5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 16 (Ep. 1911)

Summary

FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: 5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 16 (Ep. 1911)

Release Date: December 20, 2025
Host: Lucas Wenzel

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Overview

This episode is dedicated to helping fantasy football managers get an edge in the playoff push by highlighting five under-rostered players worth stashing ahead of Week 16. Host Lucas Wenzel breaks down each pick, analyzes key stats, potential opportunities, injuries, playoff matchups, and adds a bonus defense to consider for the fantasy championship run.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sean Tucker (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Rostered in 25% of leagues

• Role: Primary handcuff to Bucky Irving, but with expanding responsibilities.
• Usage:
  • "Sean Tucker has 100% of the team's carries inside of the five yard line over the last two weeks. That is why he has two touchdowns in his last two games." (02:11)
  • Despite only achieving RB30 and RB41 finishes in PPR, his value lies in red zone usage.
  • If Bucky Irving were to go down, Tucker has proven he can handle 12+ carries per game.
• Outlook: Potential flex play in Week 17 even vs a tough Miami defense, thanks to goal line opportunities.
• Comparison: Not quite the priority handcuff like Blake Corum or Tyler Allgeier, but "the path is clearly there for Sean Tucker to maintain high value touches while also increasing his workload should anything happen to Bucky Irving." (03:36)

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2. Jalen Coker (WR, Carolina Panthers)

Rostered in 25% of leagues

• Current Production: "It's now been three of the last four weeks that Jalen Coker has given you a top 25 finish at the position in PPR formats." (04:03)
• Concerns: Low roster percentage because of inconsistent quarterback play from Bryce Young, though recent touchdown production has bolstered his stats.
• Upside:
  • "We just have to let the fantasy points speak for themselves though and hope that Bryce Young returns to his pre-bye week form." (04:32)
  • Panthers tied atop the division; high stakes mean continued opportunity.
  • "Tampa is a great matchup...they get to play twice over the final three weeks." (05:13)
• Matchup: Buccaneers’ defense gives up significant points to QBs and slot receivers—Coker could easily provide another top-30 week.

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3. Jalen Wright (RB, Miami Dolphins)

Rostered in 20% of leagues

• Why He's Dropped: "People have dropped Jalen Wright like a bad habit after Devon Achan suited up last week and that's just a flat out mistake." (06:06)
• Insurance Policy: Essential handcuff if you have Devon Achane. In Week 14 after Achan injury, Wright "got 24 carries for 107 yards and a score." (06:35)
• Metrics: Third in Yards After Contact, Top 10 in Rushing Success Rate.
• Matchup: Week 17 vs Tampa Bay, a friendlier defense for RBs.
• Strategic Note: Even if you don’t have Achane, "this is your opportunity to be an absolute menace and stash Jalen Wright," (07:24) who could be a top-20 RB start if injuries strike.

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4. Aldric Estimé (RB, New Orleans Saints)

Rostered in 13% of leagues

• Situation: With Devin Neal ruled out and Alvin Kamara sidelined at practice, Estimé and Evan Hull are the main RB options.
• Usage Split: Hull 31% snaps, Estimé 39% snaps—Estime handled more receiving work, which boosts PPR appeal.
• Script:
  • "If they're going to split the backfield down the middle and Estimé is going to be getting the receiving work, I would just rather chase the additional PPR upside." (08:30)
• Matchups: End of season schedule is a plus—Jets (this week), Titans (Week 17), Falcons (Week 18).
• Recommendation: Both are stashes, but Estimé favored for PPR.

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5. Malik Davis (RB, Dallas Cowboys)

Rostered in 6% of leagues

• Injury Opportunity:
  • "No running back had played more snaps in the entire league than Javonte Williams, and in week 15 we got an injury scare... Malik Davis came in to play cleanup and scored a touchdown in the process." (09:23)
• Current Status:
  • Javonte Williams dealing with a neck issue for Week 16—if he’s out or limited, Davis inherits lead duties.
  • Miles Sanders is on IR; "Jaden Blue has been a healthy inactive week in and week out this year." (09:57)
• Runout: Weeks 17-18 the Cowboys face the Commanders and Giants—prime matchups for an RB.
• Clarification: "Don't hear what I'm not saying...Jaden Blue and Hunter Lueke would certainly filter in as well if Javonte were to miss week 17, but you are looking at some wonderful matchups for the Dallas Cowboys." (10:18)
• Takeaway: If you have bench space, Davis is a high-upside stash if Williams aggravates his injuries.

