Early Week 16 Fantasy Football pickup options for the championship round
Well, it’s been a speedy, wild NFL season, but Week 16 will mark the biggest day(s) of the year for many fantasy players. Rosters might be relatively set, but it’s always good to weigh your options and maximize your chances to succeed.
With that said, Liz Loza has three early waiver wire adds for Week 16:
Jamaal Williams back in the conversation (15% owned on Yahoo)
Fantasy owners let out a collective groan when Aaron Jones went down against the Bears on Sunday with a knee injury. Jones believes he sprained his MCL, so he could miss the rest of 2018. Williams — who Jones owners have probably been frustrated by the majority of the season — is expected to assume lead duties going forward. He flashed well in a tough matchup, totaling 97 yards with a touchdown against the Bears. Williams will get the exploitable Jets defense next as the presumed starter in Green Bay.
Kalen Ballage steps up (1% owned on Yahoo)
The Dolphins running game has been anything but predictable this season. Frank Gore has proven himself ageless and Kenyan Drake has flashed his electricity in a frustratingly minimal role. After Gore left Week 15 with an injury, however, it was Ballage’s turn. The rookie out touched Drake (13 to 4), and man, did he show out. He rushed 12 times for 123 yards and a touchdown. With Drake being relegated to a part-time role (and held back by a shoulder injury), Ballage has intriguing value.
Robert Foster makes it two in a row (13% owned on Yahoo)
Josh Allen has parts of Buffalo’s offense fantasy relevant, and he will have to throw (and run) even more now with so many injuries to Bills running backs. Foster has been a primary beneficiary of Allen’s continued growth. He’s hit pay dirt two weeks in a row and caught 4-of-5 targets for 108 yards in Week 15. Stephon Gilmore will likely shadow Zay Jones next week at New England, making Foster another streamer candidate.
