Fantasy Football: Top 10 players to sit for Week 16

When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to sit these top 10 players heading into Week 16 NFL action.

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) reacts during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

For most of us, Week 16 marks the last week of the fantasy football season. We wait all year planning and researching in order to draft a winning line-up and within a blink of an eye it’s over.

In your last effort to bring your team to victory, this week’s starts and sits are even more important than ever. One wrong player could blow your entire season.

With the season coming to an end and teams trying to cinch playoff spots, this weeks games are going to offer some tough match-ups. Don’t fall victim to a Week 16 bust. Check out these top 10 players to sit this week.

Next: 10. This Jet might lose his magic

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

10. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Nobody ever expected Ryan Fitzpatrick to offer fantasy value in any league. After being named on the sleeper list these past few weeks, it’s unfortunate his 20+ fantasy point weeks came to a halt last week.

Fitzpatrick completed 26-of-39 passes for 299 with one touchdown and one interception. He also added five rushes for 13 yards in last week’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.

This week, Fitzpatrick takes on the New England Patriots who rank 7^th against opposing quarterbacks. Since Week 12 no opposing quarterback has earned more than 12 fantasy points per game against them. This week’s match-up is far from ideal for this quarterback.

Next: 9. This Eagle will not soar

Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Manny Lawson (91) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

9. DeMarco Murray

What happened to DeMarco Murray? In the beginning half of the season, Murray was a hot fantasy pick posting 20 or more fantasy points four times. Then, it went downhill from there.

Last week, Murray’s entire game consisted of 2 carries for three yards. He didn’t even bring home one fantasy point last week. With this little carries, we can’t expect Murray will be receiving a large work load.

Murray is not the star he used to be, and deserves a spot on the bench. Make no mistake about it, don’t even waste your time entertaining the thought of starting him this week.

Next: 8. This Bengal is questionable

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

8. A.J. Green

A.J Green is announced to be on track to playing in this weeks game. However, last week, Green’s injury affected his fantasy game and he just can’t be trusted in the week of fantasy championships.

Green caught only 1-of-3 targets for 37 yards. He didn’t even earned owners five fantasy points. Green faces the Denver Broncos who rank 1^st against wide receivers not to mention, the Cincinnati Bengals are without Andy Dalton. Green is a high risk for any Week 16 line-up.

Considering everything, it’s best to sit him this week as he won’t be able to replicate his past results without his favorite quarterback under center.

Next: 7. This Cowboy isn't lassoing points

Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) runs with the ball after the catch during the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Dallas Cowboys defeated Washington Redskins 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

7. Jason Witten

Jason Witten has been a steady tight end all season. He always averages about the same amount of points week after week but, they’re just not championship worthy points.

Last week, Witten caught 5-of-5 targets for 49 yards in the loss to the NY Jets. In the last 12 games, Witten has only exceeded 7 points in one game.

This week, the Dallas Cowboys play the Buffalo Bills who rank 15^th against the position. That match-up sounds good, however, keep in mind the Cowboys are working with third string quarterback Kellen Moore. Now isn’t the time to take a chance with Witten.

Next: 6. This Bill will have a running game

Dec 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) carries for a two point conversion as Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

6. Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor makes this list not because he is inept; just last week he earned over 25 fantasy points. Taylor’s Week 16 game offers him an unfavorable match-up against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys rank 4^th against opposing quarterbacks. They also rank 6^th against wide receivers, which doesn’t offer Sammy Watkins (Taylor’s only reliable receiver) an opportunity to post points. With the Buffalo Bills favoring a heavy focus on their running game this week, Taylor will be a Week 16 bust.

The Bills will want to establish their ground game which means less passes for Taylor and not many fantasy points earned. Mark my words, it’s best to stay away from him this week.

Next: 5. This Cowboy doesn't live up to his name

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) breaks the tackle of New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) to score a touchdown in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5. Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant has had an interesting season. He was once a popular fantasy pick however, this season he has not lived up to his name.

Last week, he caught only 4-of-9 targets for 50 yards and added 10 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys’ loss to the Jets. Including last week, Bryant has only exceeded 10 points three times the entire season, with his highest points per game being less than 15.

This week the Dallas Cowboys prepare to play the Buffalo Bills who rank 24^th against the position. Don’t forget about the wonky Cowboys’ quarterback situation. Do you really want to trust Bryant? No!!!

Next: 4. This Steeler doesn't steal points

Nov 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) dislodges the football from Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller (83) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

4. Heath Miller

Heath Miller started off the season with a bang, and then by Week 4, was struggling to earn double-digit points. If you drafted Miller, you have probably learned he is not a reliable start.

Last week he reeled in 3 targets for 12 yards in the Steelers’ victory over the Denver Broncos. Miller only excels when the match-up is right, and last week it was not right.

Unfortunately for fantasy owners, this week’s match-up isn’t promising either. Miller takes on the Baltimore Ravens who rank 3^rd against opposing tight ends. The Ravens have allowed the third fewest fantasy points and only two touchdowns to the position all season. Sit Miller immediately.

Next: 3. This Packer has been a season bust

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) eludes Oakland Raiders cornerback TJ Carrie (38) after making a catch in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Randall Cobb

Randall Cobb has been a season long bust. He had two or three weeks where he posted at least 20 points but other than that, he hasn’t wowed fantasy owners.

In Week 15, Cobb had four carries for 18 yards and completed five passes for 40 yards. He has only scored once since Week 10 and on average totals only 54 yards per game.

In Week 16, the Green Bay Packers take on the Arizona Cardinals, who rank 7^th against opposing wide receivers. With the Cardinals shutting down the position, owners don’t stand a chance in this week’s match-up.

Next: 2. This Jet is not taking off

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chris Ivory

It breaks my heart to add Chris Ivory to this week’s sit list. Ivory has been an integral part of fantasy football this season and last year as well. However, his running game has decreased over the last few weeks.

Last week, Ivory completed 1-of-2 passes for five yards. He also rushed 13 times for 37 yards in Week 15’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.

In recent weeks, Ivory has also lost playing time to Bilal Powell who has scored a touchdown in three of his last four match-ups. This week, the Jets face their division rival in the New England Patriots who rank 10^th against running backs. On average, the Patriots allow less than 15 fantasy points to the position and with Ivory losing playing time, this week’s match-up is not ideal.

Next: 1. This defense won't charge this week

Oct 25, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) celebrates after the defense recovered a fumble by the Cleveland Browns during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

1. The St. Louis Rams Defense

The St. Louis Rams defense and special teams have been everything but elite this season. They have posted double-digit points in only five of their match-ups this season and have had five or fewer points in five of their games this season.

This week, the struggling defense meet the Seattle Seahawks who are headed by a talented Russell Wilson, who in the past four weeks has exceeded 25 fantasy points per game.

More jets: Top 10 fantasy football sleepers for Week 16

Over their last four match-ups, this defense/special teams didn’t even average a single point. This also includes the Baltimore Ravens who ended Week 14 with -2 fantasy points. You see where I am going with this? Just don’t start the Rams defense this week, it’s not worth the grief.