Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)

by Optimus Staff

Published On: December 15th, 2025

*This is the final boarding call for Flight 3489 to Week 16*

Several fantasy managers have already missed the flight and are now stuck at the gate watching highlights, but if you’re reading this, welcome aboard. Find your seat; drinks will be served shortly. There are no connections, no standby lists, and absolutely no refunds. One bad move and you’re on the no-fly list for the season. 

The waiver wire is thinner than ever, but there are still a few last-minute upgrades available. Buckle up, stow your emotional baggage in the overhead bins, and let’s find the waiver wire pickups that can keep your playoff run in the air for another week.

First, some housekeeping. We’re done with Handcuffs Who Matter. Unless your starter was hurt in Week 15, you know who you need. It’s OK to cut guys loose who have underperformed as you look ahead to Week 17. Now is the time to leverage your bench to stockpile options for yourself and keep options away from your opponents. There are only two weeks left. Well, three if you play Week 18 like a crazy person (crazy or not, we will be here for you). 

One thing to keep in mind with all of these FAAB recommendations: We are at the point where every game may be your last. These are general evaluations, but you know your needs and your league best. If you need this guy to have a shot at advancing? Spend whatever you need to spend. If you don’t win, there’s no point in holding back anyway.

Week 16 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

Running Backs:

Ameer Abdullah, Indianapolis Colts | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.3% | FAAB 5%

Embed from Getty Images

Yes, I am serious, Ameer Abdullah. Yeah, this one is weird, you’re right. But points are points, and this time of year makes for strange partners. Despite leading for most of the game in Week 15, the Colts blessed Abdullah with nine touches – five of them being targets. 

For those of you interested, yes, this is a Phillip Rivers stat. When you have an old and immobile QB who doesn’t like to get hit, who’s his best friend in the world? That’s right, his checkdowns. Most fantasy analysts assumed this would come in the form of TE Tyler Warren. While Warren did lead the team with six targets, Abdullah was tied for second on the team with five. It’s not high-end work, but considering how safe that role seems to be, you can do worse as an RB2 heading into Week 16.

In fact, that’s a large part of this. We’re seeing several RB situations become untenable as we head into the final weeks of the season. Odd as it sounds, Abdullah is not one of those useless RBs. If you’ve played the Devin Neal/Devin Singletary/Chris Rodriguez RB2 game and lost, Abdullah is a sneaky option that you can probably get for nothing. You’ll need to make up for it with the rest of your roster, but it’s better than nothing.

Jawhar Jordan, Houston Texans | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0% | FAAB 50%

If you’re one of the people who said, “Who?!” upon seeing Jawhar Jordan’s name, you’re not alone. I promise. Just ask our editor, Carly. 

This is more of a “monitor” than an actual “waiver wire pickup,” but at this point in the season, sometimes that means picking up the guys until we have more information. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Dare Ogunbowale who carried the load when starter Woody Marks went down with an injury in Week 15. Instead, it was Jordan, who managed over 100 yards rushing on only 15 carries. 

I’m sure your eyes are popping a bit at the numbers, so allow me to throw some cold water on them just a little. First off, Marks said he could have returned to the game, so he’s likely not out of commission for Week 16. Secondly, Houston played Arizona in Week 15, and their defense is awful. While both are true, we need to look at a few mitigating factors. 

Addressing the second point first, the Texans are playing the Raiders in Week 16, one of the few teams worse than the Cardinals. And to the first point: It’s all well and good that Marks said he could have gone back in, but injuries have a way of morphing throughout the week once the adrenaline of a game wears off. Marks might be OK, he might not. Either way, his injury bears monitoring throughout the week in case it’s more severe than he anticipates.

Again, this isn’t a “pick him up and profit” type of suggestion. This is a “cover your bases” suggestion. We’ve seen last-minute changes come down a few times in the last couple of weeks. Don’t get caught unprepared.

Wide Receivers:

Unless you have multiple starters at running back with consistent, bankable workloads, you’re likely putting wide receivers in the flex spot. That makes getting enough wide receivers outside of your starters a must in playoff weeks. Injuries and general volatility shake up each week’s landscape at the wide receiver position, so even some of the risers at the position become viable. Not everybody’s fantasy playoff situation is crystal clear, so we’ll be highlighting some high-upside options that can boost your team for these last couple of weeks.

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers | Sleeper 46% | ESPN 45.8% | FAAB 12-15%

The Packers received a massive scare during their Week 15 game against the Denver Broncos when Christian Watson suffered a chest injury. Thankfully, Watson was able to fly home with the team and still has a chance to play this season. It’s been a war of attrition for the Packers’ pass-catchers, but having Jayden Reed back certainly helps matters for the Packers.

Reed has been a mostly slot-only option for the Packers throughout his career, but his production jumped up considerably in his second game back, with a team-high six targets and five receptions for 55 yards. Any talk right now on Watson’s Week 16 availability is purely speculative, but if the Packers are going to move the ball through the air (and sometimes on the ground), it makes sense to involve Reed heavily. It’s all hands on deck at this point for the Packers, and Reed has a good shot of becoming a big-time league winner with two good matchups against the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 16 and 17.

