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Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks and lineup advice for all Week 16 matchups in 2025. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 16 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 16 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! If you are new here, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. We will offer an in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
We are one step closer to becoming fantasy football champions. With only two weeks left in most fantasy leagues, making the right start/sit decisions could be the difference between a second-round exit and a championship.
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of Week 16. If you are looking for the starts/sits for the two Saturday games (Eagles vs. Commanders and Packers vs. Bears), be sure to check those in a separate article here. Good luck with your fantasy teams in the playoffs!
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Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints
Matchups We Love:
QB Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough has been a reliable QB1 option over the past few weeks. He has scored above 18 fantasy points in three of his last four games and has some rushing upside after totaling over 30 yards on the ground in back-to-back games. Now, he gets a Jets defense that just allowed Trevor Lawrence to score 44.3 fantasy points last week. So, Shough has some QB1 appeal in deeper 16-plus team leagues.
Shough to Olave! @Saints tie it up late
CARvsNO on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/kkzQ8FDNkP
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2025
Saints RBs
There's a strong chance that both Alvin Kamara (ankle/knee) and Devin Neal (hamstring) won't suit up in Week 16. Considering Neal has already been ruled out, the Saints could be rolling with Evan Hull and Audric Estime as the top two backs on Sunday. Of these two RBs, Estime is likely the better flex play.
He saw three more snaps than Hull last week and was used more in the passing game (three catches for 39 yards). That makes Estime a potential start in 12-plus team leagues. He should see a sizable workload on Sunday, and the Jets have been one of the worst run defenses since trading away Quinnen Williams. New York has allowed a top-12 fantasy RB finish in five straight games.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall's recent play makes him hard to trust in most leagues this week. He has scored under six PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games and only had a 37.5% rush share with Brady Cook under center in Week 15. With Cook starting again, Hall is more of an RB3. The Saints have also held Bucky Irving (55 rush yards) and Rico Dowdle (49 rush yards) in check in recent games.
WR Chris Olave
Chris Olave continues to be one of the underrated fantasy WR2s this season. He has scored at least 14 PPR fantasy points in seven of his last nine games and just caught six passes for 85 yards and one touchdown last week against the Panthers. Given that both Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. had solid games against this secondary last week, Olave is a must-start WR2.
Jets WRs
It's really best to avoid all Jets WRs with Cook starting again for New York. However, Adonai Mitchell will come in as a potential flex play in 14-plus team leagues this week against the Saints. Mitchell totaled six catches for 56 yards and one touchdown and appeared to be Cook's go-to target in the passing game. With at least six targets in each of the last five games, Mitchell could be worth a look in deeper leagues only.
Juwan Johnson has cooled off a bit in fantasy. He has finished outside the top 14 at the TE position in three straight games and has seen four targets or fewer in back-to-back weeks. Additionally, the Jets have allowed only two TEs to finish top-12 at the position since Week 6. Therefore, Johnson should only be started in 16-plus team leagues this week.
Injuries:
- Devin Neal (hamstring) - OUT
- Alvin Kamara (ankle/knee)
Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns
Matchups We Love:
There is a little bit of risk involved in starting Quinshon Judkins. He has totaled under 30 rush yards in back-to-back games, as the Browns continue to deal with injuries to the offensive line. Luckily for him, he gets a fantastic matchup against a Bills defense that hasn't been able to stop opposing RBs this season. Buffalo ranks 30th in rush yards allowed and 28th in fantasy points allowed to the RB position. So, Judkins is a solid RB2 play.
Matchups We Hate:
Shedeur Sanders should be avoided in all Superflex formats this week. He has scored under 12 fantasy points in three of his four starts and doesn't have much fantasy upside in this matchup against the Bills. Buffalo has given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points and the fewest passing yards to opposing QBs this season.
Khalil Shakir hasn't been the best fantasy option in recent weeks. He has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three of his last five games, and his target share during this span is just 17.8%. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in Week 16. The Browns have given up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing slot WRs this year. That makes Shakir a lower-end flex play.
