Fantasy Football: High on Tyler Lockett, Justin Forsett, sound alarm on Marcus Mariota

If you’re still alive at the bitter end, it’s essential to stay active on the waiver wire. Be sure to check out Rotoballer.com’s Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Tool for up-to-the-hour waiver wire advice and ideas, and to follow me @Roto_Dubs for quick-hitting news and analysis.

Pick the Lockett

Second-year receiver Tyler Lockett was finally given the start over Jermaine Kearse for Seattle last Thursday, and he did not disappoint. The speedy wide out burned the Los Angeles secondary for 130 yards on eight catches, including a 57-yard touchdown. Lockett appears to have usurped Kearse for good as the team’s number two option, and he should continue to provide fantasy value as defenses are forced to key in on Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham. He gets an Arizona defense in Week 16 that was just torched by Brandin Cooks, who is essentially the same type of player as Lockett. He’s a high-end WR3 in the fantasy championship.

Fun with Forsett

What’s the old saying—you don’t have to be the prettiest girl in the bar, you just have to be only girl in the bar? Justin Forsett has taken over as the top back in the Denver backfield, although it’s mostly a result of there being no better option. Devontae Booker has been incredibly ineffective, and has left the door open for Forsett to make some noise from a fantasy perspective. Forsett’s value is enhanced by his pass-catching ability, and with the opportunity available to him he’s a high-end RB3 for Week 16.

Crash of the Titan

Since the Titans’ Week 13 bye, Marcus Mariota hasn’t looked like the MVP-level superstar we’ve watched for most of the 2016 season. To be fair, he’s played against the Broncos and Chiefs, two of the top defenses in the NFL. He failed to produce double-digit fantasy points in either game, and with that kind of cold streak active it’s nearly impossible to trust Mariota in Week 16. He draws the Jaguars, who (shockingly) boast the fourth-best pass defense in the NFL. You may have no other option at this point, but if possible look elsewhere for your starting QB in the fantasy championship.

NFL Sleepers of the Week

Each week we will identify three players worth taking a shot on in deeper leagues.

Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans – Averaging nine carries for 53 yards and a touchdown over his last three games. The Titans will continue to split touches between Henry and DeMarco Murray to keep both fresh for a playoff run.

Cameron Meredith, WR, Chicago Bears – Averaging 83 yards per game over his last three, Meredith should produce flex value in a solid matchup against the Redskins, with upside for much more.

Charles Clay, TE, Buffalo Bills – Has a touchdown in each of his last two games and is seeing an uptick in usage. Should find room to work in the middle of the field against Miami on Saturday.