Fantasy football leagues are heading into the final weeks before championships. After a season filled with surprises, managers are scanning the waiver wire and evaluating their rosters to find any possible advantage. Several key stories have developed that could make or break teams during this critical period.
Top Running Back Prospects
A few running backs have emerged as potential league-winners for the fantasy playoffs (1). Chiefs rookie Isiah Pacheco continues his late-season breakout, while Ty Chandler steps in as the new lead back in Chicago. Meanwhile, Zamir White and Justice Hill seem primed for bigger workloads.
Chandler grabbed 14-of-17 Bears RB touches after David Montgomery exited last week. With Montgomery likely out, Chandler should dominate touches against the Lions in Week 16 (2). He has RB1 upside in fantasy championship week.
| Player | Opponent | Projected Fantasy Pts |
|---|---|---|
| Ty Chandler | DET | 17.1 |
| Zamir White | SF | 10.2 |
| Justice Hill | ATL | 9.3 |
Pacheco scoring trends also look promising for a Chiefs offense that should rebound versus the Seahawks (3).
Intriguing Quarterback Adds
With injuries mounting under center, several quarterbacks have emerged as potential streaming options or DFS values (4).
Jake Browning impressed enough to earn another start for the Vikings. He has a choice matchup against the Giants and hopes to build on his three-touchdown performance. Veteran Derek Carr also looks rejuvenated for a Raiders offense finding its rhythm.
Meanwhile, Cowboys backup Cooper Rush draws a plum matchup with the Eagles if Dak Prescott remains sidelined. Fantasy managers need to monitor both his and Prescott’s injury status leading up to Sunday night.
Lingering Injury Impacts
A few injuries continue influencing start/sit decisions and waiver plans (5). The potential returns of Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson would significantly boost their offenses. At the same time, new injuries to Browns QB Deshaun Watson and WR Amari Cooper create availability questions.
| Player | Injury | Projected Fantasy Pts* |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | Illness | 14.3 |
| Justin Jefferson | Toe | 11.7 |
* if playing
Fantasy managers need confirmation on these players’ statuses, while also eyeing potential replacements like Chiefs TE Noah Gray and Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Defensive Streamers Emerge
With fantasy seasons on the line, choosing the right defense carries extra importance (6). Several readily-available defenses have juicy matchups to target.
The Giants draw a home matchup with a limited Vikings’ offense, making them a prime defensive add. Other solid waiver options like the Steelers versus the Raiders, Panthers facing the Buccaneers, and Jaguars against the banged-up Jets, are widely available and poised for potential breakouts.
Final Lineup Calls
As the fantasy finals approach, setting optimal lineups requires both research and some gambles (7). Recent breakout performers like RB Raheem Mostert, WR Chris Olave, and rising TE Trey McBride all warrant serious starting consideration again this week.
At the same time, struggling stars like RB Christian McCaffrey, WR A.J. Brown, and even TE Mark Andrews force owners into difficult decisions. Should you roll with recent results or trust that elite talent will come through when it matters most? Making the right choice for your fantasy team this week could mean the difference between taking home a championship or going home empty-handed, so choose wisely!
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
