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Fantasy football waivers: Should you keep or cut these 7 players ahead of Week 16?

You’re waking up on Tuesday reading all that you can about the players that you should be picking up off the waiver wire as you prepare for Week 16 of fantasy football in 2021.

But it’s likely there aren’t as many things written about who you should be dropping to grab those players. That’s what this weekly column — keep ’em or dump ’em! — will hopefully answer for you: Some help in the debate over who you should keep or drop in order to improve your team.

If you’re still in your league’s playoffs, CONGRATS. There are moves to be made, so let’s debate some keeps and drops:

1
Backup defenses and kickers

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The backup defenses I can understand. In most years, having a good defense for this week and one for next week in case you win and move on is a good strategy.

But 2021 is not like most years. You need as many bench spots for RBs and WRs and maybe even a backup tight end since a lot of players are going on the reserve list.

As for backup kickers? That shouldn’t have been a thing in the first place!!

VERDICT: Drop them

2
RB Dontrell Hilliard, Tennessee Titans

Just nine carries to 22 for D’Onta Foreman. But he caught four passes and did run for 49 yards. Hang on to him!

VERDICT: Keep him

3
RB Royce Freeman, Houston Texans

After a big receiving week against the Seahawks, there were some folks who picked him up to see if his role expanded. Nope! Rex Burkhead and David Johnson totaled 22 carries in the win over the Jaguars.

VERDICT: Drop him

4
RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

A double-blow to his value: Cam Newton runs a ton, especially in the red zone, and Ameer Abdullah has taken away any receiving work. But he did get eight carries last week and averaged 5.0 ypc. If you absolutely need a spot, you can drop him, but for now?

VERDICT: Keep him

5
TE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

I saw some people pick him up after he scored in Week 12. But his volume is way too low.

VERDICT: Drop him

6
WR K.J Osborn, Minnesota Vikings

Just three catches this week after scoring in two straight (including that awesome TD in Week 14!), and Adam Thielen might be back this week. You know what to do.

VERDICT: Drop him

7
RB Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts

I’m of two minds here: It’s the Jonathan Taylor Show first, second and third. Hines hasn’t gotten much work, even in his usual pass-catching role.

But what if Taylor misses a game in the final two weeks of fantasy? Maybe Hines gets more work? Or does Marlon Mack get activated and gets the bulk?

I lean toward dropping him, but it’s closer than you think.

VERDICT: Drop him

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