There's no doubt that Harold Fannin Jr. has been Sanders' favorite target in the passing game. He has three straight top-12 fantasy TE finishes and has seen 25 targets combined over the past two games. However, Fannin will be a riskier TE1 play this week against the Bills. Buffalo has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs, and only two TEs have finished top-16 at the position this season.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
Even though the Browns rank fourth in fantasy points allowed, second in pass yards allowed, and fourth in rush yards allowed to opposing QBs, you are still starting Josh Allen in every format. He is the current QB1 in all formats and has a higher ceiling and floor than every QB in fantasy. Allen remains a must-start QB1.
RB James Cook
James Cook will continue to be a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers in Week 16. He has scored above 18 PPR fantasy points in four of his last five games, which included scoring 31.1 PPR fantasy points against the Patriots last week. With the Browns allowing a top-12 fantasy RB finish in four consecutive games, Cook is in a great spot to boom.
WR Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy can not be started in most formats this week. He has scored under six PPR fantasy points in four of the past five weeks and only caught two passes for 22 yards last week against the Bears. On top of that, Jeudy hasn't seen more than five targets in any of Sanders' four starts this season. That makes him a sit in all leagues.
Dalton Kincaid will be a riskier TE1 option this week against the Browns. He has played around 35% of Buffalo's offensive snaps in his two games since returning from a hamstring injury, and Cleveland has only allowed three TEs to finish top-12 at the position through 15 weeks. So, Kincaid is harder to trust in most lineups in Week 16.
Injuries:
- David Njoku (knee)
Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans
Matchups We Love:
Gardner Minshew will start for the Chiefs this week after Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL. He likely won't be under consideration in most one-quarterback leagues, but he has some QB2 value in this plus matchup. The Titans have allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in seven straight games and have given up the second-most fantasy to the QB position since Week 12.
Chiefs WRs
It remains to be seen if Rashee Rice (concussion) will play in Week 16. If he does, he will remain a solid WR1 option even with Minshew under center. If he misses, Xavier Worthy becomes an interesting play in 12-plus team leagues. He wouldn't be a much start by any means, but he would have a much safer floor in this great matchup against a Titans secondary that is allowing 35.8 fantasy points per game to opposing WRs.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard has been one of the best fantasy RBs over the past two weeks. He scored 28.1 PPR fantasy points against the Browns in Week 14 and then scored 18.2 PPR fantasy points last week against the 49ers. However, Pollard will be a lower-end RB2 this week against the Chiefs. Kansas City has given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points and sixth-fewest rush yards to opposing RBs this season.
WR Chimere Dike
Relying on a Titans WR might not be the smartest move in the second round of the fantasy football playoffs. Chimere Dike has been hit-or-miss for fantasy managers recently, with four games under five PPR fantasy points since Week 9. Therefore, Dike should only be started in extremely deep leagues in Week 16, especially since Trent McDuffie could be covering him for most of this game.
TE Gunnar Helm
Some fantasy managers could be looking at Gunnar Helm as a TE1 option in deeper leagues this week. He scored a career-high 14.9 PPR fantasy points last week and has caught at least four passes in three of the past four weeks. Nevertheless, it's best to avoid him in most cases against the Chiefs. Kansas City has allowed just four TEs to score in double figures in PPR formats this year.
Other Matchups:
Chiefs RBs
Fantasy managers can't start either Kareem Hunt or Isiah Pacheco in leagues this week. Hunt has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games, and Pacheco has scored under six PPR fantasy points in those three games as well. Even though the Titans are allowing 1.1 rushing touchdowns per game, there's too much risk starting Hunt/Pacheco.
TE Travis Kelce
Although Mahomes is out for the season, Travis Kelce will still be a solid TE1 play this week. Minshew threw five passes in relief of Mahomes last week, and four of those passes went to Kelce's way. So, the veteran should stay in most fantasy lineups in Week 16. The Titans have also allowed three straight top-7 fantasy TE finishes, which included a 22.8 PPR fantasy point day from George Kittle in Week 15.
