I wish I could tell you that Week 16 was going to be about the best players deciding most Fantasy playoff matchups. But due to COVID-19 and several players being out, that's not likely the case.
Some of the players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week include Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Austin Ekeler, Brandin Cooks, Jared Goff, Cole Beasley and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. We also have several players still on the list from last week as of Wednesday afternoon, including Tyler Lockett, Kareem Hunt, Jarvis Landry, Tyler Higbee, Allen Robinson, Kadarius Toney, Baker Mayfield and Taylor Heinicke.
We'll see if any of those guys get cleared prior to their games in Week 16, but Fantasy managers are likely going to need backup options in place. There's also the chance of games being moved like what happened in Week 15, so keep that in mind when setting your lineups.
Along with the COVID-19 scenarios, there are also the usual injuries to navigate. There are going to be some strange looking Fantasy lineups this week, and it's likely more about luck than skill in advancing to the Fantasy championships in Week 17.
That's usually the case in most seasons. But this year feels like more key guys will be absent at a crucial time, and you'll be trusting more backups than ever before to help your Fantasy teams win in the semifinals.
Editor's Note: Projections are provided by CBS Sports and not Jamey Eisenberg. Projected points are for PPR leagues.
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Start 'Em & Sit 'Em
More Week 16: Starts, Sits, Sleepers and Busts | PPR Cheat Sheet | Non-PPR Cheat Sheet | RB Preview | QB Preview | WR Preview | TE Preview | Rest-of-season rankings | Cut List | Towers' Top 150 | Waiver Wire | DFS Guide
Start of the Week
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Last season, Leonard Fournette saved the Buccaneers when Ronald Jones broke his finger and missed two games in Weeks 15 and 16. That led to Playoff Lenny and eventually Lombardi Lenny as Fournette became a postseason star for the Super Bowl champions. But now the roles can be reversed.
Fournette is out with a hamstring injury, and Jones is slated for a big workload in Tampa Bay. It starts this week at Carolina, and Jones could help Fantasy managers get closer to winning a trophy with a strong performance against the Panthers.
Don't worry about newly-signed Le'Veon Bell getting in the way of Jones as the lead running back for the Buccaneers. As long as he doesn't fumble -- which has been an issue in the past -- Jones has top-10 upside this week in the majority of leagues.
Last year, Jones was a star when Fournette missed time. In four games without Fournette in 2020, Jones had at least 19 total touches and 84 total yards in each outing, and he scored at least 14 PPR points in each game. Also, in last year's game at Carolina in Week 10, with Fournette active, Jones had 23 carries for 192 yards and a touchdown, along with one catch for 6 yards on one target (and a lost fumble).
With the Buccaneers down Chris Godwin (ACL) and likely Mike Evans (hamstring) this week, Jones could be the catalyst on offense in a great matchup. The Panthers have allowed four running backs to score at least 13 PPR points in their past three games, including guys like Myles Gaskin, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Davis and Devin Singletary.
Jones should be able to follow suit, and I love his potential. He's the main man in Tampa Bay's backfield now, and Jones can be a league winner for the remainder of this season -- much like Lombardi Lenny was in 2020.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
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I originally planned on Hurts as the Start of the Week in Week 15, but pivoted to James Robinson instead when Hurts was still limited in practice with an ankle injury. With the game moved to Tuesday, Hurts was able to fully recover, and he was excellent against Washington with 296 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, along with 38 rushing yards, two touchdowns and a lost fumble. He should stay hot in Week 16 against the Giants, who have allowed three of the past five opposing quarterbacks to score at least 21 Fantasy points. Hurts only scored six Fantasy points against the Giants in Week 12, but he ran for 77 yards in that outing. I have faith Hurts will do dramatically better in the rematch this week.
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Stafford didn't have a huge game in Week 15 against the Seahawks with 244 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and his 19 Fantasy points ended a three-game streak where he scored at least 28 points. I expect him to be back in that range this week against the Vikings, and Stafford has scored at least 27 Fantasy points in two of his past three meetings with Minnesota going back to his time in Detroit. The Vikings also have allowed three of their past five opposing quarterbacks to score at least 25 Fantasy points, and Stafford has top-five upside in all leagues.