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Bonus Stash: New York Giants Defense

Rostered in 4.4% of leagues

• Reasoning: "Look, this is a ballsy play. I completely get it. The New York giants are the 32nd ranked fantasy football defense and special teams unit this year, but it might not matter when the Giant defense gets a chance to feast on the 31st ranked offense in total EPA this year in the Las Vegas Raiders." (10:42)
• Upside: Giant's pass rush vs terrible Raiders offense could lead to 4+ sacks, turnovers.
• Tactical Move: "Sometimes it just makes sense to play a bad defense against a potentially even worse offense." (11:00)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sean Tucker’s red zone value:
  “Sean Tucker has 100% of the team's carries inside of the five yard line over the last two weeks. That is why he has two touchdowns in his last two games.” (02:11)

• On Jalen Coker breaking out:
  "At some point we just have to let the fantasy points speak for themselves though and hope that Bryce Young returns to his pre-bye week form..." (04:32)

• On Jalen Wright’s upside:
  "If I'm a Devon HN manager, I am 1000% making sure I have the insurance policy for my top five fantasy football running back this year... Even if you're not the Devon H and manager, this is your opportunity to be an absolute menace and stash Jalen Wright for yourself..." (07:14)

• On the Giants’ defense as a risky but calculated play:
  "I know picking the defense to scoring only 2.6 points per game this year is a ballsy, ballsy pick, but sometimes it just makes sense to play a bad defense against a potentially even worse offense." (11:00)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:48] - Episode theme and intro to stashes
• [01:35] - Sean Tucker discussion
• [04:03] - Jalen Coker deep dive
• [06:06] - Jalen Wright analysis
• [08:10] - Aldric Estimé debate
• [09:23] - Malik Davis opportunity
• [10:42] - New York Giants defense as a championship stash
• [11:08] - Wrap-up and call to action

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Summary Table: Stash Recommendations

| Player/Defense | Team | Roster % | Key Reason to Stash | Ideal for | |----------------------------|---------------------|----------|--------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Sean Tucker (RB) | Tampa Bay Bucs | 25% | Red zone/goal line back, handcuff | RB-needy, handcuff | | Jalen Coker (WR) | Carolina Panthers | 25% | Recent PPR production, good matchups | WR depth/flex | | Jalen Wright (RB) | Miami Dolphins | 20% | League-winning handcuff, major upside| Achane insurance | | Aldric Estimé (RB) | New Orleans Saints | 13% | Receiving back/committee play, PPR | RB depth, PPR leagues | | Malik Davis (RB) | Dallas Cowboys | 6% | Next man up, injury potential | Deep benches, upside | | New York Giants (Defense) | Defense | 4.4% | Plays Raiders’ offense in fantasy finals | Streamers |

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Final Thoughts

Lucas Wenzel delivers a concise and actionable list of stashes, emphasizing the importance of looking ahead for both injury handcuffs and favorable matchups—especially in the fantasy playoffs. He pushes managers to be proactive, noting that each recommended player is available in over 70% of leagues and could provide a crucial edge when a key injury or a great matchup emerges.

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Action Item:
“Sprint to your waiver wire right now and make sure none of these guys are still available.” (11:03)

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For further insights and fantasy advice, follow FantasyPros on socials, and check their apps and YouTube channel.

Transcript

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[Lucas Wenzel]

