🏈 Merry (belated) Christmas

Good morning, especially to those in the fantasy playoffs. Even if you’re not, you are all 10s in my book. Trust that you’re winning these matchups. COVID sure is…

The longest season ever continues:

Deep League Winners

With COVID decimating teams, the waiver wire grows in importance. Here are five very under-the-radar players who might just lead you to a title.

1. Emmanuel Sanders: This isn’t a deep dive, but please check if Sanders is available. He’s borderline must start in a depleted Buffalo passing-offense missing the WRs 3 and 4.

2. Jaret Patterson: Almost all year, we’ve been banging the Patterson drum. Is this the week? Not sure, but Antonio Gibson (toe) missed practice all week. Even if Gibson suits up, Washington should lighten his load and Patterson’s 6.1 yards-per-carry gives Ron Rivera another reason to lean on the rookie.

3. Josh Palmer: With Mike Williams and Jaylen Guyton out, Palmer becomes the Chargers WR2. The only time Palmer played 80%+ of snaps, he caught 5 passes for 66 yards and a TD. He’s a strong route runner facing a weak Texans secondary.

4. Laquon Treadwell: Operating as a full-time outside WR for the Jags (97% of snaps Week 15), Treadwell has almost 10+ PPR points in 4-straight games. He’s more of a PPR play - but should be a safe start if you’re favored.

5. Tyler Johnson: It’s Johnson vs Antonio Brown for the WR1 spot. Look, AB is the better WR - we get it. But what if Tyler Johnson takes the Chris Godwin role? What if he claims the lead spot? Upside wins championships…

Avoid: Braxton Berrios - The Jets #1 WR saw 10 targets in Week 14 but only one last week, all while never playing more than 41% of snaps. Idc how many WRs are out, avoid starting Berrios.

Who’s OUT

This list should include Brandin Cooks and Mike Williams, both on the COVID list. Miracle RB Cam Akers is back, but should be considered out - he was only activated now because a player needs to be on the active roster for three games to receive his pension credit. Austin Ekeler is also OUT with COVID.

Who’s IN

Tyreek Hill is playing, while Schefter reported there is "still a shot" Travis Kelce clears the league's COVID protocols for Week 16 against the Steelers, but be ready to pivot. See deep dives below.

• With Mike Evans (hamstring) out and Chris Godwin (knee) on injured reserve, a healthy Antonio Brown is suddenly the No. 1 receiver in an offense featuring Tom Brady. That makes AB a locked-in WR1

• D’Andre Swift was limited in practice all week and appears to have a real shot of starting against the Falcons.

• Josh Johnson is the only QB who made the trip to Cincy after Ravens announced that QB Lamar Jackson is not traveling.

Josh Johnson

What a story - Josh Johnson has been on 20 teams…

Quick Slants

Tampa Bay WR Mike Evans was named the Week 16 NFLPA Community MVP after he donated more than $30,000 to support Tampa Bay kids in need while also providing four-year college scholarships for six local high school students.

• A.J. Terrell hasn’t allowed over 35 yards in a game this season. Terrell lines up against the Lions Josh Reynolds today.

• Packers coach Matt LaFleur became the first head coach NFL history with at least 12 wins in each of his first 3 seasons.

• The Saints tried to lure Drew Brees out of retirement for Monday night’s game with Miami. Coach Sean Payton called Brees, according to Duncan, who gave it "serious thought."

• Nick Foles will start in Week 16 against the Seahawks.

• Darren Waller hasn't practiced since injuring his knee in Week 12. Yeah, you can consider his season done.

• Good day to remind that you certainly wouldn’t have gone broke betting on modern medicine over the last 20 years in dynasty (thread)

Tweet of the Day

Many of you asked how you can help support the Huddle. We’re looking to add writers and update the newsletter this offseason - if you can help support the Huddle, please click below:

Two more things:

1. If you have any questions - start/sit, add/drop - or want to stay on top of the latest updates: Follow us on Twitter.

2. Thank YOU. We’re so grateful for your support all season - the newsletter is nothing without all of you.

Goodluck today. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours. All the best.

- Jake