When I make tough lineup calls for my own Fantasy Football teams, the matchup is the biggest consideration. A player's expected workload also matters a heck of a lot. But in this all-important week, I ask myself one more thing: Would I make this same lineup decision in a less consequential week? Whether I answer yes or no, I get an answer to my lineup dilemma. Unconventional decisions are more likely to stick with you -- "Why did I start THAT guy?!" -- than those where you can say you rode the player who got you to the finals -- "Well at least I lost with THAT guy." But the Fantasy game is the same every single week -- start the guys who you think will get you the most points. Keep that in mind and you shouldn't have that much angst over any choice you make.  

More Week 16: Start 'Em & Sit 'EmStart 'Em & Sit 'Em: QB | Start 'Em & Sit 'Em: RB | Start 'Em & Sit 'Em: WR | Waiver Wire | QB Preview | RB Preview | WR Preview | TE Preview | Who Can You Trust?            

All lines from William Hill Sportsbook.

10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Fri, Dec 25 at 4:30 pm ET •
NO -6.5, O/U 51

The line wants us to believe: The Saints' last two losses are no biggie. New Orleans' defense has started to let them down, but the oddsmakers are hoping you won't notice. They want you to take the Saints and gave them an appealing number because they knew no one would pick Minnesota. The Vikings are capable of marching downfield on the Saints and shouldn't be slept on to compete. Just two of Minnesota's last six losses were by more than a touchdown. I think they will cover.

Start Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
Drew Brees QB
NO New Orleans • #9
Age: 46 • Experience: 20 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

vs MIN NO -6.5 O/U 51

OPP VS QB

14th

PROJ PTS

21.4

QB RNK

12th

YTD Stats

PAYDS

2430

RUYDS

1

TD

23

INT

4

FPTS/G

22.4
Brees looked awful in the first half last week against the Chiefs (5 of 16 passing), and yet he still found a way to find 25 Fantasy points by the end of the game. Fantasy managers should be encouraged by his 8-of-12 passing in the fourth quarter, proof that all he needed to do was dust off some cobwebs before getting into a rhythm. The Vikings have kept six of the past seven quarterbacks they've faced to under 20 Fantasy points, but the overwhelming majority of those passers were mediocre. Know what's more mediocre? The Vikings pass rush, which has collected just four sacks in Minnesota's past five games. Pair that with rookie starting cornerbacks for the Vikings, and Brees should be in line for a good statistical output.
Flex Starter in PPR
Projections powered by Sportsline
Emmanuel Sanders WR
BUF Buffalo • #1
Age: 37 • Experience: 13 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

vs MIN NO -6.5 O/U 51

OPP VS WR

27th

PROJ PTS

12.6

WR RNK

33rd

YTD Stats

REC

48

TAR

64

REYDS

580

TD

4

FPTS/G

10.8
When Brees hits Sanders downfield (like he did on a 51-yard bomb last week), or when he peppers him with targets, Sanders is sensational for our purposes. But most of Sanders' work comes in short areas, and if he has to stop and start his movement, he's pretty easy to catch. As a safe-floor type of PPR receiver, Sanders works. He's hit 11-plus PPR points in four of his past five games with Brees. It'll take a touchdown (he's scored four of those) or a bunch of targets (he's had seven-plus in two games) in order for him to be great. You should be able to find a receiver with more upside, but if not, Sanders is among those who works as a flex.
Bust Candidate
Projections powered by Sportsline
Jared Cook TE
LAC L.A. Chargers • #87
Age: 37 • Experience: 14 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

vs MIN NO -6.5 O/U 51

OPP VS TE

13th

PROJ PTS

10

TE RNK

14th

YTD Stats

REC

30

TAR

51

REYDS

379

TD

6

FPTS/G

7.8
Cook registers as a good-enough-to-start tight end, but not a gotta-start tight end. He had a tough game last week that included a miscommunication with Drew Brees on a hot route, but made up for it with a clutch fourth-down grab that extended a drive that ended with a touchdown (for someone else). The reality is that Cook has delivered at least eight non-PPR/11 PPR points in two of his past three, and that track record isn't easy to find at his position. The Vikings rank seventh in fewest Fantasy points allowed to tight ends over the past three weeks. They actually have allowed just one score in their past four (five on the year).
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sat, Dec 26 at 1:00 pm ET •
DET +9.5, O/U 54

The line wants us to believe: This is Detroit's Super Bowl. This definitely feels like a sucker line. Who would take Detroit getting any less than two touchdowns?! The oddsmakers are banking on the Lions giving a big effort at home against a Tampa defense that has shown some warts lately. Problem is, I have a hard time banking on the Lions to give anything. Five of their past six losses have been by 10-plus points. If the oddsmakers are giving this line, I'm taking it.

