Fantasy Football Week 16: Start ‘em, Sit ‘em
There are three weeks of regular season left. How did this happen?
As always, week 15 piled up some more injuries for us to work around, most notably Keaton Mitchell tearing his ACL during SNF. Other notable injuries included Trevor Lawrence (concussion protocol), Zack Moss (shoulder), and Hunter Henry (took a shot to the legs).
With so many playoff implications still up in the air, I’m sure plenty of teams will be looking for big plays and clutch performances in these last few weeks. Let’s take a look at who has the best and worst shots at making that happen.
Ian’s Record: 68-53
Start ’em
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins) vs. Cowboys
While he hasn’t been a reliable fantasy starter since their bye in week 10, it’s ‘win-and-you’re-in’ for the Dolphins this week as they host Dallas on Christmas Eve. Dak and co. will come to Miami frustrated after being embarrassed in Buffalo, so it should be all guns blazing now that the NFC East is suddenly in their line-of-sight.
With what’s at stake on Miami’s end, they should be shooting for the stars as well in hopes of keeping up with Dallas’ offense by creating big plays, and I think they’re up for it. Jaylen Waddle caught fire against the Jets and Tyreek Hill should arrive with a full head of steam after electing to sit out that game. Expect a shootout.
James Cook (RB, Bills) vs. Chargers
Maybe it’s because I don’t watch a lot of Bills film, but suddenly James Cook is second in rushing yards this season.
Throughout Buffalo’s onslaught against the Cowboys, it wasn’t the normal “Josh Allen puts a cape on and does it all himself” offense we’ve seen the Bills struggle with this season, instead Sean McDermott gave Cook the ball 25 times and let him, well, cook.
After amassing 221 total yards against a top five defense, you should feel comfortable starting Cook against a Chargers defense that can’t do anything right.
Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers) vs. Jaguars (if he plays)
Baker Mayfield is heating up at exactly the right time as Tampa Bay tries to win the NFC South, most recently earning the NFC’s Offensive Player of the week after posting four touchdowns and a perfect passer rating against the Packers.
Amid Mayfield’s stellar performance, Godwin was finally thrown into the mix by seeing a season-high ten catches for 155 yards. Expect him to stay hot this week, as Jacksonville has surrendered the sixth most fantasy points to opposing WRs in the past four weeks amid their struggles.
Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots) at Broncos (if he plays)
With Bailey Zappe taking over under center, Henry has caught some steam as well with three touchdowns in their last two games. In those two contests Henry seemed to be Zappe’s redzone go-to, so I’m not expecting that to change.
This matchup is also delicious, since Denver has stunk against tight ends all season. Keep an eye on the status of his leg, but if he plays, he should be in your lineup.
Sit ’em
Tommy DeVito (QB, Giants) at Eagles
The DeVito Cinderella story was abruptly brought to a halt last week against New Orleans, and he really doesn’t have the track record to be trusted against a team like the Eagles.
While they’re struggling in their own ways, Philadelphia’s pass defense was much better in Seattle until the very end. Being back at home and needing to let off steam after dropping three in a row, I’m staying away from this matchup however possible.
Ty Chandler (RB, Vikings) vs. Lions
He showed up very well in a tough loss against Cincinnati, but with Mattison hoping to return after only missing a week, Chandler’s fantasy value is sure to take a hit based off that alone.
Detroit also has done well at taking away the run all season, and losing last week makes this game script more pass-heavy as Minnesota now needs to make up some ground in order to earn a playoff spot.
Terry McLaurin (WR, Commanders) at Jets
After not finding the endzone for five straight weeks, McLaurin finally showed up against the Rams last week, but don’t go chasing that into New York. He’s only seen double-digit targets four times prior to last week (as the undisputed WR1 in Washington), and I don’t trust Sam Howell to deliver at this point.
Washington’s offensive line has allowed 59 sacks on the season (third most in the league), and I’m sure McLaurin will be seeing plenty of Sauce Gardner outside. Pass.
Dalton Schultz (TE, Texans) vs. Browns
While he’s seen his fair share of the endzone this season among Houston’s new offense, I’m not liking all the noise surrounding C.J. Stroud’s availability and Case Keenum’s ability to get him the ball if he’s forced to start.
Cleveland has been stingy to tight ends all season, minus a few hiccups in recent weeks. Regardless, in what’s shaping up to be a touchdown-or-bust situation for Schultz, I’m picking bust.
Very cool catch, though.
BYES: NONE