Luther Burden, Chicago Bears | Sleeper 34% | ESPN 15.2% | FAAB 10-12%

The news that put Luther Burden back into true startable range for Week 15 came within minutes of kickoff, as it was reported (on our newsfeed – check it out!) that Rome Odunze had aggravated a foot injury he was dealing with in warmups. Odunze was ruled out for the game just before the start, so if you were connected and were able to get Burden into your fantasy lineups, you were able to reap the benefits.

Burden put up season highs across the board with a team-leading seven targets, six receptions, and 84 yards en route to 14.4 fantasy points in the Bears’ 31-3 rout of the Cleveland Browns. The only reason Burden isn’t the top waiver claim this week is that he suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter and didn’t return to the game. Check his status for the Bears’ Week 16 showdown with the Green Bay Packers, and if he’s good to go, he should be in the majority of fantasy lineups.

Quarterbacks:

If you’re hunting for a QB right now, we’re assuming you’re looking for a one-week fix because of injury, or you’ve been streaming your QB2/Superflex roster spot all season. These recommendations are for one-week rentals to get you through your first fantasy playoff matchup. If you’re hunting for a QB in 1QB leagues, you likely have much better options not covered here.

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 6.9% | FAAB 10-15%

For as bad as the New Orleans Saints have been this season, rookie QB Tyler Shough has given the reeling franchise a modicum of hope. 

Since taking over the starting job from Spencer Rattler in Week 9, Shough is QB16 in fantasy points per game (16.1). Since Week 13, Shough is QB8 in fantasy points per game (19.6) and has helped the Saints win two of their last three games, including a shocking 24-20 win over Tampa Bay. In those games, the rookie signal-caller has three passing touchdowns, is completing 70 percent of his passes, and has rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns. 

Looking forward, Shough gets the New York Jets at home in Week 16, followed by the Tennessee Titans in Week 17. Both teams are among the ten worst defenses against fantasy QBs, and the Jets are fresh off allowing Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence to go off for six total touchdowns and 44.3 fantasy points. 

If you need a QB for the semifinals, Shough is likely the best option available on your waiver wire. Over the next two weeks, the rookie presents mid-range QB1 upside, and he won’t cost you an arm and a leg on the waiver wire.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons | Sleeper 15% | ESPN 3.6% | FAAB 10-15%

It seems to be turning into the year of the resurgent veteran QBs, and the Falcons’ Kirk Cousins decided to join the party this week.

Since his return to the starting role in Atlanta in Week 12, it’s been a mixed bag for the 14-year NFL veteran. Ranging from mid-QB2 tier finishes in Weeks 12 and 13 to an atrocious Week 14 output of 4.5 fantasy points. However, Cousins took a trip back to his Viking days in Week 15, dropping 26.9 fantasy points sitting as overall QB3 heading into Monday Night Football. 

You’ll want nothing to do with Cousins in Week 17, as the Falcons face off against a rolling Los Angeles Rams. However, in Week 16, Cousins and the Falcons head to Arizona to face a Cardinals defense that has allowed 23 or more fantasy points to opposing QBs the last two weeks. Much like those two QBs – Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud, Cousins isn’t a threat to run. That doesn’t matter. The Arizona defense has allowed 541 passing yards and six passing TDs on 44 attempts across those two games, versus a total of six rushing yards to QBs.

If you’re desperate and need a one-week bridge to get you through to the fantasy championships in Week 17, Cousins will do just fine as your QB2. And if WR Drake London does indeed return this week, Cousins’ ceiling could be a top-five finish at the position. 

Tight Ends:

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams | Sleeper 8% | ESPN 10.5% | FAAB 50%

TE Colby Parkinson, league winner?! How’s that for a clickbait headline?

More seriously, though, he really could be. We know Davante Adams reinjured his hamstring on Sunday, and with a quick turnaround for a Thursday game, there’s a good chance Parkinson will have to help pick up the slack in Adams’ absence. While we won’t likely get two TDs from him again this week – or one TD and one whatever-the-heck-that-was – the seven targets is very repeatable. 

The great part about Parkinson is that he does have that TD upside, though, and that’s very difficult to find in a waiver wire TE. The Rams’ offense is a powerhouse. Even against the Seahawks’ elite defense, Parkinson profiles as a safe TE1. In fact, the only time he hasn’t finished as a TE1 within the last six games was Week 13 when the entire Rams team lost their minds against Carolina. 

If you’ve been stuck in TE purgatory, in other words, if you don’t have Trey McBride, Parkinson is probably worth a pickup for you. As good as the Seahawks’ defense is, they’re 10th 10th-worst over the last month when it comes to limiting TE scoring against them. When it comes to the fantasy playoffs, you need to stack high ceilings with high floors, and that’s precisely the opportunity Parkinson provides.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Carolina Panthers | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 8.3% | FAAB 0-1%

The Carolina Panthers’ defense is turning out to be an unlikely hero as we approach the fantasy football semifinals. While it’s likely a one-week-only affair, if you’re still streaming defenses, it’s all you need for Week 16.

The Panthers are in playoff contention, and this week’s matchup against Tampa Bay matters. The Buccaneers, once front-runners in the division, are on a slide, having lost five of their last six games, including embarrassing losses to the Saints and Falcons. In that span, the offense has struggled to find a rhythm, with Baker Mayfield throwing six interceptions and taking 14 sacks. That’s also led to struggles in the run game. RB Bucky Irving has been unable to gain a foothold on the ground, thanks to the passing game’s inefficiency, with only two touchdowns over his past three games. 

