Week 16 WR Waiver Pickups & Adds: Russell Gage Could Win Your League

Russell Gage is one of the strongest waiver adds you will find all season. Just in time for the fantasy playoffs, the Falcon has burst on to the spotlight with 3 consecutive big games. To top it off, he’s available in the overwhelming majority of leagues. All these factors have contributed to him headlining this article, and headlining your best move of the season if you add him for week 16. In addition to him, there are many more strong wide receiver options available for you to compete in the fantasy playoffs. To find out who they are, read my week 16 WR waiver pickups & adds.

Russell Gage

21.3% Rostered

Russell Gage has suddenly become one of the best waiver wire adds in recent weeks with 3 consecutive games topping 15 fantasy points. He has also been thrown the ball at least 7 times in that timespan for at least 4 receptions. Matt Ryan is looking to get him the ball, and Gage is taking advantage of the looks. In-fact, he has 2 touchdowns in his last three games as well. In short, he should be your top wide receiver heading into week 16. If you’re competing in the semi-finals or finals of your fantasy playoffs, add Gage to your roster and consider putting him in at the flex or WR2 spot.

Chad Hansen

4.5% Rostered

Chad Hansen now has 3 games under his belt since being lifted off the practice squad. The Texan is averaging 13.7 fantasy points (PPR) in that time period, with his worst outing still netting over 12 points. He has proven he is consistent, and he is rewarding. He may not reel in over 100 yards and a touchdown per game, but he will help out your team. For someone only rostered in 4.5% of leagues, he is an absolute gem. If your wide receivers are unreliable in the playoffs, definitely consider adding this no nonsense receiver on the Texans.

Tyron Johnson

2.6% Rostered

Tryon Johnson has largely been unreliable in fantasy this season. He rached double-digit scoring just once all season up until week 14. And then last week he did it again, with a 15.1 point outing. In both weeks he brought in a touchdown. He is set to continue his performance this week entering a matchup against the Broncos. Rookie quarterback, Justin Herbert, will almost certainly continue to look Johnson’s way now that they’ve established a strong connection.

Darnell Mooney

9.0% Rostered

Darnell Mooney is a much riskier option than other receivers on this list. Unlike everyone I have already listed, Mooney has struggled to score high and consistently over the last several weeks. Last week he had a solid outing, tallying 4 receptions for 49 yards, a touchdown, and 16 rushing yards all for a 15.5 fantasy point game. The week before, he inched past double-digits with a fantasy game with 10.7 fantasy points. In the games prior he has consistently failed to reach even 9 points. The Bears play a Jacksonville team next week that has one of the worst passing defenses in the league, so he may earn another solid fantasy game. But you should not count on him winning your league. He is a pick up just for more desperate fantasy owners in deeper leagues, but is worth mentioning nonetheless.

Donovan Peoples-Jones

0.6% Rostered

Donovan Peoples-Jones has started to become fantasy relevant after not doing much all season. The rookie out of Michigan is averaging 12.7 fantasy points (PPR) in the last 3 weeks. This includes his game last Sunday night, in which he caught all 3 of his targets for 55 yards. It is worth noting that Peoples-Jones would have a league-leading 22.5 yards per reception, but does not have enough receptions to qualify for the ranking. Next week the Browns play a Jets team that punts more than anyone else in the eleague (5.0 punt attempts per game), giving Peoples-Jones plenty of opportunities to reel in a deep throw from Baker Mayfield. Consider adding the Michigan alum based on his big play ability that could win your fantasy playoff matchup.

Greg Ward

4.9% Rostered

Greg Ward looks like he found chemistry with his new quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Last Sunday Ward caught 4 passes for 15 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was a fantasy game of 17.5 points, one of his highest marks of the season. The performance mirrored his game just two weeks prior, when he tallied 3 receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. Sandwiched in-between those two great outings, was a poor 4 point fantasy performance in week 14. I like Ward’s chances of becoming a strong fantasy option going forward, however, now that Jalen Hurts has established a connection with him.

Zach Pascal

1.3% Rostered

I know some may wonder why Pascal is not higher in this pickup list, but I don’t find him to be a very desirable waiver pickup. Including Sunday’s monster performance, Pascall is still averaging less than 9 fantasy points per game. This includes a stretch of just 3 fantasy points per game in the 3 weeks leading up to Sunday’s game. He’s a potential pickup for fantasy managers that need a big upside player this week, but for managers that need a safe option.