Last Chance to Save Your Season: Top Week 16 Waiver Wire Targets

The first week of the fantasy football playoffs is officially in the books. Hopefully, your team survived and advanced to the semi-final round—one step closer to the ultimate prize! For those who did advance, congratulations are in order, but for those who did not, there is still pride on the line for the rest of the season. Either way, it is crucial to make the necessary adjustments to prepare for the upcoming matchup. Now more than ever, each decision will have a profound impact on the fate of the season, and no choice is more critical than making the right waiver wire pickups.

Assessing the current landscape is crucial in making the right calls for Week 16. As we enter the penultimate matchup of the year, it is essential to understand who will step up to the challenge and provide a much-needed spark for your team. This week, there are several players who have the necessary skillset and surrounding environment to thrive, and picking them up could be the key to securing a semi-final victory. In this article, we will outline some of the hottest waiver wire pickups available ahead of Week 16.

Fortunately for fantasy owners, several players across various positions put their teams on notice with phenomenal performances last week. These players significantly raised their fantasy stock, catapulting themselves into must-have territory. The high-octane environment that Week 15 presented is expected to continue in Week 16, as teams begin to jockey for position in their divisions and conference. Over the course of the rest of this article, we'll highlight some of the underrated players who have an opportunity to shine this week and provide a much-needed push in the fantasy semi-finals.

Throughout this article, we will look at several factors, including opportunity share, matchup, and potential upside. These factors are essential in evaluating which players have the necessary components to succeed. By accurately weighing these critical metrics, owners can make informed decisions at the waiver wire. We will also touch on each player's immediate and long-term viability. We'll start by taking a deep dive into each of the top fantasy pickups for Week 16.

Having reliable running backs who control the backfield is vital to any successful team. They possess the unique ability to provide steady value across a broad spectrum, thanks in large part to the touches in the open field. In most cases, some backs are considered workhorses, logging double-digit carries a game. Many others often take a backseat, existing in committees that reduce their fantasy appeal and overall upside.

The landscape in the backfield is always evolving, making it essential to stay on top of which players are on the cusp of a significant workload increase. There are several situations worth monitoring ahead of the Week 16 fantasy round, including one that is gaining momentum in Miami. As of late, running back De'Von Achane has consistently seen a solid amount of work in the Dolphins' backfield.

Another critical position in most fantasy lineups is wide receiver. Strong production by a pass-catcher can lead to wins, while inconsistent play often leads to unexpected losses. The key is identifying players who consistently move the needles and having a rock-solid starting three at the disposal.

This week we will highlight wideouts who've recently experienced upticks in usage and snaps. One such player is Montrell Washington, who caught the eyes of the coaching staff after an admirable display in Week 15. Although a bit reserved in the overall outlook, it's worth monitoring Washington as a streamer in case of injuries to some bigger names.

Despite being widely overlooked in fantasy drafts, there are several mid-tier pass-catchers who truly have turned heads since the start of the season. Among these, the one to keep an eye on is Isaiah Hodgins. After catching a touchdown in his last game, Hodgins is trending in the right direction and should be monitored closely in the coming week.

Last but not least on our fantasy watch list are the sleepers to keep an eye on as competition heats up this week. Every season results in some unforeseen events opening up playing time and throwing a player into the mix. This season has been no different with several players truly turning the corner after underwhelming starts. Few have benefited from this in the way that Tanner Hudson has, who managed to turn around an underwhelming start and blossom into a top-tier value in the DFS market.

Making all the necessary adjustments is crucial as the fantasy season reaches its final weeks. Implementing an adaptable strategy that closely aligns with the fluid NFL environment is essential for achieving long-term fantasy success. Considering the various factors including opportunity share, potential upside and player match-ups outlined in this article, gamers have an informed resource to secure their playoff place in their respective fantasy leagues. Click here to check the full breakdown of players available to stream and stash for Week 16 and well into the season.