Tampa Bay is limping into this game with a battered Mayfield, a leaky offensive line, and an offense that is a shell of what it was at the start of the season. The Panthers D/ST unit has a solid floor in this matchup, which will likely see the Buccaneers lean on their passing game, opening up Mayfield to pressure and mistakes all day. Grab them now, let them win your Week 16 semifinals matchups, and let them free before you march on to the fantasy football championships. 

Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 15.4% | FAAB 0-1%

Don’t look now, but the Miami Dolphins D/ST has been pretty good. Since Week 10, the Dolphins unit ranks as the overall D/ST6 in total points and D/ST2 in fantasy points per game (12.3). That’s quite a turnaround for a defense that was the D/ST27 through the first nine weeks of the 2025 season. 

Unlike the Carolina Panthers, this isn’t a one-and-done waiver wire acquisition. The Dolphins’ remaining fantasy playoff matchups are both favorable. 

This week, Miami heads to Pittsburgh to face the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers, who are falling apart in front of our eyes. Rodgers looks his age, and then some, and the lack of serious receiving options is starting to rear its ugly head. Furthermore, their offensive line has been porous, allowing seven multi-sack games and keeping their QB upright for only two full games.

Then in Week 17, Miami hosts the Cincinnati Bengals, who have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. The Return of QB Joe Burrow hasn’t been the boon they expected, with the team getting shut out by the Ravens this past week. Burrow looked uninterested at points during the loss and finished the day with 225 passing yards, two INTs and taking three big sacks. There’s no sign it’s going to get better for Cincinnati this season, and they could be limiting some key players by Week 17.

If they are available, the Miami Dolphins defense is a must-roster for the next two weeks as you work towards a fantasy football championship. If your league is cruel and unusual, and you need a D/ST for Week 18 as well, Miami draws New England in Foxboro. This is another matchup where Patriots starters might be on the bench, and you can run with Miami that week as well. 

Kickers:

Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 25% | ESPN 15.6% | FAAB 0-1%

The San Francisco 49ers’ offense has been bruised and battered all season, yet has somehow managed to get by week after week. A large part of them getting by, and being in playoff contention, has been their placekicker, Eddy Pineiro. 

The eighth-year kicker out of Florida has been near automatic this season, making all 25 of his field goal attempts, including nine from 40-plus yards and six from 50-plus yards. While he has missed four extra point attempts, he hasn’t missed one since Week 11, right before missing three games with a hamstring injury. 

Regardless of the matchup, the 49ers offense has been scoring, and Pineiro has been busy. He’s attempted three or more field goals five times, and has yet to attempt fewer than two in a game this season. That volume will continue over the next two weeks, and POineiro can be a set-it-and-forget-it option for the remainder of the fantasy football playoffs.

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings | Sleeper 23% | ESPN 15% | FAAB 3-5%

It was only a matter of time before big-legged Vikings kicker Will Reichard got an opportunity to be relevant in fantasy football. With QB J.J. McCarthy making enormous strides the last two weeks, Reichard has been called on more, logging eight extra points the previous two games in addition to three made field goals. 

With the additional opportunities, Reichard has worked his way up to overall K6 rank heading into a Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants. New York is giving up an average of 10.6 fantasy points to kickers, the fifth-worst mark in the league. Furthermore, over the last three weeks, they’ve allowed an average of 13 fantasy points to kickers.

Sailing gets rougher for Minnesota in Week 17 against Detroit, which could benefit Reichard if they stall drives and ask him to attempt some long kicks. If you want to be done streaming kickers for the season, Reichard is a reliable option you can settle on if Pineiro isn’t available on your waiver wire. 

For more wavier wire advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

*This is the final boarding call for Flight 3489 to Week 16*

Several fantasy managers have already missed the flight and are now stuck at the gate watching highlights, but if you’re reading this, welcome aboard. Find your seat; drinks will be served shortly. There are no connections, no standby lists, and absolutely no refunds. One bad move and you’re on the no-fly list for the season. 

The waiver wire is thinner than ever, but there are still a few last-minute upgrades available. Buckle up, stow your emotional baggage in the overhead bins, and let’s find the waiver wire pickups that can keep your playoff run in the air for another week.

First, some housekeeping. We’re done with Handcuffs Who Matter. Unless your starter was hurt in Week 15, you know who you need. It’s OK to cut guys loose who have underperformed as you look ahead to Week 17. Now is the time to leverage your bench to stockpile options for yourself and keep options away from your opponents. There are only two weeks left. Well, three if you play Week 18 like a crazy person (crazy or not, we will be here for you). 

One thing to keep in mind with all of these FAAB recommendations: We are at the point where every game may be your last. These are general evaluations, but you know your needs and your league best. If you need this guy to have a shot at advancing? Spend whatever you need to spend. If you don’t win, there’s no point in holding back anyway.

Week 16 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

Running Backs:

Ameer Abdullah, Indianapolis Colts | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.3% | FAAB 5%

Embed from Getty Images

Yes, I am serious, Ameer Abdullah. Yeah, this one is weird, you’re right. But points are points, and this time of year makes for strange partners. Despite leading for most of the game in Week 15, the Colts blessed Abdullah with nine touches – five of them being targets. 