Through the fantasy football season and all of you out there are still fighting for something. Maybe it is a trip to the Fantasy Football championship, Maybe it's just a consolation prize in your league, or maybe you're fighting to stay out of your league's punishment. But no matter what that is, we are going to make sure you continue out working your league mates on the Waiver wire. I'm Lucas Wenzel here with Fantasy Pros, bringing you my top five waiver wire stashes ahead of week 16 in the championship Waiver wire run as well. Before we dive on into that list of players though, we've still got a special deal going on for you all. Unlock a month of Betting Pros Premium for free. Download the Betting Pros app today and use promo code FP1MONTH. Get access to tools like the same game Parlay tool, the Prop Bet analyzer and the prizepix prop bet cheat sheet. Don't miss out. Try it 100% free for one month. Now available both on iOS and Android. Starting off our list this week is Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker, who is rostered in 25% of leagues. At face value, Sean Tucker is a solid handcuff to Bucky Irving, but when you dig deeper into the recent metric, Tucker is actually playing a very defined role with Bucky Irving in the lineup. Tucker has scored twice over the last two weeks and it hasn't been these per chance opportunities where neither Bucky Irving or Rashad White could punch it in. Sean Tucker has 100% of the team's carries inside of the five yard line over the last two weeks. That is why he has two touchdowns in his last two games. Now those scores have only elevated him to the RB30 and the RB41 in PPR formats. So I am not preparing standalone value here, but the opportunity is clear. If anything were to happen to Bucky Irving this week against the Carolina Panthers and if he were unable to suit up then in week 17 in the four games prior to Bucky Irving's return as well, Sean Tucker he was given 12 plus carries in three of those games and gave you two finishes as a top 24 running back as well. So you boil in Sean Tucker's goal line usage from the last two weeks as well as and you're looking at a player who could be in the flex conversation against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. I know the Dolphins have been a substantially better defense against the run recently, but those goal line opportunities are some of the most valuable touches in all of fantasy football. Again, I know this is all dependent on Bucky Irving status who is completely healthy as of this recording. But while Sean Tucker might not be a handcuff stash at the level of a Blake Corum or a Tyler Algier, the path is clearly there for Sean Tucker to maintain high value touches while while also increasing his workload should anything happen to Bucky Irving. The second player on our list this week is Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker, who is also rostered in 25% of leagues. It's now been three of the last four weeks that Jalen Coker has given you a top 25 finish at the position in PPR formats, but I honestly get why his roster percentage is still below 30%. Bryce Young didn't exactly look good against the New Orleans Saints last week and there has been some padding from Coker catching a touchdown in back to back weeks. Now at some point we just have to let the fantasy points speak for themselves though and hope that Bryce Young returns to his pre bye week form because in the three weeks prior to the Panthers Week 14 bye per fantasy points data, Bryce Young trailed only Dak Prescott in passer rating and highly accurate throw percentage. And frankly the Panthers will need Bryce Young to play at that level because this team needs to remain competitive down the stretch. They are a tied atop of the division with the Buccaneers and at 77 and it is very unlikely either of these teams find themselves in the wildcard. They will have to win the division to make the playoffs. The great news is that Tampa is a great matchup for both Bryce Young and Jalen Coker who they get to play twice over the final three weeks of the season. The Bucs are number one in schedule adjusted fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks in their last five contests. They're also top 10 in fantasy points per game given up to slot wide receivers this year. So even though Coker is playing exclusively in 11 personnel at this point. There is still ample upside for him to give you another top 30 finish this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And if you play into week 18, excuse me, another fantastic opportunity for there for him as well. Next up on our list is Miami Dolphins running back Jalen Wright, who is rostered in only 20% of leagues. People have dropped Jalen Wright like a bad habit after Devon H and suited up last week and that's just a flat out mistake. Obviously Devon A. Chan is going to function as the workhorse if he's fully healthy. That's how it's been the entire season. But we already saw what happens when Devon Achan misses time. We really don't have to guess and speculate here upon that. In week 14, Achan exited against the jets with a rib injury and it was Jalen wright who got 24 carries for 107 yards and a score that was good for the RB11 on the week in PPR formats. He was also third in yards after contact. It was top 10 in rushing success rate as of this recording. Devon Achan coming into this week is fully healthy for a smash matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. But if anything were to happen to Devon Hn in this game, you are also looking at a very solid matchup against the Tampa Bay buccaneers in week 17, who in their last five games are top seven in schedule adjusted