The fantasy football playoffs are in full swing, and for managers looking to get that trophy, every roster move matters! Whether you’re chasing upside, patching holes due to injuries or looking for a surprise closer, these under-the-radar players could be the difference-makers you need to add after the Week 16 waiver wire run.
Rostership percentages courtesy of ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups
These more well-known names are worth looking for, as they’re still widely available on the waiver wire in most leagues heading into Week 16:
Quarterback
- Drake Maye (QB, New England Patriots) | 15.9%
- Aaron Rodgers (RB, New York Jets) | 43.8%
Running Back
- Jerome Ford (RB, Cleveland Browns) | 32.4%
- Kendre Miller (RB, New Orleans Saints) | 8.0%
- Craig Reynolds (RB, Detroit Lions) | 0.2%
- Tyjae Spears (RB, Tennessee Titans) | 43.2%
Wide Receiver
- Jalen McMillan (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | 10.3%
- Demario Douglas (WR, New England Patriots) | 24.0%
Tight End
- Brenton Strange (TE, Jacksonville Jaguars) | 18.3%
- Noah Gray (TE, Kansas City Chiefs) | 13.2%
In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Week 16 Free Agent Finds
If you’re still alive in Week 16, these are the best free agent finds to grab after waivers run to give you that final championship boost:
Tim Patrick (WR, Detroit Lions) | 2.0% Rostered
Tim Patrick has quietly been a top-24 fantasy wide receiver over the past month, becoming a steady contributor for the Lions. With seven targets and two touchdowns in Week 14, followed by eight targets and another score in Week 15, Patrick has stepped into a more prominent role. In Week 15, he played a season-high 81% of snaps, showcasing his increased involvement in the offense. The Lions’ recent injuries to David Montgomery and key defensive starters might force them into more pass-heavy game scripts, further adding to Patrick’s fantasy appeal.
The Lions’ remaining schedule is favorable, with matchups against the Bears and 49ers. Chicago’s secondary is exploitable, and while the 49ers pose a tougher test, their secondary has shown vulnerability against intermediate routes. Patrick’s consistent target share and scoring upside make him an intriguing option, particularly for managers seeking a high-upside flex or WR3. With the Lions closing out Week 17 on “Monday Night Football” against San Francisco, Patrick could deliver a championship-sealing performance when it matters most.
Kayshon Boutte (WR, New England Patriots) | 3.3% Rostered
Kayshon Boutte has re-emerged as a surprising bright spot in an otherwise lackluster New England offense. In Week 15, Boutte played nearly every snap, ran the most routes on the team and showed good chemistry from rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Boutte’s rapport with Maye has been developing steadily, and the former LSU star is finally showing the talent that made him a coveted prospect before injuries derailed his college career.
While the Patriots’ offensive limitations cap Boutte’s ceiling, his role as a high-volume slot receiver makes him a viable option. If you’re scraping the waiver wire for a desperation play in the second round of the playoffs, Boutte could deliver a respectable stat line. His ability to consistently earn targets gives him a chance to put up double-digit fantasy points, which is all-important at this stage in the competition.
Kimani Vidal (RB, Los Angeles Chargers) | 15.1% Rostered
Kimani Vidal is an intriguing stash for managers looking to address the running back position heading into Week 16. While not a traditional handcuff, Vidal has carved out a role in the Chargers’ backfield, seeing meaningful snaps in competitive game situations. His pass-catching ability, highlighted by a touchdown earlier in the season, adds versatility to an offense desperately searching for answers in the ground game.
Vidal’s usage in Week 15 suggests that the Chargers may be testing him as a potential long-term solution. While he hasn’t fully seized the backfield, his early-game involvement and flashes of playmaking ability make him a speculative add. In deeper leagues, Vidal’s potential for increased usage and his ability to contribute as a receiver make him a low-risk, high-upside pickup after waivers run for the stretch run.
Check out all of our Week 16 fantasy football content:
- Fantasy Football Whiplash! | Week 16 News & Notes (2024)
- Week 16 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
- Week 16 NFL Betting Advice Mailbag (2024)
- Week 16 Shore Thing Sleepers (2024)
- Week 16 In the Scope Targets (2024)
- PropKings: NFL Week 16 (2024)
Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add after the Week 16 waiver wire run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.
*Photo Credit: Junfu Han – USA TODAY Sports*
