Lineup Prep: Week 16

Wed Dec 17 9:17am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Brissett has become a must start


It is another crucial week of games. First off, congrats on just making it to this point of the season. That is an accomplishment in itself. You should be proud. There are probably eight owners in your league that wish they were you right now. So enjoy the ride. Put your best team out there and hope for the best.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

The Vikings have to be feeling a little better about J.J. McCarthy these days. He has played some good football his last two games, looking more like the franchise quarterback of the team. You still have to be concerned with McCarthy and Justin Jefferson not being able to be on the same page, but at least McCarthy is throwing the ball better. He could end up being a solid fantasy contributor next year if he keeps making strides.

You have to feel for Patrick Mahomes, going down with the dreaded torn ACL. I would not rule out Mahomes for being ready for Week 1 of next season, though. He is going to do all he can to get ready. In the meantime, I would be quite worried if I have any Chiefs fantasy players on my team for the rest of this year. Gardner Minshew has plenty of experience but he is no Patrick Mahomes, who made the passing game click this year for the most part. I would expect all pass catchers to take a step back for the Chiefs with Minshew throwing them passes now. Not good.

I have said it numerous times but I think last week was a great indication for why you just want to get in your fantasy playoffs. It doesn’t matter if you are the one seed or the six seed, the best team doesn’t always win at this time of the year. Crazy stuff can happen like Kyle Pitts scoring the fifth-most points in the history of tight end scoring in a single week. Just get in!

I think Javonte Williams has been one of the most surprising fantasy players for me this year. He has really embraced the starting role in Dallas and is eighth overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has been so consistent in this offense. I would expect the Cowboys to try to sign him after the season, making him their top back. Remember, he is just 25 years old. He has some prime years left.

Trey McBride is having such a good year that if he were labeled a receiver instead of a tight end for fantasy, he would be fourth overall in fantasy receiver scoring. He is just about two points behind Amon-Ra St. Brown in fantasy scoring. So McBride is producing like an elite fantasy receiver at the tight end spot, which is not exactly a great fantasy position this year. McBride has nearly 100 more fantasy points than the second-ranked tight end (Travis Kelce). McBride is going to be a huge advantage for any team that rostered him this year, producing so much better than any other tight end. Could he be a first-round pick in 2026?

Trevor Lawrence seems to have finally had the light go on this season. He seems to be gaining confidence every week and the addition of Jakobi Meyers has been great for him. I’m anxious to see how he performs in some pressure games coming up, though. That will be the true test. He has a big game against the Broncos this week and then the playoffs in a few more weeks. We will really see if he is a new quarterback, seeing how he performs in those big games.

News and Notes: The Jets released wide receiver Allen Lazard on Tuesday. The veteran receiver has played little with the team this year. . . . .The Bills signed kicker Michael Badgley to their practice squad on Tuesday. He is expected to handle the kicking duties for the Bills this week.

HOT PLAYS

Jacoby Brissett, QB, Cardinals. Brissett proved last week that he is a must start no matter the matchup. He scored 24.05 fantasy points against the best defense in football, the Texans. Brissett has scored at least 21.85 fantasy points in all nine games. He has the fifth most fantasy points for quarterbacks his last three games. The numbers don’t like. Brissett gets it done on a weekly basis. Expect more the same this week against a reeling Falcons pass defense. Atlanta’s pass defense was pretty stout to begin the season but has allowed 235-plus passing yards two straight and three of five games.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Bears. Swift is seventh overall in fantasy running back scoring his last three games. He has 20-plus fantasy points two of three games. Swift is hitting his stride at a good point of the season for fantasy teams. The Bears are having a ton of success running the ball the second half of the season and are leaning heavily into that style of football. Swift has a matchup for most success this week against the Packers, a team the Bears ran for 138 yards against just a few weeks back.

Darren Waller, TE, Dolphins. Waller had his second two-touchdown game of the season last week. He was targeted a season-high eight times, catching seven passes for 66 yards and two scores. He has 17-plus fantasy points three of six games this year. Waller is a bit of a wild card at times but he is coming off a huge game and gets a smash matchup against the Bengals. Cincinnati continues to be a disaster against the tight end this year, allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. Waller is a top-10 fantasy tight end for Week 16.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles. We know Barkley is a must start but he isn’t having near the season of last year. He is just 11th overall in fantasy running back scoring. The Eagles offense has struggled much of the year, though, and the offensive line isn’t playing near the level of past seasons. Here is the good news for Barkley owners, though. The Eagles are leaning on Barkley down the stretch. He has 20-plus carries four of his last six games. If he gets that workload this week against the Commanders, look for Barkley to produce big. Washington allows the seventh most fantasy points to running backs and allowed 145-plus rushing yards two straight and four of five games.

DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers. Metcalf isn’t having near the fantasy season most hoped, but is showing some signs of life lately. He has at least 14-plus fantasy points three of four games. The Steelers are doing a better job of taking chances down the field with Metcalf. He should get some chances for some big plays this week against a banged-up Lions secondary. Detroit allows the second-most fantasy points to receivers on the season. The Lions have allowed 325-plus passing yards two straight and three of four games. 

COLD PLAYS   

Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks. Walker is getting much of the work at running back in recent weeks but doing little with it. He has 19 carries for 46 yards his last two games. He has less than four fantasy points each of those games. He might have a tough time in Week 16 once again against the Rams. Los Angeles allows the second fewest fantasy points to running backs and given up less than 75-rushing yards two straight games. Walker is a tough play in this one.

Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings. J.J. McCarthy is playing better but that isn’t really helping Addison right now. He has less than double-digit fantasy points three of four games. His numbers have really decreased since the start to his season when he posted 100-yards games two of his first three. We have a hard time trusting him at this point of the year, even in a favorable matchup against the Giants. You just never know what you are going to get from Addison.

Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott is having a huge season but does have a few games with poor production, including last week. He scored just 14.9 fantasy points against the Vikings. It was a bad time for Prescott to have one of his few down games. And we wouldn’t be surprised if that happens again this week against a very good Chargers pass defense. Los Angeles allows the second fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Chargers have allowed less than 200-passing yards five of their last seven games. It could be another ho-hum game for Prescott in Week 16. 

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers. Warren is becoming a bit of a touchdown-dependent player because of the emergence of Kenneth Gainwell. He has fewer than 40-rushing yards three straight games. Warren could have a hard time again this week against a good Lions rush defense. Detroit allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs and do well in limiting the rushing touchdowns. If you have better options, you might want to consider using them at running back in Week 16.

George Pickens, WR, Cowboys. Pickens has gone cold at the wrong time. He was having a huge season, but suddenly, he has fewer than 40 yards two straight games. He has eight receptions for 70 yards his last two games on 15 targets. He has less than nine fantasy points each of his last two games. It is tough to bench him but maybe temper your expectations for him once again for Week 16 against the Chargers. The Chargers allow the fewest fantasy points to receivers on the season.

SLEEPERS    

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. Young has played some good football this year but has been inconsistent. He remains a hard player to trust, but he does have a high ceiling in this offense. He has 24-plus fantasy points two of four games. We like him to have one of his big games this week against the Bucs. The Panthers offense is going to need to score some points to keep up with the Bucs this week. And if you want to beat the Bucs, it is easiest to do through the air. Tampa allows third third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and gave up 365-passing yards to Kirk Cousins last week.

Audric Estime, RB, Saints. Estime could be the lead back for the Saints this week because of all the injuries at running back for the team. He is far from a sure thing but has some potential in a favorable matchups. He gets a bad Jets rush defense, which has allowed 514-rushing yards their last three games. The Jets allow the third most fantasy points to running backs on the season. 

Tre Harris, WR, Chargers. Harris played 85 percent of the snaps last week with Quentin Johnston banged up. He had three receptions 49 yards on five targets. He could be setup for another big workload this week with Johnston still iffy to play. If that happens, we like Harris to make a big play or two against the Cowboys secondary. Dallas continues to be brutal against the pass, allowing the most fantasy points to receivers. Harris is an intriguing flyer for Week 16.

Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings. Mason hasn’t been too consistent this year but does have double-digit fantasy points six games. His production has been erratic but he gets the weekly chances. He has double-digit carries two straight games. If he gets double-digit carries this week against the Giants, look for good things from Mason, making him an intriguing flex play. The Giants allow the second-most fantasy points to running backs on the season. New York has allowed at least 119-rushing yards eight straight games.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall finally got back to his ways from early in the season, catching six passes for 96 yards on seven targets last week. It was a very encouraging showing. Remember, he had two 100-yard games early in the year before getting hurt. He has the potential to go off any single week in this offense. We like him to keep it going this week against the Colts, a team that has injury issues in the secondary. Indy allows the third most fantasy points to receivers and has allowed at least 247-passing yards four straight games.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low-scoring games for the coming week. In high-scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low-scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Bengals/Dolphins, Chargers/Cowboys, Falcons/Cardinals, Steelers/Lions, Patriots/Ravens.

