Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Jerick McKinnon, Tyjae Spears, Joshua Palmer, Joe Flacco (Week 16)

The week is nearly wrapped up, and of course there were another round of injuries and surprising performances. As a result, fantasy managers will be on the lookout for wavier wire additions and replacement options for those injured over the weekend or just to bolster their lineup moving forward. Here are a few players to consider adding via the waiver wire this week. And also be sure to check out our full waiver wire article for the week.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets

Jerick McKinnon (RB – KC): 41% rostered

• Next Opponents: LV, CIN, @LAC
• True value: $6
• Desperate need: $10
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Despite only receiving seven touches to Clyde Edwards-Helaire‘s 17, McKinnon had a touchdown catch and was credited with a passing touchdown to Rashee Rice on a shovel pass. The Chiefs’ remaining schedule is very favorable to RBs. It will require less FAAB to acquire McKinnon than to land CEH anyway, with McKinnon’s role likely not changing if Isiah Pacheco comes back from a shoulder injury this week.

Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN): 45% rostered

• Next Opponents: SEA, @HOU, JAX
• True value: $6
• Desperate need: $10
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Spears earned 10 touches in Week 15, but Houston’s defense completely shut down the Tennessee running game. The rookie from Tulane is a home run threat every time he touches the ball and is a nice complement to Derrick Henry. His semifinal matchup with the Seahawks, the fifth-worst team at defending RBs, makes Spears an intriguing buy-low if he’s available.

Joshua Palmer (WR – LAC): 29% rostered

• Next Opponents: BUF, @DEN, KC
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Palmer returned to the lineup last week to finish with a 12.5% target share while playing 72% of the snaps. He made the most of his limited target volume, finishing with 113 receiving yards and a score. We should expect his snap count to grow in Week 16, assuming he escaped last week’s game without any setbacks. Palmer could be the Bolts’ WR1 this week if Keenan Allen misses a second straight game. The matchup on paper isn’t favorable this week. Since Week 9, Buffalo has allowed the eighth-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers (per Fantasy Points Data). Palmer will have WR3/4 value this week.

Joe Flacco (QB CLE): 24% rostered

• Next Opponents: @HOU, NYJ, @CIN
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Even with three mind-numbing interceptions on Sunday, Flacco diced up the Bears defense for 374 yards and two touchdowns. It was his third start this season and his third game with 20 or more fantasy points. Houston has had an opportunistic defense under DeMeco Ryans, but the Texans are far from a bad matchup. Flacco has perhaps the safest floor of any Week 16 streaming option.

Successful In-Season Fantasy Football Management

Once your fantasy football team is drafted, the work is not over. Successful in-season management is crucial to a winning fantasy football season. Here are some tips to help you manage your team effectively throughout the season:

Stay up to date on player news
Keep track of player injuries, suspensions, and other news that may impact their performance. This will help you make informed decisions about which players to start each week.

Monitor the waiver wire
Keep an eye on the waiver wire and be ready to pick up players who may be undervalued or overlooked by other teams. This can provide valuable depth to your roster. Use our waiver wire assistant to view optimal lineups, waiver and trade suggestions, and league analysis.

Analyze matchups
Analyze the upcoming matchups for your players and opponents to determine which players to start in your lineup each week. Look for favorable matchups and take into account the strength of the opposing team’s defense.

Stay active in trades
Be open to trading players with other teams if it will benefit your team. Analyze the potential impact of a trade before making a decision and negotiate with other teams to find a mutually beneficial agreement.

Be prepared for bye weeks
Plan ahead for bye weeks by having backup players ready to fill in for your starters. Avoid having too many players with the same bye week, which can leave your team short-handed.

Don’t overreact to one bad week
Avoid overreacting to one bad week of performance by a player. Take a long-term view of their performance and evaluate their potential moving forward.

Continuously evaluate your roster
Continuously evaluate your roster throughout the season and make adjustments as needed. Be willing to drop underperforming players or make changes to your lineup if necessary.