Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 16.
We are in the thick of the fantasy football playoffs, and a handful of backup running backs that finished as the top players this week. Ty Chandler was on the list a few weeks ago and was a top-five running back in Week 15. We could see similar scenarios in the coming weeks. Players who should be on your radar are Rico Dowdle, Jordan Mason, Chase Brown, Tyjae Spears, Kenneth Gainwell, Jamaal Williams and D’Ernest Johnson.
Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders: White was featured here last week and finished as RB11 in half-PPR scoring with Josh Jacobs out of action. The Raiders dominated the Chargers on Thursday night, and White was on the field for 70 percent of the offensive snaps. It’s unknown if Jacobs will return this week, but if not, White is once again a FLEX option.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: With Isiah Pacheco ruled out and Jerick McKinnon getting banged up against the Patriots, it was CEH who stepped up for the Chiefs. The former first-round pick finished as RB9, finding the end zone on a touchdown reception. If either Pacheco or McKinnon is to miss this week, Edwards-Helaire can be inserted into starting lineups with the Raiders’ generous defense up next.
Trey Sermon, RB; Indianapolis Colts: Another third-string running back who is suddenly fantasy relevant is Sermon, who took over the majority of the running back reps once Zack Moss left against the Steelers with an injury. It’s unclear whether Moss will miss this week. Jonathan Taylor is still out from his own injury. As such, Sermon could be the lottery ticket to win your fantasy league.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots: Henry has been in the end zone three times in the last two weeks. Up next for the Pats are the Broncos, who allowed Sam LaPorta to score three touchdowns Saturday night. Sometimes you don’t have to overthink things. If you need tight end help, grab the guy going against a defense struggling to cover the position.
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