Disclaimer ... Before you start reading, understand that we are not in the business of stating the obvious and wasting your time (or ours), so you won't be reading here why you need to start Aaron Rodgers, Arian Foster, Calvin Johnson or any other top-tier players. We're here to help you evaluate players you might be on the fence about.
Prior to the season, we never thought we'd have to recommend starting Michael Vick. He was drafted as an elite Fantasy quarterback in all leagues, and some of you even selected him No. 1 overall.
But you know what happened to Vick by now. He struggled with injuries and inconsistent play and is looking up on the stat pages at better Fantasy options in Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and even less-than-stellar quarterbacks in Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
|
|
Eli Manning, NYG | at NYJ |
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT | vs. STL |
Tim Tebow, DEN | at BUF |
Matt Ryan, ATL | at NO |
Tony Romo, DAL | vs. PHI |
He is the No. 13 quarterback in a standard league at 207 Fantasy points, but he can still help you win your championship game in Week 16. We expect Vick to have a standout performance at Dallas.
Vick, who was started in 51 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com in Week 15, has already shined against the Cowboys once this year in Week 8 when he had 28 Fantasy points. It was one of his few highlights of the season since he had 279 passing yards and two touchdowns and seven carries for 50 yards. He was nearly flawless with just seven incomplete passes and no turnovers.
Last year, Vick went to Dallas and had 25 Fantasy points, and we expect him to play well again. The Cowboys have allowed 20 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks and seven have reached at least 19 Fantasy points.
The Eagles need a big game out of Vick to remain in playoff contention, and he was solid in Week 15 in a tough matchup against the Jets with 23 Fantasy points. He should have a similar performance against Dallas.
Vick has failed Fantasy owners for most of this season, but he can still make it up to you this week. He should be trusted as a starting option in all formats with a potential Fantasy title on the line.
Quarterback
Start 'Em
|
|
Mark Sanchez, NYJ | vs. NYG |
Kyle Orton, KC | vs. OAK |
John Skelton, ARI | at CIN |
Cam Newton (vs. TB): Newton has helped many Fantasy owners
reach the playoffs, and he should be able to carry you to a title with
his matchup with the Bucs. He has at least 22 Fantasy points in his past
three games, and in Week 13 at Tampa Bay he had 39 points. The Bucs have
allowed nine touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in their past three
outings against Newton, Blaine Gabbert
and Tony Romo, and Newton should have
another big game in the rematch. (Started in 78 percent of leagues in
Week 15)
Matt Ryan (at NO):
Ryan is closing the season like the elite Fantasy quarterback we
expected him to be all along. He has at least 18 Fantasy points in six
of his past seven games, with five games of at least 24 points,
including two in a row. Included in that stretch is a Week 10 matchup
against the Saints when he had 351 passing yards, two touchdowns and one
interception. The Saints have allowed at least 20 Fantasy points against Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford and Jake Locker in the past four games, and Ryan had 23 Fantasy points
at New Orleans last year. (Started in 76 percent of leagues in Week
15)
Tim Tebow (at BUF):
When Tebow has a good matchup, you start him. And this is a good matchup
against the Bills, who have allowed at least 18 Fantasy points to five
of the past six quarterbacks they have faced in Romo, Matt Moore twice, Sanchez and Philip Rivers.
