RADIO
Quarterback Matchups We Love - Cooper Rush
Don’t look now but Cooper Rush has been a solid quarterback over the past several weeks. He has thrown multiple touchdown passes in three of his last four games. He has also only thrown one interception during that span.
Rush’s solid numbers finally translated to fantasy production in Week 15 when he put up 19.06 fantasy points against the Panthers. If you have been rolling with a middling starter and need stability, Rush should be able to provide it against a porous Buccaneers secondary on Sunday night. He does not have high-end upside but he should be able to deliver a solid floor of 15 to 17 fantasy points.
Quarterback Matchups We Love - Russell Wilson
A Saturday early evening game with a solid quarterback matchup. Wilson has been a revelation this season, reverting to his form during his later days in Seattle.
The Ravens have been leaky in the secondary all season. The last time these two teams played, it was a defensive slugfest. However, with this game in Baltimore, expect the Ravens to put up points. Wilson should be solid as a result of the Steelers’ need to keep up.
Quarterback Matchup to Temper Expectations - Jayden Daniels
Unfortunately, everyone’s favorite rookie quarterback draws an exceptionally tough matchup this week. The last time these two teams played, it took a generous garbage-time drive for Daniels to avoid scoring single-digit fantasy points.
The nice thing about this game is that it is going to be in Washington, and it is incredibly important for both teams. Still, Daniels could struggle. If you have a potentially better option, then this may be the week to deploy him.
Running Back Matchups We Love - James Conner
Let’s throw some confidence back Conner’s way. He has not been the same player over the last several weeks that he was early in the season. However, this is a cupcake matchup this week and Conner finally delivered once again in Week 15.
Although the Panthers have played better of late, they are still not the gold standard of defense. Conner should be able to find plenty of running room in this game. With the way both teams have played lately, it could also be competitive. That would keep Conner on the field all game long.
Running Back Matchups We Love - Bucky Irving/Rachaad White
This dynamic duo has been a rare backfield in which multiple players have fantasy value. Both players have been league winners over the last few weeks. With a potent offense behind them, that should not slow down in Week 16.
The Cowboys have not been able to stop a nosebleed all season. Both players have found success on the ground and through the air lately. Both can be safely deployed as RB2s.
Running Back Matchup to Temper Expectations - Joe Mixon
Mixon has been unbelievable all season, but that could change in Week 16. Despite Kansas City allowing more points over the last several weeks, it still can limit the output of opposing running backs.
The Texans have not been very impressive all season, even though they have found a way to keep winning in a bad division. If Kansas City can shut down their running game, then things are going to be difficult for Mixon because the offense essentially runs through him. Mixon is also fighting an ankle injury making this matchup all the more frightening for fantasy purposes.
Wide Receiver Matchups We Love - Ja'Marr Chase
Chase is likely going to propel a lot of fantasy managers to their championship game this week. The league leader in touchdown receptions is in a smash position to succeed this week with a leaky Cleveland secondary coming to town. At this point in the season, there is no stopping this guy.
If Cleveland is competent offensively, then Chase could have one of his signature boom games due to the Bengals’ need to continue passing. You were never going to bench him but fire him up with week-winning confidence this week.
Wide Receiver Matchups We Love - Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Smith-Njigba has been operating as the Seahawks’ No. 1 wide receiver over the second half of the season. Whether he is catching passes from Geno Smith or Sam Howell in Week 16, Smith-Njigba is in a great position to be peppered with targets. The Seahawks are unlikely to have the support of a running game in this matchup and the Vikings have been vulnerable to the pass.
Seattle is likely going to need to throw to keep up in this game. With Smith-Njigba receiving such a large target volume recently, look for his PPR numbers to be huge. If he finds the end zone, you will be very happy with his performance.
Wide Receiver Matchup to Temper Expectations - Jauan Jennings
If it was not for a couple of red-zone touchdowns last week, the Dolphins would have completely shut down the Texans passing attack for fantasy football purposes. This defense has been solid all season and does not project to slow down.
The Kyle Shanahan offense in San Francisco has not been the same of late. Jennings has been the de facto No. 1 wide receiver and should receive a lot of attention from the Dolphins. Jennings was quiet in Week 15 and could have a repeat performance in Week 16.
Tight End Matchup We Love - Brock Bowers
This pick did not exactly work out last week against a competent Falcons defense and an incompetent Desmond Ridder at quarterback. With Aidan O’Connell potentially back in the lineup this week, look for Bowers to bounce back against a poor Jaguars defense.
Bowers has had a handful of down games this season, so it is not out of the ordinary. Keep deploying him with confidence despite the off week in Week 15.
Tight End Matchup to Temper Expectations - Hunter Henry
If you have been riding the Henry wave this season, then you may want to temper expectations this week. The Bills look likely to roll all over the Patriots both offensively and defensively. Henry will likely be a safety valve for Drake Maye, but this Patriots offense may not be on the field very much.
The Bills are one of the better teams at stopping tight ends with solid linebacker and safety play. It could be a long day in Buffalo for the Patriots.
