again be a must-start in the semi-final round of the fantasy football playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Dec 16 5:20pm CT
Rome Odunze

The Chicago Bears listed wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Rookie Luther Burden III (ankle) was also a DNP. Odunze has missed the last two games due to a stress reaction in his foot, and head coach Ben Johnson said all options are on the table regarding Odunze going forward. It sounds as though he'll miss a third straight game this Saturday night against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, and he could be shut down for the final three weeks so he's ready to go for the postseason. Fantasy managers should be preparing as if the 23-year-old won't be active in Week 16. Burden will be an intriguing upside flex play against Green Bay if he's active and Odunze misses another game. Odunze had a promising start to Year 2, scoring five times in the first four weeks, but he's scored just once since then and is now battling injury.

From RotoBaller

Luther Burden III Dec 16 5:10pm CT
Luther Burden III

The Chicago Bears listed rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Rome Odunze (foot) was also listed as a DNP. The Bears have one less day to prepare to face the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 16, with the game coming on Saturday evening. Chicago's offense would lose a lot of firepower if they are without both Burden and Odunze. The 22-year-old Burden is considered day-to-day, while Odunze is more week-to-week with a stress fracture in his foot that has already kept him out of the last two games. Burden has 10 catches on 13 targets for 151 yards in the last two games with Odunze out, and he'll be firmly in play as a WR4/flex with upside if he plays and Odunze is out this weekend. If both wideouts are sidelined, Chicago would be down to DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay in three-wide sets.

From RotoBaller

Michael Badgley Dec 16 5:00pm CT
Michael Badgley

The Buffalo Bills announced on Tuesday that they have signed free-agent kicker Michael Badgley to their practice squad. Tyler Bass (hip) will miss the entire 2025 season, and the Bills already ruled out replacement Matt Prater (quadriceps) for their Week 16 game this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Badgley beat out Matthew Wright during a tryout on Tuesday and is expected to eventually be promoted to the active 53-man roster to kick this weekend in Cleveland. The 30-year-old resurfaced in the NFL this year after not kicking at all in 2024. In seven games with the Indianapolis Colts, Badgley made 10 of his 11 field-goal attempts and 18 of his 21 extra-point opportunities. In likely frigid temperatures in Cleveland this weekend, Badgley will be a deep-league streaming option at the position, at best, in Week 16.

From RotoBaller

Andrew Billings Dec 16 4:43pm CT
Andrew Billings

Chicago Bears DL Andrew Billings (illness), WR Luther Burden III (ankle), WR Rome Odunze (foot), and LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (hamstring) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 16. LB Tremaine Edmunds (groin), RB Travis Homer (ankle), and TE Cole Kmet (ankle, knee) were limited in practice. QB Tyson Bagent (illness) practiced in full on Tuesday.

From TheHuddle

Jawhar Jordan Dec 16 4:10pm CT
Jawhar Jordan

The Houston Texans signed second-year running back Jawhar Jordan from their practice squad to the active 53-man roster on Tuesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Jordan, a sixth-round selection in 2024 out of Louisville, made his NFL debut in Sunday's blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals after rookie Woody Marks left with an ankle injury. Veteran Nick Chubb (ribs) was inactive, so the Texans were down to Jordan and Dare Ogunbowale. Jordan ended up leading Houston with 15 carries for 101 yards (6.7 yards per tote) while catching both of his targets for 17 yards. He played seven more snaps than Ogunbowale and will likely operate as the Texans' lead back for a plus matchup in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders if neither Marks nor Chubb is cleared to play. The 26-year-old deserves serious waiver-wire consideration this week.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Dec 16 4:00pm CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas continued to disappoint coming out of the team's Week 14 bye, playing only 19% of the offensive snaps while not being targeted at all in the passing game for the second time this year in the 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The only action that Douglas saw on offense was one rushing attempt that went for five yards. The 25-year-old pass-catcher's 10 snaps were his second-fewest on the season. Douglas continues to take a back seat in the WR room to Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte, making him very hard to trust for fantasy football purposes, especially in the fantasy playoffs. The former sixth-rounder in 2023 out of Liberty hasn't topped three catches or 37 receiving yards since his only 100-yard performance of the year on Nov. 2 against the Falcons.

From RotoBaller