Waiver Wire Week 16
Week 16 is here, and this is the semifinal round in most leagues. Every move you make now has to be focused on winning this week. There is no room for long‑term stashes or hopeful upside plays. You are adding players who can help you score points immediately. Roles are clearer, injuries are stacking up, and matchups matter more than ever.
This is the point in the season where sharp managers separate themselves by finding the one player who can swing a semifinal matchup. Whether you need a spot starter, a reliable flex, or a high‑upside swing, the wire still has options that can keep your season alive. Let’s get you to Week 17.
Gardner Minshew II
15% Rostered on Sleeper
Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn left ACL and LCL in the Week 15 loss to the Chargers, which puts Gardner Minshew in line to start. He came in with under two minutes left and went 3‑for‑5 for 22 yards before throwing the game‑sealing interception, but that limited sample doesn’t tell the full story of what he can offer with a full week of preparation.
Kansas City faces Tennessee in Week 16, and the Titans rank seventh worst in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. That matchup alone puts Minshew on the streaming radar. In a crucial semifinal week, he’s an interesting pickup for managers who need a viable spot starter with a favorable path to production.
C.J. Stroud
95% Rostered on Sleeper
Stroud is emerging as one of the top streaming options in fantasy as he continues to settle into Houston’s offense. Last week against Arizona he was sharp and efficient, completing 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns. That performance showed real command and rhythm, and it sets him up well for Week 16.
This week the Texans face the Raiders. It is a decent matchup, and Stroud should be able to perform well against a defense that has struggled to contain accurate passers. If you need a reliable quarterback with momentum heading into the semifinals, Stroud is a strong play.
Kirk Cousins
66% Rostered on Sleeper
Captain Kirk is officially back. He completed 30 of 44 passes for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Falcons win over the Buccaneers, showing the accuracy and volume that made him a fantasy staple before the being benched for Michael Penix Jr. This week Atlanta faces Arizona in a decent matchup, and Cousins is firmly in the streaming conversation for Week 16.
This is a one‑week play, though. The Falcons draw the Rams in Week 17, and that matchup is far less appealing for quarterbacks. If you need a reliable streamer for the semifinals, Cousins is your guy, but plan to move on after this week.
Michael Carter
47% Rostered on Sleeper
Carter stepped into a larger role after Bam Knight was carted off early in Week 15 with an ankle injury. He handled the workload well against the Texans, rushing 14 times for 56 yards and adding 4 receptions on 4 targets for 38 yards. That dual‑threat usage is exactly what you want at this point in the season.
The Cardinals play the Falcons this week in a good matchup, and Carter should remain involved as both a runner and a receiver. He profiles as a flex play with a realistic path to RB2 production if the volume holds.
Jawhar Jordan
2% Rostered on Sleeper
Jordan was reverted back to the practice squad on Monday, but that should not scare you off. He was highly efficient in Week 15 against Arizona, rushing for 101 yards on 15 carries and adding 2 receptions for 17 yards. The burst and vision were obvious, and Houston trusted him with real volume.
The Texans face the Raiders this week, and Las Vegas is the ninth worst defense in points allowed to opposing running backs. That keeps Jordan firmly on the radar.
The move here is simple. Pick him up and stash him. If the rest of the Texans running backs remain on the injury report and Jordan gets elevated to the active roster, that is your green light to start him in the flex spot. He has the talent and the matchup to deliver if he gets the nod.
Jalen Coker
74% Rostered on Sleeper
Coker is starting to emerge as a real option in this offense. In Week 15 against New Orleans, he caught all 4 of his targets for 60 yards and a touchdown, showing both reliability and playmaking ability. Carolina faces Tampa Bay this week in a decent matchup, and his role continues to trend upward.
He already averages 4 targets per game over the past five weeks, so there is real usage backing this up. With the Panthers leaning on him more, Coker is worth a flex spot in Week 16.
Rashid Shaheed
92% Rostered on Sleeper
Shaheed played well against the Colts, finishing with 5 receptions on 7 targets for 74 yards and showing the field‑stretching ability Seattle needs. This week the Seahawks face the Rams, who rank ninth worst in points allowed to opposing wide receivers, which puts Shaheed in a strong spot. He is a flex‑worthy consideration for Week 16, and with the favorable matchup he should be started.
Colby Parkinson
42% Rostered on Sleeper
Parkinson delivered a strong performance last week against Detroit, finishing with 5 receptions on 7 targets for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns. With Davante Adams now week to week after reaggravating a hamstring injury he has been managing for several games, Parkinson is positioned to take on an even larger role in the passing attack.
He has been consistently involved, seeing more than 4 targets in each of the past four games, and the matchup this week is favorable. Seattle ranks eighth worst in points allowed to opposing tight ends, which sets Parkinson up for another productive outing.
He is a must‑add and a must‑start for Week 16.