Alexander Mattison, Breshad Perriman among top free-agent finds for Week 16
Field Yates and Matthew Berry discuss how fantasy managers should handle the Vikings running backs after Dalvin Cook left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. (2:12)
The fantasy championships are upon us. Two very important points to make:
One: Congratulations! Making it this far is an accomplishment in and of itself. So, bravo.
Two: Your roster is probably in good shape as it is. This isn’t a time to overthink these too much, but a little tinkering here or there can be the difference between victory and runner-up status.
So that’s why we’re here, and why we’ll be here next week too, helping those who need a little roster fine-tuning plainly available on the waiver wire.
With that in mind, let’s get to the Week 16 ESPN Fantasy waiver wire adds of note. And good luck in your championship matchups!
Note: All players listed in this column are available in over 50% of leagues on ESPN.com.
Alexander Mattison/Mike Boone, RBs, Minnesota Vikings (30.3%/0.1%): Normally, I’d be clear with a stance on one player or the other, but because Mattison sat out Week 15 with an injury, we’re making an exception. If Mattison is healthy enough to play this week, he’s a clear top-15 running back play. In the event he’s unavailable, Boone is the clear Vikings backfield add after his two-touchdown performance this week. If you can, add both.
Breshad Perriman, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7.4%): With Mike Evans out, we knew someone had to step up among Bucs wide receivers, with Perriman having a career day in which he scored three touchdowns. With Chris Godwin being carted to the locker room with a hamstring injury of his own, the Bucs could be down their top two wideouts again in Week 16. Perriman comes with risk, but with his speed and the Bucs’ pass-happy offense, he’s a worthwhile add.
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Anthony Miller, WR, Chicago Bears (24.2%): Miller has been a regular in this column of late, as he is up to 52 targets over the past five games and has at least 50 receiving yards or a touchdown in all of them. The Bears offense has found a better passing game rhythm of late, and Miller has been a key part of it. Add him.
Tyler Higbee, TE, Los Angeles (28.1%): Higbee is the only tight end with 100 receiving yards in three straight games this season, doing work while Gerald Everett has been out of the lineup. It’s unclear whether Everett is going to return this weekend, but one thing is clear: Higbee should be added and started. He’s really good.
Greg Ward Jr., WR. Philadelphia Eagles (1.3%): Ward’s story of perseverance is all sorts of awesome, as he has made a successful transition to wide receiver in the NFL and has been the Eagles’ top wideout over the past two weeks. He has seen 18 targets in two games and scored his first career touchdown in Week 15. He’s a fringe WR4 and could potentially be used in a deeper league flex spot.
Boston Scott, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (2.5%): While there are indications that Jordan Howard might be available in Week 16, Scott has emerged onto the scene over the past two weeks enough to keep him on your radar. He had seven catches in Week 15 after a stellar Week 14 outing. Should Howard return to the lineup, it’s tough to envision using Scott, but he’s an add in the event Howard does not play.
Chris Conley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (17.9%): We’ll see whether DJ Chark is available for the Jaguars in Week 16, but Jacksonville needed someone to step up and Conley was that player. He hauled in two touchdowns on his four catches, good enough for 49 yards. He’s been an effective player when healthy this season and is a deeper league flex consideration if Chark sits again.
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Justin Watson/Scotty Miller, WRs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0.6%, 0.0%): The Bucs are thin at wide receiver after the previously mentioned injury to Chris Godwin. Both Watson and Miller are listed here as Miller also suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday, though he was a factor in the game before said injury was suffered. If Miller is out on Saturday, Watson should see the No. 2 role and would be a deeper league dart throw given how prolific the passing game of Tampa Bay is.
Danny Amendola, WR, Detroit Lions (16.2%): If you’re in a flex pinch in a deeper league, take a gander at Amendola. With Marvin Jones on injured reserve, the Lions need a second wideout besides Kenny Golladay to make his mark, with Amendola having a chance to do that again after 13 targets and eight catches in Week 15. Volume is his friend, as he has at least eight targets in three straight games.
Noah Fant, TE, Denver Broncos (33.8%): This is assuming that Fant is good to go this week after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 15, but just trust me when I say this: He is going to be a stud. It’s hard to find tight ends, but he has emerged for Denver and should be added if you are in a rut.
Jonnu Smith, TE, Tennessee Titans (7.0%): Another name to keep on your radar if you’ve been struggling with the tight end: Athletic freak Smith has back-to-back games with 10-plus fantasy points and has taken on a more prominent role with Delanie Walker on injured reserve.
James Washington, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (30.1%): Washington is another recent regular on this column, as he appears to have a comfort with quarterback Duck Hodges. Washington has at least three catches in seven straight games and double-digit scoring in three of his past four. Another name to consider as a deeper league flex consideration.