The COVID-19 blitz across NFL rosters couldn’t have come at a worse time for fantasy football managers. It was a mad dash to the waiver wire as owners tried to fill out rosters for the start of the fantasy playoffs, and being proactive heading into this weekend seems to be the way to go as well. News changes by the minute so make sure to keep track of any changes that could affect your roster.
Below are some widely available waiver addition possibilities, DFS value picks, and top defences to stream. As always, send me any of your fantasy questions on Twitter @AndyMc81 using #AskAndy.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Lions
Yahoo! Ownership: 30%
Draft Kings salary: $5,600
Despite their overall lack of talent, there is no doubt that the 2-11-1 Lions play hard for their head coach Dan Campbell. Winners in two of their past three, Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as the club’s top offensive playmaker. The rookie made the most of the injuries around him, amassing double digit targets in each of those outings, totalling two touchdowns and averaging 21.2 fantasy points per game.
The fourth-round pick out of USC gets another plum matchup against the 24th-ranked Atlanta pass defence. St. Brown is in a perfect spot to be a fantasy playoff hero in your lineup. Scooping up someone like him becomes extra important with star receivers Tyreek Hill, Chris Godwin and others either injured or on the COVID list.
Other WR options to consider: Laquon Treadwell, Jaguars (2% rostered), Tyler Johnson, Buccaneers (1% rostered)
Justin Jackson, RB, Chargers
Yahoo! Ownership: 6%
Draft Kings salary: $4,200
This is more of a speculative handcuff add that hinges on the availability of Austin Ekeler. A variety of injuries and a possible stint on the Covid list gives Justin Jackson immediate value in a terrific showdown versus the terrible Texans. Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree III are of course lurking in what could easily turn into an ugly committee if Ekeler does sit.
What’s been made clear over the past two weeks is Jackson is the first choice after Ekeler, as he’s posted double digit touches during that stretch. The four-year backup has busted loose for some nice chunk gains, and is definitely worth grabbing if you have room on your bench.
Other RB options to consider: Duke Johnson, Dolphins (2% rostered), Jordan Howard, Eagles (10% rostered)
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
Yahoo! Ownership: 25%
Draft Kings salary: $5,500
There’s no doubt that Ben Roethlisber’s arm is ready for the glue factory as he hobbles towards the finish line of a hall of fame career. However, Roethlisberger’s passing volume has hit 40 or more on seven occasions this season, and three of those occurred in his last five contests. The veteran’s also delivered more than 19 fantasy points three times in the past month.
Pittsburgh’s Week 16 opponent is the high-powered Kansas City offence that often forces their counterparts into aerial shootouts. Even if Hill and Travis Kelce are absent, we know Patrick Mahomes is not afraid to sling it. The Chiefs defence, while improved, still allows the fifth-most passing yards per game. This one has all the makings of Big Ben needing to air it out, and that of course means more opportunity to produce fantasy points.
Whether it’s for a desperation fill in for playoffs or a bargain DFS contrarian pick, give the Steelers quarterback strong consideration.
Other QB options to consider: Justin Fields, Bears (26% rostered), Tyler Huntley, Ravens (5% rostered)
Top defences to stream for Week 16:
● San Francisco 49ers (at Tennessee Titans)
● Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Baltimore Ravens)
● Philadelphia Eagles (vs. New York Giants)
● Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Carolina Panthers)
● L.A. Chargers (at Houston Texans)
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