Fantasy Football Week 16 Waiver Pickups

Three yards. Three measly yards. That was Rashad Jennings’ stat line on Sunday. Jamaal Charles wasn’t as bad, although he still greatly disappointed with 52 yards and no touchdowns. Calvin Johnson and A.J. Green laid fantasy eggs too. Johnny Manziel was a total bust as well with 80 yards for zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Perhaps not really a bust. We knew the risks.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the day was Aaron Rodgers who threw for 185 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. One of his worst games ever. Even Derek Anderson fared better.  

But nothing caused more fantasy pandemonium than Peyton Manning being removed from the game temporarily. Nothing brings out the worst in humankind than the injury of an elite player during the fantasy playoffs. A stadium T-shirt toss is a close second.

Congratulations to those still alive in the playoffs. Here are a few picks to round out your drive to the Super Bowl:

Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys – DeMarco Murray owners celebrated his 81 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday, but the celebration could be short-lived if he is unable to play this week. Suffering a hand injury late Sunday, DeMarco underwent surgery Monday. While he could play just a few days after surgery (yeah, seriously), the Cowboys have said Randle would step in for DeMarco. If that happens, consider Randle a Murray Lite at the RB2 this week. 

Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins – Here we go again! With Colt McCoy’s neck injury, RG3 found himself back at the helm again, and fared well with 236 yards and one touchdown. Do I have confidence that RG3 is the quarterback of the future for Washington? No. Do I have confidence in him against a shaky Eagles pass defense? Of course.  

Andre Williams, RB, New York Giants – If you’re still reeling from Jennings’ three little yards, get it together and claim Williams. He wasn’t brilliant on Sunday – 18 carries for 44 yards – but Jennings’ re-injury means more time for Andre. And he’s had his moments. Consider Williams an RB2 vs. St. Louis this week.    

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons – In Julio Jones’ absence, Douglas caught 10 passes for 131 yards. If Jones misses again, expect Douglas to serve as a decent substitute as a WR2. The Falcons take on the Saints, who have been generous to opposing receivers. Expect their generosity to continue this holiday season.

Green Bay DEF – The wildly inconsistent Packers defense may scare you, but they play the Bucs, who give up the third most fantasy points to defenses. Merry Christmas.

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.

Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Pickups

 After all the draft preparation, waiver wire stalking and creative lineup maneuvering, you not only earned a playoff spot, but you’ve advanced to the next round. Congrats to all those who made it this far. And for those who didn’t, I would offer up some inspirational and comforting remarks, but come on, I know you’re not reading this. To the victorious, it doesn’t really matter if you were lucky or good. Either way, it wasn’t easy. Especially if you drafted Doug Martin, Zac Stacy, or any Jacksonville Jaguars.  

As you enjoy your Gatorade shower, I hope you can multi-task the waiver wire, as the road to the Super Bowl doesn’t get any easier. Here are a few waiver suggestions to the lucky few still interested.   

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers – I’m not kidding. Jonathan Stewart! Look, you probably haven’t been paying attention to the Panthers. And I understand why. But Stewart has put together back-to-back good games. And Sunday’s was really good with 155 yards and a touchdown. Consider Stewart a strong add for the playoff drive.

Marquess Wilson, WR, Chicago Bears – Brandon Marshall’s painful ribs and lung injuries were equally painful to fantasy owners (including me). Wilson will step in for him, and he’s worth a look as a WR3/flex. Nice little matchup against New Orleans too.

Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders – Two weeks after going bonkers against the Chiefs for 112 yards and two touchdowns, Murray returned from his concussion to take on San Francisco. With 76 rushing yards, it wasn’t quite the same performance we saw last time, but keep in mind the 49ers have a solid run defense. And there’s a little bonus for claiming him. He takes on Kansas City once again next week.      

Mychal Rivera, TE, Oakland Raiders – Right when you benched or dropped him, Rivera suddenly lands on this list again. Catching seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown will do that.

Tennessee DEF – J-E-T-S. JETS! JETS! JETS!  

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.