Week 16 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

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The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Gardner Minshew, PHI (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. QB Zach Wilson, NYJ (waiver wire: 25-50%)
3. QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX
4. QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
5. QB Josh Allen, BUF
6. QB Kirk Cousins, MIN
7. QB Justin Fields, CHI
8. QB Tom Brady, TB
9. QB Trace McSorley, ARI (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Tyler Huntley, BAL (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Colt McCoy, ARI (waiver wire: DROP)
3. QB Desmond Ridder, ATL (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
4. QB Jalen Hurts, PHI

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. RB James Cook, BUF (waiver wire: 50+%)
3. RB Cam Akers, LAR (waiver wire: 25-50%)
4. RB Michael Carter, NYJ (waiver wire: 25-50%)
5. RB Khalil Herbert, CHI (waiver wire: 25-50%)
6. RB Deon Jackson, IND (waiver wire: 25-50%)
7. RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (waiver wire: 25-50%)
8. RB Zack Moss, IND (waiver wire: 25-50%)
9. RB Raheem Mostert, MIA
10. RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE
11. RB David Montgomery, CHI
12. RB Latavius Murray, DEN
13. RB Saquon Barkley, NYG
14. RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL
15. RB Dalvin Cook, MIN

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB Jonathan Taylor, IND (waiver wire: DROP)
2. RB Rachaad White, TB
3. RB DOnta Foreman, CAR (waiver wire: DROP)
4. RB Zonovan Knight, NYJ (waiver wire: HOLD)
5. RB Miles Sanders, PHI

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Russell Gage, TB (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. WR K.J. Osborn, MIN (waiver wire: 25-50%)
3. WR Zay Jones, JAX
4. WR Noah Brown, DAL (waiver wire: 1%)
5. WR Marquise Goodwin, SEA (waiver wire: 1%)
6. WR Rashid Shaheed, NO (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Tyler Lockett, SEA (waiver wire: HOLD)
2. WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF
3. WR Marquise Brown, ARI (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES)
4. WR D.J. Chark, DET (waiver wire: DROP)

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Darren Waller, LV (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. TE Noah Fant, SEA (waiver wire: 25-50%)
3. TE Dawson Knox, BUF
4. TE Juwan Johnson, NO (waiver wire: 1%)
5. TE Trey McBride, ARI (waiver wire: 1%)
6. TE C.J. Uzomah, NYJ (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Greg Dulcich, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT (waiver wire: HOLD)

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Josh Allen, BUF - Allen was masterful against the Dolphins and put up his best fantasy game since his early season heroics to beat the Dolphins. He'll face a Bears defense that has to be weary from facing the Eagles, and will likely have to run a lot and stay in the short passing game with high winds in the forecast.

QB Tom Brady, TB - Brady had a great first half, and the whole team had a terrible second half, but the offense was productive considering the difficulty of the matchup, and he'll face a reeling Cardinals team on Christmas, so he's a suitable QB1 this week.

QB Kirk Cousins, MIN - It wasn't the Vikings defense, but instead a complete team breakdown that put them behind 33-0 at the half. That opened up a portal to the greatest comeback in NFL history and a week-winning (and division clinching) game from Cousins. He'll play at home against hot Giants defense this week, but is still worth a streaming QB1 start.

QB Justin Fields, CHI - Fields didn't have his top two wideouts, and his third left the game early, but he still confounded the Eagles with his running ability and creativity. He said he may try to make a run at Lamar Jackson's single-season rushing record for a quarterback, which would make his fantasy teams very happy.

QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX - Lawrence has had two signature comeback wins in the last three weeks and appears to be meshing ideally with the Jaguars short passing game. The Jets are a tough draw this week, but Lawrence has earned streamer QB1 status.

QB Trace McSorley, ARI - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - McSorley was bad against the Broncos, and he didn't add much as a runner, but unless Colt McCoy can clear concussion protocol by Christmas, McSorley will start vs. the Bucs.

QB Gardner Minshew, PHI - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Minshew could get a start in Week 16 against Dallas with a chance to clinch the division and the #1 seed in the NFC. The Eagles offense has been good enough and Minshew has been capable enough in previous starts to merit putting him 2QB/Superflex lineups.

QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - Tagovailoa didn't seem to be bothered by the cold in Buffalo and returned to making plays with his elite receivers, pushing the Bills to the brink in a back-and-forth game. He's back into our QB1 good graces against the Packers at home on Christmas after cratering against the Chargers last week.

QB Zach Wilson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Wilson did enough for the Jets to win if the defense had made one more stop, but he also missed a lot of easy throws to balance out the difficult deep throws he did make. Mike White probably won't be ready for Thursday night's game, so if you need a high ceiling streamer for Week 16, Wilson could be your answer in what has the potential to be a shootout if the weather holds up.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Tyler Huntley, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP) - Huntley's limitations were on display as the passing game was stuck in a ditch and the strong running game couldn't pull the team to a victory. Lamar Jackson has a chance to be ready for the game Saturday, and even if Huntley starts, he's only a 2QB/Superflex desperation play.

