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The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.
Quarterback Upgrades
- QB Tyler Huntley, BAL (waiver wire: 50+%)
- QB Cam Newton, CAR (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- QB Jalen Hurts, PHI
- QB Patrick Mahomes, KC
- QB Jake Fromm, NYG (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
- QB Drew Lock, DEN (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
Quarterback Downgrades
- QB Mike Glennon, NYG
- QB Teddy Bridgewater, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN
- QB Tom Brady, TB
- QB Kirk Cousins, MIN
- QB Carson Wentz, IND (waiver wire: DROP)
- QB Russell Wilson, SEA
- QB Taysom Hill, NO (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 25-50% OR LOWER)
- QB Kyler Murray, ARI
- QB Dak Prescott, DAL
- QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (waiver wire: DROP)
Running Back Upgrades
- RB DOnta Foreman, TEN (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Duke Johnson, MIA (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Ronald Jones, TB (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Samaje Perine, CIN (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Devin Singletary, BUF (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Jeff Wilson, SF (waiver wire: 50+%)
- RB Ameer Abdullah, CAR (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- RB Justin Jackson, LAC (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- RB Darrel Williams, KC (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- RB James Robinson, JAX
- RB Antonio Gibson, WAS
- RB Tony Pollard, DAL
- RB Sony Michel, LAR
- RB Miles Sanders, PHI
- RB Craig Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 1%)
Running Back Downgrades
- RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Chuba Hubbard, CAR (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Saquon Barkley, NYG
- RB Michael Carter, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Myles Gaskin, MIA (waiver wire: DROP)
- RB Leonard Fournette, TB (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Joe Mixon, CIN
- RB A.J. Dillon, GB
- RB Jamaal Williams, DET
- RB Najee Harris, PIT
- RB Darrell Henderson, LAR (waiver wire: HOLD)
- RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 25-50% OR LOWER)
- RB Alvin Kamara, NO
Wide Receiver Upgrades
- WR A.J. Brown, TEN
- WR Antonio Brown, TB (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR Gabriel Davis, BUF (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (waiver wire: 50+%)
- WR Tyler Boyd, CIN (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- WR Allen Lazard, GB (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- WR Josh Reynolds, DET (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- WR Christian Kirk, ARI
- WR Deebo Samuel, SF
- WR Brandin Cooks, HOU
- WR Marquez Callaway, NO (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Mecole Hardman, KC (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Tyler Johnson, TB (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Byron Pringle, KC (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Demarcus Robinson, KC (waiver wire: 1%)
- WR Laquon Treadwell, JAX (waiver wire: 1%)
Wide Receiver Downgrades
- WR Chris Godwin, TB (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Julio Jones, TEN (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR K.J. Osborn, MIN (waiver wire: DROP)
- WR Chase Claypool, PIT (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 1% PICKUPS)
- WR Tyreek Hill, KC
- WR Michael Pittman, IND (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 25-50% OR LOWER)
- WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF (waiver wire: HOLD)
- WR Amari Cooper, DAL
- WR Mike Evans, TB
- WR Hunter Renfrow, LV
Tight End Upgrades
- TE Jared Cook, LAC (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- TE Hunter Henry, NE (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- TE Foster Moreau, LV (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN (waiver wire: 25-50%)
- TE Dallas Goedert, PHI
- TE Travis Kelce, KC
- TE Dalton Schultz, DAL
- TE Mark Andrews, BAL
- TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
- TE Noah Fant, DEN
- TE Cole Kmet, CHI (waiver wire: 1%)
- TE James OShaughnessy, JAX (waiver wire: 1%)
Tight End Downgrades
- TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT (waiver wire: HOLD)
- TE Brevin Jordan, HOU (waiver wire: DROP)
Quarterback Upgrade
QB Jake Fromm, NYG - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Fromm replaced Mike Glennon during the loss to the Cowboys and he has a chance to start against the Eagles this week.
QB Tyler Huntley, BAL - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Huntley was outstanding as a fantasy option in his third comeback effort of the season. Lamar Jackson didn't seem that close to playing, but the Ravens may push him back on the field even though Huntley wasn't the reason they lost to Green Bay. Either way, Huntley needs to be on a roster in every league.
QB Jalen Hurts, PHI - We won't be getting any who do I start questions with Hurts for Week 16. He was outstanding against Washington even with the running game going strong. He'll face the Giants this week.