For those of you interested, yes, this is a Phillip Rivers stat. When you have an old and immobile QB who doesn’t like to get hit, who’s his best friend in the world? That’s right, his checkdowns. Most fantasy analysts assumed this would come in the form of TE Tyler Warren. While Warren did lead the team with six targets, Abdullah was tied for second on the team with five. It’s not high-end work, but considering how safe that role seems to be, you can do worse as an RB2 heading into Week 16.

In fact, that’s a large part of this. We’re seeing several RB situations become untenable as we head into the final weeks of the season. Odd as it sounds, Abdullah is not one of those useless RBs. If you’ve played the Devin Neal/Devin Singletary/Chris Rodriguez RB2 game and lost, Abdullah is a sneaky option that you can probably get for nothing. You’ll need to make up for it with the rest of your roster, but it’s better than nothing.

Jawhar Jordan, Houston Texans | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0% | FAAB 50%

If you’re one of the people who said, “Who?!” upon seeing Jawhar Jordan’s name, you’re not alone. I promise. Just ask our editor, Carly. 

This is more of a “monitor” than an actual “waiver wire pickup,” but at this point in the season, sometimes that means picking up the guys until we have more information. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Dare Ogunbowale who carried the load when starter Woody Marks went down with an injury in Week 15. Instead, it was Jordan, who managed over 100 yards rushing on only 15 carries. 

I’m sure your eyes are popping a bit at the numbers, so allow me to throw some cold water on them just a little. First off, Marks said he could have returned to the game, so he’s likely not out of commission for Week 16. Secondly, Houston played Arizona in Week 15, and their defense is awful. While both are true, we need to look at a few mitigating factors. 

Addressing the second point first, the Texans are playing the Raiders in Week 16, one of the few teams worse than the Cardinals. And to the first point: It’s all well and good that Marks said he could have gone back in, but injuries have a way of morphing throughout the week once the adrenaline of a game wears off. Marks might be OK, he might not. Either way, his injury bears monitoring throughout the week in case it’s more severe than he anticipates.

Again, this isn’t a “pick him up and profit” type of suggestion. This is a “cover your bases” suggestion. We’ve seen last-minute changes come down a few times in the last couple of weeks. Don’t get caught unprepared.

Wide Receivers:

Unless you have multiple starters at running back with consistent, bankable workloads, you’re likely putting wide receivers in the flex spot. That makes getting enough wide receivers outside of your starters a must in playoff weeks. Injuries and general volatility shake up each week’s landscape at the wide receiver position, so even some of the risers at the position become viable. Not everybody’s fantasy playoff situation is crystal clear, so we’ll be highlighting some high-upside options that can boost your team for these last couple of weeks.

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers | Sleeper 46% | ESPN 45.8% | FAAB 12-15%

The Packers received a massive scare during their Week 15 game against the Denver Broncos when Christian Watson suffered a chest injury. Thankfully, Watson was able to fly home with the team and still has a chance to play this season. It’s been a war of attrition for the Packers’ pass-catchers, but having Jayden Reed back certainly helps matters for the Packers.

Reed has been a mostly slot-only option for the Packers throughout his career, but his production jumped up considerably in his second game back, with a team-high six targets and five receptions for 55 yards. Any talk right now on Watson’s Week 16 availability is purely speculative, but if the Packers are going to move the ball through the air (and sometimes on the ground), it makes sense to involve Reed heavily. It’s all hands on deck at this point for the Packers, and Reed has a good shot of becoming a big-time league winner with two good matchups against the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 16 and 17.

Luther Burden, Chicago Bears | Sleeper 34% | ESPN 15.2% | FAAB 10-12%

The news that put Luther Burden back into true startable range for Week 15 came within minutes of kickoff, as it was reported (on our newsfeed – check it out!) that Rome Odunze had aggravated a foot injury he was dealing with in warmups. Odunze was ruled out for the game just before the start, so if you were connected and were able to get Burden into your fantasy lineups, you were able to reap the benefits.

Burden put up season highs across the board with a team-leading seven targets, six receptions, and 84 yards en route to 14.4 fantasy points in the Bears’ 31-3 rout of the Cleveland Browns. The only reason Burden isn’t the top waiver claim this week is that he suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter and didn’t return to the game. Check his status for the Bears’ Week 16 showdown with the Green Bay Packers, and if he’s good to go, he should be in the majority of fantasy lineups.

Quarterbacks:

If you’re hunting for a QB right now, we’re assuming you’re looking for a one-week fix because of injury, or you’ve been streaming your QB2/Superflex roster spot all season. These recommendations are for one-week rentals to get you through your first fantasy playoff matchup. If you’re hunting for a QB in 1QB leagues, you likely have much better options not covered here.

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 6.9% | FAAB 10-15%

For as bad as the New Orleans Saints have been this season, rookie QB Tyler Shough has given the reeling franchise a modicum of hope. 

Since taking over the starting job from Spencer Rattler in Week 9, Shough is QB16 in fantasy points per game (16.1). Since Week 13, Shough is QB8 in fantasy points per game (19.6) and has helped the Saints win two of their last three games, including a shocking 24-20 win over Tampa Bay. In those games, the rookie signal-caller has three passing touchdowns, is completing 70 percent of his passes, and has rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns. 

Looking forward, Shough gets the New York Jets at home in Week 16, followed by the Tennessee Titans in Week 17. Both teams are among the ten worst defenses against fantasy QBs, and the Jets are fresh off allowing Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence to go off for six total touchdowns and 44.3 fantasy points. 

