I hope this article finds you still alive in the fantasy playoffs! We had some huge performances from teams like the Lions and Bills — and also a few fantasy surprises (hi Davante Adams, thank you so much! Hi Cooper Kupp, uhhhh see you next year?) We also had some nauseatingly down games from running backs we've relied on this whole season (it's not me, Saquon… it's you).

Either way, onward we go for the second week of the fantasy playoffs… for most. Remember you're here for a reason, so don't get cute — go with your gut! As always, all players are under 40% rostered. 

Also, don't forget about our waiver wire tool, which is an awesome way to visualize what I have below.

INJURY ROUNDUP

• Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
• Cardinals: Trey Benson (ankle)
• Browns: Nick Chubb (broken foot, out for season)
• Broncos: Jaleel McLaughlin (quad)
• Colts: Alec Pierce (concussion)
• Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle (knee)
• Lions: David Montgomery (knee, out for season)
• Saints: Alvin Kamara (groin)
• Giants: Tommy DeVito (concussion)
• Commanders: Zach Ertz (concussion)
• Seahawks: Geno Smith (knee)

FANTASY FOOTBALL WAIVER WIRE ADDS FOR WEEK 16

Waiver Wire Quarterbacks to Add

Aaron Rodgers, Jets (35% rostered)

We are dealing with injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Geno Smith and we could see different starting quarterbacks in Week 16 for the Titans, Browns and Saints. So it's ROUGH out there. Aaron Rodgers locked down 30.06 fantasy points against the Jaguars, which were his most since Week 11… of 2021! The Jets take on the Rams this week, which is still favorable (the Rams give up the 9th most points to opposing QBs), but we still have to temper expectations for another 30-point performance. 

Cooper Rush, Cowboys (8% rostered)

I said we were desperate this week, remember? If you're in a SuperFlex league and need help because of the aforementioned injuries above, then in a pinch you can look to Cooper Rush. The Cowboys take on the Buccaneers in Week 16 which is a great matchup for Rush (3rd most points allowed to opposing QBs). According to PFF, six of the last 10 quarterbacks to face Tampa Bay have finished among the top seven fantasy quarterbacks that week.

“I can live with this” options:

• Bryce Young, Panthers (7% rostered)
• Drake Maye, Patriots (13% rostered)

Waiver Wire Running Backs to Add

Jerome Ford, Browns (43% rostered)

This is cheating because Jerome Ford is over 40% rostered, but I want to make it known that if for whatever reason he is available then YOU NEED TO GET HIM. Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot, which put him out for the remainder of the season, and Ford notched 18.4 fantasy points in his absence on Sunday. If we get Ford in Chubb's role he can be a huge asset for you in the playoffs.

Kendre Miller, Saints 11% rostered)

Alvin Kamara suffered a groin injury on Sunday against the Commanders and his status for Week 16 is still unknown. We've talked before about teams shutting down some of their older, veteran players and with the Saints essentially playing for pride it might be time for Kamara to sit. With a post-Dennis Allen coaching staff that does not hate him, Kendre Miller has carried 19 times for 78 yards and one score over the past two weeks. 

Also not a bad idea to check in on…

• Sincere McCormick, Raiders (44% rostered)

“I can live with this” options:

• Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (33% rostered)
• Kimani Vidal, Chargers (12% rostered)
• Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles (5% rostered)

Waiver Wire Wide Receivers to Add

Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers (9% rostered)

Jalen McMillan is not going away, so maybe we need to pay attention? On Sunday he had five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, for 18.5 fantasy points. We know that the Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans connection will remain steady, but if you're down bad because of injuries I really like their matchup against the Cowboys for Week 16.

Romeo Doubs, Packers (38% rostered)

Romeo Doubs missed Weeks 13 and 14 due to a concussion, but he got back in the mix against the Seahawks and had three receptions for 40 yards and two touchdowns — good for 19 fantasy points. We are never too sure who the primary target is going to be any given week with the Packers, but Doubs ,over his last 10 healthy games, has averaged at least 12 fantasy points per game. 

Check out his season log, via Dwain McFarland's Utilization Report:

“I can live with this” options:

• Rashod Bateman, Ravens (25% rostered)
• Tim Patrick, Lions (3% rostered)
• Ray-Ray McCloud, Falcons (21% rostered)

Waiver Wire Tight Ends to Add

Brenton Strange, Jaguars (2% rostered)

The Jaguars shut down Evan Engram for the season before Week 15 and this is definitely a "next man up" mentality when looking at Brenton Strange. The tight end position for fantasy this year has been brutal, so this is streaming territory, but Strange caught 11 of his 12 targets for 73 yards on Sunday. The matchup next week is also juicy, since Jacksonville takes on the Raiders, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

“I can live with this” options:

• Juwan Johnson, Saints (13% rostered)
• Stone Smartt, Chargers (6% rostered)