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10 Fantasy Football Lineup Busts for Week 16

Pierre Camus' top 10 potential lineup busts for Week 16 of the 2016 fantasy football season. Players to avoid in your lineups as underperformers and disappointments.

You've read about all the sleepers, waiver wire pickups and starter suggestions based on matchups. Now let me burst some bubbles and tell you who I think is going to bust big time in Week 16.

This isn't to troll or spread hate - that's what those political sites are for. Think of this as a public service for fanboys and truth deniers who insist that everything is going to be alright, when it's clearly not. If you don't believe me, just ask the general public on Twitter. They know everything.

Warning: while the picks made in this article are completely serious, you may find sarcastic humor laced throughout. If you don't have any sense of humor whatsoever, turn back now before you get all worked up. Comments, praise, complaints or ramblings can be directed to @pfunk00 on Twitter.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive BOTH our full season NFL and NBA Premium Passes for free, a $119.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium Passes.

 

Week 15 Recap

First, the bad news (for my picks): Ryan Mathews suddenly had his best game of the season, Jeremy Hill scored after about 30 tries inside the one-yard line, and Tate was Golden once again. I'm not counting the DeAndre Hopkins awakening as a miss, because Brock Osweiler being benched was simply too good to believe it could happen.

The good news... well, Allen Robinson is still a bust! That sounds pretty Grinch-like, but we're in the business of predicting busts here. Let's take a look at last week's production and/or lack thereof with an all-too predictable Christmas theme.

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Andrew Luck (250 YDS, 2 TD)
Ryan Mathews (128 YDS, 1 TD)
Jeremy Hill (43 YDS, 1 TD)
DeAndre Hopkins (8 REC, 87 YDS)
Golden Tate (8 REC, 122 YDS)
Michael Thomas (7 REC, 52 YDS, 1 TD)

 

 

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Spencer Ware (70 YDS, 0 TD)
Tyler Boyd (2 REC, 13 YDS)
Allen Robinson (2 REC, 15 YDS)
Martellus Bennett (2 REC, 35 YDS)

 

 

Overall, not my best week for predictions, but we roll on to Week 16. For some of you this is Championship Week. For many others, it's "please dear God don't let me finish in last place and have to wear a face tattoo of my least favorite team's mascot to work on Monday." Either way, choose wisely and give it the old college try.

Top 10 Busts for Week 16

Derek Carr (QB, OAK) - It's becoming painfully obvious that the dislocated pinky finger is bothering Carr. He may be a Pro Bowl QB and possibly even an MVP candidate, but he may not help you win a fantasy championship. He's thrown for a total of 590 yards and three TD the last three weeks, which works out to an average of 196 yards and one touchdown. Those aren't the type of numbers that will get it done for fantasy owners. The Colts present a favorable matchup, but it's just not clear that Carr can repeat his early season success. Plus, there may be other injuries that we aren't even aware of.

carrtweet

 
 
Russell Wilson (QB, SEA) - Both Wilson and the defense he faces have been a bit schizophrenic lately. A week after throwing five interceptions at Green Bay, he put up three touchdowns versus the Rams. The Cardinals are statistically one of the best against QBs, but were lit up by Drew Brees for 389 yards and four TD last week. Rolling out Wilson as your starting QB is a huge gamble this week, especially if you remember the touchdown-less 6-6 debacle in Week 7. He hasn't nearly lived up to his ADP this season, but at least he's not alone.

wilsontweet

 
 
A.J. Green (WR, CIN) - Green returns from a four-week layoff and a torn hamstring to help the Bengals finish up the season. The problem is that the Bengals are out of the playoff race and have no reason to push Green beyond his physical limits. It's hard to imagine he will see double-digit targets right away. He doesn't have an easy matchup either, going up against a Texans secondary that has held its own all season. You may be relieved to see him return, but he makes for a risky start this week. Assuming it still makes a difference...

greentweet

 
 
John Brown (WR, ARI) - Between Weeks 10-14, Brown had a five game span with a grand total of three catches and 49 yards. Then, he suddenly broke out with 81 yards and a TD against New Orleans. It was his second TD and his second-highest receiving output of the season. Even if you are tempted to take a chance on him as a WR3 streamer, keep in mind he will be facing Richard Sherman for much of the day. Things are certainly looking grim for the Cardinals receivers, not just this week.

browntweet

 
 
Robby Anderson (WR, NYJ) - Back to Earth, Robby Anderson. As soon as Bryce Petty took over at QB, Anderson suddenly became the Jets' best receiver. He's gone for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games. There is one problem he will face this week, however: the New England Patriots. The Pats know how to take away a team's best option and apparently that option has become Anderson. You probably shouldn't take a chance on him unless you have no better options or are a really big believer in the new Petty/Anderson connection.