Tebow had 21 Fantasy points at Minnesota in Week 13 and 26 points
against New England last week, which were both good matchups. He should
have another productive outing this week and remains a No. 1 Fantasy
option against the Bills. (Started in 45 percent of leagues in Week
15)
Matt Moore (at NE):
Moore has an excellent matchup at New England, and he is worth starting
ahead of standout Fantasy quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger and Manning. Moore has four games with at least
18 Fantasy points in a standard league in his past seven outings,
including two on the road. The Patriots have also allowed multiple
touchdowns to their past three opposing quarterbacks in Dan Orlovsky, Rex Grossman and
Tebow, and New England is now without top pass rusher Andre Carter (quadriceps). It's risky to trust Moore at this point in
the season, but he could be a useful option if you need a starter this
week. (Started in 12 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Rex Grossman (vs. MIN): Grossman has the best matchup of any
quarterback this week against the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed the
most touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks (33) with the fewest
interceptions (six). The last time a quarterback did not have multiple
touchdowns against the Vikings was in Week 5. It's hard to trust
Grossman at this point in the season, but he does have three games with
at least 18 Fantasy points in his past five outings, including two at
home. Like Moore, I would start Grossman ahead of Roethlisberger and
Manning this week. (Started in 17 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Sit 'Em
Ben Roethlisberger (vs. STL): There is a chance the
Steelers could sit Roethlisberger this week to rest his injured ankle,
but even if he plays he has minimal upside for Fantasy owners. We saw
what he looked like limping around at San Francisco on Monday night in
Week 15, and he finished with five Fantasy points thanks to no
touchdowns and four turnovers. The Rams don't pose a tremendous threat
defensively, but teams tend to run all over them. Alex Smith in Week 13 is the lone quarterback to pass for multiple
touchdowns against St. Louis in the past eight games. Look for
Pittsburgh to run a lot in this matchup, and Roethlisberger is now a
risky starting option in the majority of leagues. (Started in 48
percent of leagues in Week 15)
Carson Palmer (at KC): Palmer did well in Week 15 against the
Lions and has 20 Fantasy points in two of his past three games, but he
could struggle in his rematch with the Chiefs. The last time he played
Kansas City in Week 7 he came off the bench and had three interceptions
and minus-2 Fantasy points. The Chiefs have allowed some big games to
quarterbacks recently, but they haven't allowed multiple passing
touchdowns at home in their past three outings against Tebow,
Roethlisberger and Rodgers. (Started in 34 percent of leagues in Week
15)
Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs. DEN):
Fitzpatrick is too inconsistent to trust in the majority of leagues
during the Fantasy playoffs. He is averaging just over 12 Fantasy points
a game for his last three outings against Tennessee, San Diego and
Miami, and he has three touchdowns and six turnovers over that span. The
Broncos have allowed just two quarterbacks to pass for multiple
touchdowns in the past six games, and they should be able to contain
Fitzpatrick even on the road, especially with Steve Johnson (groin) at less than 100 percent. (Started in 27
percent of leagues in Week 15)
Joe Flacco (vs. CLE): Flacco heads into this game on a
productive two-game stretch with 37 Fantasy points combined against
Indianapolis and San Diego, and it's the first time this season he's had
consecutive games with multiple touchdowns. Prior to that, Flacco faced
Cleveland in Week 13, and he had four Fantasy points as the Ravens ran
all over the Browns. You can expect a similar game plan against
Cleveland, which is why Flacco is a risky starting option in the
majority of leagues. In his past five games against the Browns, Flacco
is averaging just 204 passing yards with six touchdowns and two
turnovers. (Started in 32 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Josh Freeman (at CAR): Freeman enters this matchup against the
Panthers having not thrown for more than 200 yards in each of his past
three games. He has two touchdowns and three interceptions over that
span as well. Carolina is No. 18 in pass defense, giving up under 235
yards per contest, and has allowed an average of 17 Fantasy points to
opposing quarterbacks. Freeman did not play when the division foes met
earlier in the year due to a shoulder injury. He has thrown for 740
yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in three career games
against the Panthers, so even if he was at full strength he would not be
a recommended starting option in the majority of leagues. (Started in
12 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Bust alert: Eli Manning (at NYJ): Manning has been great for Fantasy owners this season and he has become an elite option in all leagues. But he cost many Fantasy owners in Week 15 when he had three interceptions and four Fantasy points against the Redskins, and he could struggle again in Week 16 against the Jets. For all the good Manning has done this season, he still has three games with 12 Fantasy points or less against Buffalo, Philadelphia and Washington, all at home. The Jets have also allowed just three quarterbacks to throw multiple touchdowns in Romo, Brady and Fitzpatrick, but they limited Brady in another matchup and held Rivers to 11 Fantasy points. It's tough to bench Manning given how he's played this season, but this week he should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback in the majority of leagues. (Started in 74 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Running back