QB Drew Lock, DEN - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Lock failed in his attempt to bring the Broncos back to beat the Bengals, but he could still start against the Raiders and perhaps for the rest of the season, depending on Teddy Bridgewater's condition.
QB Patrick Mahomes, KC - Mahomes had his first good game that wasn't against the Raiders in months in the effort to match and beat Justin Herbert. The matchup against the Steelers this week could be tougher, but Mahomes has earned more trust going into Week 16.
QB Cam Newton, CAR - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - It is not without risk, but Newton should be the focus of the offense against the Bucs and Saints tough run defenses the next two weeks. He was the running game against the Bills and was reasonably productive as a passer.
Quarterback Downgrade
QB Tom Brady, TB - Brady lost Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Leonard Fournette against the Saints. He might get back Evans this week, but will definitely get back Antonio Brown. He's probably still a start in Week 16 against the Panthers if your team survived his first shutout in 255 games, but lower expectations.
QB Teddy Bridgewater, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Bridgewater left with a scary concussion in Week 15. We probably won't see him in Week 16 and it's possible that he doesn't play again this year.
QB Kirk Cousins, MIN - The Vikings didn't feel the need to lean on the passing game and Kirk Cousins wasn't very effective anyway against the Bears. He's just a low end QB2/Superflex against the Rams this week.
QB Mike Glennon, NYG - Glennon was mercifully benched during the loss to the Cowboys. We might not see him again this year.
QB Taysom Hill, NO - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 25-50% OR LOWER) - Hill was a dud in Week 15 because the Saints defense controlled the game and the Saints didn't need him to make any plays in a desperation comeback attempt. He'll face the Dolphins this week in another boom/bust outlook game.
QB Kyler Murray, ARI - Murray barely had the ball in the first half and missed DeAndre Hopkins for the whole game against a feisty Lions defense. He'll face the Colts on Christmas with a dimmer outlook, but probably still one of a fantasy starter if you survived this week's dud.
QB Dak Prescott, DAL - Prescott was off on many throws and did not have the look of a fantasy QB1 for the playoffs despite facing the weak Giants defense. He'll face Washington in Week 16, a defense that just gave him some trouble in Week 14. He's a borderline fantasy QB1 at this point.
QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT - (waiver wire: DROP) - Roethlisberger reverted back to ineffectiveness against the Titans as the defense carried the day for the still alive Steelers. The Chiefs defense is strong right now, so Roethlisberger is only a desperation play in Week 16.
QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - (waiver wire: DROP) - Tagovailoa was not sharp against the Jets, but still did enough to get the win even though it wasn't as much help for fantasy teams. He'll face the rough and tumble Saints defense and Titans resurgent defense the next two weeks and he is not a fantasy QB1.
QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN - Tannehill lost Julio Jones during the game and the pass offense got bogged down against the Steelers. The Titans don't have the players to test the 49ers thin secondary on Thursday, so Tannehill is only a desperation play.
QB Carson Wentz, IND - (waiver wire: DROP) - Wentz was a disaster against the Patriots but the Colts still won thanks to Jonathan Taylor. He'll face a vulnerable Cardinals defense on Christmas, but it will be tough to trust him.
QB Russell Wilson, SEA - Wilson missed Tyler Lockett, but he also actually missed a wide open DK Metcalf on what could have been game changing long touchdown. Even if Lockett is back this week, Wilson is not a QB1 against the Bears.
Running Back Upgrade
RB Ameer Abdullah, CAR - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Abdullah had a touchdown catch and should be the best Panthers back to play against the stout Bucs and Saints run defenses the next two weeks.
RB DOnta Foreman, TEN - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Foreman wore down the Steelers run defense and was not the reason the Titans lost. He should get all the work he can handle against the Titans on Thursday with the Tennessee passing game depleted.
RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - The Football Team seemed to have trust issues with Gibson coming out of Week 14, but with J.D. McKissic on the shelf and in a losing game script, Gibson got most of the work in the backfield, including in the passing game. He's a trustworthy strong RB2 against the Cowboys this week.
RB Justin Jackson, LAC - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Austin Ekeler made it through Week 15 without incident, but the Chargers still used a lot of Jackson, and he looked good, breaking off long gains in the running game. He should get 12-15 touches and provide flex play viability against the Texans if Ekeler avoids the covid list. If Ekeler lands on the list after there was some confusion about his status early in the week, Jackson will be a strong RB2 play.