Low Scoring Games: Bills/Browns, Jets/Saints, Raiders/Texans.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 16

Player Notes
Brady Cook Dec 22 10:10am CT
Brady Cook

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said that Brady Cook will remain the team's starting quarterback, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Cook has started each of New York's last two games after taking over for veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor in the middle of the Jets' Week 14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. An undrafted rookie out of the University of Missouri, Cook has struggled in his first taste of NFL action. Across three games (two starts), he's completed 59.2% of his pass attempts for 527 yards, one touchdown, and six interceptions. However, there's little incentive at this point in the season for the 3-12 Jets to do anything but attempt to improve their 2026 draft pick, which may be the reason why Glenn is sticking with Cook under center. Heading into a difficult Week 17 matchup against the New England Patriots, fantasy managers should avoid Cook and may want to move away from Jets running back Breece Hall as well.

From RotoBaller

Jawhar Jordan Dec 22 9:50am CT
Jawhar Jordan

Despite spending most of the season off his team's active roster, Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan has emerged as a major contributor over the last two weeks. With Texans RB1 Woody Marks (ankle) battling an ankle injury, Jordan has recorded 188 scrimmage yards on 37 touches over his past two games. Despite veteran back Nick Chubb making his return in Week 16 from a rib injury that sidelined him in Week 15, Jordan worked as Houston's lead back. In Week 16, Jordan out-snapped Chubb 30 to 21 and out-touched him 17 to seven. If Marks remains sidelined for the team's Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jordan could see another game with a heavy workload. Jordan is worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 17, just in case Marks is unable to make his return.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 22 9:40am CT
Kyle Monangai

Dating back to Week 10, Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai has recorded double-digit touches in six straight games. While the 23-year-old remains stuck in a backfield time share with veteran running back D'Andre Swift, the Bears have shown a willingness to force-feed the ball to both players every week. Monangai has rewarded his team with efficient rushing as well. Across 15 games this season, he's logged 731 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 155 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per rush attempt. Swift remains the lead back in Chicago, but just barely. Monangai has played at least 41% of his team's offensive snaps in five straight games. In that five-game stretch, Swift has recorded 70 carries while Monangai has logged 68. As long as the split between the two backs remains close to even, the Bears' rushing offense is powerful enough to support production from two players. In fantasy leagues where he remains available, Monangai is a priority waiver wire target heading into his Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Dec 22 9:40am CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has seen his workload fall off in recent weeks, as he's recorded double-digit carries in just one game since Week 8. However, Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson (head) was forced to leave New England's Week 15 win over the Baltimore Ravens early after suffering a head injury, which may open an opportunity for Stevenson. The 27-year-old had a solid game against Baltimore in Henderson's absence, recording 71 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 10 touches. While he's struggled to be efficient as a rusher this season (3.7 yards per carry), Stevenson's numbers look better when his work as a receiver is factored in. He's racked up 693 yards from scrimmage on 140 touches, good for an average of five yards per touch. If Henderson is unable to play in Week 17 against the New York Jets, Stevenson could dominate backfield touches in a favorable matchup. In fantasy leagues where he is available, Stevenson is worth targeting on the waiver wire while Henderson's availability is in question.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Dec 22 9:20am CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum began the 2025 season as his team's clear RB2 behind established back Kyren Williams. However, as the year has progressed, Corum and Williams have moved closer to a true timeshare in the backfield. Over his last four games, Corum has recorded 328 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 44 carries. While Williams remains the team's leading rusher and snap-earner, Corum has played at least 22 offensive snaps in three straight weeks. Given the overall prowess of the Rams' offense, Corum has a chance to provide fantasy-relevant production every week, as long as he continues to earn double-digit touches. In any fantasy league where he remains available, Corum is a must-add player on the waiver wire heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Dec 22 9:20am CT
Kenneth Gainwell

