Fantasy Football Warning Signals for Week 16: Jordan Love, Jerome Ford, and Terry McLaurin

December 23, 2023

Kev‘s fantasy football warning signals and lineup sit 'ems for Week 16 (2023). Who should I start instead of these players worth benching, sitting, and avoiding?

Week 16 of the fantasy football season is underway and while we may have drafted certain players at a premium, it is okay to consider benching them despite their name value, especially now that the playoffs have begun. We often hear the phrase "start your studs" and it is a tried and true method, especially earlier in the season. When injuries, tough matchups, and/or questionable team situations arise, we must adjust. Today, I'll be looking at Jordan Love, Jerome Ford, and Terry McLaurin.

It may be difficult to stomach benching a player drafted within the top 100 for a possible free-agent acquisition, but sometimes such measures must be taken to ensure victory throughout the fantasy football season.

Here is a look at some fantasy football players who have shown warning signals recently, and you should think twice about putting them in your lineup in Week 16. Will they bounce back or continue to underperform? For any issues and/or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon on X.

Quarterback Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 16?

Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers

With Christian Watson and likely Jayden Reed out this week, Jordan Love's upside takes a significant hit. The Carolina Panthers are an average pass defense and are much weaker against the run. With A.J. Dillon trending towards playing and Aaron Jones back last week, the Packers' offense may lean heavier on the run and not force the issue with deep passing given the lack of dynamic playmakers on the field.

Also, due to Carolina's poor offense, the team may be compelled to take the points with field goals when in scoring range rather than continue drives. Love can add the dimension of rushing to his fantasy output but that is typically reserved for games in which the Packers trail and need him to run. He is best left on fantasy benches for the playoff semifinals.

Who To Start Instead?

Geno Smith - Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans

Geno Smith was a surprise active last Monday against the Eagles but ended up sitting due to being just below 100%. This would have been nice to know for the masses who had start/sit decisions with him throughout the week but alas...

Nevertheless, it appears that Smith will be ready for Week 16 to face a bottom-eight pass defense in Tennessee. The Titans have struggled all season and have only gotten weaker defensively against both the run and pass. Star DT Jeffery Simmons has been dealing with an injury these past few weeks and stalwart NT Teiar Tart was recently released due to conditioning issues. The Titans' interior defense, which was once a strength, is now in shambles and that benefits the Seahawks' offense as a whole.

Most importantly for Smith, rookie WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has shown signs of life since his early season struggles and is performing cohesively alongside established veterans DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. With the run game healthy, too, expect Geno Smith and the Seahawks to put up points this weekend.

Running Back Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 16?

Jerome Ford - Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans

The Texans' run defense has been one of the league's best over the past month and just held their mortal enemy Derrick Henry to nine rushing yards on 16 carries in Week 15. While the Cleveland Browns' passing offense is revamped with veteran Joe Flacco under center, breakout sophomore RB Jerome Ford has not been a major beneficiary as his fantasy success was much earlier in the season.

There is consistency but little upside as he has not seen at least 15 PPR points since Week 17. Given that we are in the fantasy playoffs and need upside across every lineup spot, Ford and his solid floor are not a necessity in lineups, especially within this matchup.

Who To Start Instead?

Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers

Chuba Hubbard is averaging 23.3 touches per game over the past four matchups and 16.6 points in PPR formats within this span. Against a Green Bay Packers defense that ranks dead-last vs. the rush since Week 10, according to DVOA, Hubbard is a borderline must-start option as the Panthers are desperate to move the ball downfield and do not trust first-overall pick Bryce Young to accomplish that yet.

Also, offseason "splash" Miles Sanders is a massive disappointment who, while involved, has not limited Chuba Hubbard in this recent stretch at all. Even if Sanders amasses more touches than normal with a hot start this weekend, Hubbard will still see his fair share.

Wide Receiver Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 16?

Terry McLaurin - Washington Commanders at New York Jets

In Week 15 against the LA Rams, Terry McLaurin totaled six receptions, 141 yards, and a touchdown on 12 targets. While this production is difficult to bench the following week, it is worth noting that 93 of the yards and the touchdown were a result of Jacoby Brissett's performance towards the end. Sam Howell has struggled to connect with what is now a lost season for McLaurin. Given that he will start another week, the Commanders' WR1 is a bench candidate in a brutal matchup in New York against the fourth-best defense against passing offenses all season (via DVOA).

Who To Start Instead?

Drake London - Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts

London has some intriguing home vs. away splits this season...

Home: 6 games, 48 targets, 36 receptions, 533 yards, 1 TD, 75% catch rate, 11.1 yards/target

Away: 7 games, 39 targets, 22 receptions, 236 yards, 1 TD, 56% catch rate, 6.1 yards/target

While home vs. away splits are not the end-all-be-all of determining a start/sit decision, there is enough of a disparity here to put stock into it given that the Falcons do have a favorable dome environment at home. Also, Taylor Heinicke will once again quarterback the Falcons and have a fully healthy starting offense, unlike his last stint. Drake London suffered an injury mid-game in Heinicke's first appearance and missed the entirety of the following game.

While the Colts' pass defense is above average, this game could be higher scoring than expected with both offenses nearing full strength.

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