Start 'Em
|
|
Kevin Smith, DET | vs. SD |
Kahlil Bell, CHI | at GB |
Chris Ivory, NO | vs. ATL |
Ricky Williams, BAL | vs. CLE |
Mike Tolbert, SD | at DET |
Rashard Mendenhall (vs. STL): Mendenhall, as we expected,
has struggled this season with just five games with double digits in
Fantasy points. He has just one game with a touchdown in his past four
outings, and he has let a lot of Fantasy owners down. But he should have
an outstanding game against the Rams this week. The Steelers will lean
heavily on Mendenhall and Isaac Redman,
who should be considered a sleeper, and St. Louis has allowed 13
touchdowns to opposing running backs and 10 to reach double digits in
Fantasy points. Mendenhall also has scored in four of six home games
this year. (Started in 70 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Cedric Benson (vs. ARI): Benson should be able to take advantage
of the Cardinals this week just like Peyton Hillis
and Frank Gore did the previous two
games. Hillis and Gore combined for 28 Fantasy points with each scoring
touchdowns, and Arizona has allowed 11 touchdowns to opposing running
backs this year with nine reaching double digits in Fantasy points.
Benson has at least 14 Fantasy points in three of his past five games,
and he should be able to reach double digits in this matchup with the
Cardinals. The good thing about Benson is he continues to see plenty of
work with at least 21 carries in three of his past four outings. (Started
in 71 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Ahmad Bradshaw (at NYJ): Teams have had success running on the
Jets as LeSean McCoy proved in Week 15
and Roy Helu showed in Week 13. Both
gained over 100 rushing yards and combined for four touchdowns, and
Bradshaw enters this matchup coming off his best performance since Week
6. He had 13 Fantasy points against Washington last week, and we expect
him to reach double digits in Fantasy points against the Jets. Brandon Jacobs will obviously steal some touches, but Bradshaw should
be at full strength now that he's been back for three games after
sitting out four games with a foot injury. (Started in 42 percent of
leagues in Week 15)
C.J. Spiller
(vs. DEN): Spiller had the best Fantasy performance of his young
career in Week 15 against Miami with 28 points, and he now has 43 points
in his past two home games. Spiller is showing his ability as a
dual-threat running back, and his value in point-per-reception leagues
is higher than in standard formats. Denver has allowed three running
backs to score in the past two games against Chicago and New England,
but the Broncos have also allowed nine running backs to reach double
digits in Fantasy points since Week 8. (Started in 44 percent of
leagues in Week 15)
DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart (vs. TB): We like Williams much better than Stewart
this week, but both running backs have the chance to start for you in
this matchup. The Bucs allow the most Fantasy points to opposing running
backs with 19 total touchdowns and 12 reaching double digits in Fantasy
points. Williams comes into this game with double digits in Fantasy
points in three of his past four games with four touchdowns over that
span. The lone game where he didn't score was Week 13 at Tampa Bay, but
Stewart had 15 Fantasy points in that matchup. We consider Williams a
solid No. 2 Fantasy running back, with Stewart a quality flex option in
all leagues. (Started in 32 percent of leagues in Week 15 for
Williams and 36 percent of leagues for Stewart)
Sit 'Em
Peyton Hillis (at BAL): Hillis finally helped Fantasy
owners with his performance in Week 15 at Arizona with 15 points, and it
was just his second game this season with double digits in Fantasy
points. He did fare well against the Ravens in Week 13 with nine Fantasy
points, but he had a 52-yard reception in that matchup. It's doubtful he
will reach double digits in Fantasy points this week even though
Baltimore was run over by Ryan Mathews
and Mike Tolbert in Week 15. The Ravens
have only allowed two running backs to score at home this season in Beanie Wells and Benson, and Hillis should be shut down this week. (Started
in 30 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Steven Jackson (at PIT): Jackson has returned as an elite Fantasy
option the past two weeks with 32 points against Seattle and Cincinnati,
but those defenses don't compare to the Steelers, especially with James Harrison returning from a one-game suspension and coming off a
tough loss at San Francisco. Jackson has just two touchdowns on the road
this season, and the Steelers have allowed just Ray Rice and Chris Johnson to score
at home. It's tough to bench Jackson in the majority of leagues, but
just lower your expectations based on the matchup. (Started in 81
percent of leagues in Week 15)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (vs. MIA): Green-Ellis is probably the most
frustrating Fantasy running back this season because he always has the
chance to score even in a difficult matchup. He has four touchdowns in
his past four games even though he has a combined 35 carries over that
span and has just one game with more than 50 rushing yards since Week
10. He had 34 rushing yards and a touchdown at Miami in Week 1, but the
Dolphins have only allowed five rushing touchdowns on the season.