If you need a QB for the semifinals, Shough is likely the best option available on your waiver wire. Over the next two weeks, the rookie presents mid-range QB1 upside, and he won’t cost you an arm and a leg on the waiver wire.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons | Sleeper 15% | ESPN 3.6% | FAAB 10-15%

It seems to be turning into the year of the resurgent veteran QBs, and the Falcons’ Kirk Cousins decided to join the party this week.

Since his return to the starting role in Atlanta in Week 12, it’s been a mixed bag for the 14-year NFL veteran. Ranging from mid-QB2 tier finishes in Weeks 12 and 13 to an atrocious Week 14 output of 4.5 fantasy points. However, Cousins took a trip back to his Viking days in Week 15, dropping 26.9 fantasy points sitting as overall QB3 heading into Monday Night Football. 

You’ll want nothing to do with Cousins in Week 17, as the Falcons face off against a rolling Los Angeles Rams. However, in Week 16, Cousins and the Falcons head to Arizona to face a Cardinals defense that has allowed 23 or more fantasy points to opposing QBs the last two weeks. Much like those two QBs – Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud, Cousins isn’t a threat to run. That doesn’t matter. The Arizona defense has allowed 541 passing yards and six passing TDs on 44 attempts across those two games, versus a total of six rushing yards to QBs.

If you’re desperate and need a one-week bridge to get you through to the fantasy championships in Week 17, Cousins will do just fine as your QB2. And if WR Drake London does indeed return this week, Cousins’ ceiling could be a top-five finish at the position. 

Tight Ends:

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams | Sleeper 8% | ESPN 10.5% | FAAB 50%

TE Colby Parkinson, league winner?! How’s that for a clickbait headline?

More seriously, though, he really could be. We know Davante Adams reinjured his hamstring on Sunday, and with a quick turnaround for a Thursday game, there’s a good chance Parkinson will have to help pick up the slack in Adams’ absence. While we won’t likely get two TDs from him again this week – or one TD and one whatever-the-heck-that-was – the seven targets is very repeatable. 

The great part about Parkinson is that he does have that TD upside, though, and that’s very difficult to find in a waiver wire TE. The Rams’ offense is a powerhouse. Even against the Seahawks’ elite defense, Parkinson profiles as a safe TE1. In fact, the only time he hasn’t finished as a TE1 within the last six games was Week 13 when the entire Rams team lost their minds against Carolina. 

If you’ve been stuck in TE purgatory, in other words, if you don’t have Trey McBride, Parkinson is probably worth a pickup for you. As good as the Seahawks’ defense is, they’re 10th 10th-worst over the last month when it comes to limiting TE scoring against them. When it comes to the fantasy playoffs, you need to stack high ceilings with high floors, and that’s precisely the opportunity Parkinson provides.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Carolina Panthers | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 8.3% | FAAB 0-1%

The Carolina Panthers’ defense is turning out to be an unlikely hero as we approach the fantasy football semifinals. While it’s likely a one-week-only affair, if you’re still streaming defenses, it’s all you need for Week 16.

The Panthers are in playoff contention, and this week’s matchup against Tampa Bay matters. The Buccaneers, once front-runners in the division, are on a slide, having lost five of their last six games, including embarrassing losses to the Saints and Falcons. In that span, the offense has struggled to find a rhythm, with Baker Mayfield throwing six interceptions and taking 14 sacks. That’s also led to struggles in the run game. RB Bucky Irving has been unable to gain a foothold on the ground, thanks to the passing game’s inefficiency, with only two touchdowns over his past three games. 

Tampa Bay is limping into this game with a battered Mayfield, a leaky offensive line, and an offense that is a shell of what it was at the start of the season. The Panthers D/ST unit has a solid floor in this matchup, which will likely see the Buccaneers lean on their passing game, opening up Mayfield to pressure and mistakes all day. Grab them now, let them win your Week 16 semifinals matchups, and let them free before you march on to the fantasy football championships. 

Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 15.4% | FAAB 0-1%

Don’t look now, but the Miami Dolphins D/ST has been pretty good. Since Week 10, the Dolphins unit ranks as the overall D/ST6 in total points and D/ST2 in fantasy points per game (12.3). That’s quite a turnaround for a defense that was the D/ST27 through the first nine weeks of the 2025 season. 

Unlike the Carolina Panthers, this isn’t a one-and-done waiver wire acquisition. The Dolphins’ remaining fantasy playoff matchups are both favorable. 

This week, Miami heads to Pittsburgh to face the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers, who are falling apart in front of our eyes. Rodgers looks his age, and then some, and the lack of serious receiving options is starting to rear its ugly head. Furthermore, their offensive line has been porous, allowing seven multi-sack games and keeping their QB upright for only two full games.

Then in Week 17, Miami hosts the Cincinnati Bengals, who have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. The Return of QB Joe Burrow hasn’t been the boon they expected, with the team getting shut out by the Ravens this past week. Burrow looked uninterested at points during the loss and finished the day with 225 passing yards, two INTs and taking three big sacks. There’s no sign it’s going to get better for Cincinnati this season, and they could be limiting some key players by Week 17.

If they are available, the Miami Dolphins defense is a must-roster for the next two weeks as you work towards a fantasy football championship. If your league is cruel and unusual, and you need a D/ST for Week 18 as well, Miami draws New England in Foxboro. This is another matchup where Patriots starters might be on the bench, and you can run with Miami that week as well. 

