It’s never too early to look toward your next matchup and a chance to bolster your fantasy football lineups. Here are some options to consider for Week 16 — the semifinals of the fantasy football playoffs in most leagues.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens (25%)
Lamar Jackson came out of his bye on absolute fire in Week 15, going 21-of-25 for 290 yards and a whopping five touchdown passes. He also added 65 yards on the ground. His arm ruled the day though, and Rashod Bateman was a direct beneficiary.
Bateman tied for second on the team in targets with five, but he scored two touchdowns and led the team in receiving yards. He only had three catches on the day, showcasing his explosive ability.
The Ravens have a lot of weapons, but with the way Jackson is playing right now (he just might get another MVP), we want pieces of this offense. Add Bateman if you need WR help.
Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns (42%)
Consider this your last call to add Jerome Ford in fantasy. News dropped quickly after the Browns’ loss against Kansas City of Nick Chubb unfortunately breaking his foot. Ford is now expected to be the Browns’ unquestioned starter moving forward.
We’ve seen Ford perform admirably in a starter’s role in the past, too, and he did the same in Week 15 once Chubb left the game. Ford scored his most fantasy points in a game this season against the Chiefs, and he’ll get a juicy matchup against the hapless Bengals next week. Expect him to be a top waiver wire addition of Week 16.
Kendre Miller, RB, New Orleans Saints (11% rostered)
Alvin Kamara had to leave the Saints’ comeback effort against the Commanders with a groin injury. Kamara has pretty much been the Saints’ entire offense, so fantasy football managers will have to monitor this injury situation closely.
For now, however, Kendre Miller looks poised to earn an increased role in the New Orleans backfield.
Miller showed some burst in limited work on Sunday. He’s the next man up if Kamara misses time and the Saints have a pretty good rest-of-season schedule on the RB side of things. If nothing else, Miller is yet another backfield RB who should be rostered in more leagues as insurance.