fantasy points per game allowed to running backs that is right behind the Cincinnati Bengals. Look, if I'm a Devon HN manager, I am 1000% making sure I have the insurance policy for my top five fantasy football running back this year. And even if you're not the Devon H and manager, this is your opportunity to be an absolute menace and stash Jalen Wright for yourself, who could certainly be ranked as a top 20 play in week 17 if Achan were to be absent. Coming in next is New Orleans Saints running back Aldric Estimate, who was rostered in 13% of leagues. Kellen Moore has already ruled out Devin Neal for Sunday's contest against the jets and as of this recording, Alvin Kamara has still been sidelined at practice. So we're looking at both Audrey Estimate and Evan Hull as the Saints top options this week and while this will likely just be a full blown committee, I do slightly prefer Aldric Estimate to Evan Hall. Looking at how the Saints split this backfield after Devin Neal's injury, it was relatively even from a snapshare perspective. Evan Hull played 31% of the snaps and ODRIC estimate played 39%, but from a role perspective those were those were a bit more defined. Evan Hull played much more of a pure rusher role while Audrey Estimate played more as the receiving back, yet he still got three carries to Evan Hull's four. I know the Saints were in passing game script in the second half against Carolina, but if they're going to split the backfield down the middle and Estimate is going to be getting the receiving work, I would just rather chase the additional PPR upside. You're going to get there and looking at the matchups to close out the season as well. Obviously the jets this week. As mentioned, you get the Tennessee Titans in week 17 and if you do play into week 18, it's another great matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. I know this offense isn't great, but it's functional enough under Tyler Schuck right now to potentially take advantage of favorable matchups down the stretch. I do think both Evan Hull and Aldrich Estimay are fine stashes this week, but if I only have room for one on my bench, I am likely going to lean on stashing Audrey Esteve. The fifth player on our list this week is Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis, who is rostered in 6% of leagues in weeks 11 to 14. Per Nathan Yankee over at PFF, no running back had played more snaps in the entire league than Javante Williams, and in week 15 we got an injury scare. Javante Williams exited Sunday Night Football with what was reported to be a shoulder injury and it was Malik Davis who came came in to play cleanup and scored a touchdown in the process. Now Gervonta did reenter the game and still racked up 91 yards in a score on only 29% of snaps. But as of this recording, he's still dealing with what's now being reported as a neck issue going into week 16. There's still plenty of optimism around Javante Williams being available against the Chargers this week, but what happens if there is a setback? What happens if Javante Williams re injures his shoulder or his neck this week with Miles Sanders on ir? And Jaden Blue has been a healthy and active week in and week out this year. It's likely Malik Davis who would collect an abundance of those Javante Williams touches in this offense. Now don't hear one. I am not saying Jaden Blue and Hunter Lueke would certainly filter in as well if Javante were to miss week 17, but you are looking at some wonderful matchups for the Dallas Cowboys in the final two weeks of the season. You get the Washington commanders in week 17 and if you do play into week 18, you get the New York Football Giants. Again. If Javante is active and healthy, he's playing the bell cow role for this offense. But since he's coming into week 16 a little nicked up, it's worth stashing Malik Davis at the end of your bench. Lastly, as we always have for the fantasy football playoffs, we're going to talk about a defense to stash for the Fantasy Football championship as well. I'm going with the New York Giants, who are rostered in 4.4percent of leagues. Look, this is a ballsy play. I completely get it. The New York giants are the 32nd ranked fantasy football defense and special teams unit this year, but it might not matter when the Giant defense gets a chance to feast on the 31st ranked offense in total EPA this year in the Las Vegas Raiders, the Giants defense has vastly underachieved. I think that's fair to say this year, but but we know there is still an abundance of talents in their pass rush. With how putrid the Raiders offensive line is, Kenny Pickett could potentially take four plus sacks and be forced into multiple turnover worthy plays in this game. Again, I know picking the defense to scoring only 2.6 points per game this year is a ballsy, ballsy pick, but sometimes it just makes sense to play a bad defense against a potentially even worse offense. There you have it. My top five six waiver wire stashes ahead of week 16. Go sprint to your waiver wire right now and make sure none of these guys are still available. All of them are rostered in less than 30% of leagues. They still might be available in yours as well. Before we sign off here though, remember we have got a special deal going on for you all. Unlock a month of Betting Pros Premium for 100% free. Download the betting Pros app today and use promo code FP1MONTH. Get access to tools like the same game Parlay tool, the Prop Bet analyzer and the prizepix prop bet cheat sheet. Don't miss out. Try it 100% free for one month. Now available both on iOS and Android.

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All.

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