Kickers:

Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 25% | ESPN 15.6% | FAAB 0-1%

The San Francisco 49ers’ offense has been bruised and battered all season, yet has somehow managed to get by week after week. A large part of them getting by, and being in playoff contention, has been their placekicker, Eddy Pineiro. 

The eighth-year kicker out of Florida has been near automatic this season, making all 25 of his field goal attempts, including nine from 40-plus yards and six from 50-plus yards. While he has missed four extra point attempts, he hasn’t missed one since Week 11, right before missing three games with a hamstring injury. 

Regardless of the matchup, the 49ers offense has been scoring, and Pineiro has been busy. He’s attempted three or more field goals five times, and has yet to attempt fewer than two in a game this season. That volume will continue over the next two weeks, and POineiro can be a set-it-and-forget-it option for the remainder of the fantasy football playoffs.

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings | Sleeper 23% | ESPN 15% | FAAB 3-5%

It was only a matter of time before big-legged Vikings kicker Will Reichard got an opportunity to be relevant in fantasy football. With QB J.J. McCarthy making enormous strides the last two weeks, Reichard has been called on more, logging eight extra points the previous two games in addition to three made field goals. 

With the additional opportunities, Reichard has worked his way up to overall K6 rank heading into a Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants. New York is giving up an average of 10.6 fantasy points to kickers, the fifth-worst mark in the league. Furthermore, over the last three weeks, they’ve allowed an average of 13 fantasy points to kickers.

Sailing gets rougher for Minnesota in Week 17 against Detroit, which could benefit Reichard if they stall drives and ask him to attempt some long kicks. If you want to be done streaming kickers for the season, Reichard is a reliable option you can settle on if Pineiro isn’t available on your waiver wire. 

For more wavier wire advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

*This is the final boarding call for Flight 3489 to Week 16*

Several fantasy managers have already missed the flight and are now stuck at the gate watching highlights, but if you’re reading this, welcome aboard. Find your seat; drinks will be served shortly. There are no connections, no standby lists, and absolutely no refunds. One bad move and you’re on the no-fly list for the season. 

The waiver wire is thinner than ever, but there are still a few last-minute upgrades available. Buckle up, stow your emotional baggage in the overhead bins, and let’s find the waiver wire pickups that can keep your playoff run in the air for another week.

First, some housekeeping. We’re done with Handcuffs Who Matter. Unless your starter was hurt in Week 15, you know who you need. It’s OK to cut guys loose who have underperformed as you look ahead to Week 17. Now is the time to leverage your bench to stockpile options for yourself and keep options away from your opponents. There are only two weeks left. Well, three if you play Week 18 like a crazy person (crazy or not, we will be here for you). 

One thing to keep in mind with all of these FAAB recommendations: We are at the point where every game may be your last. These are general evaluations, but you know your needs and your league best. If you need this guy to have a shot at advancing? Spend whatever you need to spend. If you don’t win, there’s no point in holding back anyway.

Week 16 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

Running Backs:

Ameer Abdullah, Indianapolis Colts | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0.3% | FAAB 5%

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Yes, I am serious, Ameer Abdullah. Yeah, this one is weird, you’re right. But points are points, and this time of year makes for strange partners. Despite leading for most of the game in Week 15, the Colts blessed Abdullah with nine touches – five of them being targets. 

For those of you interested, yes, this is a Phillip Rivers stat. When you have an old and immobile QB who doesn’t like to get hit, who’s his best friend in the world? That’s right, his checkdowns. Most fantasy analysts assumed this would come in the form of TE Tyler Warren. While Warren did lead the team with six targets, Abdullah was tied for second on the team with five. It’s not high-end work, but considering how safe that role seems to be, you can do worse as an RB2 heading into Week 16.

In fact, that’s a large part of this. We’re seeing several RB situations become untenable as we head into the final weeks of the season. Odd as it sounds, Abdullah is not one of those useless RBs. If you’ve played the Devin Neal/Devin Singletary/Chris Rodriguez RB2 game and lost, Abdullah is a sneaky option that you can probably get for nothing. You’ll need to make up for it with the rest of your roster, but it’s better than nothing.

Jawhar Jordan, Houston Texans | Sleeper 0% | ESPN 0% | FAAB 50%

If you’re one of the people who said, “Who?!” upon seeing Jawhar Jordan’s name, you’re not alone. I promise. Just ask our editor, Carly. 

This is more of a “monitor” than an actual “waiver wire pickup,” but at this point in the season, sometimes that means picking up the guys until we have more information. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Dare Ogunbowale who carried the load when starter Woody Marks went down with an injury in Week 15. Instead, it was Jordan, who managed over 100 yards rushing on only 15 carries. 

I’m sure your eyes are popping a bit at the numbers, so allow me to throw some cold water on them just a little. First off, Marks said he could have returned to the game, so he’s likely not out of commission for Week 16. Secondly, Houston played Arizona in Week 15, and their defense is awful. While both are true, we need to look at a few mitigating factors. 

Addressing the second point first, the Texans are playing the Raiders in Week 16, one of the few teams worse than the Cardinals. And to the first point: It’s all well and good that Marks said he could have gone back in, but injuries have a way of morphing throughout the week once the adrenaline of a game wears off. Marks might be OK, he might not. Either way, his injury bears monitoring throughout the week in case it’s more severe than he anticipates.