Green-Ellis could come away with multiple touchdowns in this matchup,
but he could also fail to score with limited production. I wouldn't
trust him in the majority of leagues with a Fantasy title on the line. (Started
in 50 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Toby Gerhart (at WAS): Gerhart had 17 Fantasy points last week
against New Orleans even with Adrian Peterson
back, but this week Peterson should take on a larger role with his ankle
close to 100 percent. Gerhart had just two carries against the Saints,
but he had four catches for 46 yards and two touchdowns. It's hard to
count on him for guaranteed production as a receiver out of the
backfield so consider him just a flex option at best in PPR leagues. (Started
in 14 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Marion Barber (at GB): Barber could easily score in this matchup
with the Packers since Green Bay has allowed nine touchdowns to opposing
running backs this year, but it's clear Barber has taken a backseat to Kahlil Bell. In Week 15 against Seattle, Barber had just 11 carries
for 33 yards while Bell had 15 carries for 65 yards, and Bell should see
an increase in touches against the Packers. Barber was a beast against
Denver in Week 14, but his costly fumble in overtime as well as running
out of bounds at the end of regulation may have ruined any chance for
him to finish the season strong with Matt Forte
(knee) out. (Started in 49 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Bust alert: Marshawn Lynch (vs. SF):
At least one streak will likely end this week with Lynch facing the
49ers. Lynch has scored a touchdown in 10 straight games with 13 over
that span. The 49ers haven't allowed a rushing touchdown to a running
back all year, and they haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 36
consecutive games. Now, in full disclosure, I am starting Lynch in a
championship game against my colleague Dave Richard. I also projected
Lynch to score with just 39 rushing yards. But I doubt he reaches double
digits in Fantasy points, and he had only four Fantasy points against
the 49ers in Week 1. If you plan on starting Lynch, just lower your
expectations since San Francisco has been the best run defense this
season. (Started in 93 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Wide receiver
Start 'Em
|
|
Davone Bess, MIA | at NE |
Titus Young, DET | vs. SD |
Andre Roberts, ARI | at CIN |
Dwayne Bowe, KC | vs. OAK |
Plaxico Burress, NYJ | vs. NYG |
Miles Austin (vs. PHI): Austin has been stellar since
returning from his latest hamstring injury in Week 14. In his past two
games against the Giants and Tampa Bay he has nine catches for 116 yards
and two touchdowns, and he should stay hot against the Eagles.
