Quick Read
- Patrick Mahomes and Davante Adams suffered injuries in Week 15, shaking up fantasy rosters for Week 16.
- Top waiver wire targets include Michael Carter (Cardinals), Blake Corum (Rams), and Jacoby Brissett (Cardinals).
- Trevor Lawrence and J.J. McCarthy are trending up at quarterback, with favorable matchups for playoff streaming.
- Colby Parkinson (Rams) and Trey McBride (Cardinals) are top tight end plays with high touchdown potential.
- Buffalo Bills, Saints, and Chiefs defenses are strong streaming options due to opponent weaknesses and injuries.
Top Waiver Wire Priorities and Injury Fallout
Week 16 of the 2025 fantasy football season arrives with playoff tension running high and rosters in flux after a whirlwind Week 15. Injuries have reshaped the landscape: Patrick Mahomes suffered an ACL tear, ending his season and forcing managers to seek replacements. Davante Adams aggravated his hamstring, with little optimism for a Thursday night return. Other fantasy-relevant injuries, such as Bam Knight (Cardinals), Woody Marks (Texans), Devin Neal (Saints), and RJ Harvey (Broncos), have created opportunities for new faces to step up.
The waiver wire is brimming with potential playoff heroes, and managers must act decisively. According to NFL.com, the top 15 pickups include running backs Michael Carter (Cardinals), Blake Corum (Rams), and Kyle Monangai (Bears), as well as quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett (Cardinals), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars), and J.J. McCarthy (Vikings). Wide receivers like Luther Burden III (Bears) and Jayden Reed (Packers) are also strong options, especially with injury clouds hovering over other starters.
Quarterback Rankings: Navigating the Playoff Crunch
The quarterback landscape is in flux. Jacoby Brissett has proven matchup-proof, scoring consistently even against elite defenses, and faces a Falcons squad that’s been vulnerable to fantasy QBs. Trevor Lawrence is riding a historic hot streak, having thrown multiple touchdowns in four straight games and becoming the first in NFL history with five passing touchdowns, a rushing TD, and 50+ rush yards in one contest. Yet, with a tough Denver defense next, managers are cautioned not to overlook his floor.
J.J. McCarthy is emerging as a streamer favorite, posting 20+ points in consecutive games and drawing the Giants, who have allowed nearly every opposing quarterback to exceed 13 fantasy points. Other risers highlighted by USA TODAY Sports include Tyler Shough (Saints) and Bryce Young (Panthers), both set for favorable matchups against defenses that have struggled to contain quarterbacks in recent weeks.
Tiered rankings from FFTradingRoom place elite options like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Joe Burrow at the top, with Brissett, Lawrence, and McCarthy occupying valuable streaming territory for managers dealing with injuries or underperformance.
Running Back Rankings: Injury Replacements and Breakout Candidates
Running back is a position in flux, as injuries to starters have paved the way for new contributors. Michael Carter became the bell-cow for the Cardinals after Knight’s injury, logging 18 touches for 94 yards. With a juicy matchup against the Falcons, Carter is one of the week’s most sought-after pickups. Blake Corum (Rams) continues to produce fantasy-starter numbers despite being a backup, averaging 17.8 PPG over the last three weeks. His workload is increasing, and he faces a Seahawks defense that stifled him previously, but his form makes him a viable play.
Jawhar Jordan (Texans) made a splash in his debut, posting double-digit fantasy points after Woody Marks exited. Managers in deeper leagues should also monitor the status of Audric Estimé (Saints), Evan Hull (Saints), and Jaleel McLaughlin (Broncos) as potential injury replacements. FFTradingRoom highlights must-start options like Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Packers), whose versatile skill set and upward-trending workload make him a breakout candidate against the Vikings.
Wide Receiver Rankings: Emerging Leaders and Injury Impacts
With injuries affecting key players, wide receiver rankings are shifting. Luther Burden III (Bears) is a prime waiver target if healthy, having led or tied for team lead in targets three straight games. If Rome Odunze remains sidelined, Burden’s role becomes even more significant, especially facing a depleted Packers secondary. Jayden Reed (Packers) and Matthew Golden (Packers) both benefited from Christian Watson’s injury, with Reed posting nearly 10 PPG since his return.
Adonai Mitchell (Jets) has emerged as the clear WR1 in New York, leading the team in all receiving categories in Week 15. He faces a Saints defense that has surrendered big games to opposing receivers. Other streaming options include Jalen Coker (Panthers), Luther Burden III (if healthy), and Tre’ Harris (Chargers). At the top of positional rankings, Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nucua, and Amon-Ra St. Brown continue to offer elite production.
Tight Ends: Red-Zone Threats and High-Volume Plays
The tight end position is flush with breakout performers. Colby Parkinson (Rams) is on a touchdown tear, with six scores in his last six games and a league-leading 15 red-zone targets. He faces a tough Seahawks defense, but the volume and role in the offense make him a must-add for managers needing help at tight end. FFTradingRoom also highlights Trey McBride (Cardinals) and Kyle Pitts (Falcons) as tier-one options, with Darren Waller (Dolphins) and Colston Loveland (Bears) offering streaming appeal.
Defense/Special Teams: Streaming for Playoff Success
With quarterback injuries reshaping the NFL, streaming defenses becomes even more strategic. Rotowire identifies the Buffalo Bills (at Cleveland) as a top option, with the Browns’ offense hobbled by injuries. The New Orleans Saints (vs. Jets) are another strong play, especially with the Jets relying on third-string QB Brady Cook. The Kansas City Chiefs (at Titans) remain viable despite Mahomes’ absence, as the Titans have been generous to opposing defenses. Other teams to consider include the 49ers (at Colts), Vikings (at Giants), and Texans (vs. Raiders).
Managers should note that these recommendations are for defenses rostered in less than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues, making them accessible for most playoff contenders.
Key Takeaways and Strategic Advice
As Week 16 unfolds, fantasy managers must stay agile, monitoring injury news and adjusting lineups to maximize upside. The waiver wire holds difference-makers across all positions, from Brissett and Carter to Burden III and Parkinson. Prioritize players with favorable matchups, rising usage, and recent momentum. Streaming defenses based on opponent weaknesses and QB injuries can provide the edge needed to advance in the playoffs.
Looking at the full spectrum of expert rankings and injury updates, the key to Week 16 success lies in decisively targeting emerging opportunities while balancing risk and upside. The managers who adapt quickly to changing conditions—by leveraging streaming options, monitoring the wire, and anticipating game script shifts—will be best positioned to keep their playoff run alive.