Again, this isn’t a “pick him up and profit” type of suggestion. This is a “cover your bases” suggestion. We’ve seen last-minute changes come down a few times in the last couple of weeks. Don’t get caught unprepared.

Wide Receivers:

Unless you have multiple starters at running back with consistent, bankable workloads, you’re likely putting wide receivers in the flex spot. That makes getting enough wide receivers outside of your starters a must in playoff weeks. Injuries and general volatility shake up each week’s landscape at the wide receiver position, so even some of the risers at the position become viable. Not everybody’s fantasy playoff situation is crystal clear, so we’ll be highlighting some high-upside options that can boost your team for these last couple of weeks.

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers | Sleeper 46% | ESPN 45.8% | FAAB 12-15%

The Packers received a massive scare during their Week 15 game against the Denver Broncos when Christian Watson suffered a chest injury. Thankfully, Watson was able to fly home with the team and still has a chance to play this season. It’s been a war of attrition for the Packers’ pass-catchers, but having Jayden Reed back certainly helps matters for the Packers.

Reed has been a mostly slot-only option for the Packers throughout his career, but his production jumped up considerably in his second game back, with a team-high six targets and five receptions for 55 yards. Any talk right now on Watson’s Week 16 availability is purely speculative, but if the Packers are going to move the ball through the air (and sometimes on the ground), it makes sense to involve Reed heavily. It’s all hands on deck at this point for the Packers, and Reed has a good shot of becoming a big-time league winner with two good matchups against the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 16 and 17.

Luther Burden, Chicago Bears | Sleeper 34% | ESPN 15.2% | FAAB 10-12%

The news that put Luther Burden back into true startable range for Week 15 came within minutes of kickoff, as it was reported (on our newsfeed – check it out!) that Rome Odunze had aggravated a foot injury he was dealing with in warmups. Odunze was ruled out for the game just before the start, so if you were connected and were able to get Burden into your fantasy lineups, you were able to reap the benefits.

Burden put up season highs across the board with a team-leading seven targets, six receptions, and 84 yards en route to 14.4 fantasy points in the Bears’ 31-3 rout of the Cleveland Browns. The only reason Burden isn’t the top waiver claim this week is that he suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter and didn’t return to the game. Check his status for the Bears’ Week 16 showdown with the Green Bay Packers, and if he’s good to go, he should be in the majority of fantasy lineups.

Quarterbacks:

If you’re hunting for a QB right now, we’re assuming you’re looking for a one-week fix because of injury, or you’ve been streaming your QB2/Superflex roster spot all season. These recommendations are for one-week rentals to get you through your first fantasy playoff matchup. If you’re hunting for a QB in 1QB leagues, you likely have much better options not covered here.

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 6.9% | FAAB 10-15%

For as bad as the New Orleans Saints have been this season, rookie QB Tyler Shough has given the reeling franchise a modicum of hope. 

Since taking over the starting job from Spencer Rattler in Week 9, Shough is QB16 in fantasy points per game (16.1). Since Week 13, Shough is QB8 in fantasy points per game (19.6) and has helped the Saints win two of their last three games, including a shocking 24-20 win over Tampa Bay. In those games, the rookie signal-caller has three passing touchdowns, is completing 70 percent of his passes, and has rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns. 

Looking forward, Shough gets the New York Jets at home in Week 16, followed by the Tennessee Titans in Week 17. Both teams are among the ten worst defenses against fantasy QBs, and the Jets are fresh off allowing Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence to go off for six total touchdowns and 44.3 fantasy points. 

If you need a QB for the semifinals, Shough is likely the best option available on your waiver wire. Over the next two weeks, the rookie presents mid-range QB1 upside, and he won’t cost you an arm and a leg on the waiver wire.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons | Sleeper 15% | ESPN 3.6% | FAAB 10-15%

It seems to be turning into the year of the resurgent veteran QBs, and the Falcons’ Kirk Cousins decided to join the party this week.

Since his return to the starting role in Atlanta in Week 12, it’s been a mixed bag for the 14-year NFL veteran. Ranging from mid-QB2 tier finishes in Weeks 12 and 13 to an atrocious Week 14 output of 4.5 fantasy points. However, Cousins took a trip back to his Viking days in Week 15, dropping 26.9 fantasy points sitting as overall QB3 heading into Monday Night Football. 

You’ll want nothing to do with Cousins in Week 17, as the Falcons face off against a rolling Los Angeles Rams. However, in Week 16, Cousins and the Falcons head to Arizona to face a Cardinals defense that has allowed 23 or more fantasy points to opposing QBs the last two weeks. Much like those two QBs – Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud, Cousins isn’t a threat to run. That doesn’t matter. The Arizona defense has allowed 541 passing yards and six passing TDs on 44 attempts across those two games, versus a total of six rushing yards to QBs.

If you’re desperate and need a one-week bridge to get you through to the fantasy championships in Week 17, Cousins will do just fine as your QB2. And if WR Drake London does indeed return this week, Cousins’ ceiling could be a top-five finish at the position. 

Tight Ends:

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams | Sleeper 8% | ESPN 10.5% | FAAB 50%

TE Colby Parkinson, league winner?! How’s that for a clickbait headline?