Philadelphia has allowed seven touchdowns to opposing receivers in the
past five games, and Austin, Dez Bryant
and Laurent Robinson all have the chance
to play well in this matchup. This game has the makings of a
high-scoring affair against the Eagles. (Started in 61 percent of
leagues in Week 15)
Julio Jones
(at NO): Jones is ready to close the season strong based on his play
the past two weeks. He had eight catches for 189 yards and three
touchdowns against Carolina and Jacksonville, and he should continue to
play at a high level against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed 12
touchdowns to opposing receivers this season and nine have reached
double digits in Fantasy points. Jones has double digits in Fantasy
points in four of his six games on the road with four touchdowns over
that span. His worst road game this season was six Fantasy points at
Houston in Week 13. (Started in 58 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Santana Moss/Jabar Gaffney (vs. MIN):
The Vikings have allowed the most touchdowns to opposing receivers at
19, which should allow Moss and Gaffney to continue to play at a high
level. Moss comes into this game with five catches for 121 yards and two
touchdowns in his past two outings against New England and the Giants,
and Gaffney has at least seven Fantasy points in four of his past five
games with two touchdowns over that span. We consider Moss a solid No. 2
Fantasy receiver, and Gaffney should be started as a No. 3 option in all
leagues. This should be a good week for the Washington passing game
based on the matchup. (Started in 43 percent of leagues in Week 15
for Moss and 37 percent of leagues for Gaffney)
Demaryius Thomas (at BUF): Thomas has been the best receiver in all
Fantasy leagues the past three weeks, and he should remain hot against
the Bills. He has 50 Fantasy points over that span with 18 catches for
338 yards and three touchdowns, and he has a favorable matchup this week
at Buffalo. The Bills have allowed 14 touchdowns to opposing receivers
and 10 to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Tebow should continue
to look for Thomas, who has 33 targets in his past three outings. (Started
in 27 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Jeremy Maclin (at DAL): Maclin said he is finally over the
hamstring and shoulder injuries that cost him three games prior to Week
14, and we're expecting him to finish the year on a solid note. Maclin
had a good game against the Cowboys in Week 8 with three catches for 54
yards and a touchdown, and this Dallas secondary has struggled with
opposing receivers all year. In their past five games, the Cowboys have
allowed five touchdowns to opposing receivers and six to reach double
digits in Fantasy points, including less-than-stellar options in
Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Andre Roberts, and Dezmon Briscoe.
Maclin, when healthy, is better than all of those receivers, and he
should be started in all leagues this week now that he's back at 100
percent. (Started in 22 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Sit 'Em
Anquan Boldin (vs. CLE): Boldin has reverted back to the
receiver we saw last year who disappeared down the stretch. He has now
gone four games in a row without a touchdown and hasn't reached double
digits in Fantasy points since Week 8. He faced the Browns in Week 13
and was held to two catches for 32 yards, and Cleveland has only allowed
three No. 1 receivers to score this season in A.J. Green, Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd. (Started in 70 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Brandon Lloyd (at PIT): Lloyd has been terrible the past three
games with the Rams dealing with issues at quarterback. Kellen Clemens is the latest starter with Sam Bradford (ankle) and A.J. Feeley
(thumb) out, and Lloyd was held to five catches for 42 yards in Week 15
against Cincinnati. He has combined for 15 Fantasy points in his past
three outings, and the Steelers will likely shadow him with Ike Taylor. Pittsburgh also has allowed just eight touchdowns to
opposing receivers this year with one touchdown allowed in the past four
games. (Started in 69 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Steve Johnson (vs. DEN): Johnson is dealing with a groin injury,
and that could further limit his production against the Broncos. He has
played well of late with at least eight Fantasy points in his past four
games, but Denver has done a solid job against opposing No. 1 receivers
in part because of Champ Bailey. Since
Week 7, Bailey has helped limit Brandon Marshall,
Dwayne Bowe, Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes and Vincent Jackson to six Fantasy points or less in each matchup. Consider
Johnson just a No. 3 Fantasy receiver this week. (Started in 79
percent of leagues in Week 15)
Michael Crabtree (at SEA): Crabtree has struggled the past two
games and has not played well on the road this year. In his past two
outings against Arizona and Pittsburgh, Crabtree has 11 catches for 98
yards and no touchdowns. He has just one touchdown since Week 8, and he