Injuries:
- Rashee Rice (concussion)
Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys
Matchups We Love:
Justin Herbert has been an unreliable QB1 play in recent weeks. He has finished outside the top 16 at the QB position in five straight games, and his offensive line continues to struggle to protect him. However, Herbert will be a solid QB1 option this week in a fantastic matchup against the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed the most fantasy points, most passing yards, and most passing touchdowns to QBs this season.
Ladd McConkey is really the only Chargers WR that should be considered in most leagues. Even though McConkey has caught just three passes for 32 yards combined over the past two weeks, he is a prime spot to bounce back in Week 16. The Cowboys rank dead last in fantasy points allowed and receiving touchdowns allowed to opposing WRs this year. That makes McConkey a solid WR2.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Dak Prescott
This is a really tough matchup for Dak Prescott. The Chargers have given up the second-fewest fantasy points, third-fewest fantasy yards, and the fewest passing touchdowns through 15 weeks. Additionally, Los Angeles has allowed just two QBs to finish top-12 at the position since Week 5. As a result, Prescott will be a lower-end/riskier QB1 option in Week 16.
Cowboys WRs
Fantasy managers shouldn't sit either CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens in most leagues this week. But expectations should be tempered for both Cowboys playmakers. The Chargers have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs, have given up the fewest explosive plays, and have let just one WR score above 15 PPR fantasy points since Week 8. So, Lamb will be a lower-end WR1, and Pickens will be a lower-end WR2.
Other Matchups:
The snap share hasn't necessarily been there for Omarion Hampton since coming off injured reserve. He has played under 25 snaps in each of his first two games back from injury. However, Hampton will still come in as a middle-of-the-pack RB2 this week. Dallas could be without Quinnen Williams (concussion) in this game, and this defense ranks 28th in receptions allowed and 31st in receiving yards allowed to RBs.
Javonte Williams missed most of the first half of last week's game before returning in the second half. Although he played just 20 snaps, he had one of his better rushing days of the season (91 yards and one touchdown). With the Cowboys continuing to prioritize the run, Williams will remain a high-end RB2 for fantasy managers. The Chargers just recently let Saquon Barkley rush for 122 yards and one touchdown back in Week 14.
Despite being the third option in this Dallas passing attack, Jake Ferguson is still heavily involved. He has totaled at least five catches in three of the past four weeks and has seen at least six targets in four of his past six games. While the Chargers have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to TEs, this defense has allowed a top-10 fantasy TE finish in three consecutive games. So, Ferguson will be a low-end TE1.
TE Oronde Gadsden II
Oronde Gadsden II put together a solid performance last week, catching four passes for 61 yards. However, Gadsden is only worth a look in 16-plus team leagues this week against the Cowboys. The rookie has finished outside the top 24 at the TE position in four of his past five games, and the Cowboys have given up just four receiving touchdowns to TEs in 2025.
Injuries:
None
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Matchups We Love:
J.J. McCarthy has been a sneaky QB1 option over the past two weeks. He finished as the overall QB9 in Week 14 and the overall QB7 last week. Now, he gets a favorable matchup against a Giants defense that has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in seven of the last nine games. So, McCarthy is worth a look as a QB1 in some 16-plus team leagues.
Aaron Jones didn't do much in last week's win, totaling just 34 rush yards on 12 carries. Although things haven't been great for Jones, he will come in as a low-end RB2 this week. The Giants have given up the second-most fantasy points and second-most rushing yards to opposing RBs this season. Considering Jacory Croskey-Merritt just totaled 96 yards and one touchdown last week against this defense, Jones is a solid play.
Vikings WRs
At this point in the season, it's hard to trust any Vikings WR. Justin Jefferson has scored under five PPR fantasy points in three straight games, and Jordan Addison hasn't scored more than 10.5 PPR fantasy points since Week 8. Still, Jefferson will come in as a low-end WR2 this week. The Giants rank bottom-5 in both fantasy points allowed and receiving yards allowed to the WR position this year.
