Updated Fantasy Football WR Rankings Week 16: Who to start, best sleepers at wide receiver

Wide receivers of all ages found success in Week 15. Looking at some of the seasoned veterans, Davante Adams and Mike Evans both looked like they were in their mid-20s with the way they were carving up opposing secondaries. Both eclipsed 35 fantasy points on the day and had their best game of the year.

Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. also put together another spectacular performance last week. His 10 receptions, 105 receiving yards, and two touchdowns ultimately generated 32.5 fantasy points, his first time clearing 30 fantasy points in his young career.

If you started anyone in this trio, you're likely moving on to the next round of your league's playoffs. Congratulations, and hopefully they can recreate these performances in the next round. Either way, you'll need to put your team in the best position to win, and there's no better way to do that than with a strong set of rankings.

WEEK 16 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
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Fantasy WR Rankings Week 16: Who to start, sit at wide receiver

Rankings based on PPR scoring. These rankings were updated on Dec. 21 and will be updated throughout the week, so check back often. 

Who are the best fantasy WRs for Week 16?

Ja'Marr Chase shows no signs of slowing down. He's the WR1 on the year and is making a push for the Triple Crown. With three games of 40-plus PPR points, Chase has proven to have a ceiling that few receivers possess. He's the weekly WR1 in almost every matchup.

Justin Jefferson is playing alongside an up-and-comer in Jordan Addison, but he continues to prove that he's the top dog in Minnesota, and it's not particularly close. Even with the talented Seattle defense on the schedule this week, he's easily a top-5 receiver.

Puka Nacua took the league by storm last year as a rookie and somehow looks even better in his sophomore campaign. Nacua leads the league in target rate and has shown a supreme connection with Matthew Stafford. As long as Stafford is under center, Nacua will be among fantasy's most valuable assets.

Who are the best fantasy WR waiver pickups for Week 16?

Rashod Bateman has proven to be the Ravens' most effective deep threat this season. Bateman has seven touchdowns on the year, three of which have been at least 40 yards in length. Bateman's production has been volatile this year, but his downfield role in a potent offense can make him a viable high-ceiling Flex option in premium matchups.

Rookie receiver Jalen Coker (quad) returned to the field for the first time since Week 10 and looked great. He finished with a 4/110/1 stat line on six targets. While this production was encouraging to see, the most bullish number from Coker's return was the fact that he ranked second on the team in routes run. Coker appears to be a full-time player and an injury to Xavier Legette (groin) could allow him to maintain a strong presence in the offense.

Jalen McMillan is another rookie who has come on in recent weeks. McMillan's attraction to the endzone has been magnetic, scoring three times in the Buccaneers' last two games. He's also seeing steady volume, drawing 13 targets in the last two weeks. Look for McMillan to continue to contribute as the Buccaneers make their playoff push.

MORE: Complete Week 16 Waiver Wire and FAAB recommendations

Who are the best fantasy WR sleepers for Week 16?

Keenan Allen is an appealing WR3/Flex option this week. He's proven to be able to command double-digit targets in this offense, and this is a matchup that should allow Allen to see plenty of looks. The Lions should put the Bears in a spot where they're throwing early and often. Detroit has also been susceptible to giving up big days to slot receivers, further lifting Allen's outlook.

The Giants have been an absolute disaster on defense this season, and a banged-up pass rush isn't helping. A series of must-win matchups should have the offense firing on all cylinders. Darnell Mooney has been one of fantasy's biggest surprises this season and has led the team in targets on several occasions this season. The Giants were just torched for 290 yards and five scores through the air. Mooney can certainly play a key role in a big day for the Atlanta offense.

What are the biggest WR injuries for Week 16?

Jaylen Waddle suffered a knee injury last Sunday after getting tangled up during a tackle. He did not return to the game and finished with a goose egg in the box score. His status should be monitored throughout the week.

George Pickens has been nursing a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for two straight games. Pickens did not practice in any capacity last week, so he could certainly miss a third contest.

Cedric Tillman has now missed three games with a concussion. He's regularly been a limited participant in practice, so there's hope that he'll be able to clear the final stage of concussion protocol and return this week.

Rookie receiver Xavier Legette suffered a groin injury early in Week 15 and did not return. The Panthers leaned on fellow rookie Jalen Coker in his absence. As of now, there's no word on Legette's Week 16 availability.