Fantasy Football 2018: Waiver wire targets for Week 16
By Donnie Druin
Baker Mayfield vs. Cincinnati
2018 Stats: 260-of-407, 3,065 yards, 21 TD, 11 INT
ESPN Ownership: 47.9 percent
It’s been such an odd 2018 hasn’t it? iPhones continue to release, politics are as controversial as ever, and the Cleveland Browns are still fighting for playoff contention in Week 16. While I check to see if I’m not just in a simulation, much of the credit for the Browns’ success can be pointed towards the direction of Baker Mayfield. Mayfield frequents this list often thanks to his stellar play and weekly availability, and this week writes no different narrative.
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Mayfield and the rest of the Browns passing attack return home for a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals 29th ranked passing defense. In their previous meeting, Mayfield came up with a 259-yard, four-touchdown performance. With Nick Chubb’s emergence, it’s likely the Bengals will be forced to respect the run and make Baker defeat them with his arm.
If that’s not enough to sell you, the Browns rank right behind the Bengals in pass defense, leaving way for a possible duel through the air. With Mayfield scoring 15 fantasy points or higher every week since Week 6, the fantasy floor is there for the taking along with the boom potential you’re looking for in the championship round.
Lamar Jackson at Los Angeles
2018 Stats: 73-of-124, 818 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT, 114 rushing attempts, 566 yards, 3 TD
ESPN Ownership: 54.1 percent
I’m extremely confident in Mayfield’s abilities to score points, and my confidence carries over to another AFC North rookie in Lamar Jackson. Since taking the reins as starting quarterback, Jackson’s dual-threat abilities have allowed him to score dynamic points as a runner. While he’s no Michael Vick, Jackson’s floor is much like Mayfield’s: He’s had no outings with fewer than 15 points since he’s started.
Many will be quick to back away from Jackson due to his match-up with a Chargers defense that ranks as a top-10 unit in total defense. While I would typically back away from average quarterbacks, Jackson’s running abilities always keep him in play. In a seemingly bone-dry waiver pool of gun-slingers, Jackson is the next best option if Mayfield isn’t available. He plays more truly to the “boom or bust” storyline in fantasy, offering boom potential nearly every week no matter the matchup.