Fantasy Football 2018: Top 10 waiver wire Week 16 pickups

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 07: The Dolphins logo is displayed on the back of the helmet of Miami Dolphins Running Back Kalen Ballage (27) during an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 7, 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

7 of 11

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 15: New York Jets running back Elijah McGuire (25) during the National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Houston Texans on December 15, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

New York Jets RB Elijah McGuire

Just looking at yards per carry, New York Jets running back Elijah McGuire has been thoroughly unimpressive, averaging just 3.3 yards per rushing attempt in the 2018 season. Last week against the Houston Texans, McGuire’s average sat around 2.3, as he needed 18 carries to grind out just 42 rushing yards against the AFC South leaders in an eventual close loss for the Jets.

That said, McGuire did have a quality fantasy football outing, scoring a rushing touchdown with one of those 18 carries and chipping in three receptions for 23 yards. With Isaiah Crowell out, McGuire is the clear lead back for the Jets, regardless of any qualms about his efficiency.

McGuire now has 35 carries in his past two games since becoming the No. 1 rusher in New York, and he’s ran for a touchdown in each of those two games with at least three receptions for 20+ yards in both outings.

In other words, it looks like McGuire’s floor may have been his Week 15 game against the Texans when he scored roughly 13 fantasy points. He’s a safe option in fantasy leagues heading into the championship games, given that his touches in the Jets offense appear to be guaranteed. His inefficiency makes him an uninspiring option, and his upside is tapered by the fact that the Jets won’t score all that many touchdowns.

The Texans and Bills aren’t easy matchups for a running back, though, so McGuire could have his best game yet in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers.

Home/Fantasy Football