We are all very, very fortunate that professional football will be played four times this upcoming week. With one game on Thursday night, a bulk of the games on Christmas Eve, two on Christmas Day, and one on Monday night, fantasy owners heading into their championship matchup will be hoping a the holiday season is generous to them.
Here is a look at the surprise target grabbers from Week 15, and a look at possible wide receiver breakout options for Week 16 based on the usage they are seeing in the passing game. You can ask me more waiver wire and game day questions on Twitter @DemetriRafto.
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Surprise Week 15 Target Grabbers
Deonte Thompson - (WR, CHI)
Deonte Thompson posted a career high 110 yards in last Sunday's shootout against the Green Bay Packers. Thompson caught eight passes on 10 targets, and looked to mesh really well with Matt Barkley. Although, with Alshon Jeffrey back from suspension and Cameron Meredith also seeing a bulk of targets, it's wise to pin this as a one time thing. This was only Thompson's second solid showing all season. He's not on the fantasy radar heading into Week 16 even against a Washington Redskins squad that has been torched by opposing passing attacks in three straight games.
Robby Anderson - (WR, NYJ)
Robby Anderson makes his third straight appearance on this list. It's still a surprise considering he continues to outperform Brandon Marshall. Marshall was targeted 11 times, but only reeled in one, yes one, reception in Saturday night's blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins. However, Anderson was again the one bright spot on an offense that has played without an identity for most of the 2016 campaign. Anderson caught four of six targets for 80 yards and a touchdown, his second score in three contests. Anderson and Bryce Petty have formed a nice on-field bond, that should continue to develop over the remaining two weeks of the season. Although, it will be tough to trust the rookie receiver against a New England Patriots squad that has allowed the eighth fewest fantasy points to wideouts this season.
Ryan Griffin - (TE, HOU)
C.J. Fiedorowicz was held out of Sunday's action against the Jacksonville Jaguars because of a concussion the tight end suffered a week prior. In stepped Ryan Griffin, and produced. Griffin caught all eight of his targets for 85 yards. He was held out of the end zone but posted a solid stat line, specifically for PPR formats. If Fiedorowicz misses his second straight game, Griffin should be penciled in as a TE2, especially against a Cincinnati Bengals team that has allowed the second most fantasy points to tight ends.
Possible Week 16 Breakout Options
Corey Coleman - (WR, CLE)
Terrelle Pryor is listed as questionable to play against the San Diego Chargers on Christmas Eve. If he sits out of action, Corey Coleman will step in as Robert Griffin's number one target. Unfortunately, that isn't saying much. But Coleman displayed plenty of poise and potential earlier in the season before going down with an injury. Coleman has only tallied more than three receptions once in six games, and is plagued by the winless team he plays for. If Pryor is inactive, Coleman should see a boost in his target-volume against the San Diego Chargers. He was targeted 11 times two weeks ago and 12 times four weeks ago.
Phillip Dorsett - (WR, IND)
Dorsett is handcuffed to the status of Donte Moncrief. Moncrief missed Indianapolis' last contest with a hamstring injury and is questionable to play this week. Moncrief practiced on Wednesday, which is always a good sign, but if he sits, Dorsett will inherit most of his targets alongside T.Y. Hilton. Dorsett is untrustworthy, but did post a healthy 12 fantasy points in PPR leagues last week. He caught one pass on one target for a 50 yard touchdown. I'm definitely not a fan of the target-volume, but it would certainly increase if Moncrief can't go.
Garrett Celek - (TE, SF)
With Vance McDonald recently placed on injured reserved, Garrett Celek stepped in as the team's starting tight end. Celek was targeted by Colin Kaepernick six times, and reeled in two receptions for 22 yards and a very, very helpful touchdown. Celek holds more value in PPR leagues, but has found the end zone twice in three games. The Niners visit Los Angeles on Saturday, and while the Rams have been tough against tight ends this season, their defense has been very vulnerable over their five game losing streak.
Other Options: Marqise Lee (WR, JAX) vs TEN, Brandon LaFell (WR, CIN) @ HOU, Eric Ebron (TE, SF) @ DAL