Week 16 Waiver Wire Breakout Fantasy Football Pickups from Sunday's Box Scores

The wear and tear of an NFL season can take its toll on stars, leaving fantasy managers to scramble for a replacement, searching far and wide (and sometimes deep) at certain positions to find a hidden gem who can earn them enough points to achieve victory.

Such is the case entering Week 16, where injuries have created opportunities for lighter-utilized players and unheard of competitors to make an impact on fantasy teams through their performances in key situations.

Ahead of the upcoming week, here are three waiver wire additions managers should consider based on Sunday's box scores.

All stats via FantasyPros.com unless otherwise noted.

Jawhar Jordan, RB, Houston Texans

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"Who?" you might be asking yourself, but Jordan exploded onto the scene Sunday for the Houston Texans against the Arizona Cardinals and helped his team run away with the win.

In his first outing of the season, the second-year player carried 15 times for 101 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

Jordan replaced the injured Woody Marks and made the most of his opportunity, immediately becoming an intriguing player to watch from a fantasy perspective, especially with the Raiders up next on the schedule.

Las Vegas allowed 183 yards on the ground against Philadelphia in a 31-0 loss. There will be plenty of chances for Jordan to tote the rock and punish that Vegas defense. If Marks and/or Nick Chubb are back available, it changes things, but based on his performance Sunday, perhaps not enough to eliminate his carries.

Keep an eye on Jordan throughout the week.

He is available in virtually all leagues.

Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears

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With Rome Odunze out of action against Cleveland on Sunday, Burden caught six balls for 84 yards. His latest strong performance came a week after catching four for 67 yards against Green Bay in Week 14.

Arguably, a more consistent player than Odunze has been in the back half of this season, his chemistry with Caleb Williams has led to more opportunities, something managers should keep in mind, especially if they find themselves struggling at the wide receiver position amid their league playoffs.

With a Week 16 rematch against a Packers team giving up 28.78 points per game to opposing wide receivers on the horizon, Burden is a worthwhile grab and stash, if not a flex play based on his recent performances.

How he rebounds from an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's game against the Browns, though, bears watching. No pun intended.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders

AP Photo

The Commanders' rookie back stepped up in the absence of Chris Rodriguez Jr. Sunday afternoon, rushing for 96 yards on 18 carries and scoring a touchdown.

It was a reminder of the promise the former New Mexico standout has flashed at times in 2025.

The rookie has potential to impact managers' lineups positively, but it is almost certainly dependent upon whether Rodriguez returns to the lineup Saturday against the Eagles.

If he does, Croskey-Merritt should be considered expendable. If he has a chance to start and play significant downs, he is a worthwhile addition to a starting lineup in the event of injury or underwhelming play.

He is currently available in 56 percent of Yahoo and 54 percent of ESPN leagues.