Fantasy: Must-add targets who can help carry you to a championship

If you're still reading this weekly column, congratulations: You're still in contention for a fantasy championship. Below, we run down one key add at every position who can help you bring home the gold. Even if your starting lineup is set, don't forget to consider making moves that block your opponent.

Roster percentages are based on Sleeper leagues. Free-Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are based on a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 50% of leagues are considered.

Quarterback

Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals

You could do a lot worse than Brissett if you're in quarterback trouble this week due to Patrick Mahomes' ACL tear or other factors. The veteran recorded his sixth 20-point performance in his nine starts Sunday, and he has yet to score fewer than 18.68 points in a start. He's finished as QB12 or better in every start despite playing two solid defenses over the last two weeks, including the Texans and their top-ranked unit.

He's got a solid chance at continuing his excellent stretch against the Falcons. Atlanta ranks 14th in touchdowns and fantasy points allowed per game to signal-callers, and Brissett excelled in similar matchups already this season. The most comparable outings would be his 23.88-point start against the 49ers and his 18.68-point game versus the Jaguars. San Francisco and Jacksonville are 11th and 13th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, respectively.

Looking ahead to Week 17, Brissett and the Cardinals face the Bengals. Cincinnati's defense has started to round into form somewhat, but it's still allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year.

Honorable mention QB:

• C.J. Stroud, Texans (41%): If Brissett isn't available and you're in need of a quarterback, I'd look at Stroud. He had one of his better performances of the season against the Cardinals last week, and Houston hosts the Raiders and their 15th-ranked quarterback defense in Week 16.

Running back

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders

"Bill" is back on the fantasy radar. The rookie scored 15.6 fantasy points against the Giants, recording 96 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Arguably the most notable stat from the game was his 52% snap share. Croskey-Merritt hadn't eclipsed 30% in any of the last three games, and it was just his third game of the season with a snap share over 50%. He could be a valuable fantasy asset if he can maintain that kind of workload for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs.

The Commanders' Week 16 and 17 opponents are both good matchups for him. First, the Commanders host the Eagles. Philadelphia has surrendered 14 total touchdowns to tailbacks, and it's given up the 16th-most rushing yards to the position. A few quick passes or screens could also be on the menu for Croskey-Merritt because the Eagles have given up the sixth-most receiving yards to running backs.

If you're still playing in Week 17, "Bill" faces the Cowboys. Dallas has surrendered 15 scrimmage touchdowns to running backs, tied for the ninth most. The Cowboys have conceded the seventh-most scrimmage yards to the position, too.

Honorable mention RB:

• Michael Carter, Cardinals (10%): Carter is the tailback best poised to lead Arizona's running game for the remainder of the season if Bam Knight can't return from the ankle injury that he sustained against the Texans. Carter should at least provide some value in Week 16, but he's a bit of a risky addition, and I wouldn't be willing to spend a lot of FAB on him.

Wide receiver

Jayden Reed, Packers

Reed's snap and target shares both increased in his second game back from foot and collarbone injuries. Those shares should continue to rise as he becomes further removed from the injuries that sidelined him - and they could increase dramatically if Christian Watson can't suit up Saturday after suffering an upper-body injury against the Broncos.

An increased workload will mean great things for Reed with the Bears on deck. Chicago has given up 18 touchdowns to wideouts, the third most in the NFL. The Bears are better at limiting yards, ranking 13th, but the touchdowns go a long way in making them one of the most advantageous matchups for wide receivers.

Reed could also thrive in Week 17 against the Ravens, who have given up 13 touchdowns and the ninth-most yards to the position. Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase showcased just how much room there can be for wide receivers against Baltimore's secondary, racking up 132 yards on 10 receptions Sunday. Reed isn't close to Chase in raw talent, but he's more than capable of a strong performance.

Honorable mention WR:

• Troy Franklin, Broncos (48%): Franklin's upcoming matchups aren't as good as Reed's, and there are fewer reasons to believe that he'll see a big uptick in usage. However, the 22-year-old finished as WR10 or better on three occasions this campaign, and he's fresh off a six-catch game in which he recorded 85 yards and a touchdown.

Tight end

Colby Parkinson, Rams

Parkinson finished as TE9 or better in five of his last six games, and he scored touchdowns in all five of those performances. He tallied 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Lions on Sunday, and his Week 16 matchup is another appealing one.

Although Seattle's defense has allowed just five touchdowns to the position, only the Bengals have given up more receptions or yards to tight ends. Colts tight end Tyler Warren was held to 19 yards on three receptions Sunday, but that was largely due to Indianapolis starting Philip Rivers.

Parkinson's matchup isn't as advantageous in Week 17, however, so factor that in when placing your bid. The Rams play the Falcons, who have been elite at defending tight ends all year. Atlanta has conceded the fewest touchdowns to tight ends and ranks third in yards allowed, and only one team has surrendered fewer receptions.

Honorable mention TE:

• Kyle Pitts, Falcons (81%): I wrote about Pitts' advantageous remaining schedule several weeks ago, and he's started to make the most of those matchups. He's rostered in just over 80% of leagues, so it's unlikely you'll be able to add him, but it's worth checking since he faces the Cardinals in Week 16.

Andrew Dixon is a contributing fantasy analyst for theScore.