Should I Pickup Alexander Mattison or Ameer Abdullah? Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16

The injury to Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (ankle) will unfortunately end his season. He was promising for fantasy managers, but he won't be able to play another snap, meaning RBs Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison are in line for increased workloads moving forward.

The Raiders backfield has been a ridiculous revolving door. First Zamir White (quad) was the starter. Then it was Mattison. Then it was Abdullah, then Mattison, then McCormick, and now it's... who knows? That's what we'll try to break down here, at least.

So should you pick up Mattison or Abdullah?

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Alexander Mattison Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook

We wouldn't recommend picking up Mattison at this point. He's had plenty of opportunities to shine, but has consistently disappointed. He averages just under 3.3 yards per carry on the season, and while he's had a few good fantasy games, he simply doesn't consistently keep drives going.

Rough return from injury for Alexander Mattison, fumbling on his first carry and with Sincere McCormick sidelined he’s corralled for a safety on his third carry. #Raiders offense still not wowing with Desmond Ridder calling signals. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/XcN626ts7V

— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) December 17, 2024

He also fumbled in a crucial situation in Week 15, giving up two points and giving the opposing defense. That can't happen. The Raiders don't have a great offense, so that doesn't help, but no coach is rushing to trot out an RB that has ball security issues.

Ameer Abdullah Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook

While Abdullah's rushing numbers aren't impressive, it's his pass-catching upside that makes him an interesting option. He's better in space than Mattison is, and has more explosiveness. The rushing may never be his strong suit, but as long as the QB is motivated to dump off the ball to him, he should have solid PPR upside.

Congratulations to the … *checks notes* … 0.3% of managers who started Ameer Abdullah! pic.twitter.com/1C1U2i1oLN

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 17, 2024

Outside of PPR leagues, he doesn't have a ton of value, but he scored 19.6 PPR fantasy points in Week 15.

Should I Pickup Alexander Mattison or Ameer Abdullah For Fantasy Football?

You're much better off using the last of your FAAB on Abdullah over Mattison. He should get more playing time, run more routes, and get more overall opportunities out of the two. He actually gets a pretty solid matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 as well, meaning he has a chance of having another nice fantasy day.

#Raiders RB Week 15 Usage (Sincere McCormick hurt early)

- Ameer Abdullah: 46% snaps, 3 carries, 21 routes, 7 targets (66 yds, TD)
- Alexader Mattison: 32% snaps, 7 carries, 8 rotues, 4 targets (24 yds)

I am interested in Abdullah only because they get the Jags next week

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) December 17, 2024

It's fine to make a move for him on the waiver wire if you want extra depth just in case or if you're dealing with injuries.

More Fantasy Football Analysis