Fri Dec 20 12:21pm ET
By MIKE BARNER
Contributing Writer
Rush is worth a look Week 16
We have just three weeks left in the regular season. With playoff seeding coming to the forefront, there is also money to still be won in DFS. Let’s highlight some of the top players to target for your lineups for Week 16, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
Quarterbacks
Cooper Rush, DAL vs. TB ($5,200): This could be a good week to save some of your budget at the quarterback spot. Rush hasn’t exactly been racking up passing yards, but he does have at least two touchdown passes in three of his last four games. That’s noteworthy because he will be facing a Buccaneers team that is tied for the seventh-most touchdown passes allowed in the league.
Aidan O’Connell, LV vs. JAX ($5,100): O’Connell is poised to return after sitting out last week with a knee injury. That’s good news as we continue to try and attack the Jaguars throughout the season. Their defense has been dreadful. They are tied for the most passing touchdowns allowed and have allowed the second-most passing yards in the league. O’Connell could provide significant value.
Player to Avoid
Brock Purdy, SF at MIA ($6,300): Purdy has been the victim of some bad weather games lately. He threw for just 94 yards in snowy conditions against the Bills in Week 13, then rain contributed to him throwing for just 142 yards against the Rams last week. Even when conditions have been on his side, Purdy has not been overly productive. He only has four games this season with more than one touchdown pass. That puts him in a tough spot against a Dolphins team that has allowed just 16 passing touchdowns all season.
Running Backs
James Conner, ARI at CAR ($7,100): Conner steamrolled the Patriots last week, turning 16 carries into 110 yards and two touchdowns. That marked his fifth game of the season with at least 100 rushing yards. He also caught five passes for 28 yards, marking his sixth straight game with at least three receptions. The Panthers have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, leaving Conner with tremendous upside.
Bucky Irving, TB at DAL ($6,400): While playing through some injury issues, Irving still racked up 117 yards on 15 carries against the Chargers last week. He has posted at least 73 rushing yards in four of his last five games, also totaling three touchdowns during that span. His increased workload down the stretch makes him a great option against a Cowboys team that has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game in the league.
Player to Avoid
Rhamondre Stevenson, NE at BUF ($5,900): With the Patriots’ offense scuffling, Stevenson has not scored a touchdown since Week 9. He also hasn’t topped 74 rushing yards in a game since Week 5. The Bills are the vastly superior team here, so they could race out to a big lead early. If that were to happen, the Patriots would likely need to throw a lot in the second half to try and play catchup. Stevenson already doesn’t carry much upside, but with the potential for the game script to work against him, he’s not someone to consider in DFS.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams, NYJ vs. LAR ($7,100): Adams was in this column last week and came through with 12 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns against the Jaguars. It was a layup of a matchup for him, but at least he made the most of it. He has posted at least 100 receiving yards in back-to-back games and has at least one touchdown in three straight games. The Rams have allowed the third-most yards per target to wide receivers in the league, so expect Adams to have a high floor again.
Adam Thielen, CAR vs. ARI ($5,600): Thielen received seven targets against the Cowboys last week, which he turned into five receptions for 51 yards. Prior to that, he had received at least 10 targets in back-to-back games. With Xavier Legette (hip) likely out, Thielen should at least challenge for double-digit targets again. That might make him too good to pass up at his cheaper salary.
Player to Avoid
Tyreek Hill, MIA vs. SF ($6,900): After finally putting together a good performance against the Jets in Week 14, Hill struggled last week with just two catches for 36 yards against the Texans. He only has two games with at least 100 receiving yards all season. What’s even worse is that he has recorded seven games with fewer than 50 receiving yards. Adams has been more reliable and only has a slightly more expensive salary, so stay away from Hill.
Tight Ends
Brocks Bowers, LV vs. JAX ($4,000): With Desmond Ridder at the helm last week, Bowers only caught three passes for 35 yards. O’Connell isn’t exactly someone to build your franchise around, but he is lightyears better than Ridder. Given the issues that the Jaguars have had defending the pass, this is a great bounce-back spot for Bowers.
Hunter Henry, NE at BUF ($4,100): One of the main reasons we highlighted to avoid Stevenson is that the Patriots might be forced to throw a lot against the Bills. That might not help Stevenson, but that would be great news for Henry. Henry has received at least eight targets in a game six times this season. He emerged with at least six receptions and 56 receiving yards in five of them.