No ad available
Start Them
Projections powered by Sportsline
Leonard Fournette RB
BUF Buffalo • #5
Age: 30 • Experience: 7 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ DET TB -9.5 O/U 54

OPP VS RB

32nd

PROJ PTS

12.5

RB RNK

17th

YTD Stats

RUYDS

320

REC

31

REYDS

187

TD

5

FPTS/G

10.2
The two touchdowns Fournette burrowed for will mask some of the ugly runs he had last week. He averaged 1.3 yards per carry at halftime, barely getting the ball and displaying a lack of suddenness and poor vision when he did. But Fournette is proof that even inadequate players can be Fantasy assets because his opportunity to be the Bucs' main back against a horrific Lions defense cannot be denied. You could run down a number of incredible stats that paint Detroit's run-stopping unit as weak, but my favorite is that they've given up an average of two touchdowns per game to running backs in their past eight matchups. Fournette is likely to score and should touch the ball enough to muster at least 40 yards. That puts him in the No. 2 range at running back. You just might not want to watch.
Rob Gronkowski TE
TB Tampa Bay • #87
Age: 35 • Experience: 12 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ DET TB -9.5 O/U 54

OPP VS TE

8th

PROJ PTS

10.1

TE RNK

10th

YTD Stats

REC

41

TAR

71

REYDS

536

TD

5

FPTS/G

8.9
Gronk has delivered six or fewer non-PPR/seven or fewer PPR in three of his past four games, yet I still think he's a starter. He's gotten at least six targets from Tom Brady in three of his past four, so it's not like he's a forgotten man, plus typically there's one per game where Gronk is in the end zone. He also got open a couple of times last week but wasn't targeted, so he's not a complete slug. But who am I kidding? The Lions have let up at least 10 PPR points to a tight end in each of their past three games, and nine-plus PPR points to a tight end in seven of their past nine. Detroit's defense can't pressure the quarterback and can't cover tight ends. Or receivers. Or anybody. Gronkowski's worth one more ride in Week 16.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sat, Dec 26 at 4:30 pm ET •
ARI -5, O/U 48.5

The line wants us to believe: The 49ers' loss to the Cowboys, and the injuries suffered in the game, mean little. It's a fishy line -- I don't think there are many people who would take a depleted San Fran squad starting their third-string quarterback getting just five points against anyone. I think the oddsmakers think the Niners will play their division rivals tough (they usually do), plus don't forget that Arizona nearly blew their lead against the Eagles twice last week. I think I'll take a cue from the oddsmakers and nervously side with the 49ers and the points.

Start Him%*
Projections powered by Sportsline
Jeff Wilson RB
MIA Miami • #23
Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ ARI ARI -5 O/U 48.5

OPP VS RB

11th

PROJ PTS

9.4

RB RNK

21st

YTD Stats

RUYDS

341

REC

9

REYDS

100

TD

7

FPTS/G

9.1
No Raheem Mostert? No problem. Wilson figures to assume the primary rusher role for the 49ers, a gig that has brought in at least 15 touches in 11 of 14 games. Wilson's done more with less -- in five games with at least 10 touches, he's produced at least eight non-PPR/nine PPR points four times, and 12-plus points (PPR or non-PPR) three times. That should give you a good idea of his floor. The Cardinals have given up six rushing scores and 4.4 yards per carry to running backs in their past five, suggesting a positive matchup. Don't expect Wilson to handle every carry, but as a physical back with goal-line chops playing in a still-effective offense that's trying to keep its run game solid, he's worthy as a No. 2 Fantasy rusher, especially in half- and non-PPR.
Bust Candidate
Projections powered by Sportsline
Kenyan Drake RB
GB Green Bay • #31
Age: 31 • Experience: 8 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

vs SF ARI -5 O/U 48.5

OPP VS RB

6th

PROJ PTS

9.9

RB RNK

22nd

YTD Stats

RUYDS

874

REC

20

REYDS

117

TD

9

FPTS/G

13.2
It sure felt like the Cardinals were far more comfortable leaning on Kyler Murray and the passing game against a depleted Eagles secondary rather than ride Drake into Philly's defensive front. Chase Edmonds saw more playing time in passing situations, and the Cards did plenty of that. If anything, it was a signal that the offense is back to being all about Murray. San Francisco gave up a pair of rushing scores to the Cowboys' Tony Pollard last week and 4.4 yards per tote to backs in its past five, but it might not matter with Murray seemingly healthy again. The only way Drake could confidently be in lineups is if Edmonds doesn't play -- he missed practice early this week.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sat, Dec 26 at 8:15 pm ET •
LV +3, O/U 47.5

