Fantasy Football Week 16 | Streamers to Boost Your Playoff Run

Hey, fellow fantasy football fanatics! We’re at the heart of the playoffs, where every decision could mean the difference between hoisting the championship trophy or reminiscing about what could have been. Week 16 arrives with its trials and triumphs, and today, we’re diving headfirst into the realm of ‘streamers’—those unsung heroes that emerge from the waiver wire and carry us to glory in our most crucial moments.

Quarterbacks (QB)

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Rostered in 55% of leagues on Sleeper)

• Mayfield delivered a stellar QB2 performance in Week 15, accumulating 381 passing yards and four touchdowns against Green Bay. His upcoming matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who concede an average of 270 passing yards and over 20 points per game to quarterbacks, presents a golden opportunity for continued success. Based on his recent statistical dominance and the Jaguars’ defensive vulnerabilities, fantasy managers can confidently start Mayfield in their playoff matchups.

Nick Mullens, QB, Minnesota Vikings (Rostered in 7% of leagues on Sleeper)

• Mullens’ debut with the Vikings yielded 303 passing yards and two touchdowns, marking a commendable QB11 finish in Week 15. Heading into a matchup against the Detroit Lions, who surrender the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, Mullens emerges as a sneaky streaming option. With promising chemistry with his receiving corps and a favorable statistical landscape against the Lions, managers looking for a low-rostered QB with upside can consider Mullens as a viable option for Week 16.

Running Backs (RB)

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, New England Patriots (Rostered in 82% of leagues on Sleeper)

• If Rhamondre Stevenson remains sidelined, Elliott becomes a prime beneficiary against a Broncos defense, allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Elliott’s recent high snap percentages, including a 91% and 87% share in Stevenson’s absence, coupled with his RB1 performance in Week 14, foreshadow significant usage against a Broncos defense conceding 129 rushing yards and over a touchdown per game to RBs. Fantasy managers should expect a substantial workload and production from Elliott in this favorable matchup.

Wide Receivers (WR)

Wandale Robinson, WR, New York Giants (Rostered in 21% of leagues on Sleeper)

• Robinson’s versatility and usage across the field make him a compelling fantasy option, especially against an Eagles defense that allows wide receivers over 30 fantasy points per game. With a 70%+ snap share over the past three weeks and a notable WR13 finish in Week 14, Robinson’s Deebo Samuel-esque play style positions him as a promising WR option in a dream matchup against the Eagles’ vulnerable secondary.

Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans (Rostered in 18% of leagues on Sleeper)

• Burks, ramping up his snap percentage to 76% last week, displayed chemistry with quarterback Will Levis by securing all three deep targets. Despite being a second receiver for the Titans, Burks’ potential to capitalize on deep passes against a Seahawks defense allowing substantial fantasy points to wide receivers makes him a high-upside play for Week 16. Based on his statistical prowess and matchup advantages, fantasy managers seeking a booming potential can consider Burks a viable option.

Tight Ends (TE)

Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots (Rostered in 20% of leagues on Sleeper)

• Henry’s recent consistency as TE4 and his effectiveness in the red zone position him as a valuable asset against a Broncos defense, allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. Henry’s rapport with quarterback Bailey Zappe, showcased by his previous outing with three receptions for 40 yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos, highlights his statistical potential for another impactful performance in Week 16.

Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (Rostered in 65% of leagues on Sleeper)

• Freiermuth’s history against the Bengals, highlighted by a dominant performance in November, positions him as a strong option for Week 16. Given the Bengals’ vulnerability to tight ends—allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position—Freiermuth’s past success and consistent involvement in the Steelers’ passing game make him a statistical favorite to replicate his previous standout performance.

So, fellow fantasy fans, as we brace for the Week 16 battles, remember that it’s often these unsung heroes, plucked from the waiver wire, who etch their names in fantasy folklore. Choose wisely, trust your gut, and may your streamers shine bright as you march toward championship glory!