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Prescott has not been a good Fantasy quarterback of late, scoring 13 points or less in four of his past five games. But I'm counting on a big bounceback performance in Week 16 against Washington. Prescott should enjoy going back home after three games in a row on the road. In six home games, Prescott is averaging 27.5 Fantasy points per game, and he scored at least 22 points in each outing. Washington allows the most Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks for the season, and left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) could return this week. Prescott was held to 11 Fantasy points at Washington in Week 14, but this should be a tired defense he's facing after the Football Team played Tuesday. Stick with Prescott for another game if you can, and I expect him to deliver a strong outing.
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Sleepers
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Burrow has not been a good Fantasy quarterback in the second half of the season, scoring 18 Fantasy points or less in five of his past six games. But I expect him to play well in this matchup against the Ravens, and he scored 32 Fantasy points at Baltimore in Week 7. The Ravens have issues in the secondary, and three of the past five quarterbacks against Baltimore have scored at least 23 Fantasy points. Joe Mixon (ankle) might be limited this week, putting more of the offense on Burrow's shoulders. He should deliver as a potential top-10 Fantasy quarterback in this matchup.
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It's hard to believe that Wilson has fallen into the maybe-start category, but here we are. And I like him in Week 16 with Tyler Lockett now off the reserve/COVID-19 list. Wilson was miserable against the Rams in Week 15 with four Fantasy points, but prior to that he scored at least 20 points in three games in a row. The Bears are without standout defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (COVID) this week, which should help Wilson. And Chicago has allowed two of its past three opposing quarterbacks to score at least 33 Fantasy points.
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Sit 'Em
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The Saints defense has been on a tear recently, holding three quarterbacks in a row to 13 Fantasy points or less, including Prescott in Week 13 and Tom Brady in Week 15 (Zach Wilson was the other one). Tagovailoa has played well recently in helping Miami win six games in a row, but he's scored 16 Fantasy points or less in two of his past three games. And his best performance since Week 7 was 21 Fantasy points. He does benefit with Jaylen Waddle (illness) returning this week, but the matchup on the road against this Saints defense in prime time could be too difficult for the second-year quarterback to overcome.
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Newton isn't guaranteed to start this week if coach Matt Rhule wants to play P.J. Walker, or Sam Darnold (shoulder) could also be healthy enough to start. It's a volatile situation, and Newton could also struggle on the field if he's out there. While he had 25 Fantasy points in Week 15 at Buffalo, and he's rushed for a touchdown in all five appearances he's made this season, his Fantasy production has been inconsistent with two games of at least 25 points and two games with 13 points or less in four starts. The Buccaneers have held four of their past six quarterbacks to Fantasy 17 points or less, and Newton is only an option in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues if he starts for the Panthers.
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I started the week optimistic about Roethlisberger with the expectation of him chasing points, but I'm not sure it will be that dramatic if the Chiefs are without Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, who are both on the reserve/COVID-19 list. And Kansas City could get Chris Jones (COVID), Willie Gay (COVID) and potentially L'Jarius Sneed (personal) back, which will make this matchup even tougher. Only two quarterbacks have scored more than 19 Fantasy points against Kansas City in the past seven games, with Justin Herbert getting 26 points against the Chiefs in Week 15 when Jones, Gay and Sneed were out. Roethlisberger should only be used in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
Start 'Em
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Robinson delivered as the Start of the Week in Week 15 against Houston with 18 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown, along with three catches for 13 yards on six targets. Without Urban Meyer (fired) and Carlos Hyde (concussion), Robinson dominated touches and should continue to do so for the rest of the season. This week, he gets a Jets defense that is No. 1 in Fantasy points allowed to running backs, and four running backs have scored at least 17 PPR points against them in the past three games.
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The only thing missing for Sanders right now is touchdowns since he hasn't scored yet this year. Hopefully that happens this week. He's coming off a career-high 131 rushing yards on 18 carries in Tuesday's win against Washington where he became the first Eagles player with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games since LeSean McCoy in 2014. He scored at least 16 PPR points in each game, and this Philadelphia team is dominating opponents on the ground. This week, Sanders faces a Giants defense that has allowed seven running backs to score at least 11 PPR points in their past six games. Jordan Howard should be considered a sleeper this week as well, but Sanders has top-10 upside in all leagues.
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Edwards-Helaire was a disappointment in Week 15 at the Chargers with only nine carries for 32 yards, along with two catches for 18 yards on four targets. But he should rebound this week at home. He scored at least 15 PPR points in three of five home games he's been able to finish. He should be needed with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce potentially out since both are on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so he might get more work. And Pittsburgh has allowed a running back to score at least 15 PPR points in six games in a row. Darrel Williams should be considered a sleeper this week as well, but Edwards-Helaire should be in line for a big game in this matchup at home.
