Who Should I Start for Fantasy Football Week 16? Omarion Hampton, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Colston Loveland, Tetairoa McMillan, Harold Fannin Jr., Devin Neal, RJ Harvey, Jaxson Dart, Oronde Gadsden II, Shedeur Sanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders rookie running back out of Arizona, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, is officially back on the fantasy football radar as Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a game-time decision in Week 15 and was eventually ruled out shortly before the game. Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, earned 18 carries, which he turned into 98 yards (5.33 yards per tote) and a touchdown in the Commanders' 29-21 win over the New York Giants. JCM looked good running the football, and his score came from 16 yards out.

All of a sudden, this Commanders backfield gets a bit shaky after it had finally cleared up for us the past few weeks, with Rodriguez being the only one worth rostering. After JCM's performance in Week 15, the Commanders may want to give JCM some more run after an impressive performance, so if Rodriguez Jr., who had been playing well, returns in Week 16, all of a sudden, we are back to the three-running-back committee of Rodriguez, JCM, and Jeremy McNichols. All of which would become desperate plays in Week 16 of the fantasy football season.

Regardless, JCM would be worth a waiver-wire pickup in case Rodriguez can't suit up in Week 16.

Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton continued to showcase explosiveness in the team's 16-13 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, rushing 15 times for 61 yards and leading the backfield with 54% of the carries. Hampton often looked more dynamic than Kimani Vidal, but the workload remains split, as Vidal led snaps and handled all of the two-minute offense.

With the Chargers relying heavily on the run game to protect Justin Herbert, Hampton stays a part of the weekly rotation. Week 16's matchup against the Cowboys is interesting, as Dallas has improved against the run but still ranks tied for second in rushing touchdowns allowed. Hampton's ceiling is limited by the timeshare, but he remains a decent low-end RB2 or flex option in run-heavy game plans.

Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden led the team in receiving in the team's 16-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, with four catches for 61 yards on five targets, posting a 19% target share against a tough defense. However, his route participation dropped to 64%, the first time below 80% since becoming the starter, as the Chargers focused on extra pass protection and a run-heavy approach.

Gadsden has now gone four straight games without a red-zone target, limiting his touchdown upside. Week 16 features a matchup against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has struggled significantly against receivers but has only allowed four touchdowns to tight ends all season. Gadsden remains a low-end TE1 or streaming option offering a modest floor but limited scoring upside.

Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland had another solid showing for his fantasy managers in the team's 31-3 blowout win over the visiting Cleveland Browns on Sunday, catching four of his five targets for 63 yards. Most of Loveland's damage in this game came on receptions of 24 and 19 yards, and he wasn't really involved late with the game already in hand. The 21-year-old 10th overall pick out of Michigan got off to a slow start in his first year in the NFL, but he's been more involved in the second half of the season and is worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

It started with a six-catch, 118-yard, two-touchdown breakout in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, Loveland has had at least 40 receiving yards in five of seven games, including all four of his touchdowns in 2025. He has had at least five targets in four straight games. More work could be coming for Loveland in Week 16 against the Packers, especially if receiver Rome Odunze (foot) misses a third straight game.

Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in seven of his 14 targets for 48 yards during Sunday's 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears. For the second straight week, Fannin led the team in receptions and targets, and he had one carry for two yards. The Cleveland offense struggled to gain its footing in Chicago, but the dependable rookie tight end continues to provide fantasy managers with a safe PPR floor. Fannin has a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills' defense in Week 16, which has allowed the fewest points to tight ends this season.

However, with David Njoku (knee) still dealing with an injury, Fannin is postured to remain a focal point and an offense that is engineering touches for him.