6 Last Minute Fantasy Football Transfer Waivers and Injury Replacements (Week 16)

Fantasy football can be an extremely entertaining game. Sometimes it can also be very frustrating. Nothing is more annoying than having to make a last-minute waiver wire transfer because someone in your starting lineup is out this week.

Unfortunately there’s not much you can do about it. However, I will try to help.

Each week I have six players you can pick up off the waiver wire at the last minute and add to your lineup. Some will succeed while others will fail. Unfortunately, this is how fantasy football is played. Let’s take a look at my six short-term waiver goals for Week 16.

Last minute waiver of wire pickup and replacement in case of injury

All players in this article are represented in less than 35% of ESPN leagues.

Cooper Rush (QB – DAL) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6.5% on roster)

Although everyone has written off the Cowboys since they lost Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury in Week 9, they have won three of their last four games, including against a likely playoff squad in the Washington Commanders. Cooper Rush has been instrumental in the team’s recent success. He has averaged 1.8 passing touchdowns and 15.8 fantasy points per game over the last five weeks, scoring more than 16.4 points in 60% of contests. Last week, the veteran had his best performance of the year in a win over the Carolina Panthers.

Rush completed 62.1% of his pass attempts for 214 yards, three touchdowns and 19.1 fantasy points, setting season highs in touchdowns and fantasy points. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have given up 20.7 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, second-most in the NFL. They have given up 2.2 passing touchdowns and 21.8 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks over the last 11 weeks, allowing 23.6+ points in 60% of contests. This Sunday Night Football matchup features the highest over/under in Week 16. Therefore, expect strong fantasy performances from both offenses.

Patrick Taylor Jr. (RB – SF) vs. Miami Dolphins (26.4% on roster)

Playing running back for the 49ers has become one of the most dangerous jobs. San Francisco placed Christian McCaffrey (knee), Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on season-ending injured reserve (IR) this year. Unfortunately, Isaac Guerendo will likely miss Week 16 due to foot and hamstring injuries. While Israel Abanikanda and Ke’Shawn Vaughn will be involved, Patrick Taylor should be the main star in San Francisco’s backfield. The veteran running back has limited production in the NFL. However, he was solid when given the chance.

A few weeks ago, Taylor had seven rushing attempts for 25 yards, a touchdown and 8.5 half-PPR fantasy points after Guerendo left the game with a foot injury. More importantly, he has an appealing matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday. Miami has given up 20.8 fantasy points per game to running backs, slightly above the league average. However, they have had trouble slowing down the opposing backfield lately. The Dolphins have allowed 20.5 fantasy points per game to running backs over the last three weeks and have given up 24.3 or more twice.

Ameer Abdullah (RB – LV) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (22.9% in squad)

Unfortunately, the Raiders had to place Sincere McCormick on IR with an ankle injury, which ended his season. As a result, Las Vegas will rely on Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah in the backfield for the remainder of the season. While Mattison was a starter at the start of this season, Abdullah has been playing well lately. The veteran averaged 9.3 touchdowns for 45.5 scrimmage yards, 0.5 passing touchdowns and 9.4 half-PPR fantasy points per game last month and scored more than 15 points twice, including a season-high 16.1 in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Meanwhile, Abdullah is having an outstanding game against the Jaguars on Sunday. Jacksonville has given up 24.2 fantasy points per game to running backs, the third-most in the NFL. They have given up 131 rushing yards per game to running backs over the last seven games, allowing more than 100 in all but one game. Additionally, the Jaguars struggled with running backs in the passing game, giving up the second-most receiving yards and fourth-most touchdowns to the position. Abdullah is the best player for the second straight game with another double-digit fantasy point performance.

Jalen McMillan (WR – TB) vs. Dallas Cowboys (30.5% on roster)

Many had high hopes for McMillan earlier this season after the rookie wide receiver had a solid NFL debut, scoring a touchdown and 9.7 half-PPR fantasy points in a win over the Washington Commanders. Unfortunately, he failed to reach the end zone once while averaging 2.9 fantasy points per game over the next 12 weeks. However, McMillan has been on fire lately. The former Washington star has averaged 4.5 receptions on 6.5 targets for 67 receiving yards, 1.5 touchdowns and 18 fantasy points per game over the last two contests.

Additionally, he had at least one touchdown and 16 fantasy points in both games despite playing against two solid defenses. The Cowboys have now given up 28.6 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, the 10th most in the NFL. Additionally, they have had difficulty slowing down opposing passing attacks of late, giving up 15.5 receptions for 182.5 receiving yards, a touchdown and 32.9 fantasy points per game to wide receivers over the last month. Fantasy players should expect McMillan to continue his recent hot play against a struggling Dallas defense.

Calvin Austin (WR – PIT) vs. Baltimore Ravens (3.4% on roster)

The Steelers will be without George Pickens for the third straight game on Saturday due to a hamstring injury. While Pat Freiermuth was Russell Wilson’s preferred target and the star wide receiver was out of the lineup, Austin has played well of late. The second-year pro is the WR59 of the year, averaging 6.4 half-PPR fantasy points per game, making him the Steelers’ second-highest scoring wide receiver. However, over the last month he has averaged 2.8 receptions on 3.5 targets for 44 receiving yards, 0.5 touchdowns and 8.8 fantasy points per game.

Austin scored nine or more fantasy points in all but one of those games, including last week in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Luckily, the former Memphis star has a far more attractive matchup this week. The Ravens have given up 32.4 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, second-most in the NFL. They have allowed 17 receiving touchdowns to wide receivers, the third most in the league. Additionally, Baltimore has given up more than 48.3 fantasy points to wide receivers in three of their last ten meetings.

Brenton Strange (TE – JAX) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (13.8% on roster)

Unfortunately, the Jaguars placed Evan Engram on season-ending IR following the team’s Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, making Strange the team’s new starting tight end. The second-year pro was outstanding last week, totaling 11 receptions on 12 targets for 73 receiving yards and 12.8 half-PPR fantasy points against the New York Jets. Additionally, in the five contests Engram missed this year, he averaged six goals, 38.6 receiving yards and 8.6 fantasy points per game, while scoring eight or more points in all but one game.

More importantly, Strange has an excellent match against the Raiders. They have given up 12.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends, fourth-most in the NFL. Additionally, Las Vegas has had a lot of trouble stopping tight ends lately. The Raiders have given up 90.1 receiving yards and 18.2 fantasy points per game to tight ends in their last seven meetings, allowing over 110 receiving yards and 18.1 fantasy points in more than half of the games. Strange should reach double-digit goals for the second game in a row, which would lead to another strong fantasy performance.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. You can find more information from Mike here Archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.