FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast: Waiver Wire Targets Week 16 (Ep. 1900)

Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Joe “Joey P” P. Zapia
Guest: Jake Ciely (The Athletic)
Theme: Key fantasy football waiver wire pickups and analysis for Week 16, playoff semifinals.

Episode Overview

Joe P. Zapia and Jake Ciely break down the most impactful waiver wire targets for Week 16, focusing on players who can make a difference in the fantasy playoffs amid a wave of key NFL injuries. The episode balances actionable advice with a friendly, conversational tone and provides in-depth reasoning for each recommended pickup.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections and Quick Banter (00:29–02:13)

• Jake recounts attending John Cena’s final wrestling match:
  • “I am a little bit sad...you’re never gonna see a Cena type ever again." (Jake, 01:27)
  • Friendly banter about sharing marriage sweatshirts and nostalgia.

2. Quarterback Waiver Wire Replacements (02:13–04:21)

Patrick Mahomes Injury Fallout

• Patrick Mahomes' injury leaves a major QB1 hole.
• Recommended Streams:
  • Jacoby Brissett (WAS): Widely available due to earlier drops. Just threw three touchdowns against the Texans.
    • “He gets Atlanta at home this week. Not the best matchup, but way softer than the Texans." (Jake, 03:19)
  • J.J. McCarthy (MIN): For deeper leagues. Impressed against Dallas and now faces the Giants.
    • “If you’re deeper, J.J. McCarthy is your fill-in because...I’m trying to get somebody who could finish top ten if everything breaks right." (Jake, 04:04)

Notable Quote:

“Don’t try to predict defenses in Weeks 14 through 17 at the beginning of the year.”
—Jake Ciely (03:38)

3. Running Back Waiver Targets (04:21–08:13)

Bam Knight Injury / Michael Carter (ARI)

• Carter highly available, expected to lead with Demercado as the pass-catching back.
• Best for desperate RB3/flex starts. Arizona faces Atlanta.
  • “Hopefully you’re not in the playoff semifinals this desperate, but we lost half the league in Week 15...Michael Carter, probably an RB3, but startable.” (Jake, 04:45)

R.J. Harvey Rib Issue / Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN)

• McLaughlin a top pickup only if Harvey is out.
• Suggests “playing block”: Pick up McLaughlin to prevent opponents from benefiting, even if you don’t need him.
  • “You don’t want to see Jaleel McLaughlin surprise and go off for 20 points on your opponent’s roster...block if you can.” (Jake, 07:25)

4. Wide Receiver News & Next-Man-Up (05:08–09:31)

Davante Adams Hamstring / Rams Replacements

• Adams likely out Thursday night; WR vacancy looms.
• Instead of usual receivers, focus on Colby Parkinson (TE, LAR):
  • “He was tight end five over the last four games, now tight end three over the past five.” (Jake, 05:44)
  • “You can put Parkinson in your flex at this point if you need it...he’s honestly inside the top ten conversation.” (Jake, 06:59)

Christian Watson Chest Injury / Matthew Golden (GB)

• Watson's status uncertain; Matthew Golden flashed potential and could fill deep-threat role.
  • “When it happened in that game, Wicks and Golden...were kind of rotating the opportunities once Watson left...Love was actually taking shots to Golden, more so than Wicks.” (Jake, 08:36)
  • Strong WR4/boom-or-bust pickup if weather in Chicago allows.

5. Washington Commanders Backfield Mess (09:31–10:36)

• Chris Rodriguez questionable; snaps split between Jeremy McNichols and Crosby Merritt.
  • Prefer McNichols due to anticipated negative game script against the Eagles.
    • “I would actually lean to McNichols on this one...you’re going to want McNichols in the passing game.” (Jake, 10:15)
    • Only desperation starts in half or full PPR leagues.

Notable Quotes

• On the randomness of fantasy playoffs after injury-heavy Week 15:

  • “We just lost like half the league in Week 15.” (Jake, 04:45)

• On next-man-up for Rams at TE:

  • “Colby Parkinson’s up in the realm...only behind Trey McBride and George Kittle is where he’s been in production.” (Jake, 06:40)

• On picking up RB backups for playoff ‘block’ strategy:

  • “At this point of the season, we are rostering all the backups...even if you don’t need McLaughlin.” (Jake, 07:25)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:29–02:13: Wrestling banter & John Cena nostalgia
• 02:13–04:21: Quarterback streamer advice (Mahomes injury fallout)
• 04:21–05:08: Michael Carter and RB replacement talk
• 05:08–06:59: Davante Adams injury, Rams receiving/TE situation
• 06:59–08:13: R.J. Harvey injury, Jaleel McLaughlin pickup/block
• 08:13–09:31: Christian Watson injury, Matthew Golden sleeper
• 09:31–10:36: Washington backfield, McNichols vs. Merritt
• 10:36–11:17: Closing advice and playoff encouragement

Episode Tone & Closing

The episode is practical and relatable, with hosts weaving football smarts with good-natured jokes and real-life analogies. They stress flexibility, aggressively rostering handcuff RBs/WRs, and using strategy to “block” playoff opponents from potential breakout players.

“We’re so close, we could smell it...let’s go get that championship.”
—Joey P. (10:36)

Bottom Line Recommendations

• Priority Waiver Adds:
  • QB: Jacoby Brissett, J.J. McCarthy (deep)
  • RB: Michael Carter, Jaleel McLaughlin (block even if not desperate)
  • WR/TE: Colby Parkinson (flex-worthy), Matthew Golden (boom/bust WR4)
  • Desperate RB2/Flex: Jeremy McNichols (especially full PPR)

Hosts urge listeners to adapt quickly, manage waivers wisely, and maximize every playoff opportunity as fantasy championship glory draws near.

For further in-depth analytics and customized waiver suggestions, visit FantasyPros’ app/website and Waiver Central.