If you have better options than Jefferson sitting on your bench, don't hesitate to sit him. He has been unproductive for most of the year. Most of us, though, don't have the luxury of sitting him. As for Addison, he should be started in 14-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart has been one of the best waiver wire targets at the QB position this year. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in six of nine starts and has scored over 23 fantasy points in five of his last seven games. However, Dart is a riskier QB1 play this week against the Vikings. Minnesota hasn't allowed a top-12 fantasy QB finish in six straight weeks and has given up the third-fewest fantasy points to the position.
Wan'Dale Robinson has been a high-floor fantasy option for most of the year. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in seven of his last nine games and has seen at least 10 targets in four of the past six contests. Despite the recent high volume, Robinson will be more of a WR3 play this week against a tough Minnesota secondary. The Vikings have given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs this year.
Other Matchups:
Tyrone Tracy Jr. took full command of New York's backfield last week, playing a season-high 77% of the team's offensive snaps. That resulted in 97 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. With Tracy scoring over 16 PPR fantasy points in three of his last four games, he will be a middle-of-the-pack RB2 option this week. Minnesota has been suspect on the ground this season, allowing the eighth-most rush yards.
T.J. Hockenson appears to be getting more involved in the passing game. He has finished as a top-16 fantasy TE in three consecutive games, and his target share is 19.1% since Week 11. Still, Hockenson should only be started as a TE1 in 16-plus team leagues this week. The Giants have let only three TEs score in double figures in PPR formats against them since Week 3.
TE Theo Johnson
Theo Johnson continues to be involved in the passing game. He has caught at least three passes in eight consecutive games and has scored double-digit fantasy points in five of those contests. So, Johnson has some TE1 appeal in 14-plus team leagues this week. The Vikings rank around league average in fantasy points allowed, receptions allowed, and receiving yards allowed to opposing TEs.
Injuries:
None
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Matchups We Love:
QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young has a solid matchup in Week 16 against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in five straight games, and opposing QBs are averaging 27.5 fantasy points per game during this stretch. Just last week, Kirk Cousins scored 26.9 fantasy points en route to a QB3 fantasy finish. Therefore, Young is a strong QB2 option in Superflex formats and a potential QB1 in 16-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Baker Mayfield got his full WR room back in Week 15, which led to him scoring 20.2 fantasy points against the Falcons. However, Mayfield will be a lower-end QB1 against the Panthers this week. Carolina has given up the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs this year and has allowed just one QB to finish top-12 at the position since Week 7.
RB Bucky Irving
Irving has dominated the RB carries in Tampa Bay's backfield since returning from injury, logging at least 15 carries in three consecutive games. Although he doesn't appear to be the team's goal-line back, Irving's rush share usage still makes him a viable play in most formats this week. The Panthers have given up the ninth-most fantasy points and fifth-most touchdowns to opposing RBs this season.
RB Rico Dowdle
Even though Chuba Hubbard continues to eat into Rico Dowdle's workload, Dowdle will still be a solid RB2 play this week against the Buccaneers. Dowdle has totaled at least 16 carries in back-to-back games and is the clear goal-line back in this offense. Considering Tampa Bay has allowed an RB to score at least 15 PPR fantasy points in seven of its last nine contests, Dowdle has some upside.
Buccaneers WRs
The Buccaneers now have three viable WRs to start in fantasy (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Emeka Egbuka). Evans and Godwin will be solid plays, while Egbuka will be hard to trust in most formats. Evans caught six passes for 132 yards in last week's loss and will come in as a high-end WR2. As for Godwin, he will be a high-end WR3 against a Panthers secondary that has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to slot WRs this year.
Welcome back, Mike Evans 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/9bkg7L2pdg
— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025
On the other hand, Egbuka should be sat in most formats. Evans and Godwin are the clear top two targets in this Tampa Bay offense, and the rookie has finished outside the top 36 at the WR position in five consecutive games.
Panthers WRs
Both Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker could be started in leagues this week. However, both will be lower-end plays this week. McMillan has caught two passes or fewer in three straight games, and Coker has run 21 routes or fewer in back-to-back weeks. So, McMillan will be more of a WR3, while Coker will be more of a WR4 in 12-plus team leagues.