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Williams and Melvin Gordon are both worth starting this week, but Williams is the better of the two. He has at least 16 total touches in four games in a row, and he scored at least 11 PPR points in each outing, including three games with at least 19 PPR points. His role in the passing game is solidified with at least three catches in three of his past four games, and he has a great matchup this week at Las Vegas. In their past five games, the Raiders have allowed seven running backs to score at least 12 PPR points, with nine total touchdowns scored over that span.
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In the first game with Darrell Henderson back following his three-game absence due to a thigh injury and a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Michel was still the lead running back against Seattle in Week 15. He had 18 carries for 92 yards, along with two catches for 23 yards on two targets, while Henderson only had eight total touches (two catches) for 27 total yards. Michel played 48 snaps to 18 for Henderson, and hopefully that's what happens moving forward for those relying on Michel. The Vikings have allowed four running backs to score at least 13 PPR points in their past five games, and Michel is a quality No. 2 running back in all leagues in this matchup.
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Sleepers
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I'm hopeful the Jets give more work to Carter this week and less for Tevin Coleman since both had eight carries in Week 15 at Miami. Carter, who was returning from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury, also added a reception and played more snaps (31-21), but we want him to dominate touches in Week 16 against Jacksonville. Prior to getting hurt in Week 11 against Miami, Carter scored at least 15 PPR points in three of his four previous games, and he still has that potential. The Jaguars have allowed a running back to score at least 14 PPR points in two of their past three games, and Carter should be considered a flex option at home.
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Austin Ekeler was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so Jackson should start for the Chargers in a great matchup at Houston. Jackson just showed you his upside in tandem with Ekeler in Week 15 against Kansas City when Ekeler was dealing with an ankle injury, and Jackson had 13 carries for 86 yards, along with one catch for 13 yards on one target. He should share touches with Joshua Kelley, who could be a flex option in deeper leagues, but Jackson would have top-15 upside in all formats against the Texans with Ekeler likely out. Houston has allowed a running back to score at least 17 PPR points in three games in a row.
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Singletary is looking to score at least 14 PPR points for the third game in a row in Week 16 at New England. It won't be easy, but he should be considered at least a flex option in that matchup. He has over 90 total yards in consecutive games and has taken over as the top running back in Buffalo ahead of Matt Breida and Zack Moss. And the Patriots have allowed four running backs to score at least 12 PPR points in their past five games.
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Pollard returned from his one-game absence with a foot injury in Week 15 at the Giants and once again looked explosive with 12 carries for 74 yards, along with three catches for 13 yards on three targets. He's still playing behind Ezekiel Elliott, but Pollard has been productive in that role, scoring at least 11 PPR points in three of his past five games. He's worth trusting as a flex this week in all leagues against what should be a tired Washington defense that played on Tuesday, and this is back-to-back road games for the Football Team.
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Sit 'Em
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Wilson is coming off his best game of the season in Week 15 against Atlanta with 21 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown, along with two catches for 9 yards on two targets. He said this was the best he felt all year after coming back from offseason knee surgery, and hopefully he can finish this season strong. But I don't like this matchup for him against the Titans, who are No. 1 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Only one running back has scored against Tennessee since Week 10, and no running back has more than 70 rushing yards against the Titans since Week 5, including matchups with Jonathan Taylor, James Robinson and Najee Harris. Deebo Samuel remains a factor in the backfield, and Elijah Mitchell (knee) has an outside shot to play this week. Wilson is a flex option at best, with his value higher in non-PPR leagues.
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Johnson was awesome in Week 15 against the Jets with 22 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns, along with one catch for 20 yards on one target, and he might remain the lead back for the Dolphins in Week 16 ahead of Myles Gaskin. But this is a backfield to avoid heading into New Orleans since the Saints are No. 2 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. New Orleans has allowed just one rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 5, and the Saints are also tied for sixth in fewest receptions allowed to running backs with just 57 catches on the season. Use Johnson ahead of Gaskin if you're comparing both Miami running backs, but neither is a recommended start in the majority of leagues.