The line wants us to believe: The Raiders will be competitive. Miami has earned the right to be called a tough, savvy team. The Raiders have one last-minute lucky win against the then-winless Jets since Week 11. The only thing slowing me down from racing to take Miami is the feeling that it's a line designed for me to do exactly that. This week is full of suspicious lines and this is another one. However, I can't resist the Dolphins side knowing they are superior to the Raiders in pretty much every way.

Start Them
Projections powered by Sportsline
Salvon Ahmed RB
IND Indianapolis • #26
Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ LV MIA -3 O/U 47.5

OPP VS RB

29th

PROJ PTS

4.6

RB RNK

18th

YTD Stats

RUYDS

288

REC

7

REYDS

41

TD

2

FPTS/G

13.5
Myles Gaskin RB
JAC Jacksonville • #37
Age: 28 • Experience: 6 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ LV MIA -3 O/U 47.5

OPP VS RB

29th

PROJ PTS

15

RB RNK

NR

YTD Stats

RUYDS

477

REC

32

REYDS

249

TD

2

FPTS/G

14.1
Sunday will be the first time both Gaskin and Ahmed figure to be active for the Dolphins in the same game. Not that they aren't used to splitting with each other -- they both played for the Washington Huskies in 2017 and 2018 (Gaskin had more work then). Up to this point in the pros, however, Gaskin has been the primary Dolphins running back when he's healthy and Ahmed has filled in for him otherwise. But Ahmed ran really well last week against the Patriots and may have more than a token role even with Gaskin back. Where Gaskin definitely has an edge is in passing situations -- that seems to be a cinch. I imagine both will work on rushing downs, which there should be plenty of in this matchup. Las Vegas has allowed 15-plus PPR points to a running back in five of its past seven games. A rusher has run for a score on the Raiders in each of their past five, including Kalen Ballage dunking on them from the goal line. Vegas has given up 19 total touchdowns and 4.9 yards per carry to running backs on the season. Gaskin is the more appealing flex of the two, but both should see at least 10 touches.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 1:00 pm ET •
NYJ +9.5, O/U 47.5

The line wants us to believe: The Browns will keep rolling. Cleveland's win last week was its first by 10-plus points since Week 5. The Jets' stunning win featured some incredible defensive effort and smart utilization of their running backs. Losing Quinnen Williams on the D-line stinks, but no one should rule out the Jets rolling over against a Browns team that's found ways to win, but not by a wide margin.

No ad available
Sneaky Sleepers
Projections powered by Sportsline
Baker Mayfield QB
TB Tampa Bay • #6
Age: 29 • Experience: 6 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ NYJ CLE -9.5 O/U 47.5

OPP VS QB

30th

PROJ PTS

20.2

QB RNK

13th

YTD Stats

PAYDS

3082

RUYDS

115

TD

26

INT

8

FPTS/G

19.6
Austin Hooper TE
NE New England • #81
Age: 30 • Experience: 9 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ NYJ CLE -9.5 O/U 47.5

OPP VS TE

32nd

PROJ PTS

8.4

TE RNK

12th

YTD Stats

REC

35

TAR

50

REYDS

327

TD

3

FPTS/G

7.8
The combination of a struggling Jets pass defense and an on-fire Baker Mayfield playing behind a strong offensive line should make this elementary. That O-line is crucial -- the Jets got after Jared Goff last week but face a tougher matchup with the Browns' bunch (especially without Quinnen Williams). Said O-line has also helped Mayfield have time to throw accurately, which has been a humongous part of his four-game streak with at least 22 Fantasy points. Mayfield is a safe Fantasy option. The Browns did a great job utilizing their tight ends last week against the Giants and should end up doing the same against the Jets, who rank first in Fantasy points allowed to tight ends. That puts Hooper in prime position to score in consecutive weeks, though David Njoku or Harrison Bryant could ruin that.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 1:00 pm ET •
PIT +1.5, O/U 44.5

The line wants us to believe: Pittsburgh's three-game losing skid isn't indicative of who they are. I'm old enough to remember when the Steelers were undefeated -- now they're home underdogs. The oddsmakers couldn't have made the Steelers a favorite, but even 1.5 points feels light. Indy has won three straight and actually has only one more loss than Pittsburgh. They definitely have the better run game and also may have the better defense at this point. Maybe I'm getting suckered a little bit here, but I'm taking the road team.