More seriously, though, he really could be. We know Davante Adams reinjured his hamstring on Sunday, and with a quick turnaround for a Thursday game, there’s a good chance Parkinson will have to help pick up the slack in Adams’ absence. While we won’t likely get two TDs from him again this week – or one TD and one whatever-the-heck-that-was – the seven targets is very repeatable. 

The great part about Parkinson is that he does have that TD upside, though, and that’s very difficult to find in a waiver wire TE. The Rams’ offense is a powerhouse. Even against the Seahawks’ elite defense, Parkinson profiles as a safe TE1. In fact, the only time he hasn’t finished as a TE1 within the last six games was Week 13 when the entire Rams team lost their minds against Carolina. 

If you’ve been stuck in TE purgatory, in other words, if you don’t have Trey McBride, Parkinson is probably worth a pickup for you. As good as the Seahawks’ defense is, they’re 10th 10th-worst over the last month when it comes to limiting TE scoring against them. When it comes to the fantasy playoffs, you need to stack high ceilings with high floors, and that’s precisely the opportunity Parkinson provides.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Carolina Panthers | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 8.3% | FAAB 0-1%

The Carolina Panthers’ defense is turning out to be an unlikely hero as we approach the fantasy football semifinals. While it’s likely a one-week-only affair, if you’re still streaming defenses, it’s all you need for Week 16.

The Panthers are in playoff contention, and this week’s matchup against Tampa Bay matters. The Buccaneers, once front-runners in the division, are on a slide, having lost five of their last six games, including embarrassing losses to the Saints and Falcons. In that span, the offense has struggled to find a rhythm, with Baker Mayfield throwing six interceptions and taking 14 sacks. That’s also led to struggles in the run game. RB Bucky Irving has been unable to gain a foothold on the ground, thanks to the passing game’s inefficiency, with only two touchdowns over his past three games. 

Tampa Bay is limping into this game with a battered Mayfield, a leaky offensive line, and an offense that is a shell of what it was at the start of the season. The Panthers D/ST unit has a solid floor in this matchup, which will likely see the Buccaneers lean on their passing game, opening up Mayfield to pressure and mistakes all day. Grab them now, let them win your Week 16 semifinals matchups, and let them free before you march on to the fantasy football championships. 

Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 18% | ESPN 15.4% | FAAB 0-1%

Don’t look now, but the Miami Dolphins D/ST has been pretty good. Since Week 10, the Dolphins unit ranks as the overall D/ST6 in total points and D/ST2 in fantasy points per game (12.3). That’s quite a turnaround for a defense that was the D/ST27 through the first nine weeks of the 2025 season. 

Unlike the Carolina Panthers, this isn’t a one-and-done waiver wire acquisition. The Dolphins’ remaining fantasy playoff matchups are both favorable. 

This week, Miami heads to Pittsburgh to face the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers, who are falling apart in front of our eyes. Rodgers looks his age, and then some, and the lack of serious receiving options is starting to rear its ugly head. Furthermore, their offensive line has been porous, allowing seven multi-sack games and keeping their QB upright for only two full games.

Then in Week 17, Miami hosts the Cincinnati Bengals, who have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. The Return of QB Joe Burrow hasn’t been the boon they expected, with the team getting shut out by the Ravens this past week. Burrow looked uninterested at points during the loss and finished the day with 225 passing yards, two INTs and taking three big sacks. There’s no sign it’s going to get better for Cincinnati this season, and they could be limiting some key players by Week 17.

If they are available, the Miami Dolphins defense is a must-roster for the next two weeks as you work towards a fantasy football championship. If your league is cruel and unusual, and you need a D/ST for Week 18 as well, Miami draws New England in Foxboro. This is another matchup where Patriots starters might be on the bench, and you can run with Miami that week as well. 

Kickers:

Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 25% | ESPN 15.6% | FAAB 0-1%

The San Francisco 49ers’ offense has been bruised and battered all season, yet has somehow managed to get by week after week. A large part of them getting by, and being in playoff contention, has been their placekicker, Eddy Pineiro. 

The eighth-year kicker out of Florida has been near automatic this season, making all 25 of his field goal attempts, including nine from 40-plus yards and six from 50-plus yards. While he has missed four extra point attempts, he hasn’t missed one since Week 11, right before missing three games with a hamstring injury. 

Regardless of the matchup, the 49ers offense has been scoring, and Pineiro has been busy. He’s attempted three or more field goals five times, and has yet to attempt fewer than two in a game this season. That volume will continue over the next two weeks, and POineiro can be a set-it-and-forget-it option for the remainder of the fantasy football playoffs.

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings | Sleeper 23% | ESPN 15% | FAAB 3-5%

It was only a matter of time before big-legged Vikings kicker Will Reichard got an opportunity to be relevant in fantasy football. With QB J.J. McCarthy making enormous strides the last two weeks, Reichard has been called on more, logging eight extra points the previous two games in addition to three made field goals. 

With the additional opportunities, Reichard has worked his way up to overall K6 rank heading into a Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants. New York is giving up an average of 10.6 fantasy points to kickers, the fifth-worst mark in the league. Furthermore, over the last three weeks, they’ve allowed an average of 13 fantasy points to kickers.

Sailing gets rougher for Minnesota in Week 17 against Detroit, which could benefit Reichard if they stall drives and ask him to attempt some long kicks. If you want to be done streaming kickers for the season, Reichard is a reliable option you can settle on if Pineiro isn’t available on your waiver wire. 

For more wavier wire advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

By Published On: December 15th, 2025

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