QB Jalen Hurts, PHI - Hurts was a week winner with three rushing scores against the Bears, but he's uncertain for Week 16 because of a shoulder injury.

QB Colt McCoy, ARI - (waiver wire: DROP) - McCoy suffered a concussion against the Broncos and is questionable at best for the Christmas day game vs. Tampa. It's possible the Cardinals could shut him down for his safety, which would evaporate any 2QB/Superflex value he has.

QB Desmond Ridder, ATL - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - If you were wondering why Desmond Ridder hasn't seen action until Week 15, you got your answer against the Saints. He looked jittery and overwhelmed and didn't add a lot of value as a runner. Things don't get any easier against the Ravens this week.

Running Back Upgrade

RB Cam Akers, LAR - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Akers had a strong game on Monday night and was the only fantasy asset on the Rams roster worth looking at as a possible option on Christmas against the Broncos.

RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Allgeier arrived in Week 15 as he was stubborn and ran through many tackle attempts with his no nonsense downhill style. He'll have a tough draw against the Ravens, but has earned what the heck flex consideration.

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG - Barkley looked as good as he has since a 35-carry performance against the Texans seemed to sap his strength and bounce for a few weeks. The Giants defense is peaking, so Barkley should get a good game script against the Vikings as they push for a playoff berth.

RB Michael Carter, NYJ - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - The Jets indicated optimism about Zonovan Knight's status this week, but if Knight can't go vs. the Jaguars or aggravates his ankle injury, Carter will get enough work to have fantasy relevance.

RB Dalvin Cook, MIN - Cook had his best game in weeks and helped in the historic comeback win over the Colts. He is peaking just in time for the fantasy semis against the Giants.

RB James Cook, BUF - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Cook only touched the ball seven times on Saturday, but he scored and averaged over seven yards a carry. He could get more work if the forecasted high winds arrive on Saturday and be worth an upside flex play vs. Chicago.

RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL - Dobbins showed his Week 14 wasn't a fluke as he ran over, around, and by many Browns defenders on Saturday. He should be a solid RB2 start against the Falcons and could get a boost if Lamar Jackson is back.

RB Khalil Herbert, CHI - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Herbert should be back this week vs. Buffalo. With high winds in the forecast, the Bears could run the ball 35 times or more, enough to make Herbert a what the heck flex.

RB Deon Jackson, IND - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Jackson will share the load with Zack Moss now that Jonathan Taylor is likely out for the year after suffering a high ankle sprain. He's got what the heck flex value against the Chargers Monday night.

RB Joshua Kelley, LAC - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Austin Ekeler's shoulder seems to be okay based on test results, but he could always aggravate the injury in Week 16, which would open the door to a Week 17 start for Kelley.

RB David Montgomery, CHI - Montgomery is benefiting from facing defenses on their heels because they are concerned about Justin Fields running ability. He scored twice against the Eagles and should be considered a strong RB2 against the Bills in what should be a run-fest because of the cold and forecasted winds.

RB Zack Moss, IND - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Moss wasn't impressive against the Vikings, but he did get almost twice as many touches as Deon Jackson, so Moss has what the heck flex value against the Chargers on Monday night with Jonathan Taylor on the shelf for the rest of the season.

RB Raheem Mostert, MIA - Mostert was the clear lead back with Jeff Wilson sitting, and he shredded the Bills defense. He'll face the Packers on Thanksgiving and is worth an upside flex play if Wilson is back, and an RB2 start if Wilson sits again.

RB Latavius Murray, DEN - The Broncos used more multi-tight end sets and ran the ball about as well as they have all year against the Cardinals. With a matchup vs. the fading Rams on Christmas, Murray could be worth an RB2 start.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, NE - Stevenson looked healthy in his return to his high school glory days setting of Las Vegas, and was the only part of the Patriots offense that consistently worked. His ill-fated lateral on the last play of the game will overshadow his big numbers unless you had him in your lineup and advanced because of it. He'll be a strong RB2 against the Bengals this week.

Running Back Downgrade

RB DOnta Foreman, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Foreman was shut down by the Steelers defense and now he's in a committee with Chuba Hubbard. With the tough Lions and Bucs run defenses up next, he's droppable.

RB Zonovan Knight, NYJ - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Knight suffered an ankle injury and wasn't able to get on track against a Lions team that has figured out how to stop the run. He has a chance to play against the Jaguars on Thursday, so don't bail on him yet.