Player to Avoid
Cade Otton, TB at DAL ($4,400): The return of Mike Evans has dealt a massive blow to Otton. Across four games since Evans returned from injury, Otton has totaled just 10 receptions for 144 yards. In three of those games, he received four or fewer targets. Expect his role to remain limited as long as Evans is on the field.
Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 17 times for 120 yards and a touchdown and added six catches on seven targets for 70 yards in their 29-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. This is further evidence that he is a weekly surefire RB1 with his best-rushing production of the season and scoring his fifth touchdown in the last five games. This is the sixth game in a row where Achane has eclipsed 14 PPR fantasy points. The 23-year-old was able to carry the offense on a day when moving the ball through the air was hard to come by. With Miami needing to win the next two games to have a shot at the playoffs, Achane will almost certainly be a big part of the game plan. Miami will travel to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts caught one of two targets for seven yards in Sunday's 34-7 blowout win over the Giants. A week after catching four passes, Pitts faded into the background once again, now with one catch or less in five of the last seven games. Michael Penix Jr. targeted eight different receivers in this one, but the bulk of it was focused on the three main pass catchers Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud III. If you were a Pitts manager and survived this performance, congratulations. Next Sunday brings a matchup versus Washington who has been good against tight ends this season, so the 24-year-old will be a roll of the dice again for any manager interested in deploying him.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey delivered a fantastic performance for fantasy managers looking to advance through their playoffs during the 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The K3 on the season finished four-for-four on field goals while making both of his extra points. He made two 58-yarders, a 53, and a 49-yarder to accrue his ninth double-digit fantasy outing. This was also his second performance of 20 or more fantasy points. He'll go into a Week 17 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles trying to overtake Ka'imi Fairbairn and Chris Boswell.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught all six of his targets for 62 yards in the 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. Smith was again as solid as he has been since Tua Tagovailoa returned in Week 8. This is the tenth time he has seen six or more targets and the sixth time he has cracked 60 receiving yards in a game this season. The only downside in this game was his two-game touchdown streak being snapped. With Miami still fighting to make the playoffs, the last two remaining games will be meaningful, and Smith should be a heavy part of the game plan. He will travel to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert grabbed his sixth touchdown of the season in the team's surprising win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The 25-year-old registered two catches for 20 yards and a score on three targets which was just enough to make him a WR3 before the Monday Night game kicks off. This was the second consecutive game that Tolbert found the end zone as well. He'll try to keep this streak alive against a tougher defense in the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray performed well on the ground in the 36-30 overtime loss to the Panthers, adding a 20-yard touchdown run. Murray's official stat line was 20-of-32 for 202 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, including 63 yards rushing and another touchdown. Unfortunately, Murray turned the ball over again, making a questionable throw in a crucial moment that was intercepted. The Cardinals' passing attack has struggled since the bye week, and the Cardinals are eliminated from playoff contention. Heading into next week, the Cardinals may be without running back James Conner (knee) and could be forced to rely more on Murray's legs to create in the running game. Murray will be on the lower end of quarterback rankings for championship week, though his rushing ability will keep him in the conversation when the Cardinals take on the Rams.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker wasn't much of a contributor in the team's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He posted two receptions for 41 yards on four targets and received one carry which went eight yards in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, Aidan O'Connell threw a lot of short passes that went to Brock Bowers and Ameer Abdullah more often than Tucker and Jakobi Meyers. This marks Tucker's third week in a row as a WR58 or worse in half-PPR formats. He'll try to bounce back against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks posted an efficient day on low volume in the 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran caught all three of his targets for 48 yards but was unable to get into the end zone. The good news was that he hit his highest yardage mark of the season, but 48 yards for a season-high isn't going to be a fantasy league winner. Cooks remains a very risky boom or bust option, especially with Cooper Rush behind center. The Cowboys take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 presenting a tougher task for Cooks to score.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell put his game-managing hat on and led the team to a 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The former fourth-round pick registered 257 yards with no touchdowns or turnovers on 24-for-38 throwing and seven carries for 12 yards. While his performance wasn't spectacular, especially in fantasy football, he managed the offense enough for the team's third win. His fantasy ceiling is very limited, but he'll look to grab another win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers couldn't get much of a rhythm going despite getting the 19-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished with two catches for 41 yards on five targets and no touchdowns. This was his lowest yardage total since Week 11 and his fewest receptions in any game this season. In fact, this was his worst weekly finish of the year as the WR56 in half-PPR formats. He'll try to right the ship for fantasy managers in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush had one of his strongest performances of the season on Sunday night in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rush completed 26-of-35 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown, leaning on star receiver CeeDee Lamb for big plays in the narrow victory. The 31-year-old has a tough matchup against Philadelphia on tap for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison had four catches for 39 yards in an overtime loss to Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: Harrison was supposed to be the next big thing at the position, but he's honestly been outplayed by both Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr for most of the season. While his 51/726/7 season thus far has been fine, he's shown little to make us really believe he can be the next Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase, despite playing with better quarterbacks than both Nabers and Thomas (at least most of the season). Harrison's dynasty value is going to start slipping unless we see some dominant performances.
