Fantasy Football Week 16 Waiver Wire Targets: Championship Edition

Well this is it, the end of the road for the 2019 fantasy football season. As usual, the week begins with finding potential players off the wire which by this point has been picked clean. Still understanding that points can be found here, we must do our due diligence in assisting you all.

Injuries continue to be a massive problem this season, and a few players will have the opportunity to make waves. While it would be wise to stick with those players that secured your berth in the finals, we have a few names to consider.

This is the last edition of ADF waiver wire targets for the 2019 season, and we’d like to thank you for trusting us to provide that insight. This column will of course be back next season, but remember we’ll keep turning out the content to get you prepared for next year. There is NO OFFSEASON!

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Quarterbacks:

Gardner Minshew (JAX) (15%)

While entering the championship contest, you likely have a trusted passer to start in the most important match. However, Gardner Minshew is an attractive option if you have been streaming quarterbacks the entire season. Owned in only 15% of leagues, the Jaguars should muster a bit more verse the Falcons in week 16. Playing for their jobs next season, Minshew would like to make the choice for next year’s starter that much more difficult. This matchup has solid potential if you need a passer.  

Drew Lock (DEN) (6%)

While the Broncos Drew Lock took a sidestep last week in the snowy conditions of Arrowhead stadium, this week verse the Lions could bring with it a multitude of statistical achievements. Lock has looked sharp for the most part thus far and should be able to find room on a weaker opponent. The Lions seem to hemorrhage points at the best of times, and the Denver defense should provide more chances. This is a sneaky plug and play for week 16.   

Dwayne Haskins (WAS) (3%)

Basically if you are in desperation mode, we can highlight the Redskins Dwayne Haskins for week 16. His play has gotten considerably better since he was named the team starter, and facing the Giants this week, there is a possibility of potential points. The chemistry is building with his receivers and we could witness more passes in the game plan. By no means is this a safe play, but we must preach potential where ever we find it.

On the Radar:

Andy Dalton (CIN) (8%)

Jacoby Brissett (IND) (37%)

Mitchell Trubisky (CHI) (23%)

Derek Carr (OAK) (44%)

Eli Manning (NYG) (5%)

Running Backs:

Patrick Laird (MIA) (45%)

Even though it would be very difficult to start the Dolphins Patrick Laird, he truly is the only viable rushing presence on this club and will again dominate the touches. Facing the lowly Bengals at home, there is the chance he could slot into your flex position. Cincinnati is one of the worst teams at stopping the run, and we could see an endzone trip forthcoming. If you require a sound volume option, Laird is the guy.   

Mike Boone (MIN) (4%)

With running backs already picked clean on the wire weeks ago, the Vikings Mike Boone is an interesting target simply due to injuries. With Dalvin Cook nursing a hurt shoulder and Alexander Mattison also in the medical room, Boone could again have a bigger role. Watching the injury report is obviously key for this addition, but he might be worth holding with a chance to play. The risk will be very large, but it may pay off in the long run.  

Dion Lewis (TEN) (12%)

We haven’t seen the Titans use Dion Lewis much at all this season, and this again is a speculative add at best. Holding little value outside of PPR formats, the only reason we suggest Lewis is due to Derrick Henry’s injury. While Henry continues to forge ahead playing at less than 100%, the Titans will need everything in their arsenal to get past the mighty Saints. Huge risk to play, but seeing Lewis get more involved last week could be a sign of things to come.  

On the Radar:

Tony Pollard (DAL) (11%)

Boston Scott (PHI) (8%)

CJ Prosise (SEA) (1%)

Myles Gaskin (MIA) (0%)

Bo Scarbrough (DET) (32%)

Wes Hills (DET) (0%)

Darwin Thompson (KC) (13%)

Wide Receivers:

Breshad Perriman (TB) (13%)

As we’ve mentioned above, the wire has been picked apart with exception of two Tampa Bay receivers. Simply due to massive injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Breshad Perriman will be the top waiver priority for championship week. Coming off a massive contest which saw him haul in a whopping 133 yards and three touchdowns, he should again be the go-to target this week. There is giant bust potential in Perriman this week as he’ll face better coverage from the Texans. Buyer-beware is our recommendation.

Justin Watson (TB) (6%)

While we do like the possibilities of Breshad Perriman having a big role, the risk could be large as mentioned above. For our appetite, the pickup and play of his teammate Justin Watson might go a lot further for your fantasy team. Watson is a very talented player that has been buried on the depth chart with others ahead of him. Nevertheless, this will be his time to shine, and Jameis Winston will find him on the regular this week. Much like Perriman there is a level of risk, but we love the potential.  

Greg Ward (PHI) (2%)

With the complete turnover at the receiver position for the Eagles these past few weeks, they may have found something in Greg Ward. Ward has looked very comfortable in the offense thus far and should be a top target verse the Cowboys in a massively important contest for the divisional crown. At minimum, we should see PPR points lift his floor, with a probable shot at finding the endzone once again. If you need a player at the position, Ward could bring some good returns.   

Kenny Stills (HOU) (16%)

We at ADF never like to preach players that are rarely used and coming off a sound showing, but in this case, Kenny Stills has great appeal. Facing the Buccaneers in a must win contest, Deshaun Watson will look to all his pass catchers verse the worst pass defense in the NFL. Stills will again be used to take the top off of the secondary and he could find the endzone once more. Bust factor is always real with Stills, so beware with this pickup also.

On the Radar:

Anthony Miller (CHI) (27%)

Zach Pascal (IND) (48%)

John Ross (CIN) (14%)

Steven Sims Jr. (WAS) (0%)

Marcus Johnson (IND) (2%)

Tight-Ends:

Noah Fant (DEN) (31%)

Tight end has been a major problem once again this season, and finding appropriate upgrades is key. With the Broncos finally looking to have a reliable passer in Drew Lock, Noah Fant’s value has skyrocketed. Keep in mind that Fant is also dealing with injuries of his own and we will be watching the injury report with a keen eye. If Fant gets the green light to suit up, he is a glorious play for championship weekend.  

OJ Howard (TB) (41%)

Much like the evaluation for the Buccaneers receivers, OJ Howard must also be in the conversation of potential earners this week. Without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Howard should see an increased role in a difficult matchup verse Houston. Either way, with how the Bucs sling the ball all over the field, Howard has touchdown written all over him this week.  

Jonnu Smith (TEN) (13%)

The Tennessee Titans are in a true must win contest after dropping their game to Houston last week. Facing the high flying Saints in week 16, they will need to be perfect. The Saints did claim Janoris Jenkins from the Giants on Monday which should make it more difficult for AJ Brown and Corey Davis. Jonnu Smith could see more work as the Titans try to exploit the lack of covering linebackers the Saints hold. There is decent potential here also.

On the Radar:

Mike Gesicki (MIA) (28%)

Jasper Horsted (CHI) (0%)

Tyler Eifert (CIN) (7%)

Dawson Knox (BUF) (5%)

Week 16 Defensive Streams:

Denver Broncos (25%) – Playing Detroit  

Indianapolis Colts (30%) – Playing Carolina

Atlanta Falcons (7%) – Playing Jacksonville  

New York Jets (32%) – Playing Pittsburgh