Fantasy Football Week 16: Start ’em, Sit ’em

Happy week two of fantasy playoffs!

Week 15 was genuinely one of, if not the, most entertaining weeks of football this season. Headlined by the Vikings overcoming a record-breaking 33-point deficit to beat the Colts, co-main-ed by the Jaguars beating the Cowboys via a pick-six in overtime, and featuring a snowy AFC East showdown to the last second between the Bills and Dolphins, this past week reminded us all why we love football so much.

Now entering week 16, there are still plenty of viable starting options to choose from as the playoff race remains air-tight. While there are also names that need monitoring (Jalen Hurts, Chris Olave, Tyler Lockett, Nick Chubb, Deebo Samuel, among others), the list of best options for the week still remains, so let’s take a look.

Ian’s Record: 84-40

Start ’em

Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jaguars) vs. Jets

Trevor Lawrence has arrived.

In the Jaguars’ late surge for the AFC South, Lawrence has been red hot. In his past two games (AGAINST THE TITANS, AND THE COWBOYS), he threw for 686 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Jets have been stingy to opposing quarterbacks all season, but frankly, I don’t care. Lawrence has way too much upside right now. This is a must win game for both teams, and I see Lawrence out dueling Zach Wilson.

Jerick McKinnon (RB, Chiefs) vs. Seahawks

Similar to Trevor Lawrence, McKinnon has also caught a lot of fire recently. He’s been the top scoring running back in each of the last two weeks after suddenly feasting through the air courtesy of Patrick Mahomes.

Not too disimilar to Trevor Lawrence, McKinnon’s matchup this week is absolutely delicious. Seattle is ranked second to last in PPR points to running backs on the season, dead last in the past nine weeks. Cha-f’ing-ching. Start him.

Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers) vs. Cardinals

Mike Evans has been quiet this season, I know.

Last week against the Bengals, though, he was revived partially with the most yards (83) he’s had since week 8 (123). No touchdowns since week 4, but I feel that coming.

With how banged up the Cardinals are, paired with the production they’ve given opposing offenses recently, the Bucs offense will likely be on the field a lot. Don’t buy into Trace McSorley, or his song. Evans will have a big game.

Darren Waller (TE, Raiders) vs. Steelers

Darren Waller is finally back. Do not forget how good Darren Waller is.

He put up almost 14 fantasy points on three targets. Against a Patriots defense who’s been able to shut down tight ends for the past seven weeks. The Steelers in the past seven weeks have not been able to shut down tight ends. Cha-ching.

Sit ‘em

Baker Mayfield (QB, Rams) vs. Broncos

While it’s fun to see Mayfield on a new team and given another chance, while I’ve always liked Mayfield’s attitude and want to see him succeed, it’s not going to happen this week against Denver. 

The Packers were relentless against him, and the Broncos are a much better defense. They’ve allowed the fewest points to opposing QBs this season, and the Rams’ offensive line is a mess. Pass.

D’Onta Foreman (RB, Panthers) vs. Lions

I might as well have included Chuba Hubbard here too, but ever since Christian McCaffrey left, Foreman has seemed to be the new RB1 in North Carolina. He hasn’t been awful, but he will be this week.

The words speak for themselves, Detroit has been able to absolutely shut down opposing run games for the past seven weeks. It can’t get much worse than 10 carries for nine yards, but don’t expect anything close to a week 10 performance from Foreman.

Jakobi Meyers (WR, Patriots) vs. Bengals

Let me be clear. Meyers is not here because of the plunder he caused for the Patriots last week. He is here because he and Mac Jones haven’t been on the same page since week 8. 

It also really doesn’t help him out that, according to Patrick Clayton on Fantasy Live, Mac Jones has completed one pass into the endzone this year, so don’t expect a touchdown to revive him this week against the Bengals.

I did not need to include this, but it’s too funny to ignore. 

Cole Kmet (TE, Bears) vs. Bills

Ever since I said Cole Kmet was on fire, he hasn’t been the same. I think I jinxed him.

He was held to 25 yards against the Eagles, who have allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. His little upside comes with how shallow the Bears’ wide receiver room is going into this week, minus N’Keal Harry.

Looks promising to me, if the Bears weren’t playing the Bills. Buffalo has allowed the fifth fewest points to tight ends this season, and they’re explosive front will keep Justin Fields off the field. Pass.

BYES: NONE