Injuries:
- Tetairoa McMillan (ankle/foot)
Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
Matchups We Love:
Fantasy managers all know that De'Von Achane hasn't been a solid fantasy option without Tua Tagovailoa. Last season, Achane averaged 10.4 PPR fantasy points in five games without Tagovailoa. However, you are still starting the Dolphins RB in every format. The Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points and third-most receiving yards to opposing RBs this year.
This matchup against the Bengals is a fantastic one for Darren Waller. Cincinnati has given up the most fantasy points, most receptions, most receiving yards, and most receiving touchdowns to the TE position. While Quinn Ewers' start lowers Waller's ceiling and floor a bit, he can still be a solid TE1 in this favorable matchup.
Matchups We Hate:
With Ewers starting for the Dolphins in Week 16, Jaylen Waddle is likely unstartable in most formats. The Bengals have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs, and DJ Turner II will likely shadow Waddle in this game. Turner has been an above-average shadow corner this year, pushing Waddle to WR3 territory.
Other Matchups:
QB Quinn Ewers
Even though the Bengals have given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs, fantasy managers shouldn't be starting Ewers in most Superflex formats. He is making his first career start and could struggle through the air even against a bottom defense.
QB Joe Burrow
After finishing as a top-12 fantasy QB in his first two starts back from injury, Joe Burrow scored only 7.5 fantasy points last week against the Ravens. Despite the subpar fantasy performance in Week 15, Burrow will still be a strong QB1 play this week. The Dolphins have allowed a top-12 fantasy QB finish in eight of 14 games this season.
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown will continue to be a strong RB1 option in Week 16 against the Dolphins. He has scored at least 15 PPR fantasy points in seven straight games and has finished as a top-12 fantasy RB in five of those contests. So, Brown should be in all lineups against a Miami defense that ranks 25th in receptions allowed to RBs. That's good news for Brown, considering he has caught 17 passes over the last three weeks.
Bengals WRs
Both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be strong starts in Week 16. Higgins missed last week's game due to a concussion, but assuming he plays this week, he will come in as a solid WR2 play. The 6-foot-4 playmaker is always a touchdown threat, and Miami doesn't have the physicality on the outside to match with Higgins' size. As for Chase, he will be a must-start WR1.
Injuries:
- Tee Higgins (concussion)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence has put together a good stretch of fantasy games. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in five straight weeks, which included a 44.3 fantasy point day against the Jets last week. However, this matchup against the Broncos might push Lawrence into more of the QB2 territory. Denver has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to QBs this season, and this defense has let just one QB finish top-12 at the position since Week 8.
Travis Etienne has been a superb fantasy option over the past few weeks. He has scored above 15.5 PPR fantasy points in six of the last seven weeks and has finished as a top-5 fantasy RB in back-to-back games. Unfortunately, Etienne will be more of a low-end RB2 this week against the Broncos. This defense ranks first in fantasy allowed and has given up the fewest receptions to opposing RBs this season.
RB RJ Harvey
RJ Harvey has a tough matchup in front of him in Week 16. The Jaguars have given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points and the fewest rushing yards to opposing RBs this season. Considering this defense has allowed an RB to score above 13.5 PPR fantasy points in five straight games, Harvey will be more of an RB2 this week.
Jaguars WRs
Both Thomas and Meyers had productive fantasy days last week. Thomas caught four passes for 66 yards and one touchdown, and Meyers caught five passes for 71 yards. Both WRs, though, will be downgraded in Week 16. Patrick Surtain II will likely shadow Thomas, and this Broncos secondary is elite all over. So, Meyers and Thomas will fall into the WR3 territory this week.
Other Matchups:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix had one of his best fantasy games of the season last week, finishing with 29.1 fantasy points en route to a QB2 fantasy finish. While we shouldn't expect that to happen again this week, Nix will come in as a solid QB1 option. He has thrown for over 290 yards in three of the past four games, and the Jaguars are allowing just over 18 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs.
