Fantasy Football Today (12/09/2025): Week 15 & 16 Waiver Wire Special
Hosted by Adam Aizer with analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, and Heath Cummings
Episode Overview
This playoff-special episode is all about the most impactful options and strategies for the Week 15 and 16 waiver wire. Adam, Dave, and Jamey discuss which players to target for immediate fantasy help, as well as speculative adds who could deliver in the upcoming crucial weeks. They debate positional priorities, shallow vs. deep league moves, offer their FAB (free agent budget) advice, and go in-depth on nearly every notable waiver wire candidate—plus DST and kicker streamers, and even a rapid Chargers-Eagles recap.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Waiver Wire MVPs and Philosophy (00:59–03:26)
- Adam kicks off by reflecting on how pivotal the waiver wire has been this season, with examples like Michael Wilson and other pickups carrying playoff and championship squads even after early duds from the draft.
- The crew congratulates their success in the FFT podcast league and FFT Open, stressing the importance of waiver acumen in reaching the playoffs.
Top Waiver Wire Priorities for Week 15 (03:26–11:55)
Jamey’s Top 3
- Jalen Wright (RB, contingent insurance for Devon Achane)
- Especially if you roster Achane, but worth an add even otherwise, given late-week injury news before a Monday game.
- “If I’m a Devon Achane manager, I want to make sure I have Jalen Wright rostered just in case we get to the weekend and his ribs aren’t feeling right…” – Jamey (04:04)
- Luther Burden (WR)
- High-upside WR if you need help.
- Isaiah Likely (TE)
- Locked in as a streaming option, “six targets each of the last two weeks” (03:26), and faces a Bengals defense giving up big numbers to tight ends.
Dave's Top 3 (+ DST Focus)
- 49ers DST (vs. Titans)
- “If you can’t get them then the Jaguars against [Jets]… Either one of those DSTs, I would prioritize.” (05:23)
- Devin Singletary
- Has a steady role and goal-line usage.
- Blake Corum
- Secondary option with some upside.
- DST takes precedence for Dave in leagues where you lack an elite defense already rostered (05:23).
Quarterback Streamer Priorities
- Marcus Mariota (If Jalen Daniels is out), then C.J. Stroud.
- Jacoby Brissett: Some concern vs. Texans’ defense, historically good against top QBs (09:39), so possible pivot if you have doubts or roster Brissett.
- “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with adding Mariota or Stroud and making the decision a little later in the week.” – Dave (08:45)
Shallow League & Speculative Adds (13:45–16:21, 47:00–49:46)
- Shallow league players with low roster % to target if available:
Brock Purdy, Jackson Dart (especially for Week 15/16 matchups), Tyrone Tracy, Devin Neal, Dalton Schultz (TE), Chuba Hubbard, Chris Rodriguez, Juwan Jennings (WR), Mike Evans (eligible to return), Jaden Higgins. - Jamie: “[Those are] break the bank waiver wire guys if you need to win. Because you need to win.” (15:40)
Deep League & Flex Options (48:11–49:43)
- QB: Tyler Shuck, Bryce Young, J.J. McCarthy, Shedeur Sanders (ranked in that order; all available in 70%+ of leagues). “Mariota at 67% and he’s ahead of that entire group.” – Dave
- RB: Jalen Wright (best deep add if available), Samaje Perine, Sean Tucker, Malik Davis, Keaton Mitchell.
- WR: Luther Burden, Jalen Coker, John Metchie, Pat Bryant, Andrei Iosivas.
- TE: Isaiah Likely, Mike Gesicki, Colby Parkinson (all 80%+ available, Likely preferred).
Strategy Talk & FAB Management (21:46–22:55)
- Waiver priorities depend on team needs (injury, playoff desperation).
- Jalen Wright: spend “10 to 15%” of FAB if you have Achane; less if not.
- In elimination/FFT Open leagues: “Spend all your FAB… You don’t need it anymore.” (23:00)
- Always block your opponent defensively if possible with adds.
Specific Positional Waiver Rankings
Quarterback (28:38+)
- Marcus Mariota (if Jalen Daniels remains out) vs. NYG
- C.J. Stroud vs. ARI
- Tyler Shuck vs. CAR
- Note: Brock Purdy and Jackson Dart are “break the bank” types if shallow league and they’re out there.
Running Back (29:53+)
- Devin Singletary: “He will be at the goal line” (29:53)
- Blake Corum: More desperation/flex play.
- Dylan Sampson: Not lead CLE back but flex-worthy.
If Available in Shallow Leagues:
- Tracy, Neal, Gainwell, Chuba Hubbard, Pollard, Chris Rodriguez (in order, Tracy & Neal top if healthy).