has no touchdowns on the road and five games with six Fantasy points or
less. He had one catch for 4 yards against the Seahawks in Week 1, and
he has combined for 10 catches for 77 yards in four previous meetings
with Seattle. This could be a tough week to consider Crabtree a starting
Fantasy option in the majority of leagues. (Started in 36 percent of
leagues in Week 15)
Reggie Wayne
(vs. HOU): Wayne scored against the Texans in Week 1, and he's
coming off a productive game for him by this year's standards with nine
Fantasy points against Tennessee in Week 15. But he remains too
inconsistent to trust at this point in the season since he has just
three touchdowns on the year and only one at home. The Texans have
allowed three touchdowns to opposing receivers in the past three games
with Roddy White, Jerome Simpson and Steve Smith all
scoring, but Wayne doesn't have Ryan or Newton throwing him the ball ==
or even Andy Dalton. We can't recommend
starting Wayne or Pierre Garcon with a
potential Fantasy title on the line. (Started in 28 percent of
leagues in Week 15)
Bust alert: Hakeem Nicks (at NYJ): Darrelle Revis has been far from perfect this season. Just ask Steve Johnson, Austin, Bryant and Marshall, who have each reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Jets this season with Revis mostly in coverage. But you also have to look at who Revis has shut down this year. He has held Bowe, Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Moss, Thomas and Vincent Jackson to six Fantasy points or less in each matchup, and he should make things difficult for Nicks. He has been awesome of late with an average of 11 Fantasy points in his past six games, and he has 47 targets in his past four outings. But Nicks should not be considered a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues against Revis, and you should lower your expectations if you start him this week. (Started in 97 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Tight end
Start 'Em
|
|
Jermaine Gresham, CIN | vs. ARI |
Jared Cook, TEN | vs. JAC |
Aaron Hernandez (vs. MIA): Hernandez broke out of his slump
in Week 15 with his performance against the Broncos. He had nine catches
for 129 yards and a touchdown, and he should remain hot to close the
season. Hernandez had an outstanding game against the Dolphins in Week 1
with seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown, and he should see a
healthy amount of targets in the rematch this week if Deion Branch (groin) is out again as expected. (Started in 70
percent of leagues in Week 15)
Brent Celek (at DAL): Celek is worth starting in all formats in
Week 16 at Dallas. The Cowboys have allowed five touchdowns to opposing
tight ends this season and four have reached double digits in Fantasy
points, including Celek in Week 8 when he had seven catches for 94 yards
and a touchdown. Celek had six targets from Vick against the Jets last
week and finished with five catches for 156 yards and a touchdown, and
he should remain heavily involved once again this week in a must-win
game for the Eagles. (Started in 35 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Brandon Pettigrew (vs. SD): Pettigrew has scored in four of his
seven home games this season, including Week 14 against Minnesota when
he had 11 Fantasy points. The Chargers have allowed seven touchdowns to
opposing tight ends, including last week when Ed Dickson scored. This should be a good week to rely on Pettigrew
if you need a starting option, especially in deeper formats. This game
between the Lions and Chargers has the chance to be a high-scoring
affair, which should help Pettigrew be successful. (Started in 47
percent of leagues in Week 15)
Sit 'Em
Heath Miller (vs. STL): This is a bad week to rely on
Miller. Not only is Roethlisberger banged up and iffy to play, but the
Rams are the best team against opposing tight ends in terms of Fantasy
points allowed. Jason Witten is the only
tight end to score against St. Louis this season, including matchups
against Celek, Fred Davis, Jermichael Finley, Jimmy Graham, Vernon Davis and Gresham. Miller also hasn't scored since Week 7. (Started
in 14 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Kellen Winslow (at CAR): Winslow has now gone six games in a row
without a touchdown, and he has combined for 17 Fantasy points in his
past four outings. Included in that stretch is his Week 13 matchup
against the Panthers where he had just four Fantasy points, and Winslow
might not score against Carolina this week. The Panthers have allowed
four touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season, but Fred Davis is the only tight end to score in Carolina this season. (Started
in 44 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Owen Daniels (at IND): Daniels has now gone 10 games in a row
without scoring a touchdown, and it's hard to envision him breaking that
streak against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed seven touchdowns to
tight ends this year, but the tight ends who have hurt them are Graham, Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez.
