Zay Flowers, Matthew Stafford, Diontae Johnson: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 16

December 21, 2023

Should I start Zay Flowers, Matthew Stafford, or Diontae Johnson for Week 16? Fantasy football start em, sit em picks and recommendations for the 2023 NFL season.

The Week 16 NFL slate is finally here, meaning it's time for fantasy managers to make tough, last-minute start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Zay Flowers, Matthew Stafford, and Diontae Johnson are all hot names ahead of Sunday's games.

All three players have had solid years. Can they add another good performance this week?

Should you start Flowers, Stafford, or Johnson in Week 16? Let's dive in.

Should I Start Zay Flowers for Fantasy Football?

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has enjoyed a solid rookie campaign, maintaining an average of over 11 PPR points per game. The 23-year-old has been targeted at least six times in eight games this season and has notably scored 20 or more points in two of his last three outings. While Flowers has not surpassed 70 receiving yards since Week 10, he has found the end zone four times this year, and his role should be more prominent with Mark Andrews sidelined.

In Week 16, the Ravens face the San Francisco 49ers, who allow the 12th-most points per game to receivers this season. It's worth noting that the 49ers rank fourth in defensive passing DVOA, and their points allowed to receivers tend to come from playing with a lead. Despite the challenging matchup, Flowers remains a viable low-end WR2/flex option for Week 16, particularly considering the potential increase in scoring opportunities with Andrews out and his recent success in putting up significant fantasy points.

He is the WR27 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Matthew Stafford for Fantasy Football?

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been on a hot streak recently, throwing multiple touchdown passes in four consecutive games. The 35-year-old has maintained a high passing volume, throwing 30 or more times in all but three games this season. Notably, his star receiver, Cooper Kupp, appears to be fully healthy and performing at a high level again, adding to the appeal of Stafford as a fantasy option.

In Week 16, the Rams face the New Orleans Saints, who have allowed the seventh-fewest points per game to quarterbacks this season. Despite the Saints' solid defensive performance, ranking in the top 10 in defensive passing DVOA, Stafford remains an intriguing fantasy option. The combination of consistent volume and elite talent at the wide receiver position, particularly with Kupp, elevates Stafford's status, making him a fringe QB1 option for Week 16.

He is the QB12 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Diontae Johnson for Fantasy Football?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been on a touchdown streak, scoring in three consecutive games. His consistent involvement in the passing game is evident, having received at least six targets in all but one game this season. Despite the overall struggles of the Pittsburgh offense, the 27-year-old has emerged as one of the more reliable playmakers in the unit.

In Week 16, the Steelers face the Cincinnati Bengals, who allow the 14th-most points per game to quarterbacks this season. With Kenny Pickett sidelined due to an ankle injury, Mason Rudolph is set to make his first start of the season at quarterback over Mitch Trubisky. While neither of the Steelers' signal-callers has significantly increased Johnson's value this year, the upcoming matchup brings uncertainties, especially considering that Johnson and Rudolph haven't started together since 2021. Given these uncertainties, Johnson is positioned as a WR3/flex option for Week 16, acknowledging the questions surrounding the Steelers' offense.

He is the WR32 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

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