At this point of the fantasy season, with the playoffs rolling, we are focused on deeper leagues. 12-14 team formats. And we want to find some upside here, potential players who can jump into your lineups given the Week 16 matchups on the NFL schedule.
While you might notice some overlap with Eric Moody's waiver wire column that publishes on Mondays, an important distinction is that the options mentioned in this column are focused solely on this week's matchup and not the players' values for the remainder of the season.
Today, I'll look at one potential streaming option at each position. And we'll start with Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who gets the Panthers defense on Saturday.
Quarterbacks
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (51.6% rostered; at Panthers)
We've written about Goff a bunch this year as a potential streamer -- based on the matchup. Last week was the game to pivot from him against the Jets defense. However, in Week 16, Goff is the best available option (with the most upside) given his matchup against the Panthers defense. Goff has posted 20 or more fantasy points in two of his past four starts, with a total of eight passing touchdowns during that stretch. We know the Lions have perimeter pass catching talent, with a middle of the field target in Amon-Ra St. Brown, plus vertical weapons on the outside in DJ Chark, Khalif Raymond and rookie Jameson Williams. Detroit can use leveled concepts, play-action and shot plays to give Goff clean throwing platforms. He's a good bet to produce for managers in deeper leagues.
Running backs
Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts (40.8% rostered; vs. Chargers)
The running back position is pretty thin at this point of the fantasy season, but if you need someone to replace Jonathan Taylor, then go get Moss. Moss out-touched Deon Jackson 24-14 last week and while I don't see dynamic running traits, there's a physical element to his game. He has the lateral foot quickness that allows him to slide through the traffic and draws a favorable matchup against the Chargers defense. This is a move to gain some run game volume in your lineup.
Wide receivers
Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders (29.7% rostered; at 49ers)
Dotson is dynamic and productive. He can shake loose at the break, has play-making ability in the open field and the rookie has scored at least 16 PPR points (with a touchdown reception) in each of his past two games. Take some risk here (given the Week 16 matchup) and play the upside of Dotson against a zone heavy 49ers defense. Washington will have to use some max protection concepts to limit San Francisco's pass rush, but I really like the idea of Dotson working the second level against Cover 2 and 3-Deep zones. He'll have lots of space after the catch there.
Tight ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (16.1% rostered; vs. Texans)
We simply need production out of the tight end position in the fantasy playoffs. That's why I'm focused on Okonkwo, who has posted double-digit PPR points in three straight games. The Titans will work multiple tight ends into their offensive game plan, but Okonkwo has the highest ceiling of the group given his fluid movement and formation versatility with multiple alignments and route concepts in the Titans system. Okonkwo has now seen at least five targets in each of his past four games and also rushed for six yards on one carry last week. Take the Titans tight end in a positive Week 16 matchup against the Texans defense.
Defense/special teams
Cincinnati Bengals (43.0% rostered; at Patriots)
I like the Bengals here as a potential streamer against the Patriots. They scored 15 fantasy points in their past two games and forced a total of five turnovers (four against Tom Brady and the Bucs). The New England passing game really lacks juice right now and I believe Cincinnati can generate pass rush production (six sacks in their last four games). You are looking for turnover opportunities in this matchup against a Bengals secondary that plays top-down.