RB Miles Sanders, PHI - The rollercoaster ride with Sanders in fantasy this year continued as he had a costly fumble and didn't sniff the goal line with Jalen Hurts collecting three rushing scores. Sanders will face the Cowboys this week and should still be lineups as an RB2, but you understand the floor and ceiling are far apart - if you even survived his dud this week.

RB Jonathan Taylor, IND - (waiver wire: DROP) - Taylor left with a high ankle sprain and is unlikely to play again this year.

RB Rachaad White, TB - Leonard Fournette was the field more than White and got more targets in the passing game, which was a big part of White's PPR appeal. He's only a desperation play against the Cardinals this week.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Noah Brown, DAL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Brown scored twice and played an important role in the short passing game against Jacksonville, but he also had the game-losing interception bounce off of his chest. He'll face the tough Eagles corners this week, but have value in Week 17 against Tennessee.

WR Russell Gage, TB - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Gage scored twice and played a full time role with Julio Jones sitting in Week 15. If Jones is out again on Christmas against the Cardinals, Gage will be worth a WR3/Flex look.

WR Marquise Goodwin, SEA - (waiver wire: 1%) - Goodwin could get a start at Kansas City in the cold Saturday with Tyler Lockett having hand surgery after last week's game. He'll be a high ceiling desperation play if Lockett is out.

WR Zay Jones, JAX - Jones has proven his worth to the Jaguars and fantasy teams and posted his second week-winning total in four games and his fourth strong week in the last five. He should be in lineups against the Jets on Thursday.

WR K.J. Osborn, MIN - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Osborn helped key the biggest comeback in NFL history and was a massive hit for anyone that was forced to play him in Week 15. Can lightning strike two weeks in a row? He will be playing indoors at home, so you never know.

WR Rashid Shaheed, NO - (waiver wire: 1%) - Shaheed's snap count and production are going up every week, so the undrafted rookie shouldn't be treated as a fluke. The weather forecast for this week's game at Cleveland looks bad for passing, but he could have value in Week 17 against the Eagles.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF - Through no fault of his own, Aiyuk's value is dropping. The 49ers defense has been strong enough to keep Brock Purdy on the conservative side of the passing chart, which means Aiyuk isn't getting many downfield targets. He's more what the heck flex than WR2/WR3 play against Washington this week.

WR Marquise Brown, ARI - (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES) - Brown is unstartable with Trace McSorley at quarterback. It's possible that Colt McCoy clears concussion protocol by Christmas to face the Bucs, but in short bench leagues, he's not an essential hold.

WR D.J. Chark, DET - (waiver wire: DROP) - Chark and couldn't get anything going in the downfield passing game against the Jets secondary, and his snap share falling slightly as Kalif Raymond played a big role and Jameson Williams is still being eased into the lineup. He's not an essential hold for a game at Carolina this week.

WR Tyler Lockett, SEA - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Lockett suffered a broken bone in his hand and had to have surgery after the Week 15 game on Thursday. He'll push to return to the field, but could still miss this week, and maybe Week 17.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Noah Fant, SEA - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Fant had his largest target total in the last six weeks and scored against the 49ers. With Tyler Lockett possibly out this week, Fant could play a bigger role in the passing game again vs. the Chiefs.

TE Juwan Johnson, NO - (waiver wire: 1%) - Juwan Johnson was quiet the last few weeks, but exploded with a two score game to fuel any teams that had to use him as a desperation play. The weather forecast for Cleveland Saturday is terrible for the passing game, but Johnson could be a solid play in Week 17 against the Eagles.

TE Dawson Knox, BUF - Knox was a key target for Josh Allen as the Dolphins did a good job on Stefon Diggs in Week 15. Knox has been productive enough over the last few games to trust in your Week 16 matchup, assuming the winds don't completely put a kibosh on the passing game in Chicago.

TE Trey McBride, ARI - (waiver wire: 1%) - McBride had a solid game as the Cardinals had to change quarterbacks following Colt McCoy's concussion. Even if Trace McSorley plays, McBride could be a suitable desperation play this week after he caught a 14 and 29 yard pass from McSorley in the comeback effort.

TE C.J. Uzomah, NYJ - (waiver wire: 1%) - Uzomah caught two scores, including one on a long bomb, to create one of the biggest surprise weeks at tight end this season. He's worth a desperation start against the Jaguars this week.

TE Darren Waller, LV - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Waller scored an easy touchdown and looked healthy against the Patriots. He should be added and started against the Steelers Saturday, with an eye on the weather forecast to see if the winds are going to shut down the passing games.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Greg Dulcich, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Dulcich was used about as much as Eric Saubert and less than Eric Tomlinson in the passing game, so it appears his window of production has closed.

TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Freiermuth didn't catch a pass as the Steelers ran more than twice as much as they passed in the win over the Panthers. He's a riskier play against the Raiders and wind could limit the passing games, so check the forecast before you play him this week.