Sit Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
JuJu Smith-Schuster WR
KC Kansas City • #9
Age: 28 • Experience: 8 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

vs IND IND -1.5 O/U 44.5

OPP VS WR

9th

PROJ PTS

14.2

WR RNK

34th

YTD Stats

REC

82

TAR

107

REYDS

670

TD

7

FPTS/G

13.6
The good news is that Smith-Schuster's playing time hasn't been compromised and he's still among the primary targets of Ben Roethlisberger. The bad news is that he's devolved into a slot-dominant short-area possession receiver. His average depth of target has been 5.0 yards or shorter in five straight games. He has two red-zone targets in his past three outings. And with one touchdown allowed from the slot this season, nickelback Kenny Moore ranks as one of Pro Football Focus' most efficient slot cornerbacks with a reception allowed every 8.7 snaps in coverage. This figures to be a touchdown-or-bust spot for Smith-Schuster, which makes him incredibly tough to start in non-PPR leagues and no better than a flex in PPR. But at least his dancing skills are on point.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 1:00 pm ET •
BAL -11, O/U 45

The line wants us to believe: New York will find a way to score a couple of touchdowns. New York's 17-point implied total is the lowest of the week (even lower than the Jets!). But over the past four weeks they've scored 19, 17, 7 and 6 points. Now they're on the road against a feisty Ravens defense, depleted as it may be. I think the oddsmakers are a little light on the points and could have gotten away with minus-13.5, but since I have no faith in the Giants, I am forced to side with the Ravens.

Sit Them
Projections powered by Sportsline
Wayne Gallman RB
SEA Seattle • #29
Age: 30 • Experience: 6 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ BAL BAL -11 O/U 45

OPP VS RB

13th

PROJ PTS

9.7

RB RNK

32nd

YTD Stats

RUYDS

590

REC

19

REYDS

88

TD

6

FPTS/G

9.5
I don't think Gallman has a snowball's chance to get 15 touches. The Ravens offense should get on top of the Giants defense pretty quickly and change the tenor of how Jason Garrett's offense will operate. The Giants found themselves down 10 points at halftime and gave Gallman four carries in the third quarter and two snaps (no carries) in the fourth quarter. Muddying things even worse was seeing beloved Fantasy hero Alfred Morris get more touches late in the game. So Gallman could actually be stuck splitting work more than we anticipated in a matchup that figures to be tough on the Giants' run game. Baltimore got punched up by the Browns two weeks ago but has otherwise held rival backs to 10 or fewer non-PPR points in Weeks 12, 13 and 15.
Evan Engram TE
JAC Jacksonville • #17
Age: 30 • Experience: 7 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ BAL BAL -11 O/U 45

OPP VS TE

18th

PROJ PTS

9.3

TE RNK

13th

YTD Stats

REC

54

TAR

95

REYDS

572

TD

2

FPTS/G

8.8
Engram has been exhausting. He clearly has explosive talent, and the Giants have done a better job of letting him use it lately (average depth of target of 9.0-plus yards in three of four games), but it's not resulting in strong Fantasy numbers. He's scored twice this season (one rushing) and has been north of 60 yards in three games (and over 70 yards once!). It's unfathomable. Here comes a matchup with a Ravens defense that has held tight ends to five or fewer non-PPR points in six of its past seven games. That should make you nervous to start him in non-PPR formats. His ceiling of maybe five receptions gives him a shot at 10 PPR points, which isn't exactly great either.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 1:00 pm ET •
HOU -8, O/U 46

The line wants us to believe: The Bengals win last Monday means zilch. Ooh, this line is designed to play on the Bengals' win over the Steelers! Who in their right mind would take a lousy Texans defense and give eight points?! Well, the answer is me. I would take a lousy Texans defense riddled with below-average players against an equally lousy Bengals offense. Deshaun Watson won't turn the ball over like Ben Roethlisberger did last week. The right side to be on is the hard-to-believe side with the home squad.