RB Duke Johnson, MIA - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Johnson had his first 20+ carry game, his first 100 yard game, and his first game with two rushing scores in his return to his homeland of Miami. He should be the starter against the Saints strong run defense, but deserves at least flex consideration.
RB Ronald Jones, TB - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Jones looked strong and swift in relief of Leonard Fournette and should get at least one, if not two starts going forward.
RB Sony Michel, LAR - The return of Darrell Henderson didn't knock Sony Michel out of the lead back spot for the Rams. They could level off the split this week at Minnesota, but Michel is the Rams back to play until further notice.
RB Samaje Perine, CIN - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Perine has a chance to start this week and maybe going forward depending on the severity of Joe Mixon's leg injury.
RB Tony Pollard, DAL - Pollard showed no ill effects from foot injury against the Giants, and actually still looked like the more dynamic back even though Ezekiel Elliott had more burst and power than he had the last few weeks. Pollard is a what the heck flex against Washington this week.
RB Craig Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 1%) - Reynolds gave the Lions a strong effort in the upset win against the Cardinals. With Jamaal Williams cleared from the covid list and Jared Goff now on the covid list, Reynolds is a what the heck flex value.
RB James Robinson, JAX - Robinson was indeed used as the starter as Darrell Bevell promised, and he was a strong play despite the Jaguars decisive loss to the Texans that moved them into the #1 draft slot... for now. The Jets are up this week.
RB Miles Sanders, PHI - Sanders still hasn't scored, but he had another 100-yard game vs. Washington and should definitely be in lineups against the Giants.
RB Devin Singletary, BUF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - The Bills used Singletary as a true lead back for the first time since late 2019, and he responded with a strong game. He should be used that way against the Patriots this week and deserves RB2 consideration.
RB Darrel Williams, KC - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Williams could be an excellent RB2/Flex play this week if Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce remain on the covid list for the game against Pittsburgh. He has been the best Chiefs running back in the passing game this year and Patrick Mahomes threw six touchdowns the only time he faced the Steelers.
RB Jeff Wilson, SF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Wilson is rounding into form after offseason knee surgery and the 49ers rode him against the Falcons in a comfortable win. He should continue to get a lot of work against the Titans on Thursday.
Running Back Downgrade
RB Saquon Barkley, NYG - Barkley was indistinguishable from Devontae Booker at times, which is not good. The Giants offense is easy to stop, so Barkley is only a flex play at best against the Eagles this week.
RB Michael Carter, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP) - Carter returned to the field from injured reserve, but was ineffective against the Dolphins and sharing with Tevin Coleman, who outplayed him. He's only a desperation play against the Jaguars.
RB A.J. Dillon, GB - Dillon scored, but he was ineffective against the Ravens and seemed to be running behind Aaron Jones instead of in a committee. He's more of a what the heck flex against the Browns on Christmas.
RB Leonard Fournette, TB - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Fournette left with a leg injury. He is unlikely to play this week but could return for Week 17 against Miami.
RB Myles Gaskin, MIA - (waiver wire: DROP) - Gaskin ran well, but was behind Duke Johnson in a development that at least signals a committee against the Saints. Gaskin is just a desperation play going forward.
RB Najee Harris, PIT - Harris was powerless to move the ball against an aggressive Titans defense. He'll face the Chiefs this week and has to be played as a clear lead back, but another floor game could be in the cards if you survived this one.
RB Darrell Henderson, LAR - (waiver wire: HOLD) - It looks like Henderson is playing second fiddle to Sony Michel, but don't drop him unless you are hard up at running back this week just in case Michel gets dinged and Henderson goes back to leading this backfield.
RB Chuba Hubbard, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Hubbard is first in line for early down carries, but that isn't worth much against the Bucs and Saints the next two weeks.
RB Alvin Kamara, NO - The Saints curiously made little effort to feature Kamara as a runner or receiver against the Bucs and went back to using Mark Ingram almost as much as they used Kamara. He's still a start against the Panthers, but with lower expectations.
RB Joshua Kelley, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Kelley had a fumble at the goal line in a night of miscues for the Chargers red zone offense. He's likely done getting touches in that area of the field.
RB Joe Mixon, CIN - Mixon left the game with a leg injury and appears to be much less than 100%. Whether the Bengals hold him out of Week 16 is yet to be seen.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 25-50% OR LOWER) - Stevenson was the lead back with Damien Harris out, but never got on track against the Colts as the Patriots fell behind 20-0. We'll see if Harris will be ready for Week 16 against the Bills. If not, Stevenson will still be a good RB2 play.