As the 2025 season has progressed, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has emerged as one of his team's most reliable all-purpose weapons. Over his last six games, the 26-year-old has recorded 568 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 84 touches. Gainwell has earned 38 targets in that six-game stretch and has now hauled in at least five receptions in five out of his last six outings. The Steelers continue to deploy a near 50/50 split in the backfield between Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, which limits the upside for both players to some degree. However, as long as Gainwell continues to function as a featured piece in the Pittsburgh passing game, he should provide a safe production floor in PPR fantasy leagues. In any league where he remains available, Gainwell is a must-add player off the waiver wire heading into his Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Dec 22 8:40am CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson could be a top waiver wire priority this week, as the Packers get ready to host the Ravens on Saturday. The team could be without Jordan Love (concussion) and Josh Jacobs (knee) for that matchup, and Wilson has proven he can be a fantasy factor if he takes over for Jacobs as the primary option. Last week, Wilson ran for 82 yards on 14 carries against the Bears, while Jacobs had just 36 yards on 12 carries. Wilson also starred in Green Bay's win over the Packers when Jacobs was injured, racking up 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries in that week. The Ravens have been a great matchup for running backs this season, and if Wilson gets the start, he could be a true difference-maker in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Dec 22 8:30am CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter filled in as the starter in Week 16 for the team's banged-up backfield, and he had a solid game against the Falcons. He took 11 carries for 65 yards but failed to catch either of his two targets or get into the end zone. Carter played well ahead of Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner and will likely lead the backfield committee again in Week 17 with James Conner, Trey Benson, and Bam Knight all on the shelf for the rest of the season. Carter and the Cards get a favorable matchup in Week 17 against the Bengals, so if you need some emergency help in the backfield, he's a solid streaming option with touchdown-dependent upside in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Dec 22 8:20am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. seems to have secured the top spot in the backfield coming down the stretch, and he should be fantasy relevant in the closing weeks of the season. He makes a solid waiver wire add if you need a running back after picking up 63 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries on Saturday against the Eagles, and adding a six-yard catch as well. He played 28 snaps (52%) this week, compared to just 15 snaps (28%) for Jeremy McNichols and 11 snaps for Jacory Croskey-Merritt (20%). Rodriguez and the Commanders face the Cowboys on Christmas Day after a short week, and he'll have touchdown-dependent flex upside in a favorable matchup against Dallas this coming week.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Dec 22 8:20am CT
TreVeyon Henderson

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson (head) suffered a head injury during their victory over the Ravens on Sunday night. Henderson suffered the injury in the second quarter. Before exiting, the second-round pick took just five carries for a mere three yards and brought in his lone target for nine yards. In relief, veteran Rhamondre Stevenson led the way, totaling 51 yards and a score on eight attempts and bringing in two of his three targets for another 27 yards. Managers should pay close attention to Henderson's status ahead of their Week 17 contest against the Jets next Sunday. During the second half of the campaign, Henderson has enjoyed a massive breakout, averaging a stellar 22.6 PPR points per game over the last five games, entering Sunday night. If Henderson sits out in Week 17, Stevenson would carry high-end RB2 upside facing a Jets defense that is allowing the third-most PPR points to opposing RBs.

From RotoBaller

John FitzPatrick Dec 22 8:10am CT
John FitzPatrick

Green Bay Packers tight end John FitzPatrick (Achilles) was helping to fill in for the injured Tucker Kraft, but he suffered his own season-ending injury during Saturday's 22-16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears. Tests confirmed that FitzPatrick suffered a torn Achilles, which will end his season after 12 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Without FitzPatrick, Luke Musgrave will continue to be the team's top tight end with Josh Whyle as his primary backup.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 22 8:00am CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back) is considered day-to-day after sustaining a back bruise in the second quarter of Sunday night's loss to the Patriots. He took a knee to the back from Craig Woodson on a run in the second quarter and was unable to return. He said he hopes to play on Saturday against the Packers, but his status is very uncertain after battling multiple injuries this season. Jackson and the Ravens are still chasing the Steelers for the top spot in the AFC North, but it isn't clear if they'll have Jackson or Tyler Huntley under center when they take on the Packers on a short week.

