5 players trending up (week 16)

Featuring Jalen Coker, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and more.

December 16, 2025

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We got life, folks! 95% of voters in last night’s poll still have at least 1 team alive in the fantasy playoffs.

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  • “12 team Dynasty League with IDP - 56 player roster limit - 3 divisions Top two (total points for) had byes this past week, and next four teams played. I'm on to the second round this week, and hopefully the ship next week!”

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Alright, now let’s dive into 5 players trending up this week.

Giddy up.

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Shouting out some great content in the industry:

RB - Jawhar Jordan (HOU)

  • Jordan, a rookie for the Texans, emerged as a surprising fantasy contributor in Week 15, getting his first career carries when Woody Marks was injured. He made an immediate impact, finishing as the RB12 for the week with 103 total yards and tied for the seventh-most red zone rushing attempts.

  • The article emphasizes the unexpected nature of Jordan's performance, noting that his emergence was so surprising that the writer initially had to verify his position and name. This suggests he was a completely under-the-radar player before this week.

  • While Jordan's long-term fantasy value remains uncertain, especially depending on Woody Marks' health, the article suggests he could be a potential waiver wire pickup, particularly with a favorable upcoming matchup against the Raiders that might provide another opportunity to make an impact.

  • Our take: I literally had never even heard the name Jawhar Jordan before this past weekend. He’s a legitimate consideration for this week if Woody Marks is out. Welcome to the fantasy football playoffs.

WR - Jalen Coker (CAR)

  • Coker has emerged as a key target for Bryce Young, leading the team with four receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown in Week 15's game against the Saints.

  • He has established himself as at least the No. 2 option in Carolina's offense, with at least four receptions in three of four recent outings and consecutive games with touchdowns.

  • Since Week 8, Coker has been leading his teammates in critical receiving metrics, including receptions (22-13), yards (284-184), and targets (27-25), suggesting an increasing role in the Panthers' passing game.

  • Our take: I’ve had Coker on my taxi squad all year and will be starting him in one league where I lost Davante Adams. I love his matchup vs. TB. They allow nearly 30 passing yards per game over expected (one of the worst rates in the NFL).

RB - Michael Carter (ARI)

  • Michael Carter is the top waiver wire add and should be rostered everywhere as the primary beneficiary of Bam Knight's bad ankle sprain that required him to be carted off the field.

  • He posted a 78% running back rush share and 80% snap share in Week 15 against Houston, with historical precedent showing a 59% snap share and 72% rush share in Week 5 against Tennessee before Bam Knight emerged.

  • His projected workload is around 70% running back rush share with a few targets per game, though he's unlikely to maintain full bell cow status due to Emari Demercado's presence in the backfield.

  • The schedule sets up perfectly with Atlanta in Week 16 and Cincinnati in Week 17, both ranking among the best remaining matchups for running backs.

  • Our take: Being healthy and active qualifies as trending up at this stage in the season! He’s not the worst option if you find yourself in a pinch at RB.

WR - Isaiah Bond (CLE)

  • Isaiah Bond had a big game with two catches for 89 yards on two long receptions, showcasing his explosive talent despite modest season totals.

  • He is worth paying attention to long-term, as the team's current top receiver has struggled and is unlikely to remain with the team beyond this season.

  • Cleveland signed him very late into training camp, and he could be a starting receiver for the team in 2026 as they transition to a younger offensive core.

  • Our take: Our consensus rankings have him around a 2027 Late 3rd. He’s worth a dart throw at that cost.

RB - Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS)

  • Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt seized a significant opportunity in Week 15, stepping up when Chris Rodriguez Jr. was unable to play. In the Commanders' victory over the Giants, Croskey-Merritt delivered an impressive performance with 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.

  • This breakout game was his second-highest total of the season, following a 111-yard showing in Week 5. With Rodriguez's status uncertain, Croskey-Merritt holds potential low-end RB2 upside for the upcoming matchup against the Eagles.

  • Fantasy managers should closely monitor Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s injury status, as Croskey-Merritt could become a key starter in the fantasy semifinals if Rodriguez continues to miss time. His recent performance suggests he can be a viable option for teams needing running back depth.

  • Our take: Just when I thought I was out, Bill pulls me back in.

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That’s all for tonight!

See ya pizza,

Joe

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