Happy holidays everyone and welcome to the fantasy Championship edition of the new life fantasy’s waiver wire article. 1st off, congratulation to the managers that made it to their championships. This article will go over players that’ll help you win over the next two weeks.
QB
Jalen Hurts (Phi)
Rostered: 39% (yahoo), 33% (espn)
1st off, the fact that Hurts is once again rostered in < 50% thus once again showing up in my article is mind-boggling. In any circumstance, the rookie out of OU needs to be rostered and in most cases started. A stellar performance by Hurts totaling 338 yards topped off with 4 total TDs and 63 yards on the ground raised a roof that I already considered high. Not to mention the big fat 0 in the turnover column which is always a huge plus. Dallas plays host to Philadelphia Sunday which should get you even more excited about Hurts’ value. The Cowboys just gave up 3 passing TDs on top of 319 air yards to a struggling 49ers offense and will give Hurts the easiest opponent he’ll face in his rookie year. The “Must Add” alert that should be attached to his name goes double for anyone in dynasty leagues. I’m going to wrap this up by saying Hurts is going to finish in the top 5 for week 16 and is worth keeping for your entire fantasy championship.
Baker Mayfield (Cle)
Rostered: 47% (yahoo), 27% (espn)
Mayfield has been on a very effective run lately averaging over 300 yards and 2.5 TDs a game in his last 4 contests. After having one of the toughest schedules for QBs this year, Mayfield finally has a matchup against one of the easiest pass defenses a QB could face. With his recent success and favorable matchup, the veteran QB is perfect for the champs like me that stream QBs.
Mitchell Trubisky (Phi)
Rostered: 12% (yahoo), 20% (espn)
Next to the first two QBs I mentioned, the next best optioned rostered in < 50% of leagues has to be Trubisky. He’s averaging over 20 fantasy points per game (standard) since he’s been back. Now he’ll face the Jacksonville Defense that just surrendered 240 air yards and 3 passing TDs to Lamar Jackson. If you are in desperate need of a QB, here a guy that is widely available and a safe option for week 16.
RB
Salvon Ahmed (Mia)
Rosterd: 34% (yahoo), 24% (espn)
Here’s a guy that comes with a high ceiling after watching him carry the ball 23 times for 122 yards and a score. With a juicy game against the Raiders rush defense Ahmed has the potential to be a championship winner. The downside of this pick up is that Gaskins should be of the Covid list and will likely cut into Ahmed’s touches. With how effective he’s been, and with the matchup, Ahmed should be a solid flex play with a high ceiling.
Frank Gore (NYJ)
Rostered: 24% (yahoo), 29% (espn)
Gore received a rather hefty workload last week and though he might be in for a downtick in carries, Gore will still get enough carries to remain fantasy relevant. Cleveland isn’t going to keep the game close for the Jets as the Rams did but Gore is the number 1 back for New York as he out carried Ty Johnson by 14 totes. He’ll face a slightly easier opponent than he did last week but he’s still a low-end touchdown-dependent flex play that should be rostered. He also has a favorable matchup in week 17 against the 9th easiest opponent for RBs.
Tony Pollard (Dal)
Rostered: 47% (yahoo), 47% (espn)
Zeke’s handcuff flared some potential last week with a total of 132 yards with a couple of scores against the 49ers. Even if Elliot is to come back in week 16, Pollard has still been a much more efficient runner than his counterpart. You should keep a close eye on Zeke’s injury status because if he doesn’t play, Pollard is a must-start option otherwise he’s just a mid-flex play. Like Gore, Pollard has a much more favorable matchup in week 17 and might be worth keeping.
WR
Russell Gage (Atl)
Rostered: 24% (yahoo) 31% (espn)
Gage has been on a straight tear as of late averaging over 12 fantasy points per game in standard formats. And his production isn’t going to go anywhere especially with the high-scoring game he’s about to have against KC. Gage will be in for plenty of opportunities as the Falcons will be playing catchup from an early point. Unless you have a plethora of receivers, Gage is a must-start let alone pick up.
Mecole Hardman (KC)
Rostered: 24% (yahoo) 24% (espn)
Always go for the receivers playing against Atlanta. Always. Hardman is one of the fastest guys in the league and there isn’t going to be any Falcon that can cover him. Mahomes is going to have a fun time in week 16, and his receivers are about to be swimming in productivity. Mecole is a definite pick up with some upside to be a worthy starter in your lineup.
Rashard Higgins (Cle)
Rostered: 25% (yahoo), 26% (espn)
Another receiver that’s been on a tear as of late is Higgins. He’s averaging over 11 fantasy points per game in standard leagues and now plays against the Jets. New York has given the 9th most fantasy points to opposing receivers this year which could mean Higgins is in for a boom week. Higgins without a doubt should be picked up and played with confidence as he is my favorite non-Jalen Hurts pick up of the week.
TE
Cole Kmet (Chi)
Rostered: 12% (yahoo), 21% (espn)
Kmet is about to be a benefactor of the game Trubisky is about to have. Jacksonville is one of the worst teams when it comes to stopping TEs. Like most TE’s on the Waivers, he’ll be TD dependent making him hard to start unless you have to. But for those in need of a TE this week, Kmet is more than likely your best option in the always shallow TE pool. Ultimately this guy is a boom or bust type play.
Dalton Schultz (Dal)
Rostered: 19% (yahoo), 37% (espn)
Schultz remains as one of the most constant TEs you’ll find on the waivers. Dallas will face off against a Philadelphia defense that surrenders the 10th most points to TEs which leans on Shultz’s plus side. He’s still averaging over 5 points a week in standard formats making him the Safe option in week 16.
Other Notable Pickups
- Tua Tagovailoa (QB – Mia)
- Sony Michel (RB – NE)
- Lynn Bowden Jr. (RB/WR – Mia)
- Chad Hansen (WR – Hou)
- Jordan Reed (TE – SF)
Written by RJ Smith
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