Week 16 Fantasy Waiver Wire: Zamir White, Noah Brown, Gardner Minshew, More
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images. Pictured: Zamir White.
It's a great sign if you're still reading waiver wire articles heading into NFL Week 16 because it probably means you're still alive in fantasy football playoffs.
Obviously, not every league is the same, thus many of the players addressed below may or may not be a fit for your team depending on how deep of a bench your league has.
Keep in mind these decisions are based entirely on a short-term outlook that prioritizes winning this week, followed by potentially winning next week — nothing else matters.
RB Zamir White
The lack of news regarding Josh Jacobs’ injury leads one to believe he could potentially miss another week. In Week 15, White outsnapped Ameer Abdullah 45 to 17 and earned 21 opportunities (carries and targets) in comparison to Abdullah’s eight.
White needs to be made a priority add given his next opportunity is against a Chiefs defense that ranks 27th in rush defense DVOA. His chances of facing a negative gamescript are undoubtedly much higher as the Raiders are installed as 10-point road underdogs. With that said, Jacobs had one of his two 100-yard rushing performances this season against Kansas City just a few weeks ago.
White is a no-brainer stash over any backup QB, backup TE or receiver unlikely to crack your starting lineup in the next two weeks. Remember, players on your bench become much more expendable at this point.
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RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Edwards-Helaire is playing inspired football and actually seems to be gaining the trust of Kansas City's coaching staff in passing situations. He has shown enough urgency running the ball for a larger role going forward — even when Isiah Pacheco returns — than he had prior to becoming the starter in Week 14.
The aforementioned roadblock to immediate fantasy value is Pacheco’s return, which seems to be this week. Andy Reid was quoted on Monday saying “He’ll be back this week, he’ll be good to go … unless there’s further setbacks.”
I would be surprised if Pacheco regains his stranglehold on early down work right away, but this definitely lowers Edwards-Helaire’s floor if you are planning to add him as a starter.
If Edwards-Helaire is still available in your league, he is worth an add since there's still uncertainty surrounding Pacheco. However, it’s doubtful Reid would express this much optimism about Pacheco if he didn’t feel he would ready to play Sunday.
Proceed with caution if you are relying on another Edwards-Helaire start.
RB Justice Hill
Considering his lack of goal-line work, I am not prioritizing Hill on the waiver wire.
Before Keaton Mitchell’s emergence, Hill split work with Gus Edwards and topped out at around 40 snaps and 11-to-13 carries without eclipsing 50 rushing yards in a single game. In games with Edwards active, Hill has managed only one rushing score this year.
James Conner had some success on the ground in Week 15 against the 49ers, but prior to that, runners had only gained 3.3 yards per carry against San Francisco since its bye in Week 9. Only add Hill for a potential Week 17 home game against the Dolphins if you are truly desperate for a spot start.
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WR Noah Brown
Brown is my top potential addition this week. In the last three games in which he earned more than five targets, Brown has racked up 407 total receiving yards and two scores.
With the status of Nico Collins’ calf injury still unknown, it is fair to expect a now-healthy Brown to remain the focal point of the Texans’ passing attack.
It doesn't matter if it's Case Keenum or C.J. Stroud under center, Brown's upside is evident. Even in a tough matchup against the Browns, Brown is a top-20 option at the position due to volume alone if Collins misses another game.
RB Ty Chandler
Chandler should not be available in your league at this point.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’ Connell claimed Chandler will remain a featured part of the offense moving forward even when Alexander Mattison returns. After rushing for more yards than Mattison ever has in a single game, Chandler has earned the majority of work in the Vikings’ backfield.
Chandler should not be under consideration as one of your expendable players heading into a very good matchup with the Lions.
QB Gardner Minshew
Quarterbacks have dropped like flies this season, so it's no surprise to see playoff teams juggling multiple QBs as we close in on fantasy football finals. Minshew should be rostered if you fit into this category as his two remaining fantasy-relevant games will be played indoors against the Falcons and Raiders.
Just how high Minshew is in the rankings this week will likely be dependent on the status of Michael Pittman Jr., who was injured on Saturday against the Steelers. Be sure to check out Sean Koerner’s weekly fantasy tiers before making your final decision on which quarterback to stream.
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WR Demarcus Robinson
Robinson has hit paydirt in three consecutive games and has a legitimate role in the Rams offense as a reliable third option.
However, it is worth noting that over the last two weeks his playing time increased to an average of 69 snaps per game with Tutu Atwell inactive due to injury. Prior to Atwell’s injury, both receivers were splitting time and Robinson averaged only 39 snaps per game in Weeks 13 and 14.
Atwell has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play Thursday night against the Saints. While Robinson seems to be worth a stash given his production, I would not be rushing to drop any potential starters for him.
Robinson’s floor is too low to trust him in your starting lineup. We need to see if Robinson’s good play has changed the third-receiver role split moving forward with Atwell’s return looming.
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