andersontweet

 
 
Davante Adams (WR, GB) - You probably haven't forgiven Adams if you played him last week and watched as he dropped two sure touchdowns in the end zone. If you survived to fight again this week in the playoffs, you might be tempted to give him another chance. Consider that he will be facing ageless wonder Terence Newman, who has allowed the fewest PPR per snap among all CBs. Then again, the Vikings were embarrassed last week on defense. Plus, Adams has come up big every other week, so maybe he is due for a big game. He is a boom-bust play for sure, but it doesn't seem Packers fans are too concerned.

vikestweet

 
 
Tavon Austin (WR, LA) - Austin appears every once in a while to make sure we remember how fast he is before promptly disappearing for three more weeks. He is big-play dependent, with those coming few and far in between this season. Against the Niners in Week 1, Austin was targeted a whopping 12 times and somehow came away with just four catches for 13 yards. The Rams may be going with Sean Mannion at QB this week, which doesn't bode well for any Rams receiver other than Kenny Britt, regardless of the juicy matchup.

ramstweet

 
 
Jeremy Maclin (WR, KC) - It had been a while since Maclin made an impact in a game, but he did so with six receptions for 82 yards against the Titans. This time Maclin will face the stingiest secondary in the league to opposing wide receivers. Many a star wideout has been shutout by Denver this season; Maclin doesn't have enough appeal to even be considered as a flex play this week. As they say: Mo Maclin, Mo Problems.

maclintweet

 
 
Steve Smith (WR, BAL) - Smith found his way onto the scoreboard last week in Philly, but now faces one of the hottest defenses in the league. No team has passed for as much as 220 yards in the last five games against the Steelers. Smith will face a combination of William Gay and Ross Cockrell for most of the day, making it hard to trust him even as a WR3. If anything, we should root for Smith to struggle so he can bless us with more entertaining post-game quotes.

smithtweet

 
 
Coby Fleener (TE, NO) - The loss of Josh Hill for the season didn't help Fleener's stock, it somehow did the opposite. Fleener has a total of three receptions and 16 yards the last two games, with three targets in each. He hasn't scored since Week 11 either, making him downright droppable (if you hadn't already). It's been a good year for many, but not Fleener.

fleenertweet




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

C.J. Stroud

in Good Position to Return in Week 13
Darius Garland

Might Play on Friday Night
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Out Against Sacramento, Santi Aldama Starting
Tyrese Maxey

Available Versus Milwaukee
Zaccharie Risacher

Cleared to Face Spurs
Kristaps Porzingis

Back in Action on Thursday
Chris Godwin

Could Play in Week 12 After Return to Full Practice
Keon Coleman

to be a Healthy Scratch Again on Thursday Night
Tarik Skubal

Tigers "Doubtful" to Trade Tarik Skubal
Jarrett Allen

Questionable for Friday
Simon Holmstrom

Ready for Action Thursday
Lars Eller

Available Thursday
Domantas Sabonis

Will Miss at Least 3-4 Weeks
Ridly Greig

Out Against Ducks
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Out Against Bulls on Friday
Jake Neighbours

Back for Blues Thursday
Alexandre Sarr

Listed as Questionable for Friday Against the Raptors
TB

Nicholas Paul Available Thursday
Paul George

Set to Suit Up Thursday
Victor Hedman

Out for "Couple of Weeks"
Tyler Bertuzzi

Set to Return Thursday
Gary Harris

Added to the Injury Report as Questionable for Thursday
Daniel Jones

Added to Colts' Injury Report With Calf Issue
Andrew Wiggins

Unavailable For Friday's Matchup With Chicago
Indiana Pacers

Garrison Mathews Will Join the Pacers
Joe Burrow

Logs Second Straight Full Practice on Thursday
Dante Exum

Will Miss the Rest of the Season
Keegan Murray

Is Available For His Season Debut Thursday
Tyrese Maxey

Listed as Probable for Thursday
Domantas Sabonis

Will Not Play Thursday Against Memphis
Joel Embiid

Listed as Out for Thursday
Aaron Rodgers

Seen at Practice on Thursday
Jaylen Warren

Moving Around Well on Thursday
Bucky Irving

Will be on a Snap Count When he Returns
Jaxson Dart

Could Clear Concussion Protocol Thursday
Lamar Jackson

Returns to Thursday's Practice
Josh Jacobs

to Do Individual Drills on Thursday
Joe Mixon

Not Expected to Play This Season
Chris Godwin

Attending Thursday's Practice
Bucky Irving

Continues Practice Attendance
Rasmus Andersson

Bags Three Points Wednesday Night
Morgan Geekie

Nets Two Power-Play Goals Wednesday
Joe Burrow

Bengals Haven't Ruled Out Joe Burrow for Week 12
Connor McMichael

Posts Three Assists in Wednesday's Win
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Place Alexander Romanov on Injured Reserve
Lars Eller

to Miss Thursday's Action
Nic Dowd

Out on Thursday
Adam Lowry

Inks Extension With Jets
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Likely Out on Thursday
Zaccharie Risacher

Questionable for Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

at Risk of Missing Another Game
Brian Thomas Jr.

