Each week, Juan Carlos Blanco spotlights 4–5 under-the-radar plays who combine DFS tournament upside with season-long streaming value. These matchup-driven picks are usually available in most leagues.
Parkinson should be a popular option this week in playoff games for those scrambling at tight end, or even for managers who’ve been dissatisfied with their current options and are willing to roll the dice a bit. Parkinson is in the midst of an impressive multi-week stretch of play, having posted a 22-230-6 line on 28 targets over his last six games.
Tyler Higbee (ankle) will remain out for Thursday’s divisional showdown, while Davante Adams appears like a long shot to play through the hamstring injury he aggravated in the Week 15 win over the Lions. Both developments should naturally only brighten Parkinson’s fantasy outlook, and even more so against a Seahawks defense that’s tied for second-most receptions (91) and fourth-most receiving yards (952) allowed to tight ends.
The tight-end position has a prominent spot in this week’s space, with Waller certainly in play due both to recent performance and matchup. The veteran has shown quite the knack for the end zone when he’s been healthy this season, recording six touchdowns in seven games. Waller has 20 receptions and 243 yards overall, and he recorded a pair of scoring grabs as part of his seven catches for 66 yards on eight targets against the Steelers in Week 15.
One major storyline to keep tabs on as the week unfolds is the potential benching of Tua Tagovailoa for this Week 16 matchup. Nevertheless, whether it’s the much-maligned Tua, Zach Wilson or even Quinn Ewers under center (Update: Tua has been benched for Ewers), Waller figures to be a frequent target considering his reliability when he’s on the field. Additionally, it certainly doesn’t hurt that Cincinnati has been the best matchup for tight ends this season, as the Bengals have given up massive 99-1,276-15 line to the position.