No ad available
Bust Candidate
Projections powered by Sportsline
Giovani Bernard RB
TB Tampa Bay • #25
Age: 33 • Experience: 11 year

Weekly Breakdown

@ HOU HOU -8 O/U 46

OPP VS RB

31st

PROJ PTS

10.3

RB RNK

29th

YTD Stats

RUYDS

344

REC

40

REYDS

289

TD

6

FPTS/G

9.8
Bernard was left for dead by the Fantasy universe, then went off in the most improbable matchup and now is back on our radars. He didn't have many productive runs, just a lot of volume and a pair of red-zone opportunities against tackle-deficient defenders. Hoping for a repeat performance would normally be dangerous, but this is the Texans run defense we're talking about. Houston has allowed a touchdown to a running back in nine straight games, 5.6 yards per rush in those nine games and 15-plus non-PPR points to a running back in each of its past four. Granted, these were pretty good running backs who spiked Houston; Bernard wasn't even remotely considered "pretty good" before last week. Bernard figures to play just under 70% of the snaps for the Bengals, as he has in recent games when he hasn't fumbled, but not much else is guaranteed when it comes to role (Samaje Perine and Trayveon Williams started possessions in both halves last week and Perine would spell Bernard at times). Coming off his first matchup with at least 15 touches in six weeks, Bernard is a risky Fantasy play in spite of the obvious matchup.
Bust Candidate
Projections powered by Sportsline
Brandin Cooks WR
DAL Dallas • #3
Age: 31 • Experience: 10 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

vs CIN HOU -8 O/U 46

OPP VS WR

14th

PROJ PTS

16.4

WR RNK

24th

YTD Stats

REC

63

TAR

93

REYDS

843

TD

3

FPTS/G

12.7
When Will Fuller was suspended, the hope was that Cooks would operate as the Texans' No. 1 receiver. Welp, it hasn't happened. In two games without Fuller (and both against the Colts), Cooks has seen four deep targets (one caught for 16 yards), two of which were end-zone targets (one was uncatchable) and no red-zone targets. He's also matched or fallen just behind Keke Coutee in total targets in each game. So much for the No. 1 treatment. The silver lining is Cooks' PPR floor of 11 points in each of his past three, so if he could finally turn up in the end zone, it should mean a good game. Good news: Cincy has allowed at least one score to a receiver in 11 of its past 13 matchups. Cooks is a better flex in PPR and a better sit in non-PPR.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 1:00 pm ET •
JAC +7.5, O/U 47

The line wants us to believe: This is Jacksonville's Super Bowl. Why else would they be only 7.5-point underdogs? Chicago has been (finally) dominating offensively with smart play by Mitchell Trubisky and David Montgomery plowing behind a healthy-ish O-line, but the Bears have one win by more than seven points all season (vs. Houston two weeks ago). I'm thinking the oddsmakers are thinking the Jaguars will give Chicago a fight. So I'll follow the logic and take the points. And maybe I'm cuckoo, but I think there's a chance the Jaguars win.

Start Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
Mitch Trubisky QB
BUF Buffalo • #11
Age: 30 • Experience: 7 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ JAC CHI -7.5 O/U 47

OPP VS QB

31st

PROJ PTS

21.5

QB RNK

11th

YTD Stats

PAYDS

1538

RUYDS

163

TD

14

INT

6

FPTS/G

18.4
The Bears have done a great job of putting Trubisky in position to make easy throws, and it's been helped by an improved offensive line. Would you believe he's completed over 70% of his tosses in his past three matchups? Better yet, would you believe he's hit at least 7.9 yards per pass attempt in each game?! It's all true. Now he gets the granddaddy matchup of them all against a depleted, inexperienced and no-matter-how-you-slice-it terrible Jaguars pass defense. Each of the past eight quarterbacks to play the Jags have hit 20 Fantasy points, and six of them have amassed at least 22 points. Trubisky has potential to hit 22 points on his passing prowess alone, with his added stats on the ground giving him upside for an even bigger game. Since becoming the Bears starter in Week 12, he's been game-scripted out of a high-volume passing day once ... and it was last week. It's the only argument against Trubisky, and even if he does see limited pass attempts, it's worth noting that all five of the quarterbacks with under 30 pass attempts against this sorry defense have still managed north of 20 Fantasy points.
Sneaky Sleeper
Projections powered by Sportsline
Darnell Mooney WR
ATL Atlanta • #1
Age: 27 • Experience: 4 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ JAC CHI -7.5 O/U 47

OPP VS WR

24th

PROJ PTS

9.9

WR RNK

NR

YTD Stats

REC

46

TAR

78

REYDS

499

TD

4

FPTS/G

8.9
Mooney's been playing nearly every down for the Bears since Week 7, but he's caught at least four passes in two of three games and has earned a touchdown in two straight (both in the red zone). With an average target depth below 9.0 in every game since Week 11, he's been more of a short- and mid-range threat than a deep-ball guy. But that doesn't mean he's not a yards-after-catch threat, and that's an area where he's done well over the past three weeks (10.8 per game, fourth-best in football). The Jaguars' sloppy secondary has given up touchdowns to multiple receivers in the same game twice in its past three. Consider Mooney among your DFS sleepers.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 4:05 pm ET •
WAS -2.5, O/U 44.5

