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Frank Ammirante's five fantasy football bold predictions for Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season. Expert predictions for Aaron Jones, Nick Chubb, Audric Estime, Xavier Worthy, and Jalen Coker.
It's time for the semifinals of the fantasy playoffs. It's do-or-die time, where every move counts. You may have had to deal with a big performance from your opponent on Thursday Night Football, so it's time to shoot for the moon on a high ceiling to swing your matchup in your favor.
That's where my Week 16 bold predictions come in. I'm looking for players who can provide you with spike weeks, putting your team over the top. Each of the players selected here is a fringe starter, where it's debatable whether or not to fire them up. Last week, I had some great calls with Brock Purdy and Jauan Jennings. Let's try to keep it rolling.
With that in mind, find out why Aaron Jones, Nick Chubb, Audric Estime, Xavier Worthy, and Jalen Coker are in my Week 16 bold predictions. Each of these players has a good matchup, with a couple thrust in a larger role due to an injury to their teammate.
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Aaron Jones Finishes as a Top-12 RB
Jones is averaging only 8.1 fantasy points per game in half-PPR, which ranks as RB38. However, we've seen two 14+ point weeks, so there's some upside here.
You have to like the usage for Jones, as he's 15 and 14 touches in the last two weeks.
The matchup is terrific against the Giants, who rank 32nd in Rush EPA, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
The Vikings are short road favorites in this game, so it sets up as a potential positive game script for Jones. If Minnesota plays with a lead as projected, that means more rushing volume for Jones.
It also helps that J.J. McCarthy is starting to look more comfortable under center, coming off consecutive solid games against the Cowboys and Commanders.
This team looks poised to finish off the year strong to build momentum heading into next season. Bet on Jones being a part of that with a spike week in this spot.
Nick Chubb Finishes as a Top-20 RB
Chubb has been underwhelming this season, losing the starting role to rookie Woody Marks. However, Marks is highly likely to miss Week 16 after departing early last week and missing practice throughout this week with an ankle injury.
That's good news for the veteran Chubb, who is in a smash spot at home vs. the Raiders. The Texans are double-digit home favorites, so this sets up as a positive game script where Houston can run the ball with heavy volume.
I don't expect the Raiders to be able to do much on offense against Houston, which should lead to more possessions, giving Chubb a chance to put up strong numbers.
We've seen Chubb put up two 12+ point games this season, so perhaps this can be a spot where he hits that number again.
I wouldn't worry about Jawhar Jordan too much. Even though he rushed for 100+ yards when Marks left early last week, that was because Chubb was out that game. Now, back to the lineup, I expect the Texans' coaching staff to defer to the veteran.
Audric Estime Finishes as a Top-20 RB
With Devin Neal on injured reserve and Alvin Kamara not ready to return, Estime has a chance to lead the Saints' backfield in Week 16. While Evan Hull will play a role as well, Estime has the larger frame, making it more likely that he'll handle red-zone carries.
Audric Estime or Evan Hull Primed for Lead-Back Role in Week 16? https://t.co/jiv26DwIN8
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) December 18, 2025
We also saw Estime haul in three catches for 34 yards last week, so it's encouraging to see him used in the passing game.
This is a terrific matchup at home against a Jets defense that is in shambles right now. They look like they've essentially given up on the season.
We just saw Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne have a massive game against them. Before that, the Dolphins blew them out.
With how well Tyler Shough is playing for the Saints, don't be surprised if we see something similar here. New Orleans is coming off a big win vs the Panthers and should take care of business vs the Jets. I like Estime to find the end zone in this one.
Keep in mind, though, Estime is a boom-or-bust play given the uncertainty surrounding his usage. But this is the archetype to bet on here: goal-line back in a projected positive game script.
Xavier Worthy Finishes as a Top-24 WR
Worthy has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football. However, Rashee Rice looks likely to miss Week 16 due to a concussion. This could give Worthy a chance to make a major impact in a strong matchup.
The Titans currently rank 28th in fantasy points per game allowed to wideouts. We just saw Jennings catch two touchdowns against them.
Now, obviously, it hurts that Patrick Mahomes is out for the season with a torn ACL, but Gardner Minshew can still keep the offense on schedule and make an impact against this vulnerable Titans group.
Worthy has put up 55+ yards in three of his last four games. We haven't seen a spike week from him all year. What if this is the spot? The one drawback is that it's not a great game environment vs the Titans, but I believe that's outweighed by Rice's absence.
If you need a boom-or-bust WR3 with a high ceiling, I suggest giving Worthy a shot here.
Jalen Coker Finishes as a Top-24 WR
Coker has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games. Now, he's in a huge matchup with major implications for the NFC South against the division rival Buccaneers.
Jalen Coker Worth Waiver Consideration After Second Straight Strong Game https://t.co/0TOW3uclOb
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) December 15, 2025
This is a defense that ranks 17th in fantasy points per game allowed to opposing wideouts. We just saw Kyle Pitts used like a de facto wideout in a monster game vs this group last week.
With Coker coming on strong and Tetairoa McMillan in a cold stretch, we could see Coker continue to produce at a rock-solid level.
It also helps Coker that McMillan is a bit banged up with a foot and ankle injury. Even though McMillan should be good to play this one, there's a chance that he'll be at less than 100 percent.
This game should go down to the wire, with Coker having a chance to put up strong numbers. Consider Coker as an upside WR3 in this spot.