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Hubbard ran well in Week 15 at Buffalo with eight carries for 40 yards, but a good yards per carry isn't going to help your Fantasy lineup. He only has one catch in his past five games, and despite scoring in Week 14 against Atlanta in the first outing without Christian McCaffrey (ankle), he still scored just nine Fantasy points in any format. The matchup is tough this week against Tampa Bay even without linebacker Lavonte David (foot), and Ameer Abdullah has more upside in PPR given his role in the passing game. I don't mind Abdullah as a flex option in PPR since he has six catches in two games without McCaffrey and just had four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown on four targets at Buffalo. But Hubbard is only a desperation flex in non-PPR leagues this week.
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Freeman played 39 snaps in Week 15 against Green Bay, which was his lowest total since Week 7. Meanwhile, Latavius Murray played 29 snaps, which were the most he had since Week 12. We'll see if that's a sign of things to come, but Freeman was miserable against the Packers with six carries for 22 yards, along with one catch for 2 yards on one target. Maybe if Lamar Jackson (ankle) is back that will help Freeman, but it's hard to trust him in Week 16 against the Bengals, who have allowed just one touchdown to a running back since Week 9. Freeman is just a flex option at best in the majority of leagues.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receiver
Start 'Em
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The Buccaneers went from not potentially bringing back Brown following his three-game suspension to now needing him in the worst way after Chris Godwin (ACL) and Mike Evans (hamstring) got hurt. And Brown should be fine with the ankle injury that cost him five games prior to his suspension. He scored at least 13 PPR points in four of his first five games, including three games with at least 23 PPR points. He has top-five upside as the No. 1 receiver for Tom Brady if Evans is out, and if Evans plays then consider Brown still a top-20 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. The Panthers have allowed five receivers to score at least 13 PPR points in their past four games, and there's sleeper appeal this week for guys like Tyler Johnson, Scotty Miller and potentially Breshad Perriman (COVID) if he's healthy.
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Gage has become a must-start Fantasy receiver after his performance over the past four games. He's scored at least 18 PPR points in three of those outings, including two with at least 11 targets and eight catches. And he has an amazing matchup in Week 16 against the Lions, who have allowed five receivers to score at least 14 PPR points in their past five games. Hopefully, Matt Ryan will continue to lean on Gage this week, and he's helping many Fantasy managers with big-time production in the stretch run of the season.
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Kirk stepped up with a big performance in Week 15 at Detroit in the first game after DeAndre Hopkins (knee) went on injured reserve. He had nine catches for 94 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets, and I expected him to be the No. 1 receiver for Kyler Murray with Hopkins out. A.J. Green is also worth using as a sleeper this week, but Kirk is a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues. In four games without Hopkins, Kirk has scored at least 12 PPR points in three of them. The weakness of the Colts defense is their secondary, and Murray should lean on Kirk, Green and Zach Ertz a lot in Week 16.
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I pointed this out in Week 14 when the Cowboys played Washington that Cooper has a good track record against the Football Team, and he delivered in that matchup with five catches for 51 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. He's now scored at least 13 PPR points in five games in a row against Washington, with three touchdowns over that span. I expect the Cowboys passing game to get on track this week at home, and Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup all have the chance to post a quality stat line. Washington is No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to wide receivers this year, and Cooper should be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues.
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Sleepers
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Lazard could see more targets if Marquez Valdes-Scantling (COVID) is out for Saturday's game against Cleveland. And Lazard has benefitted recently with Randall Cobb (groin) out. Lazard scored 20 PPR points in Week 14 against Chicago, and he nearly scored in Week 15 at Baltimore on a missed touchdown throw from Aaron Rodgers. I like him as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues if Valdes-Scantling is out, and he's a good flex option in deeper formats if Valdes-Scantling is cleared to play.
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Jefferson's three-game touchdown streak ended in Week 15 against Seattle when he was limited to just two catches for 23 yards on two targets. He had scored at least 14 PPR points in three games in a row prior to that, and I expect him to rebound this week against the Vikings. Minnesota allows the most Fantasy points to opposing receivers, and hopefully Cooper Kupp will share the wealth with Jefferson and Odell Beckham in this matchup. Beckham and Jefferson are worth trusting as high-end No. 3 Fantasy receivers in all leagues for Week 16.
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If Tyreek Hill (COVID) is out then consider Hardman a sleeper in all leagues. He's played five games without Hill going back to 2019, and Hardman scored at least 11 PPR points in three of them. He has the chance to be a go-to option for Patrick Mahomes if Travis Kelce (COVID) is out also, and you can look at Byron Pringle as a sleeper this week as well. The matchup isn't easy against the Steelers, but they have allowed six receivers to score at least 13 PPR points against them in their past five games.