Broncos WRs
Courtland Sutton is likely the only viable Denver WR to start this week. With Pat Bryant back from injury, Troy Franklin becomes a riskier play in all formats. In Franklin's last game with Bryant in the lineup, he played just 26% of the team's offensive snaps. Therefore, Sutton is the only WR to start in this offense. He will be a solid WR2 play against a Jacksonville secondary that is allowing 12.9 receptions per game to WRs.
Brenton Strange hasn't done much for fantasy managers over the past two weeks, finishing outside the top 20 at the TE position in both contests. Therefore, Strange is only worth starting in deeper leagues this week. But he does have some TE1 appeal in 16-plus team leagues against a Broncos defense that has allowed over 14 PPR fantasy points to a TE in three of the last four weeks.
Injuries:
None
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals
Matchups We Love:
Jacoby Brissett has been on a crazy fantasy run since taking over for Kyler Murray. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in nine straight games and has scored above 20 fantasy points in each of the last three weeks. Now, the veteran gets a matchup against a Falcons defense that has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs over the past four weeks. So, Brissett is a strong QB1.
Bijan Robinson will remain a must-start RB1 in Week 16 against the Cardinals. Robinson has totaled over 90 yards from scrimmage in five straight games, and Arizona has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points and third-most rushing touchdowns to opposing RBs through 15 weeks.
Kyle Pitts single-handedly won fantasy matchups last week. He caught 11 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 45.6 PPR fantasy point day. That marked Pitts' third straight game in which he finished as a top-6 fantasy TE. For this week, the Falcons playmaker will remain a strong TE1 option against a Cardinals defense that has let up a top-12 fantasy TE finish in four of the past five games.
Matchups We Hate:
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride being in this section doesn't mean you should be sitting him. He will remain a must-start TE1 in all fantasy formats. However, this matchup is a tougher one for McBride. The Falcons have given up the second-fewest fantasy points, second-fewest receptions, and third-fewest receiving yards to opposing TEs this season. McBride, though, is matchup-proof and should be in all lineups still.
Other Matchups:
QB Kirk Cousins
Cousins had his best game of the season last week, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns. After that performance, Cousins is worth a look in some Superflex formats as a middle-of-the-pack QB2. The Cardinals have allowed three passing touchdowns in three of their past four games, and C.J. Stroud just threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns against this secondary last week.
With Bam Knight and Trey Benson out for the season, Michael Carter should operate as Arizona's top RB moving forward. Last week, he saw 18 opportunities while playing 80% of the team's offensive snaps. That makes him a potential RB2 option this week against the Falcons. Carter totaled 94 yards from scrimmage in Week 15.
Cardinals WRs
There's a strong chance that Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) will be back in Week 16. That complicates things for Michael Wilson. If Harrison does return this week, both Harrison and Wilson will come in as lower-end WR2s. Both WRs will have their fantasy ceilings capped, as both will take targets away from the other. Still, there's potential for each playmaker in this game against a Falcons defense that ranks 24th in fantasy points allowed to WRs.
WR Drake London
Drake London has the potential to suit up in Week 16 after missing the past four games due to a knee injury. If he suits up, he will be a solid WR1 option against the Cardinals. This Arizona secondary has allowed big games to opposing WR1s like Puka Nacua (35.7 PPR fantasy points) and Nico Collins (23.5 PPR fantasy points) over the past two weeks. London could be next.
Injuries:
- Drake London (knee)
Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans
Matchups We Love:
WR Nico Collins
Nico Collins has been on a roll for fantasy managers. He has totaled over 20 PPR fantasy points in four of the last six weeks and will remain a must-start WR1 in Week 16 against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing WRs this year. That's enough reason to start Collins in all formats.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith will return under center for the Raiders in Week 16. However, he should be sat in all Superflex formats this week. The Texans have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs and are giving up just 1.1 passing touchdowns per game this season. Given that Smith has scored under 15 fantasy points in five straight games, it's best to avoid him.
Although the opportunities have been there for Ashton Jeanty this year, he will unfortunately fall to RB3 status against the Texans. Jeanty has rushed for less than 40 yards in three straight games and has totaled under 10 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games. So, it's hard to trust him in most formats against a Houston defensive line that has allowed the fourth-fewest rush yards in 2025.