The line wants us to believe: Neither team's recent results are indicative of who they are. Carolina's lost eight of its past nine and are just 2.5-point underdogs?! Washington is coming off its first loss in five weeks and are just 2.5-point favorites?! This line is screwy. I think the oddsmakers want you to take Washington, which means they think the Panthers will hang with them. Carolina is capable of blowing past their implied 21-point total. But even against the Panthers defense, I'm not certain Washington can hit their implied 23.5 point total. Weird line, weird game, cautiously take the points.

Sit Him in Non-PPR
Projections powered by Sportsline
Robbie Chosen WR
MIA Miami • #84
Age: 31 • Experience: 9 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ WAS WAS -2.5 O/U 44.5

OPP VS WR

4th

PROJ PTS

13.7

WR RNK

29th

YTD Stats

REC

85

TAR

119

REYDS

1017

TD

2

FPTS/G

14.3
Last week's five-target collection against the Packers was painful to watch. It was his sixth game out of seven with an average target depth below 11.0 yards, and it featured just one red-zone target, bringing his total on the season to 11. The last three times Anderson had six or fewer targets in a game, he rebounded with at least eight the following week. That would be nice to see in a matchup against a Washington squad that's yielded over 160 yards to wideouts in five of its past six games (with six touchdowns). Anderson should keep his PPR-only status for another week, albeit in a flex capacity. You shouldn't want much to do with him in non-PPR.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 1:00 pm ET •
KC -10.5, O/U 54

The line wants us to believe: The Falcons are about to get blown out. Fun fact: The Chiefs haven't blown out anybody since the Jets (obvs) in Week 8. And the Falcons have been blown out once since Week 5. I don't think anyone realizes this. But if the oddsmakers had put the line at minus-7 or something, people would flock to take Kansas City. That of course makes sense. I'm not sure I believe the Chiefs defense will hold the Falcons to 21 or fewer points -- they should do a little bit better than that. With sweat pouring down my face and my hands trembling, I'll take the points.

No ad available
Start Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
Matt Ryan QB
IND Indianapolis • #2
Age: 39 • Experience: 16 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ KC KC -10.5 O/U 54

OPP VS QB

15th

PROJ PTS

19

QB RNK

15th

YTD Stats

PAYDS

4016

RUYDS

92

TD

23

INT

11

FPTS/G

20.3
Ryan played outstanding football in the first half last week, completing 74% of his throws for 235 yards and two scores. That changed in the second half when the Bucs started getting pressure on him, forcing an ugly finish (61% rate, 121 yards, one touchdown, sacked three times). When his O-line fails him, his numbers especially suffer. Will it happen against the Chiefs? Kansas City ranks 14th in pass rush pressure rate, 17th in quarterback hurry rate and 21st in sacks with 25. Not exactly a dangerous unit. Then again, neither were the Chargers or Raiders, and Ryan had unfortunate stats against them. By now Fantasy managers should know he's a risky start if he's playing without Julio Jones. That's still the case this week, even if the Chiefs have let up 25-plus Fantasy points to five of the past six quarterbacks they've faced.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 4:05 pm ET •
LAC -3, O/U 49

The line wants us to believe: The Broncos aren't as bad as their recent 1-3 record suggests. Seriously, how can you trust the Chargers to beat anyone by more than three points? Las Vegas pushed them deep into overtime with a backup quarterback and an awful defense last week. Atlanta stayed close with them the week before in a game neither team played well in. Even the Jets gave them a game in Week 11. And Denver's looked terrible, but it's been against really good teams. It's risky, but I think the Broncos keep it close, if not win.

