Waiver Wire Week 16: Players to Pick Up and Start in Fantasy Playoffs

This late in the fantasy season, owners are rarely looking for players to help win a championship.

However, not all situations are the same in fantasy football. Several leagues are set for the title games this weekend but also have the equivalent of the "Toilet Bowl" set to take place. For owners in either, losing is simply not an option.

Luckily, there are still quite a few players out on most waiver wires who can help in either situation. Not all targets are created equal, but each of these options can be picked up and started at a flex spot or in place of a struggling or injured starter.

Prior to one of the biggest weekends of the fantasy season, here's a look at the best options on the waiver wire for Week 16.

Charles Johnson, WR, Minnesota Vikings (2.5 percent owned)

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His rise came from nowhere, but most fantasy owners now know about Charles Johnson. No, not the Carolina Panthers star defensive end. The Minnesota Vikings receiver has been solid over the last several weeks and should be primed for another good day.

One of the biggest disappointments this season was Cordarrelle Patterson, but owners finally found his replacement late. John Paulsen of 4-for-4 Football provided his take on the surprising play of Johnson:

"

Imagine if someone told you at the start of the season that Charles Johnson would be the Vikings’ most valuable fantasy player.

— John Paulsen (@4for4_John) December 8, 2014"

Since Week 12, Johnson has two games with 13 or more points and a total of two touchdowns. He might have a rookie quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, but he also has seven or more targets in four of the last five games.

If he can simply haul in some of those passes coming his way, look for Johnson to put up good numbers against the Miami Dolphins. Averaging over nine points in his last two matchups, the second-year player is a high-upside player this week as a flex play.

Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys (0.7 percent owned)

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This is a bit more speculative than either of the other options, but Joseph Randle should see an uptick in production this week.

DeMarco Murray recently had surgery for a broken hand, but Jerry Jones said he should still be able to play on Sunday. Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News passed along the news on Murray's ailment:

Even if Murray is on the field, the Cowboys will likely have to be careful to keep him healthy. Though a playoff spot isn't locked in after beating the Philadelphia Eagles, risking the health of Murray would render making the postseason useless.

What does this mean for Randle? Simply put, more chances to prove he can be a productive player. After breaking away for a 17-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 14, Randle has a shot to do the same against the Indianapolis Colts.

Indy allows the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs with 20.52 per game. If Randle gets a share of the production, he has a shot at double-digit points, making him a good flex option for this Sunday. New owners might also want to monitor Murray's situation, as Randle could be thrust into the starting role.

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons (3.0 percent owned)

David Goldman/Associated Press

Midway through last season, Harry Douglas went off for three games with over 100 yards in a five-game span. Since that point, he's suffered through an injury and lowered production until Week 13 of this season.

Julio Jones may be set to return this week, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but the connection between Matt Ryan and Douglas appears to be back.

Going against a New Orleans Saints defense that allows 257.1 passing yards per game and has been atrocious at home this season, Douglas still has a lot of value. Much like Johnson and Randle, expect good production from Douglas from the flex position.

All fantasy stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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