From RotoBaller

Pat Bryant Dec 22 7:50am CT
Pat Bryant

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant was released from the hospital after suffering a scary injury when he took a massive hit over the middle in the final minute of Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. He had to be stretchered off the field and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Although he was diagnosed with a concussion, he cleared the rest of the tests and seems to have avoided any more serious injury. Since the Broncos play the Chiefs on Christmas this Thursday, it seems unlikely that he'll be able to clear the protocol in time to play in that game. Without Bryant, more work would likely go to Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. behind Courtland Sutton. Stay tuned for further updates this week, but it's great news that Bryant did not have any further injuries.

From RotoBaller

Jawhar Jordan Dec 22 6:10am CT
Jawhar Jordan

Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan broke through with a huge NFL debut last week, and he built on that performance in Week 16 against the Raiders. Jordan was the primary back for Houston with Woody Marks (ankle) out, getting 20 touches compared to just seven for veteran Nick Chubb. Jordan racked up 53 rushing yards on 15 carries and 17 receiving yards by turning all five of his targets into receptions. After two solid performances, Jordan could remain involved in the backfield again next week as the Texans take on the Chargers, but his role will depend on Marks' recovery. If Marks does return, Jordan could still get work, but his role would likely be dramatically reduced. He's worth watching, though, since he has been more effective than Chubb and could remain the team's secondary running back after a pair of promising performances.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Dec 22 6:00am CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins only had four catches for 59 yards on Sunday against the Raiders, but his team did just enough to still pull out a 23-21 win to extend their winning streak to seven games. Collins was targeted a team-high nine times by C.J. Stroud and drew two key pass interference calls late while also catching a 24-yard pass at the two-minute warning that iced the game. He remains the Texans' go-to option and should be poised to bounce back with better totals next week when Houston's offense will have to be more aggressive against the Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Dec 22 5:50am CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright scored his second touchdown of the season in the last five minutes of the team's 42-21 loss to the Bengals. After breaking out with a monster game in Week 14 against the Jets, he only had one carry and one target last week against the Steelers, but he was more involved on Sunday against Cincy. He finished with nine carries for 35 yards and one catch for 18 yards to go with his touchdown, while fellow backup Ollie Gordon II only had one carry for -1 yards. Wright seems to be the better option behind De'Von Achane at this point, but Achane will likely handle most of the work next week against the Bucs, with Wright mixing in a few times as a change-of-pace option.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Dec 22 5:50am CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz caught all five of his targets on Sunday against the Raiders, racking up 35 yards and a touchdown in his team's narrow, 23-21 victory. Schultz's touchdown came on a one-yard pass from C.J. Stroud midway through the fourth quarter and was the only offensive score of the day from the Texans, who struggled to get much going on offense, settling for three long Ka'imi Fairbairn kicks and a defensive score before Schultz got to paydirt. Schultz continues to be a PPR producer as one of the top targets in the Texans' passing game. He doesn't typically get a ton of yards, but his catches and targets are consistent enough to give him a high floor and decent ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Dec 22 5:50am CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (ribs) was able to play through his questionable tag on Sunday, but his fellow running back Woody Marks (ankle) was ruled out. Even without Marks, though, Chubb's workload was limited as Jawhar Jordan led the way with 15 carries for 53 yards, while Chubb had six carries for 33 yards and one catch for nine more yards. He remains involved as an early-down option and could get work around the goal line, but he doesn't seem likely to be the featured running back at this point in his career. If Marks is ready to return next week against the Chargers, Chubb could get even less work with Jordan and Marks each looking more effective and explosive than the veteran.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Dec 22 5:40am CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington was only targeted once in the Dolphins' loss to the Bengals on Sunday, but he had a decent fantasy day since he caught that target for 23 yards and added a nine-yard touchdown play in the first half. The second-year receiver out of Virginia has only had a single target in back-to-back weeks and doesn't seem to have an especially strong connection with new starter Quinn Ewers. He has play-making upside when he gets involved, as he showed with his touchdown run, but his involvement has been very limited, leaving him as a risky fantasy option the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Dec 22 5:40am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller didn't find the end zone in Week 16 against the Bengals, but he did still haul in three catches for 40 yards and rank second on the team in targets with five passes thrown his way. Rookie QB Quinn Ewers started and threw for 260 yards and no touchdowns in the team's loss, but he likely showed enough potential to earn another start next week against Tampa Bay. Waller will likely remain the second option in the passing game behind Jaylen Waddle, and he has shown enough upside this season to be a fringe starting option in standard leagues.

From RotoBaller