A rough week for injuries, as a bunch of promising players for the fantasy playoffs suffered injuries. With week 1 of the playoffs in the books, let’s take a look at some waiver wire replacements and injury outlook from Week 15. As always, monitor practice reports to get the most solid information on severity.
- More Waiver Wire Picks
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Top 9 Injuries to Know: Week 16 Waiver Wire
Michael Pittman (WR – IND)
First, let’s talk about concussions. As we have seen this season, the average time a player spends in the concussion protocol is seven days, so there is approximately a 60% chance a player will miss a game seven days away.
Pittman suffered a concussion in Saturday’s game. With their game being eight days after the concussion, I’d say there is a good chance he will be able to play, although monitor his practice reports.
Waiver considerations: Josh Downs/Alec Pierce if he doesn’t play
Zach Wilson (QB – NYJ)
Wilson suffered a concussion in Sunday’s game. Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Wilson would start if he cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, otherwise Trevor Siemian would start. Do not pick up a Jets quarterback. Either is also a downgrade all Jets skill positions.
Waiver considerations: None
Tommy DeVito (QB – NYG)
DeVito suffered a concussion in Sunday’s game against the New Orlean Saints. If he misses Week 16, Tyrod Taylor is a decent streaming option against an Eagles defense which gives up a ton of points to opposing QBs.
Waiver considerations: Tyrod Taylor
Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)
Lawrence suffered a concussion Sunday night. C.J. Beathard is the backup. Downgrade Jags pass catchers if Lawrence sits.
Waiver considerations: None
Zack Moss (RB – IND)
Moss appeared to suffer an AC joint sprain in Saturday’s game. But X-rays were negative, and Moss said that he plans to try to play next week. It’s mostly a pain tolerance issue, but there is a chance of reinjury if he takes another fall on that shoulder. If it’s minor, he will be able to play through without issue. Monitor his status in practice throughout the week.
Waiver considerations: If Jonathan Taylor and Moss are both out, Trey Sermon becomes interesting. There is a chance Taylor suits up next week as well.
Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
Chase appeared to suffer a more serious AC joint injury than Moss this week. Again, the issue here is more of a pain tolerance thing. Unfortunately, reaching overhead is extremely painful with this type of injury. If I had to guess, Chase would likely not play, and if he does would not be as effective as usual. If he can get a full practice in this week, that will be an indicator of a less serious injury. I expect he will push to play due to the Bengals being in the middle of a playoff push.
Waiver considerations: Tyler Boyd
Keaton Mitchell (RB – BAL)
Mitchell unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury in Sunday night’s game. This gives more value to both Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.
Waiver considerations: Check if Gus Edwards was dropped, if not Justice Hill
Marquise Brown (WR – ARI)
Brown reaggravated a heel injury that has been bothering him for a large portion of the season. Brown is becoming hard trust, as there seems to be a high reinjury risk for his heel injury. If he doesn’t play, Michael Wilson is a good play.
Waiver considerations: Michael Wilson
Will Levis (QB – TEN)
Levis suffered a high ankle sprain. As we have seen with Trevor Lawrence this season, it’s possible he will be able to play through the injury, especially if it’s a mild sprain. Although if it’s more severe, a multi-week absence is possible. It will be interesting to monitor his status this week in practice. If Levis strings together three limited practices, I would feel confident he plays.
Waiver considerations: None
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Follow me on Twitter @TheDynastyPT for more!