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Meyers could see even more targets in Week 16 against Buffalo if Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor (head) are out. That is, if the Patriots decide to throw against the Bills since the last time these teams met in Week 13, Mac Jones attempted only three passes and none to Meyers. He had 12 targets in Week 15 at the Colts and finished with six catches for 44 yards, and he could be a low-end No. 3 PPR receiver in Week 16 if Bourne and Agholor are out.
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Sit 'Em
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Mooney almost scored in Week 15 against Minnesota, but he was ultimately ruled correctly out of bounds. He's now gone four games in a row without a touchdown, and he's scored 11 PPR points or less in three outings in a row. This week, he's facing a Seattle defense that has allowed only one receiver to score a touchdown since Week 8, which was Cooper Kupp last week, and not many secondaries are slowing him down. Mooney isn't on Kupp's level yet, and Mooney should be considered just a low-end No. 3 receiver in the majority of leagues.
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I love Smith's potential, and he can always find the end zone on a given week (he even had an errant endzone target in Week 15 against Washington). But he's just not producing as a Fantasy receiver, and he's not worth trusting in Week 16 against the Giants. He hasn't scored a touchdown in four games in a row, and he's scored 10 PPR points or less in each outing over that span. He also has gone seven games in a row with six targets or less, and this offense is dominating on the ground, so it's hard to expect his role to change. In Week 12 at the Giants, Smith had two catches for 22 yards on four targets. He'll do better than that, but I would only use him as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in deeper leagues for this week.
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Let's hope that Drew Lock starting for an injured Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) can unlock Jeudy's Fantasy potential because it's been a rough season for the second-year receiver. He hasn't scored a touchdown yet this year, and he's been held to fewer than 50 receiving yards in four of his past five games, including having no catches in Week 15 against Cincinnati. At this point in the season, you can't consider using Jeudy, Courtland Sutton or Tim Patrick even as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in three-receiver leagues.
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There's a scenario where Claypool can be trusted this week, and that's if the Chiefs get Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill off the reserve/COVID-19 list and score plenty of points to put the Steelers in a significant deficit. Then you would see Claypool's targets up, and he could be a starting option in most Fantasy leagues. But as of Wednesday afternoon, the Chiefs are without Kelce and Hill for Week 16. And Claypool also has scored seven PPR points or less in two of his past three games, while also failing to score a touchdown in eight outings in a row. He is only worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in deeper leagues.
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If Adam Thielen (ankle) returns this week then it's easy to ignore Osborn. But I would also sit him if Thielen is out again. He's done well in place of Thielen recently, scoring at least 14 PPR points in two of his past three games. But this is a tough matchup for him in Week 16 against the Rams, who have allowed just one touchdown to a receiver since Week 10. Justin Jefferson remains a must-start even in a tough matchup, but I would only use Osborn as a No. 3 receiver in deeper formats if Thielen is out again.
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Bust Alert
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Parker did well in Week 15 against the Jets with four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown on eight targets, and he's now scored at least 11 PPR points in five of seven games this year. But I would be hesitant to trust him this week against the Saints. Jaylen Waddle is back, and he should have success in the slot against New Orleans. But Parker should see plenty of Marshon Lattimore, who has done well in shadow situations this year, limiting the production for guys like Davante Adams, Terry McLaurin and Mike Evans. Parker has done well at times in tough matchups like this in his career, but I don't trust Parker to deliver a big stat line in this game at New Orleans in prime time.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Tight End
Start 'Em
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In the first game with DeAndre Hopkins (knee) on injured reserve in Week 15 at Detroit, Ertz had six catches for 74 yards on 11 targets. He has 18 targets in his past two games, and he seems to be in rhythm with Kyler Murray right now. This is a great matchup against the Colts, who have allowed three tight ends to score at least 14 PPR points against them in their past four games.
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Henry just had a huge game against the Colts with six catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets. He could see another hefty amount of targets -- if the Patriots throw the ball -- against the Bills if Nelson Agholor (head) and Kendrick Bourne (COVID) remain out. In the first meeting with Buffalo in Week 13, Mac Jones attempted just three passes in windy conditions, and none of them went to Henry. But he could be needed if the receivers are out, and the Patriots are forced to throw. I would take a chance with Henry this week as a low-end starter in all leagues. And he does have a touchdown in four of his past five home games.