RB Jamaal Williams, DET - Williams is off of the covid list, but he'll have company in the backfield. Craig Reynolds has asserted himself and forced a committee, so Williams is just a what the heck flex at best for the game against the Falcons, which could also have Tim Boyle at quarterback if Jared Goff isn't cleared off of the covid list.
Wide Receiver Upgrade
WR Tyler Boyd, CIN - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Boyd seems to do his best when Joe Burrow is struggling and that was no different in Week 15 as he busted a long catch and run score on Patrick Surtain to decide the game. He's worth a WR3/Flex look against the Ravens weakened secondary.
WR A.J. Brown, TEN - Brown has a chance to play Thursday against the 49ers. With their secondary depleted, err on the side of playing an active Brown.
WR Antonio Brown, TB - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Brown should be back this week and get all the targets he can handle against the Panthers with Chris Godwin out and Mike Evans iffy at best.
WR Marquez Callaway, NO - (waiver wire: 1%) - If any Saints receiver has chemistry with Taysom Hill, it's Callaway, who had a 112-yard game against the Bucs. He'll face tougher coverage against Miami, but is at least a what the heck flex.
WR Brandin Cooks, HOU - Davis Mills is coming on as a passer in his rookie year and Cooks is starting to level off as a good fantasy option as a result. He should be in lineups against the Chargers this week.
WR Gabriel Davis, BUF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Davis was Josh Allen's most productive target and also got the game clinching score against the Panthers. As long as Emmanuel Sanders is out, Davis is a strong WR3/Flex play.
WR Mecole Hardman, KC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Hardman could hit against the Steelers defense that gave up six scores to Patrick Mahomes in their only meeting with him if Tyreek Hill remains on the covid list on Sunday.
WR Tyler Johnson, TB - (waiver wire: 1%) - Johnson should get some run replacing Chris Godwin in the slot for the rest of the season. The return of Antonio Brown will dampen his upside, but Johnson has desperation play value.
WR Christian Kirk, ARI - Kirk was the one fantasy success story at Detroit in Week 15 for the Cardinals. His meaningless touchdown and garbage time padding helped fantasy teams that played him with DeAndre Hopkins on the shelf. He's a strong WR3/Flex option against the Colts on Christmas.
WR Allen Lazard, GB - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Lazard could be an excellent Week 16 play if Marquez Valdes-Scantling remains on the covid list on Christmas. He and Aaron Rodgers were just off on two touchdown opportunities against the Ravens last week.
WR Byron Pringle, KC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Pringle could hit if Tyreek Hill remains on the covid list for Sunday's game. The Steelers gave up six touchdowns to Patrick Mahomes the first and only time they faced him.
WR Josh Reynolds, DET - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Reynolds was getting it done as a downfield receiver for his teammate from the Rams days, Jared Goff. He has a solid WR3/Flex outlook against the Falcons this week.
WR Demarcus Robinson, KC - (waiver wire: 1%) - Robinson should be among the leaders in snaps and targets at wide receiver if Tyreek Hill can't get off of the covid list, giving him upside as a desperation play against the Steelers.
WR Deebo Samuel, SF - Samuel is back to supplementing his run game contributions with lots of routes run and passing game production. He's an elite WR1 option against the Titans this week.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET - (waiver wire: 50+%) - St. Brown functioned as the outlet for Jared Goff, but he also caught a long score and generally came through for the Lions offense when they needed it in the upset win. He'll be a strong WR3/Flex option against the Falcons.
WR Laquon Treadwell, JAX - (waiver wire: 1%) - Treadwell has had four straight games of at least four catches and 53 yards. He's a desperation play with upside against the Jets this week.
Wide Receiver Downgrade
WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Aiyuk's ceiling has come down with Deebo Samuel's return to health in the passing game. He's still a what the heck flex against the Titans and Texans the next two weeks.
WR Chase Claypool, PIT - (waiver wire: HOLD OVER 1% PICKUPS) - Claypool was barely in the box score and just doesn't seem to have consistent chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger. He's only a deep desperation play.
WR Amari Cooper, DAL - Cooper is suffering along with Dak Prescott's level of play. He's only a boom/bust WR3/Flex and maybe even on your bench for Week 16 against Washington.
