The 15th week of the 2016 regular season is just about over, with only the Monday Night Football game remaining. Most fantasy football leagues will run their waiver wires late Tuesday or early Wednesday, but we are here to help you get a jump on the best options to consider.
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We will be ranking the top five players likely to be available in your league at each of the major positions. Some weeks there might not be five good options available, but we’ll scour for the best we can find. Additionally, throughout the week, we will update each of these articles as ownership percentages change (via Yahoo!) and news arrives.
Waiver wire running back rankings, Week 16
1. Kenneth Dixon, Baltimore Ravens (49 percent owned)
Dixon received less carries than Terrance West in Week 15, but still had a solid outing despite the lessened role. He rushed for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Ravens’ win over the Eagles. Dixon tends to have his best performances when involved in the passing game, which he wasn’t in Week 15. His pass-catching skills may be needed next week when the Ravens play the high-powered Pittsburgh offense.
2. Dion Lewis, New England Patriots (48 percent owned)
Lewis showed that he has no lingering issues from his preseason injury in a strong performance against the Broncos. He rushed for 95 yards, and added nine yards on two catches in New England’s win over Denver. The Patriots’ offense continues to be one of the best in the league, and Lewis should continue to have a substantial role.
3. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (44 percent owned)
The Titans have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs, which may lead the team to lean on Henry a bit more in tandem with DeMarco Murray before a possible postseason run. The rookie running back rushed for 58 yards and two scores in the Titans’ win over the Chiefs. Henry has received around ten carries a game for the past three weeks, and gets some goal line usage, which increases his value. He could be a valuable flex play in Week 16 against the Jaguars.
4. Mike Gillislee, Buffalo Bills (25 percent owned)
Gillislee continues to produce on the goal line as the most powerful running back in the Bills’ offense. He rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Bills’ win over the Browns. Gillislee’s usage has been somewhat inconsistent. However, he continues to receive his share of looks in the red zone, bolstering his fantasy potential.
5. Justin Forsett, Denver Broncos (19 percent owned)
Forsett outperformed Devontae Booker in his first start on the Broncos, reunited with coach Gary Kubiak. The Denver running back had 37 yards and added 16 yards on four receptions in the Broncos’ loss to the Patriots. Forsett has proved himself as the most effective rusher in Denver, and has justified an even bigger role next week against the Chiefs.
