Thomason: Top Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 16
By Jack Thomason-
(CBS) Not only are we in the final week of fantasy leagues, but the holidays are upon us. Many of us are grateful for our families, friends, Odell Beckham Jr., Jeremy Hill, Dez Bryant and more. I wanted to take a moment to thank all of those who have read my articles week in and out. I have appreciated your support, and I hope these columns have helped you make it to this final week.
Now, this is it -- the opportunity to hoist your league's trophy, to hold bragging rights for the next 12 months, to pocket your league winnings. So don't blow it! Let's see who is available for the final round of fantasy.
Here are Week 16's top 10 waiver adds with an eye on 10- or 12- team leagues.
1. Joseph Randle (RB, Dallas Cowboys, available in 85% of CBS leagues) -- Reports have surfaced that DeMarco Murray will need surgery on his left hand, but there are mixed takes about the length of time, if any, Murray would miss. With most waivers taking place Tuesday and Wednesday, you can't afford to wait on more news. If there is any question about Murray's status, Randle would be the first add for owners. Lance Dunbar would likely receive work on passing downs. We know how good this Dallas offensive line, is and the Indianapolis Colts are up next. They have given up the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. If Murray misses time, Randle could end up as your fantasy championship MVP.
2. Carlos Hyde (RB, San Francisco 49ers, 42%) -- Frank Gore suffered a concussion Sunday and will to have to pass the league's protocol before being cleared to play. Hyde suffered his own injury in the game, but early word is it's not expected to be serious. Hyde rushed six times for 55 yards against a tough Seattle defense last week and is in line for a big workload should Gore not play. He gets the Chargers next and would be an immediate RB2 if he is the starter.
3. Harry Douglas (WR, Atlanta Falcons, 45%) -- We don't know the status of Julio Jones moving forward, and that makes Douglas a top pick up this week. Dating back to last year, there have been 14 games in which Jones, Roddy White or both have not played. In those games, Douglas has surpassed 70 yards eight times and 115 yards five times. That includes Sunday, when he led the team with 14 targets, 10 receptions and 131 yards. If Jones is out again, you simply grab Douglas and plug him in against a wretched Saints defense.
4. Matt Asiata (RB, Minnesota Vikings, 45%) -- Minnesota travels to Miami in Week 16, and the Dolphins have been gashed by the run of late. By now, we know what Asiata is: a plodder who receives the bulk of the touches and goal-line work. He can also catch passes out of the backfield, which helps add to his value. He racked up 18 touches, seven being receptions, for 86 yards and a touchdown last week. Add him and start him if he is available and you need an RB2.
5. Jarvis Landry (WR, Miami Dolphins, 31%) -- Landry continues to do work, piling up 11 targets in three of his last four games with 29 receptions. He has been a PPR machine and continued that feat against New England in tallying eight receptions for 99 yards. He has the Vikings next and is an easy WR3 with WR2 upside in standard leagues and a WR2 in PPR.
6. Charles Johnson (WR, Minnesota Vikings, 57%) -- Where is the love for Johnson? He has been Teddy Bridgewater's go-to receiver the last five weeks, averaging four receptions, 71 yards and 7.2 targets. Over that time, he has shown a knack for making big plays and made one Sunday with a 40-yard reception in the second quarter. He was tied for the team lead in targets (seven) and has an upcoming date with the Dolphins in Miami.
7. Toby Gerhart (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars, 71%) -- Gerhart is the lead back in Jacksonville with Denard Robinson out for the year. He totaled 15 touches and 63 yards last week and gets the terrible Tennessee Titans this week. The Titans are allowing sixth-most points to running backs on the season and have been abused over the last five weeks. You could do worse if you're in need of a running back. He has volume and the matchup working in his favor.
8. Andre Williams (RB, New York Giants, 23%) -- Rashad Jennings aggravated his ankle sprain, which led to 19 touches and 53 total yards for Williams. This is the guy we were accustomed to seeing prior to a Week 14 matchup against the Titans. Still, he is always a good bet to carry the load and get goal-line work with Jennings hobbled. His matchup isn't an easy one playing in St. Louis, but the Arizona Cardinals just touched them up for 143 yards rushing last Thursday. If Jennings isn't available, Williams is in that RB2/RB3 range because of the workload.
9. Nate Washington (WR, Tennessee Titans, 86%) -- You're not going to be able to trust Washington as more than a flex or WR3 play, but last week was promising as he caught six passes, on a team-high 10 targets, for 102 yards. He is now averaging 72.4 yards over his last five games, and Kendall Wright's status is still up in the air. Washington has the lowly Jaguars secondary up next.
10. Latavius Murray (RB, Oakland Raiders, 28%) -- The bottom line for Murray is he continues to be the lead back in the Raiders offense. He totaled 14 touches and 76 yards last week. You want more production, but the problem wasn't Murray. It was the fact that the Chiefs opened up a large lead, and the Raiders went away from the run. He has a rough matchup with Buffalo next, but there just aren't enough running backs in fantasy who are a lock for at least 12-15 touches. He's more of a desperation RB3/flex this coming week as we just witnessed the Bills hold the high-powered Packers offense to 13 points.
Just missed: Derek Anderson, Robert Griffin III, Doug Martin, Lance Dunbar, Kerwynn Williams, Stepfan Taylor, Alfonso Smith (keep eye on Gore/Hyde injuries), Cole Beasley, Marquis Wilson, Mychal Rivera, Owen Daniels and Kyle Rudolph.
Jack Thomason is the winner of the 2014 Bud Light Fantasy Expert Contest, co-host of Fantasy Streamers and co-host of the Nerd Herd. You can listen to Fantasy Streamers every Sunday from 8-9 a.m. CT at 670thescore.com/listen. The Nerd Herd is on every Friday, starting at 11 p.m. and lasting until 1 a.m. on 670 The Score and online here. Follow him on Twitter @jthomason77 and feel free to ask fantasy questions.
