It is sad, but exciting at the same time. The fantasy championships are among us, and some of your leagues are already finished. It has been an exciting season, and if you’re in the championship, a successful one for you. However, there is one more week, and that causes for you to finish the job, …
Week 16 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em
It is sad, but exciting at the same time. The fantasy championships are among us, and some of your leagues are already finished. It has been an exciting season, and if you’re in the championship, a successful one for you.
However, there is one more week, and that causes for you to finish the job, and get the prized possession in your fantasy league. Your season has been great, but don’t let it end here.
If you have any lineup decisions, this article should make it easier to make them. I’ll help you in your championship matchups, by giving my advice on whom to start or sit. Good luck! This is for it all.
Remember: If you win, thank me. But if you lose, it’s your team.
Week 16 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em
Quarterbacks Start ‘Em: Matthew Stafford at Chicago
Projected Fantasy Points: 24
Stafford was a let down last week, but otherwise he’s been very productive as of late. In two of his last three weeks, he has had over 20 fantasy points. This week he’ll play the Bears, which rank last in the league against opposing fantasy quarterbacks this season. Two weeks ago when Stafford met the Bears last, he had 25 fantasy points. Expect a stat-line similar to that, and you can trust Stafford in your fantasy championship matchups.
Quarterbacks Sit ‘Em: Philip Rivers at San Francisco
Projected Fantasy Points: 14
The 49ers’ season has been brutal, but they have done things right on the defensive side. Rivers will play the 49ers this week, and they have faired well against opposing quarterbacks this season, ranking 4th in the NFL against them. Plus, Rivers hasn’t been productive the last two weeks, as he only had 11 fantasy points for two weeks straight. I don’t think it is smart to start Rivers in a crucial championship showdown.
Running Backs Start ‘Em: Dan Herron at Dallas
Projected Fantasy Points: 10
Let’s face it, Herron is obviously the better running back than Trent Richardson, and has done much more with his touches. That being said, Herron’s role should continue to grow, especially this week against the Cowboys. Dallas is coming off of a game in which they allowed three rushing TDs to Chris Polk and Darren Sproles. Not only should Herron be used in the passing game, but he should develop a valiant ground attack as well, and I’d start him this week.
Running Backs Sit ‘Em: LeGarrette Blount at N.Y. Jets
Projected Fantasy Points: 6
As it is, it is very hard to trust Patriots’ running backs, especially in your championship fantasy matchup. Last week, although Blount scored, he seemed to get out run by Jonas Gray and that could lead to more touches for Gray. It’s going to be hard for either to produce as the Jets’ run defense ranks 7th in the NFL this season; thus keeping me away from Blount this week.
Wide Receivers Start ‘Em: Marques Colston vs. Atlanta
Projected Fantasy Points: 12
Colston was great last week, as he caught 5 balls for 65 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. What were even more intriguing were the 7 targets he got for the 2nd straight week. Colston has been very productive lately, and he gets a Falcons’ secondary that is coughing up 25 fantasy PPG to opposing receivers this season, ranking 28th in the league. This makes Colston a trustworthy option in fantasy this week.
Wide Receivers Sit ‘Em: Harry Douglas at New Orleans
Projected Fantasy Points: 4
Douglas put together an outstanding performance last week. However, the performance was squarely on the fact that Julio Jones was out. In Jones’s absence, Douglas caught 10 balls for 131 yards. That being said, Jones is expected to return from injury this week, which calls for less production from Douglas. When Jones plays, Douglas is very inconsistent; thus I would not start him, assuming Julio Jones plays.
Tight Ends Start ‘Em: Travis Kelce at Pittsburgh
Projected Fantasy Points: 10
Kelce continued his productivity last week; as for the 2nd straight game he had 9 fantasy points. Kelce has seen plenty of targets from Alex Smith, which has been the case all season. On Sunday Kelce gets another plus matchup against the Steelers, a team that has allowed the 23rd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Given the matchup, his recent success, and the opportunities he will see, I would feel comfortable starting Kelce.
Tight Ends Sit ‘Em: Charles Clay vs. Minnesota
Projected Fantasy Points: 5
If you’re looking to go with the safe play at tight end, Clay certainly doesn’t work. Clay has been strictly touchdown dependent this season, and has really only produced in games that he has had excellent matchups in. Speaking of matchups, Clay doesn’t have a good one this week, as the Vikings have allowed the 2nd least fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. In the championship game, you do not want anyone putting up a dud, and that’s what I expect from Clay. Don’t risk starting him.
Defense/Special Teams Start ‘Em: Buffalo Bills at Oakland
Projected Fantasy Points: 17
Okay, it’s official: The Bills’ defense is a must-start in fantasy. Buffalo’s stellar D continues to impress, as just last week they put up 19 fantasy points against the NFL’s top offense, Green Bay. If they can score 19 fantasy points against the Packers, I am sure they will have no problem accumulating fantasy points against one of the worst offenses in the NFL, the Raiders. The Bills’ Defense will have a feast on Sunday.
Defense/Special Teams Sit ‘Em: Indianapolis Colts at Dallas
Projected Fantasy Points: 5
The Colts’ defense showed up last week against the Texans, but they may have a rough day against the red-hot Cowboys’ offense. Dallas put up 38 points on the road at the Eagles last week, so they should find points at home. There’s better options at defense, so unless you’re desperate, I’d sit the Colts’ D.
I hope everybody enjoyed this Week 16 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em, and I’ll be back next week! Follow me on Twitter: @Nadelman99 for Fantasy talk, advice, or any questions you may have. Feedback on my articles is always appreciated.