Dalton Schultz has been a reliable TE1 option for most of the year. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy TE in six of his last nine games and is coming off an eight-catch, 76-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Cardinals last week. However, Schultz will be more of a low-end TE1 this week against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed just three TEs to finish as a top-12 option at the position this year.
Other Matchups:
QB C.J. Stroud
Stroud had one of his better fantasy outings last week, as he scored 23.4 fantasy points. For this week, Stroud will come in as more of a QB2 option in Superflex formats. He has scored under 13 fantasy points in three of his last four starts, and the Raiders have allowed under 215 pass yards in four consecutive games. So, Stroud is a middle-of-the-pack QB2 or a low-end QB1 in 18-plus team leagues.
RB Woody Marks
After not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday, Woody Marks could be in danger of missing this week's game. If he plays, he will be a solid RB2 option against a Raiders defense that has allowed five different RBs to score above 16 PPR fantasy points since Week 12. If he misses, Nick Chubb and Jawhar Jordan would split backfield opportunities. Both RBs would be riskier flex options as a timeshare is likely.
TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers will continue to be a must-start TE1 for fantasy managers. He has finished as a top-7 fantasy TE in each of Smith's last four starts and is the clear top pass catcher in this Las Vegas offense. The Texans also just let McBride score 37.4 PPR fantasy points last week. So, Bowers should be in all fantasy lineups.
Injuries:
- Woody Marks (ankle)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Matchups We Love:
This is an ideal matchup for Aaron Rodgers. The Lions are giving up over 20 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs, and this secondary has allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns. Therefore, Rodgers can be started as a solid QB2 in some Superflex formats this week. The 42-year-old veteran has scored at least 17 fantasy points in back-to-back games.
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf has been a very inconsistent fantasy option this year. He did just recently have his best receiving day of the season in Week 14 (148 yards), but his low target share has hurt his fantasy value. Even though Metcalf only saw three targets last week, he will be a solid WR2 play this week against the Lions. Detroit ranks 30th in yards per completion allowed, which means a big game could be in store for the Pittsburgh WR.
DK METCALF MY GOODNESS
MIAvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/GXEbzt3p4h— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
Steelers RBs
This is an extremely tough matchup for both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. The Lions have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, and only three RBs have scored above 15 PPR fantasy points against this defense this year. So, both Warren and Gainwell are lower-end RBs this week. Detroit has also done a good job against RBs in the receiving game, as this group ranks in the top five in both receptions and yards allowed.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff has been a much better fantasy option in recent weeks. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in three of his last four games and has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in five of the past seven weeks. So, Goff will come in as a low-end QB1 this week against the Steelers. Pittsburgh has allowed the fourth-most passing yards this year.
Lions RBs
Jahmyr Gibbs will remain a must-start RB1 option this week against the Steelers. As for David Montgomery, he is really only a touchdown-dependent flex option in 12-plus team leagues this week. Although he has scored a touchdown in three consecutive games, he has seen fewer than eight carries in five straight games. That makes it hard to trust in most formats.
Lions WRs
Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams will be strong starts in all formats this week. St. Brown is coming off a 13-catch, 164-yard, two-touchdown game, and Williams has been on a fantasy tear since Dan Campbell took over playcalling duties. Williams has finished as a top-12 fantasy WR in five of the last six weeks. So, both St. Brown and Williams are WR1s in Week 16.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers is certainly trending up in fantasy. He has scored above 15 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games and has seen 16 combined targets across those two contests. However, Flowers will be more of a WR3 option this week against the Patriots. Christian Gonzalez is expected to shadow Flowers throughout this game, and Gonzalez ranks seventh among all CBs in fantasy points allowed per target.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry should not be in most fantasy lineups this week. He only caught one pass for 18 yards in a tough matchup last week and has another difficult matchup against the Ravens in Week 16. Baltimore has allowed one TE to top-14 fantasy finish at the position since Week 3. So, Henry is only worth a look in 18-plus team leagues.
