It has been a long season, but the fantasy football championship has finally arrived. Congratulations to the lucky few that get to take part in the most illustrious week of the season. If you arrived with an intact roster, then great for you. For everyone else, we have some waiver wire options to shore up your team for the finish.
Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick MIA Rostered - 16%
Of course I'm recommending Ryan Fitzpatrick to be a part of championship week lineups, because...fantasy football. The Dolphins quarterback has been very effective and has a great matchup against the hapless Bengals. The only concern is that Cincy might not put up enough points to keep the Dolphins throwing. But then, the Dolphins can't run the ball so throwing is all that is left. If your QB is a question mark, roll with Fitz in week 16.
Other Options
Drew Lock DEN vs. DET
Andy Dalton CIN @MIA
Gardner Minshew JAC @ATL
Running Back
Patrick Laird MIA Rostered - 39%
I do remember right above this when I typed that the Dolphins can't run the ball. I still stand by that statement, but Laird can be a big factor in the passing game. In PPR leagues, I'd be shocked if Laird put up less than 15 points. The wire is thin at this time of year and this is the best RB available in at least 50% of leagues.
Bo Scarbrough/Kerryon Johnson DET (If either one plays)
In my opinion, the Lions would be insane to run Kerryon Johnson out there in a meaningless game at the end of the season. Then again, losing teams lose for a reason. If either of these guys plays, I might flex them. Otherwise avoid the whole Detroit backfield.
Other Options
Chris Thompson WAS
Nyheim Hines IND
Myles Gaskin MIA
Tony Pollard DAL
Alexander Mattison MIN
Boston Scott PHI
Wide Receiver
Breshad Perriman TB Rostered - 10%
This guy is number one with a bullet. He is the top healthy receiver for Tampa, facing off against a beatable Houston secondary. Perriman ate the Lions alive last week and should be coming back for seconds in week 16. I never would have guessed this a couple of weeks ago, but first round bust Breshad Perriman is going to win people fantasy titles.
Anthony Miller CHI Rostered - 25%
Over the last few weeks, Anthony Miller has become a go-to guy for Mitch Trubisky. Miller has at least 6 catches in four of his last five games. He has over 50 yards in each of those four games and has scored in each of the last two weeks. This week he faces a sneaky good Kansas City team, but I still like the youngster to end the year strong and keep up his recent production.
Other Options
James Washington PIT
Kenny Stills HOU
Chris Conley JAC
Justin Watson TB
Tight End
Cameron Brate TB Rostered - 2%
As much as we all know that O.J. Howard is the more talented player, we also know that Brate will get the touches. I don't know why Arians doesn't like Howard, but he must not because he refuses to feature him. As much as this should be a prime spot for the supreme physical specimen to show up, I wouldn't put my championship hopes on it. I think that with all of the injuries, a Brate touchdown is much more likely than a Howard breakout.
Dallas Goedert PHI Rostered - 42%
The Eagles have been decimated by injuries and things aren't getting better. Carson Wentz is going to have to throw to someone and his best targets are his tight ends and running backs. There is every reason to believe that Goedert could be his top receiver in week 16.
Other Options
Noah Fant DEN
Darren Fells HOU
Irv Smith Jr. MIN
Make sure to come back and check out our weekly positional rankings before you set your championship lineup. Check me out on Twitter for some extras and lineup questions answered. Good luck to everyone in the finals!
