Week 16 Fantasy Football Waiver Pickups

The fantasy playoffs are where NFL waiver wire decisions can swing an entire season. In the regular season, you can survive a missed claim or two, but in December when the playoffs come around, every marginal edge matters. One extra red-zone touch, one extra third-down target, one extra snap share bump because of an injury or game script. That’s why fantasy waiver wire pickups are less about who the best player is and more about who can actually help you win this week.

At this stage, you’re hunting for immediate volume, role clarity and lineup insurance. Maybe you need a plug-and-play flex because your WR3 is in a brutal matchup. Maybe you’re one late-week questionable tag away from starting a waiver RB. Maybe tight end has been a weekly headache and you just need someone who is running routes and getting looks near the goal line.

Play $5 in Fantasy Entries, Get $75 in Fantasy Bonus Entries

Play Now

Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. See assets.underdogfantasy.com/web/PlayandGetTerms_DFS_.html for details. Offer not valid in MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, and PA. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).

Whatever your situation is, the goal is simple. It's about finding players whose usage is trending up and whose path to points is realistic right now, not two weeks from now. Here are five NFL fantasy waiver wire pickups to consider heading into the fantasy playoffs.

Michael Carter - RB (Arizona Cardinals)

Carter is a practical add because he can deliver playable touches right away if Arizona’s backfield is thin. He’s also the type of back who can survive on receiving work, which matters in PPR when you need a stable floor. If you’re choosing between a risky boom-or-bust option and a player who can grind out 10 to 14 points through touches alone, Carter is the kind of “advance in the playoffs” pickup.

Audric Estime - RB (New Orleans Saints)

Estime is more of a contingency pickup with a path to real value if New Orleans is managing injuries or workload limitations in the backfield. In the playoffs, having a running back who could fall into 10-plus touches is huge, especially if you’re dealing with a late scratch. He’s a strong bench add with sneaky flex potential if the Saints’ rushing plan leans run-heavy in a given matchup.

Jawhar Jordan - RB (Houston Texans)

Jordan is the upside bet of this group. If Houston’s rotation tightens or an injury forces more work his way, he has the profile to turn limited volume into a meaningful fantasy line. This is exactly the type of waiver claim that can look like just a stash on Tuesday, then become a Sunday morning starter because the path suddenly clears.

Jayden Reed - WR (Green Bay Packers)

Reed is the pickup if you need a wide receiver you can actually start, not just hold. He wins with separation and run-after-catch ability, giving him a solid PPR floor while still carrying spike-week upside if Green Bay’s targets condense. In the fantasy playoffs, a receiver who can get you six to eight catches is often just as valuable as a home-run threat.

Colby Parkinson - TE (Los Angeles Rams)

Tight end in the fantasy playoffs is basically a weekly search for routes and red-zone chances. Parkinson is worth a claim because his role can translate into usable production, and tight end is the position where one usage trend can turn into a real advantage. If you’re tired of praying for a random touchdown, prioritize the player who can earn targets.

In fantasy sports, waiver strategy is also about eliminating regret. Don’t just think about who helps you — think about who could hurt you if your opponent adds them first. If you have FAAB, spend it on certainty and touch volume. If you’re using priority, be aggressive with players who can realistically enter your starting lineup this week. The margins matter now, and the right fantasy waiver wire pickups can be the difference between moving on and getting knocked out a fraction of a point.

100% bonus of first deposit - up to 100 OwnersBucks instantly

Play Now OwnersBox Promo

T&Cs apply, 18+