Limited in Practice on Wednesday
Raisel Iglesias

Returning to the Braves on One-Year Deal
Lamar Jackson

Absent Due to Ankle Injury
Conor Garland

to Return on Thursday
Thomas Harley

to Miss Road Trip
Eetu Luostarinen

Out Week-to-Week After Barbecue Accident
Curtis Lazar

to Miss at Least Three Games
Vladimir Tarasenko

Misses Third Consecutive Game
Mikael Granlund

Remains Out Wednesday
Charlie McAvoy

Out Indefinitely After Facial Surgery
Joe Burrow

to Potentially Return in Week 12?
Aaron Rodgers

Out on Wednesday, Hopes to Practice Thursday
Jaylen Warren

Not Seen at Wednesday's Practice
Dak Prescott

Lands on Injury Report Ahead of Week 12 With Hip Injury
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Continue Fall Run at RSM Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Looking to Bounce Back at RSM Classic
Tom Hoge

Looking to Regain Form at RSM Classic
Joe Highsmith

Searching for Turnaround at RSM Classic
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Build on T11 Finish in Bermuda
Austin Eckroat

Searching for Momentum at RSM Classic
Joel Dahmen

Trying to Find Form at the RSM Classic
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful to Play Against Western Kentucky
Michael Thorbjornsen

Hopes to End 2025 Campaign With Another Solid Finish
Andrew Novak

Looks to End 2025 Season on High Note at RSM Classic
Harry Higgs

Teetering for PGA Tour Card in 2026
PGA

Nico Echavarria has the Potential to Contend at the RSM Classic
Sam Stevens

Finishing Out Year in Georgia
Seamus Power

Playing Better at the Right Time
Beau Hossler

Roller Coaster Comes to Saint Simons Island
Quade Cummins

The Time is Now for Quade Cummins in Georgia
Austin Cook

Needs a Win at the RSM Classic
Cameron Champ

on the PGA Tour Card Bubble
Grayson Rodriguez

Shipped to Angels
Taylor Ward

Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward From Angels
Shota Imanaga

Accepts Cubs Qualifying Offer
Brandon Woodruff

Returning to Milwaukee in 2026
Denny McCarthy

Looking For Another Solid Finish at RSM Classic
Si Woo Kim

Looking To Use Current Momentum to Flip Script at RSM Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Good Bounce-Back Candidate at RSM Classic
Harris English

Making 14th Start at This Week's RSM Classic
Konnor Griffin

Could Compete for Starting Shortstop Job in 2026
Gleyber Torres

Accepts Tigers Qualifying Offer
CFB

Sam Leavitt Set to Enter Transfer Portal?
Jose Altuve

Undergoes Foot Surgery
Alex Bregman

Red Sox Going for Either Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso?
CFB

James Franklin to be Virginia Tech's Next Head Coach
CFB

Fernando Mendoza the Clear Heisman Trophy Favorite?
CFB

Beau Pribula Has Chance to Face Oklahoma on Saturday
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated
Islam Makhachev

Claims UFC Welterweight Belt
Zhang Weili

Gets Outclassed
Valentina Shevchenko

Wins Unanimous Decision At UFC 322
Sean Brady

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Michael Morales

Remains Unbeaten
Leon Edwards

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Leon Edwards

Carlos Prates Becomes The First Man To Knock Out Leon Edwards
Beneil Dariush

Suffers Brutal First-Round Knockout Loss
Beneil Dariush

Benoit Saint Denis Knocks Out Beneil Dariush In 16 Seconds
Josh Naylor

Mariners Finalizing Five-Year Contract
CFB

Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate Not Dealing With Long-Term Injuries
CFB

Virginia Tech Close To Naming James Franklin As Head Coach
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful vs. Arkansas On Saturday
Edwin Díaz

Blue Jays Interested in Signing Edwin Diaz?
Jacob deGrom

Named AL Comeback Player of the Year
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Wins NL Comeback Player of the Year Award
Aroldis Chapman

Named AL Reliever of the Year
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Named NL Reliever of the Year

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