Note: With the trading deadline passed in most leagues, I’ve ended the Buying / Selling for the year to focus more on potential Waiver Pickups that may give you the boost needed to win in the ever-crucial Week 16.
WAIVER PICKUPS
Robert Griffin III III QB WAS (31%) | PHI
Regardless of whether Griffin III has the support of his head coach, he produced one of his best games of the season last week despite being harassed by the New York Giants' pass rush and is eyeing a plus match up versus Philadelphia this weekend. His final numbers from Week 15 stood at 16 of 27 passing for 236 yards and one touchdown with zero interceptions. He also added a season-high 46 yards on five carries. Another positive is that DeSean Jackson should be healthier in what will be his second bout with his former team. Although Washington will likely want to establish the run, the likely game flow is one that will lead to 30+ pass attempts and plenty of opportunity for Griffin III to perform as a borderline QB1.
Carlos Hyde RB SF (35%) | SD and Alfonso Smith RB SF (0%) | SD
After Frank Gore was forced from last week's game with what seemed to be a significant concussion, his status for the San Diego game this weekend is questionable at best. Hyde, who is the heir apparent to Gore, stepped into the lead role and racked up 55 yards on just six carries, but was then also forced out of action with an assortment of injuries (back and ankle). Next up was Smith, who was only signed in November, and he only managed six yards on four carries versus the tough Seattle defense. San Francisco won't be abandoning the run no matter who the starter is and so they should each be in consideration in the event they get the starting nod. Hyde is the better player, but injury concerns would limit him to back-end RB2 stature. If Smith gets the start, then the absence of the top-two backs should lead to a heavy workload and back-end RB2 stature as well.
Jonathan Stewart RB CAR (59%) | CLE
The volume was there again as Stewart racked up at least 20 carries for the second straight game while DeAngelo Williams remained sidelined. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to capitalize as much as he did the previous week, finishing with just 73 yards on 22 carries with zero touchdowns and a fumble lost. With that being said, there is another plus match up on deck when Cleveland will be coming into town. Jeremy Hill needed only one half to top 100 yards last week against the Browns before finishing with 148 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. If Williams were to miss another game, then Stewart can be plugged in as a strong RB2. In a committee, Stewart would still be an enterprising RB3/Flex.
Joseph Randle RB DAL (12%) | IND and Lance Dunbar RB DAL (4%) | IND
News broke on Monday that DeMarco Murray suffered a broken finger and he then had surgery later that day. Although there has been some optimism bubbling from Dallas, Footballguy Jene Bramel still considers Murray "doubtful at best." In the absence of Murray, Randle would be expected to handle much of the early down work with Dunbar complementing him as the third-down back. In limited action, Randle has impressed with 237 rushing yards on just 37 carries and would be a strong RB2 with high touchdown potential. On the season, Dunbar has just 91 rushing yards on 26 carries, but he's added 207 receiving yards on 16 receptions - he would be a worthy RB3/Flex play in PPR leagues.
Toby Gerhart RB JAC (34%) | TEN
Heading into the season, Gerhart was primed for a workhorse load that vaulted him into a fourth round ADP as the 19th running back of of the board. Injuries, along with a poor offense line and little threat of a passing game, were too much for him to overcome and he was even then outshined by Denard Robinson. With Robinson now sidelined for the season, Gerhart finds himself with another opportunity to produce as the lead back. Versus an imposing Baltimore defense last weekend, he surprised with 54 yards on 13 carries and added nine yards on two receptions. Next up is the atrocious Tennessee defense that has been repeatedly gashed on the ground - a match up good enough for Gerhart to moonlight as a decent RB3/Flex with RB2 upside.
Donte Moncrief WR IND (34%) | @DAL
Week 16 was a major letdown for Moncrief as he saw just three targets and failed to secure any of them. The good news is that he played on more than 50% of the snaps for a third straight game and also outsnapped Hakeem Nicks again, 36 to 22. With T.Y. Hilton's status in question due to a hamstring injury, Moncrief needs to be rostered in all leagues. If Hilton weren't able to play, then he'd ascend to WR2 value. Otherwise, he would remain a risky play as a boom-or-bust WR4.
*All snap counts and targets in this article are courtesy of ProFootballFocus.com