Dynasty | Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr had nine catches for 132 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Now armed with 49 targets the past four games and a 73/1,088/9 line as a rookie, Thomas has simply solidified his status as a top-ten dynasty wide receiver. When you consider he's spent the year on a team in turmoil and without Trevor Lawrence for a big chunk of the season, this is even more impressive. As Michael Jordan would say, "The ceiling is the roof," for this young receiver.
Dynasty | Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had 11 catches for 99 yards in a win against Jacksonville. Dynasty Analysis: Bowers now has 101 catches for 1,067 yards and four touchdowns on the season, becoming the first rookie tight end with 1,000 receiving yards since Kyle Pitts (remember him). Before that, the last to achieve the feat was Mike Ditka about 1,000 years ago. Bowers has solidified his status as the TE1 in dynasty leagues and at this point, it's not really that close.
Dynasty | Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr completed 18-of-27 passes for 202 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in a win against the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: Penix's interception was far from his fault as a red zone pass to Kyle Pitts bounced right off his hands and into the arms of the defense. Penix moved the offense effectively and didn't look rattled at all. While this was the Giants defense that doesn't exactly resemble the '85 Bears, Penix gave the Falcons more than Kirk Cousins has for most of the year. His dynasty value is on the rise.
Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 109 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: With David Montgomery out this week, Gibbs took on the role of featured back and flourished. He even added four catches and 45 yards on the day. As long as Montgomery is sidelined, Gibbs belongs locked into playoff lineups. This late season surge will also likely stop any kind of value drop he incurred during the year.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 34 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown in the 29-17 Week 16 win over the San Francisco 49ers. He also carried the ball two times for -1 yards. With how stout the 49ers are at defending the pass, Tagovailoa and the Miami offense let the ground game take over. These last two games have been the lowest-scoring stretch of the season for the 26-year-old and couldn't have come at a more inopportune time. However, he was missing one of his top weapons, Jaylen Waddle (knee), which affected the air attack. Miami still has a sliver of hope to make the playoffs if the Denver Broncos somehow lose all their remaining games, so these next two games could be meaningful. Week 17 will be in colder conditions when he and the Dolphins travel to take on the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison rumbled into the end zone for the first time since Week 6 in the team's 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Minnesota Viking finished the game with 12 carries for 27 yards and one score while hauling in four of his seven targets for 29 yards. For those fantasy managers who were brave or desperate enough to start Mattison, his touchdown boosted his performance to an RB2 which was his fifth time finishing in that area. The Raiders will take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen caught five of his six targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. The veteran route runner has found his 2024 footing over the last month, making himself a viable WR3/FLEX option over that stretch of play. As second-year quarterback Bryce Young has regained his confidence, Thielen has proven to be his most dependable and comforting target, a trend that will likely continue to close out the season. Since returning from a hamstring injury in Week 12, the 34-year-old has racked up 30 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns over five games. Thielen should remain a mid-range WR3/FLEX player in Week 17 with a questionable Tampa Bay secondary on the slate.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore caught two passes for 39 yards in their 36-30 overtime win against the Arizona Cardinalsone of which was an 18-yard touchdown that extended Carolina's second-half lead. The seventh-year veteran was questionable coming into Sunday with a concussion but ended up suiting up and hauled in his second touchdown of the year while being Carolina's second-leading receiver in the win. Still, his week-to-week production left much to be desired this season, and he is not a likely fantasy option outside of deep leagues for Week 17 against Tampa Bay.
From RotoBaller