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Fantasy Football: Top 10 players to start for Week 16
By Genna Preston
When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 10 players heading into Week 16 NFL action.
Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) calls out a play prior to the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Wow, where did the season go? It’s Week 16, and the fantasy championships are here. It has been a long and agonizing fantasy football season. With star player season ending injuries, bye weeks and team trades, deciding on who to start, sit, trade or pick-up week after week can be gruesome.
The good news it’s Week 16 and not much alteration should be made to your line-up. After all, you’ve made it to the championships.
However, this week’s match-ups may leave you undecided, and with this being the final week of most leagues, you cannot afford to mess up if you want to clinch the season victory. Lets take a look at 10 key players of Week 16 that deserve a spot on your final starting line-up.
Next: 10. There is a new Bill in town
Nov 8, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams (29) runs for his second touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills beat the Dolphins 33-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
10. Karlos William
Karlos Williams entered last week’s game after starting running back LeSean McCoy injured his knee. Although Williams wasn’t given an opportunity to shine during a much-needed passing game, he has the talent to be McCoy’s filler.
In his two starting games this season, Williams totaled 180 yards and two touchdowns. With McCoy out and Williams past performances, it is expected he will have a heavy work load.
This week, Williams matches up well against the Dallas Cowboys who rank 28th against running backs. His name may not be familiar, but he is no stranger to the field. Williams is a must start in Week 16.
Next: 9. This Cardinal flew to victory last week
Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) makes a reception and breaks the tackle attempt of Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (95) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
If you didn’t start David Johnson last week, shame on you! Appearing on my last week’s sleeper picks, Johnson earns his spot on Week 16 starter list.
Last week, Johnson caught all four of his targets for 42 yards. He also rushed 29 times for 187 yards and three touchdowns in Week 15’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Johnson has proven himself, and even if Andre Ellington returns this week, Johnson will still be considered an RB1 in his Green Bay Packers match-up. Johnson should start in Week 16.
Next: 8. This Pittsburgh player steals points
Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
If you have endless quarterback options, or are not sure who to start or sit, this is the week to go with Ben Roethlisberger. Yes, he is started on a weekly basis but, he has the capabilities of earning an extreme amount of fantasy points this week.
Just last week alone he earned owners 30 points, even after two interceptions. Roethlisberger completed 40-of-55 passes for 380 yards. He had three touchdowns in the win over a solid Denver defense.
This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the shaky Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens rank 25th against quarterbacks and allow the second most points to the position. This Week 16 match-up gives Roethlisberger an opportunity to explode.
Next: 7. This Miami running back excels
Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphin running back Lamar Miller heads to the end zone for a second quarter touchdown as New York Giants safety Cooper Taylor (right0 gets beat on the play at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
7. Lamar Miller
After last week’s fantasy bust, Lamar Miller should be observed throughout the week. Suffering a minor quad injury last week, Miller’s status is questionable however, if this changes, he should be added to your starting line-up. Miller has positively influenced fantasy teams this season as a runner and pass catcher, which allowed him to earn above average fantasy points per game.
This week, the Miami Dolphins take on the Indianapolis Colts who rank 22nd against opposing running backs, which will give Miller another opportunity to post points. If Miller’s health is okay for this week’s game, he deserves a starting spot on your roster.
Keep an eye on him as game day approaches, if he’s good to go, you should add him as your RB2 this week.
Next: 6. This Steeler had a late start this season
Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs after a pass reception against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
DeAngelo Williams has had a fantasy outbreak this past month. In his last four games, Williams has earned double-digit points; only one of those games were under 20 points.
Last week, Williams completed 5-of-6 targets for 30 yards. He also had 14 carries for 26 yards and a rushing touchdown in Week 15’s win over the Denver Broncos.
With Williams pass-catching capabilities, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to put Williams to use, especially in the next two weeks while the Steelers attempt to clinch a wild card position. Williams is a definite starter in this week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Next: 5. This Jet flies high
Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) scores a touchdown past Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
5. Eric Decker
Eric Decker has exploded fantasy scoreboards this season. Although teammate Brandon Marshall is a usual fantasy starter, personally this week I’d opt for Decker.
Last week, Decker completed 6-of-10 targets for 55 yards. He also scored one touchdown in the Week 15 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Decker has also reached at least 80 yards and/or has scored a touchdown every week this season.
Decker and the NY Jets prepare to take on division rivals the New England Patriots. With the wild card at stake and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s reliance on Decker, he is a sure boom this week.
Next: 4. This Jaguar rules the kingdom
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive back Phillip Adams (20) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas (80) in the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Julius Thomas has been a steady consistent fantasy player this season. Although Thomas had a rocky beginning half of the season, he has earned double-digit fantasy points in his last five games.
Last week, Thomas completed 6-of-9 targets for 79 yards in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Although Thomas didn’t score, he has scored at least one touchdown in his last five games prior to playing the Falcons.
Thomas is preparing to take on a poor defense in the New Orleans Saints who rank 32nd against the position. The Saints have allowed 10 touchdowns to the position and have given the most points to the position all season. Thomas is a must start in Week 16.
Next: 3. Yes, there is another talented Dolphin
Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) hands the ball off to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) In the 2nd half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins have been anything but great this season. However, Jarvis Landry always finds a way to earn substantial fantasy points this season.
Landry has completed eight or more catches in 3-of-4 of his last games. Just last week he caught 8-of-10 targets for 54 yards in their loss to the San Diego Chargers.
This week, Landry gears up in an attempt to defeat the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts rank 27th against the position and have allowed the third most points to wide receivers this season. Landry is a sure starter in this match-up.
Next: 2. Another Jaguar makes the list
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) prepares to throw the ball in the second quarter against Atlanta Falcons at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles has oddly enough earned himself on fantasy rosters. Within his last four games, Bortles has earned over 20 fantasy points per game.
Last week, Bortles competed 23-of-38 passes for 297 yards. He had one touchdown and an interception in Week 15’s match-up. Bortles also rushed six times adding 44 yards in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
This week, Bortles takes on the New Orleans Saints who rank 31st against quarterbacks. With Bortles recent fantasy value and his Week 16 match-up, Bortles is a must start this week.
Next: 1. This Jet is taking off
Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs for a touchdown against Tennessee Titans defensive back Perrish Cox (29) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
1. Bilal Powell
In the beginning of the season, Bilal Powell was being out shined by running back Chris Ivory. After being injured in Week 7, Powell re-joined his team in Week 11 where he dominated the running field, and hasn’t stopped.
Last week, Powell caught 7-of-7 targets for 54 yards. He also rushed six times for 25 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.
More jets: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 16: Bilal Powell
Powell has scored a touchdown in all of his last three games and has averaged at least 79 yards per game. This week’s match-up is going to be intense against the Patriots. However, Powell’s receiving capabilities may make him a huge asset this week and we may see him receive a bigger work load than Ivory. With that said, Powell is this week’s number one must start of the week.