WR Mike Evans, TB - Evans hamstring injury isn't serious, but he's still questionable at best against the Panthers this week.
WR Chris Godwin, TB - (waiver wire: DROP) - Godwin has an MCL injury and will miss the rest of the regular season.
WR Tyreek Hill, KC - Hill and the rest of the Chiefs big three bounced back with a huge game against the Chargers. He could be a difference maker in the fantasy playoffs yet, but landed on the covid list on Tuesday, so you'll have to sweat whether he's available this week.
WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - The loss of Teddy Bridgewater and overall performances by Jeudy lately make him droppable even in typical leagues.
WR Julio Jones, TEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Jones suffered yet another hamstring injury. He's not going to help us in fantasy leagues this year.
WR K.J. Osborn, MIN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Osborn was barely targeted against the Bears and Adam Thielen has a chance to return for the game against the Rams, so Osborn's usefulness in fantasy leagues is over.
WR Michael Pittman, IND - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR 25-50% OR LOWER) - Pittman was almost a total loss as he was overthrown on a long touchdown opportunity and then eventually thrown out of the game after an altercation. He's still a viable WR3/Flex against the Cardinals on Christmas, but he needs better play from his quarterback.
WR Hunter Renfrow, LV - Renfrow didn't play nearly as large of a role in the passing game against Cleveland as he has over the last month leading up to Week 15. He's still a suitable WR3/Flex against the Broncos, but the floor looks a lot lower than it did a week ago.
Tight End Upgrade
TE Mark Andrews, BAL - Tyler Huntley and Andrews clearly have something good going. He was a week winner against the Packers and he's surging heading into a matchup with the Bengals no matter who the quarterback is.
TE Jared Cook, LAC - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - It's unlikely that we see Donald Parham in Week 16 after he spent the night in a hospital due to a concussion, so Cook should have plenty of opportunity against the Texans.
TE Noah Fant, DEN - Fant has been building some momentum as the wide receivers have fallen out of favor in the Broncos pass offense. He's a viable play against the Raiders this week.
TE Dallas Goedert, PHI - There's no question Goedert will be in lineups after another dominant performance, this time with Jalen Hurts at quarterback. The Giants let Dalton Schultz go off against them last week, so Goedert could be a key to advancing to the finals.
TE Hunter Henry, NE - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Henry was the only part of the Patriots pass offense that worked in Week 15, scoring twice and making the game look respectable on the score sheet. He should be considered a streamer against the Bills in Week 16.
TE Travis Kelce, KC - Kelce was a monster in Week 15, scoring a walkoff touchdown and basically being a golden ticket to the next round for teams that made it this far. The Steelers don't have an answer for him in Week 16, but they might not have to if Kelce can't come off of the covid list.
TE Cole Kmet, CHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - Kmet was a solid play with the Bears trying to overcome a deficit for most of the night in Week 15. Consider him a viable streamer for Week 16 at Seattle.
TE Foster Moreau, LV - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Moreau became Derek Carr's favorite short range target over Hunter Renfrow in the win over the Browns. He has streamer potential against Denver, assuming Darren Waller isn't ready to return.
TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Okwuegbunam is a strong streamer this week. He has had back to back solid weeks for fantasy and he'll be playing with his college quarterback, Drew Lock, against the Raiders.
TE James OShaughnessy, JAX - (waiver wire: 1%) - O'Shaughnessy is a viable low-end streamer this week with the Jaguars offense showing at least a little signs of life. He posted a 4-60 line this week and gets the Jets in Week 16.
TE Kyle Pitts, ATL - Pitts was able to do more as a downfield receiver against the 49ers just in time for a matchup with the Lions. He should be in lineups in Week 16.
TE Dalton Schultz, DAL - As goes Dak Prescott, so goes Dalton Schultz fantasy prospects, but in the opposite direction. Schultz seems to do best when Prescott isn't clicking with his downfield receivers, and that hasn't happened in a while. He's a solid TE1 against Washington.
Tight End Downgrade
TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Freiermuth was playing well but left with his second concussion in less than a month. We probably won't see him in Week 16 against the Chiefs.
TE Brevin Jordan, HOU - (waiver wire: DROP) - Jordan wasn't a big part of the win over the Jaguars one week after he seemed to be building chemistry with fellow rookie Davis Mills. He's not a suitable streamer against the Chargers.