Wide Receiver (31:31+)
- Luther Burden
- Jaden Reed
- Ryan Flannoy/Flournoy
- Juwan Jennings is a strong play in shallow leagues; “He’s been the most consistent 49ers receiver all season.” – Jamie (44:10)
Tight End (32:40+)
- Isaiah Likely (at CIN)—“best tight end you can get off the waiver wire this week…double digit PPR points minimum [in last two], should have had a monster game.” – Dave (33:48)
- Mike Gesicki
- Dalton Schultz
- Dalton Kincaid and Kyle Pitts also mentioned as possibly better in shallow leagues.
DST Streamers (38:11+)
- 49ers DST (vs. Titans) & Jaguars DST (vs. Jets): Best two streamers for BOTH weeks 15 and 16.
- Dolphins DST also mentioned, but not preferred due to tough Monday matchup and higher roster percentage.
Kicker Streamers (40:50+)
- Cam Little vs. NYJ
- Evan McPherson vs. BAL
- Eddie Pinero, Harrison Mevis, Chris Boswell (weather permitting)
Deep Dive on Uncertain Situation Backs (19:38+)
- Tyrone Tracy (if healthy) and Devin Neal get preference given role, but check for Camara’s status.
- Dave: “Tracy’s healthy, I’ll go with Tracy with Neal right behind him.” (19:38)
- Adam notes: Singletary likely the goal-line guy; Tracy more pass game usage.
Week 16 Forward-Looking Adds (41:59)
- Dolphins vs. CIN, J.J. McCarthy for QB stream in Week 16 (if he impresses), considering DSTs to stash (49ers vs. Colts, Vikings at Giants, etc. per Jamie’s column).
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- On DST priority: “49ers [DST] might be a league winner...This has been arguably the best matchup of any DST for the season. The Titans offense is typically bad.” – Jamie (38:11)
- On Jacoby Brissett vs. Texans D: “It’s hard to say [Brissett] is going to solve this Houston problem… As good as Brissett has been, that’s a tough spot.” – Jamie (07:13)
- On Isaiah Likely: “There is no better matchup for any player at any position than the tight end facing the Bengals.” – Jamie (72:58)
- Comic relief, pronunciation debates: The team debates the correct way to say “Flournoy” (Flannoy), “Gesicki” (Get-sicky), and has fun with “If you were topless, you’d look like Bigfoot.” (15:53)
- Drop-o-meter:
- “Alec Pierce or Emmanuel Wilson?” – Dave: “I’d rather drop Emmanuel Wilson than Alec Pierce.” (56:02)
- “I’d rather have [Shakir] than even Luther Burden.” – Jamey (58:32)
Chargers–Eagles Recap & Playoff Schedules (51:47–55:45)
- Eagles: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown still must-starts. DeVonta Smith can be a risky WR2/3; Dallas Goedert had a good week but isn’t expected to be consistent.
- Chargers: Hampton/Vidal RB split, but the O-line injuries and upcoming schedule (KC, DAL, HOU) make the offense untrustworthy. Herbert not a must-start moving forward; “I have all [waiver wire] quarterbacks ranked ahead of Herbert this week.” – Dave (54:57)
- Pass-catchers (besides possibly McConkey): droppable.
Recap of Main Waiver Targets
"If Only One Pickup..."
- Luther Burden (WR) is the preferred add for long-term value, assuming Dunes remains out; otherwise, priority should be dictated by immediate need at RB (Wright) or TE (Likely/Schultz).
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Waiver Wire MVP reflections: 01:39–03:26
- Top 3 priorities (Jamey): 03:26–04:28
- Top 3 priorities (Dave, DST focus): 05:23–06:09
- QB debate, Brissett/Mariota/others: 06:36–11:14
- FAB strategy: 21:46–22:55
- Shallow league priorities: 13:45–15:40, revisit at 47:00+
- Drop-o-meter: 55:40–58:44
- DST & Kicker streamers: 38:11–41:13
- Chargers-Eagles recap: 51:47–55:45
- Specific top 3s (per position): QBs 28:38, RBs 29:53, WRs 31:31, TEs 32:40
Language and Tone
The episode maintains a lively, conversational yet data-driven style, mixing thorough analysis with humor and chemistry among the hosts. They are honest about uncertainties (especially injury situations and one-week “band-aid” players), quick to share actionable strategies, and always ready for a friendly roast or inside joke.
Final Takeaways
- Jalen Wright is a must-add if you're an Achane manager; otherwise, prioritize immediate starters or high-upside WR/TEs like Burden or Likely.
- Don’t overlook DSTs: 49ers and Jaguars may be outright team-makers these next two weeks.
- Quarterback streamers are thin, but viable pivots (Mariota, Stroud, Shuck, etc.) exist for those desperate or worried about matchups/player health.
- Be aggressive with FAB and mindful to block your opponent if you’re in playoffs.
- Schedule matters: Look ahead to Week 16 when making pickups if you’re on a bye.
Memorable Parting Advice:
“Let’s go get a win, move on to the semifinals.” – Adam (76:35)
For deeper league stashes, speculative WRs, or defense/streaming plays, check out the full FFT Waiver Wire Column and tune in to the CBS Sports Network Waiver Wire Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1pm ET.