Daniels was held to one catch for 12 yards in Week 1 against the Colts,
and that was with a healthy Matt Schaub
(foot). T.J. Yates has not shown the
ability to get the ball to Daniels on a consistent basis, and he should
only be used as a No. 2 Fantasy tight end in this matchup. (Started
in 48 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Bust alert: Greg Olsen (vs. TB):
The last time Olsen faced the Bucs in Week 13 he had one catch for 21
yards. He has one touchdown in his past six games, and he continues to
share targets with Jeremy Shockey. Olsen
started the season as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end, but his value has
plummeted to where he has become a risky starting option in the majority
of leagues. Even in a favorable matchup against the Bucs it remains
difficult to start Olsen based on his inconsistent play. (Started in
24 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
|
|
Broncos | at BUF |
Redskins | vs. MIN |
Chiefs | vs. OAK |
Titans (vs. JAC): The Titans DST left most Fantasy owners upset
with their performance in Week 15 at the Colts. The Titans had just six
Fantasy points against the Colts and have now gone three games in a row
with single digits in Fantasy points. But we're counting on the Titans
to play well at home against the Jaguars. Last week, the Falcons DST had
27 Fantasy points in a standard league against the Jaguars, and Gabbert
has seven turnovers in his past four games. The Titans also have four
games with double digits in Fantasy points at home, and they should be
considered a starting option in all leagues in this matchup. (Started
in 42 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Sit 'Em
Bears (at GB): The Bears DST heads into this matchup with the Packers playing well with double digits in Fantasy points in their past three games against Kansas City, Denver and Seattle. But facing the Packers, even with a banged up offensive line and with Greg Jennings (knee) out, is still a daunting task, especially in Green Bay. The Bears were held to eight Fantasy points against the Packers in Week 3, and Green Bay should be highly motivated following its first loss of the season in Week 15. The one saving grace for the Bears DST would be if the Packers decide to rest starters based on what happens with San Francisco on Saturday. If Rodgers is sitting then you can still consider the Bears DST a No. 1 option. (Started in 86 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Kicker
Start 'Em
|
|
Graham Gano, WAS | vs. MIN |
Mike Nugent, CIN | vs. ARI |
Alex Henery, PHI | at DAL |
Nick Novak (at DET): Prior to Week 15, Novak had gone five
games in a row without reaching double digits in Fantasy points, but he
had 10 points against Baltimore last week. He has the chance for another
solid outing against the Lions. Detroit has allowed 10 kickers to make
multiple field goals, including five at home. This game should be a
high-scoring affair, and Novak should have plenty of scoring chances. He
has five games this season with double digits in Fantasy points, and he
should have six after Week 16. (Started in 60 percent of leagues in
Week 15)
Sit 'Em
Matt Prater (at BUF): Prater has been a solid Fantasy option of late with three games with at least nine points in his past four outings. But those are his only three games with at least nine Fantasy points this season, and he has struggled outdoors away from the thin air in Denver. He has just one game with multiple field goals on the road outside, and that was in Week 12 at San Diego. Otherwise he is 4 of 8 on field goals at Tennessee, Green Bay, Miami, Oakland and Kansas City. The Bills have allowed 8 of 9 field goals in their past three games at home against Nick Folk, Rob Bironas and Dan Carpenter, but we're expecting Prater's road woes to continue, especially if the weather is a problem in Buffalo. (Started in 7 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Stay in touch with the most passionate Fantasy staff in the business by following us via Twitter @CBSFantasyFB . You can also follow Jamey at @JameyEisenberg and on Facebook .