Start Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
Noah Fant TE
SEA Seattle • #87
Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ LAC LAC -3 O/U 49

OPP VS TE

23rd

PROJ PTS

10.4

TE RNK

8th

YTD Stats

REC

52

TAR

78

REYDS

560

TD

3

FPTS/G

9.8
Rushing to start Fant after missing what was his second-best game of the season seems a little reactionary. Fant found 11 targets, including eight in the first half. If you start him, you're hoping he's exactly as involved. I'm not saying he won't be involved, but eight targets in 30 minutes? Seems like a lot to ask. The better reason to roll with Fant is because tight ends versus the Chargers have scored in six of eight games. In fact, there's only been five games all season where a tight end hasn't caught a score on the Chargers. That includes Week 8 when the Broncos hit pay dirt with ... Albert Okwuegbunam. Fant had seven catches for 47 yards on nine targets in that matchup, and given the Chargers' season-long problems covering the position, it wouldn't be shocking if he came close to those totals again this week.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 4:25 pm ET •
DAL +2.5, O/U 49.5

The line wants us to believe: Jalen Hurts is hot and the Cowboys are not. It's been nothing but praise and hype for Hurts, who has earned much of it. But it's not like the Cowboys don't deserve a little love after winning back-to-back games. Three in a row seems like too much to ask from them. Dallas losing a starter at each level of the defense, including linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, is going to be tough to overcome against a Philly team with multiple running threats.

Start Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
Jalen Hurts QB
PHI Philadelphia • #1
Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ DAL PHI -2.5 O/U 49.5

OPP VS QB

24th

PROJ PTS

25.9

QB RNK

6th

YTD Stats

PAYDS

647

RUYDS

254

TD

6

INT

1

FPTS/G

6.5
I wouldn't talk you out of starting Hurts if I could. It's true that at least 23% of his throws in each of his past three games have been off target. And it's true that one, if not two, of his Week 15 touchdowns were helped by phenomenal moves by his receivers. But Hurts was more aggressive with the football last week (13 deep targets before three Hail Mary attempts to end the game) and was just as willing to take off when the pass rush got to him as the week before. That combination of downfield throwing and rushing at any time is what has made elite Fantasy quarterbacks. Dallas' pass defense hasn't been good all season, but its pass rush looked very good against the 49ers last week. Don't be surprised if Hurts has a big day running the ball with fewer passing stats.
Bust Candidate
Projections powered by Sportsline
Dallas Goedert TE
PHI Philadelphia • #88
Age: 30 • Experience: 6 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ DAL PHI -2.5 O/U 49.5

OPP VS TE

12th

PROJ PTS

9.9

TE RNK

11th

YTD Stats

REC

43

TAR

62

REYDS

486

TD

3

FPTS/G

11
Goedert was really close to having a good game last week -- Hurts threw consecutive late-game passes for his big tight end while he was in the end zone. Both were on target, too. But that's really all we can say about Goedert that's in his favor. Hurts' willingness to let it rip downfield benefitted Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery last week and should eventually help Jalen Reagor, but Goedert's been much more of a short-area guy for Hurts. And he's not getting quite the target share he had with Carson Wentz. He should have a safe PPR floor of around eight points, making him tolerable in that format. I wouldn't use him in a half- or non-PPR format.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 4:25 pm ET •
SEA -1, O/U 47.5

The line wants us to believe: I think the oddsmakers could have gotten away with giving Seattle another point or two. They might not be the explosive offense that brought tons of Fantasy points, but they're finding ways to win on the strength of their run game and -- surprisingly -- defense. The Rams run game is a question mark and their offensive line got completely exposed last week. I think this is a tough bounce-back spot for the Rams.

No ad available
Sit Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
Russell Wilson QB
PIT Pittsburgh • #3
Age: 36 • Experience: 12 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