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Fant's best game of the season was Week 6 against Las Vegas when he had nine catches for 97 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets, so hopefully history repeats itself in the rematch. He's also coming off one of his better games recently with five catches for 57 yards on six targets against Cincinnati in Week 15. The Raiders just lost safety Johnathan Abram (shoulder) for the season, and Las Vegas is No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends for the year.
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Sleepers
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Everett had a solid game in Week 15 at the Rams with four catches for 60 yards on four targets, and he's now scored at least 10 PPR points in three games in a row. Now, Tyler Lockett (COVID) didn't play against the Rams, but Everett has established himself as the third option in the passing game for Russell Wilson behind Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. I like Everett as a low-end starter in all leagues against the Bears in Week 16, especially if Lockett is out again.
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Seals-Jones didn't have a huge game in Week 15 at Philadelphia, but keep in mind that Taylor Heinicke (COVID) was out, with Garrett Gilbert the emergency starter for Washington. Gilbert leaned on Seals-Jones for seven targets, but he only managed four catches for 29 yards. Still, it appears like Seals-Jones is back to full strength after missing three games with a hip injury prior to returning in Week 14, and I like Seals-Jones as a low-end starter in all leagues against the Cowboys in Week 16, especially if Heinicke is back for Washington.
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Kmet is coming off a strong game against Minnesota in Week 15 when he had six catches for 71 yards on nine targets. He has at least seven targets in three of his past four games, and he scored at least 13 PPR points in two of those outings. He still hasn't scored a touchdown this season, but he's developed a nice rapport with Justin Fields. And Kmet has a quality matchup in Week 16 against the Seahawks, who are No. 5 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends.
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Sit 'Em
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Moreau had a solid game in Week 15 at Cleveland with seven catches for 65 yards on nine targets, and it was his best showing since Darren Waller (knee) got hurt in Week 12. Waller is likely out again, but Moreau isn't worth trusting this week against Denver. The Broncos are No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, and they held Waller to five catches for 59 yards on five targets in Week 6.
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Conklin hasn't taken advantage of Adam Thielen (ankle) being out, and Thielen could return this week. Conklin hasn't scored a touchdown in five games in a row, and he's been held to six PPR points or less in four outings over that span. This week he's facing a Rams defense that has allowed just four touchdowns to tight ends all season and none since Week 10. Conklin is only worth starting in deeper leagues.
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Hooper is back after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list for one game and missing Week 15 against Las Vegas. In his last game in Week 14 against Baltimore, Hooper had five catches for 30 yards and a touchdown on six targets, but David Njoku (COVID) was out for that game. If Hooper and Njoku both play this week as expected then you should avoid Hooper in the majority of leagues, especially if Baker Mayfield (COVID) remains out.
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Bust Alert
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Schultz was fantastic in Week 15 at the Giants with eight catches for 67 yards and a touchdown on eight targets, but I'm still concerned he's going to struggle if the receivers get going. And that should be the case this week against Washington. Schultz was bad against Washington in Week 14 with one catch for 4 yards on three targets, and he's scored nine PPR points or less in five of his past eight games. I don't mind Schultz as a low-end starter in the majority of leagues, but I wouldn't expect his performance in Week 15 to happen again in this matchup against Washington.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
DST
Start 'Em
Chargers (at HOU): Even though Joey Bosa (COVID) is likely out for this matchup, I would still start the Chargers DST in the majority of leagues. Houston is likely without Brandin Cooks (COVID) this week, and the Texans have scored 14 points or less in three of their past four outings. The Chargers have an interception in four games in a row and a fumble recovery in three consecutive games.
Sleepers
- Eagles (vs. NYG)
- Packers (vs. CLE)
- Seahawks (vs. CHI)
Sit 'Em
Cardinals (vs. IND): The Colts formula for success is fairly simple -- run Jonathan Taylor. It has worked, and as a result, opposing DSTs don't have much Fantasy production against Indianapolis. The Colts have scored at least 27 points in eight of their past nine games, and Carson Wentz has been sacked multiple times just once in his past eight outings. He also has just six interceptions on the season. The Cardinals also have allowed 30 points in consecutive weeks to the Rams and Lions, with just one turnover over that span.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
KICKERS
Start 'Em
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Koo was supposed to be a standout Fantasy kicker this season, but he struggled early in the year and was dropped in the majority of leagues. But this is a good week to trust him in a home matchup with the Lions, who are No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers. Detroit has allowed the most made field goals of any team this season, and Koo has made five field goals in his past two games coming into Week 16.
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Sleepers
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Sit 'Em
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