The fantasy football managers still reading waiver wire articles highlighting Rashod Bateman and Tim Patrick in Week 16 are the same ones who survived the first round of the fantasy football playoffs, so congratulations! Wide receiver is a position where matchups can turn a waiver option into lineup gold, and each of these players has a positive projected matchup to close out the fantasy season. Whether it's a plug-and-play option for this week or a stash in case of injury or to play in the championship round, all of these players have some appeal for the rest of the season.
Rashod Bateman, Romeo Doubs, Tim Patrick: Week 16 Waiver Targets
WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
After three disappointing seasons for Rashod Bateman, he's finally putting together a mostly healthy season. He's set career highs in yards and touchdowns and is only eight receptions away from a high in receptions. He's tied to an MVP candidate quarterback and is a threat to have multiple explosive plays every week. Over a quarter of his catches have been 20-plus yard receptions, and he has a perfect matchup for the fantasy football championship against the Houston Texans in Week 17. While the target earning isn't there, the touchdown upside is worth a start in flex spots. Rashod Bateman is one of Sigmund Bloom's favorite adds on this week's waiver wire episode.
Use the Upgrades and Downgrades tool to maximize waiver claims.
WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
It's been a wild season for Romeo Doubs to this point. He was suspended in Week 5 but has been the team's second-highest target earner and reception leader. Doubs hasn't had the same touchdown luck as Rashod Bateman to this point but is also tied to a fairly impressive passer and gets a juicy matchup in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have given up the fifth-most passing yards allowed by a defense this season. With a backup or even third-string quarterback in for New Orleans, the Packers could run up the score early. Doubs should be atop waiver claims and FAAB bids for fantasy managers looking for an option this week.
WR Tim Patrick, Detroit Lions
For extremely deep leagues or even more desperate managers, Tim Patrick is a prayer for a touchdown. He's scored in each of his last two games and quietly earned 15 targets across the matchups. Patrick isn't the type of player that folks should invest heavily in, but there are plenty of leagues with three wide receivers and three or four flex spots. In leagues like that, Patrick is one of the better options to plug into a late flex area. Tim Patrick is the number two or three option in the red zone for the highest-scoring offense in the NFL. There are certainly worse bets to make with a deep flex option.
To see how much to bid on Rashod Bateman or the other options on the waiver wire this week, use the Waiver Wire tool to stay a step ahead of other fantasy managers.