5 best fantasy football pickups to make for Week 16

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Dec 18, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Royce Freeman (26) in action during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Best fantasy football pickups for Week 16: RB Royce Freeman, Houston Texans

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Dameon Pierce was having a great rookie season for the Houston Texans. In 13 games, he rushed for 939 yards and four touchdowns, to go with 30 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown. Over a full season, he was on pace for 1,239 rushing yards. That would be the most rushing yards by a rookie in a single season, since Saquon Barkley in 2018 (1,307).

Sadly, Pierce suffered an ankle injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14. He was placed on the IR on Saturday.

With Pierce sidelined, Royce Freeman stepped up and led the Texans’ backfield on Sunday. He had 11 carries for 51 yards and one reception for eight yards. Dare Ogunbowale also played a role, but he only mustered 14 yards on eight carries.

Freeman was a third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Broncos, before being waived in 2021. Last season, he split time with the Carolina Panthers and Texans. Sunday’s game marked his first action this season.

Texans head coach Lovie Smith praised Freeman following the game.

Lovie Smith: 'Royce Freeman is a good football player.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 18, 2022

Given his newfound role, Freeman is a nice addition down the stretch. He is a high-upside FLEX.

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