Other Matchups:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has cooled off a bit in fantasy, but he continues to be a reliable QB1 option. He has scored above 20 fantasy points in consecutive games and has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in six of his last nine games. Given that Baltimore has allowed a top-12 fantasy QB finish in back-to-back weeks, Maye will be a QB1 play in Week 16.
Lamar Jackson has been hit-or-miss in recent weeks. He has finished outside the top 20 at the QB position in four of the last five weeks and is only averaging 12.6 fantasy points since Week 10. So, Jackson will be a lower-end QB1 this week against the Patriots. New England has allowed under 14 fantasy points to a QB in two of its last three games.
Derrick Henry's usage was a bit surprising last week. He ran the ball well by totaling 100 yards, but he only saw 11 carries and played 37% of the team's offensive snaps. Still, Henry should be started as a low-end RB1 this week. The Patriots' run defense has been suspect since Milton Williams went on injured reserve, as they have allowed a 100+ yard rusher in two of the last three weeks.
WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs has been unplayable in fantasy over the last few weeks. He has scored under six PPR fantasy points in three straight contests and has seen only 11 targets during this three-game stretch. That's enough reason to drop Diggs to low-end WR3 territory this week against the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing slot WRs this year.
TE Mark Andrews
Fantasy managers can't possibly start Mark Andrews in most formats this week. He has caught just three combined passes over the past two weeks and only played 42% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 15. As a result, Andrews is a risky TE1 play in most leagues. The Patriots have also not allowed more than 40 receiving yards to a TE in four straight games.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts
Matchups We Love:
Jauan Jennings has been a touchdown machine over the past two months. He has caught a touchdown in five of his last six games, which has helped him finish as a top-24 fantasy WR in three straight games. With Indianapolis down its top two corners (Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner) in this game, Jennings will be a solid WR2 play this week.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy had his best fantasy game of the season last week, scoring 26.2 fantasy points. As a result, fantasy managers can trust Purdy as a solid QB1 play this week against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed a top-12 fantasy QB finish in two of the past four weeks and currently ranks 30th in passing yards allowed this year.
Fantasy managers should avoid Philip Rivers in all Superflex formats this week. He only scored 7.9 fantasy points in his first start of the season last week and offers very limited upside in your fantasy lineups. It's best to avoid him.
Christian McCaffrey will remain a must-start RB1 option this week against the Colts. McCaffrey ranks first among all RBs in fantasy points scored this season. That's more than enough reason to start him in all lineups in Week 16.
Things haven't necessarily been great for Jonathan Taylor recently, but fantasy managers should still roll him out as an RB1 in all formats. He has seen over 20 carries in three straight games and is really the only Indianapolis RB who gets opportunities out of the backfield. The good news for him this week is that the 49ers have allowed the most receptions to opposing RBs this year.
Colts WRs
Fantasy managers can't possibly start Michael Pittman Jr. or Alec Pierce in any leagues. Rivers doesn't have the arm that he used to, and that severely hurts Indianapolis' pass catchers. Pittman only caught three passes for 26 yards last week, while Pierce was held to just one catch for 16 yards. For that reason, Pittman will come in as more of a WR4, and Pierce is more of a WR6.
TE George Kittle
George Kittle will continue to be a strong fantasy option for managers in Week 16. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in five straight games and has scored above 20 PPR in three of those contests. So, he should be in all fantasy lineups as a TE1.
TE Tyler Warren
It might be hard to trust Tyler Warren in Week 16. He only caught three passes for 19 yards last week, and that subpar production with Rivers under center is slightly concerning. While Warren did see a team-high six targets in that game, he will come in as a riskier TE1 option in most leagues in Week 16. He will be a low-floor, low-ceiling play with Rivers at QB.
Injuries:
- Ricky Pearsall (knee)
Matchup Analysis - Super Saturday Slate
Be sure to check out our Week 16 Super Saturday matchups and start 'em, sit 'em picks for this week's Saturday double-header between the Eagles vs. Commanders and Packers vs. Bears.
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