vs LAR SEA -1 O/U 47.5

OPP VS QB

1st

PROJ PTS

22.2

QB RNK

14th

YTD Stats

PAYDS

3806

RUYDS

475

TD

38

INT

13

FPTS/G

28.2
Even if Freddie Swain had gotten his feet in-bounds on a 39-yard bomb from Wilson last week, the quarterback still would have had just 21 Fantasy points. It's an illustration of how muted the Seattle pass game has been since losing two straight in November. In the five games since, Wilson has averaged just 31.2 pass attempts, 6.5 yards per attempt, 203.4 yards and 1.8 passing touchdowns per game. But the Seahawks are 4-1 and Pete Carroll can justify their formula as a winning plan. By comparison, in the nine games prior Wilson averaged 37.1 pass attempts, 8.3 yards per attempt, 309.9 yards and 3.1 passing scores per game! Does anyone think the Seahawks are about to revert to their old form against the league's top-ranked pass defense featuring Jalen Ramsey? That eliminates Wilson as a big-game candidate. Could he finish around 20 Fantasy points? Sure, but considering that the only outing he's had in his past four that saw north of 20 points involved the Jets, you might not feel great about even that. The 47.5 total posted at William Hill (eighth highest of the week) is another sign that a high-scoring shootout isn't expected. It takes guts to bench Wilson, especially this week, but if you had done it in any of his recent previous matchups except against the Jets, you would have looked smart.
Bust Candidate
Projections powered by Sportsline
Cooper Kupp WR
LAR L.A. Rams • #10
Age: 31 • Experience: 7 yrs.
If I had known the Rams would have trailed against the Jets last week, I would have started Kupp with supreme confidence. I'm glad I didn't -- even in the dream scenario of Jared Goff having to chase the score, Kupp tied a season-low with five targets last week. His average target depth remains low (under 6.0 yards each of his past three games) and he's not exploding after the catch like he has in the past. Worst of all, Goff is playing poorly and not leaning on his trusty buddy like he has in the past (three touchdown connections in 2020). Seattle's pass defense has improved immensely -- they haven't given up a touchdown to a wideout in six straight games! Perhaps we should be encouraged by Kupp's matchup in the slot against nickelback Ugo Amadi, but the Seahawks had an answer for Kupp when they played in Week 10 (10 PPR points) and certainly will attempt to rattle Goff while keeping Kupp covered tightly on Sunday.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Sun, Dec 27 at 8:20 pm ET •
GB -3.5, O/U 56

The line wants us to believe: The Titans aren't going to be pushovers. Did Green Bay get exposed a little bit last week? Just three second-half points against the Panthers?! And now they're giving just 3.5 points against a non-conference opponent? The Titans have been among the league's most efficient teams offensively. Defensively? Yeah they need work. But covering a smidge more than a field goal is well within their range, especially if they control the game with a big dose of Derrick Henry.

Start Him
Projections powered by Sportsline
Ryan Tannehill QB
TEN Tennessee • #17
Age: 36 • Experience: 12 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ GB GB -3.5 O/U 56

OPP VS QB

8th

PROJ PTS

21.7

QB RNK

10th

YTD Stats

PAYDS

3482

RUYDS

173

TD

35

INT

5

FPTS/G

25.8
In the past two weeks we've had worries about Tannehill playing well but not having the kind of pass volume to deliver big numbers. That's not expected to be the case this week in what's listed by William Hill as the highest over/under total on the slate. Green Bay's pass defense has played great over the past eight weeks, holding six signal-callers to 16 or fewer Fantasy points. But most of those signal-callers have been of the Teddy Bridgewater or Carson Wentz variety, not guys who have been playing outstanding football like Tannehill. Tack on the predictable nature of Green Bay's zone coverage defense and there should be ample chances for Tannehill to not only throw to open targets to make plays after the catch, but also run a little bit. Don't think too much over this -- Tannehill's delivered at least 33 Fantasy points in two of his past three.
10.0-7.00
6.99 - 5.01
5.00 - 0
Start 'em
Sit 'em
Mon, Dec 28 at 8:15 pm ET •
NE +7, O/U 46

The line wants us to believe: The Bills won't blowout their bitter division rival who has had a hex on them for the better part of 15 years. This should be a soothing moment for the #BillsMafia who have endured so much pain at the hands of the Patriots for a long, long time. Sure, Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about slowing down Josh Allen, but can he do it without his best cornerback and with a defense that hasn't been playing well? And can he do it knowing his offense isn't even promised 20 points (a number they've exceeded once in their past five)? The Bills will roll.

Sneaky Sleeper
Projections powered by Sportsline
Devin Singletary RB
NYG N.Y. Giants • #26
Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.

Weekly Breakdown

@ NE BUF -7 O/U 46

OPP VS RB

22nd

PROJ PTS

9.7

RB RNK

31st

YTD Stats

RUYDS

644

REC

35

REYDS

247

TD

2

FPTS/G

9.6
Not that Buffalo is about to become the running back capital of the world, but the Bills have at least given their backs at least 21 touches each of the past three weeks. Zack Moss has handled a thin majority of those touches, but Singletary looked better last week against Denver even before his breakaway run in garbage time. He continued to show off his versatility in the passing game with three grabs, and he nearly had the same amount of red-zone snaps (nine) as Moss (10). Best of all, Singletary has started to come on as at least an even-splitter of playing time with Moss. New England's run defense has hit rock bottom after getting bounced by the Rams and Dolphins in consecutive weeks, so there could be opportunities for the Bills to make some gains on the ground. They might come late, but that worked out fine for Singletary last week.

So who should you start and sit this week? And which surprising quarterback could lead you to victory? Visit SportsLine now to get Week 16 rankings for every position, plus see which QB is going to come out of nowhere to crack the top 10, all from the model that out-performed experts big-time last season.

No ad available