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Week 16 Championship Rankings & Matchups Analysis (Standard & PPR)

What's up RotoBallers. Week 15 is complete and we hope you managed to secure a win and make it into the championships. To celebrate, today we are bringing you our Week 16 fantasy football playoff championship rankings to help prepare you for your Week 16 playoff matchups.

Below you will find both PPR rankings and standard league rankings for Week 16, brought to you by Zach Wilkens (@LopsidedTrades) and Edward Gorelik (@EdwardGorelik). Lead fantasy football columnist Edward Gorelik also highlights some rankings analysis for the Week 16 playoffs, broken out by position, and draws some matchup conclusions. He tells you who he likes, who he doesn't, and most importantly who he thinks you should be starting in Week 16.

You can also check out our 2015 fantasy football ranking dashboard, for more in depth rankings analysis on all positions including rookies and dynasty leagues.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

Rankings are subject to change leading up to the games, but the analysis written might not.

 

Week 16 Fantasy Football Championship Rankings



powered by FantasyPros

 
 

Week 16 Quarterback (QB) Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

Blake Bortles is set to face everyone's favorite defense this week, the New Orleans Saints. Regardless of whether the Saints sit at home or on the road, their defense has been completely unreliable this year - it's given up at least eight top 12 performances. The worst of these all came at home (vs NYG, TEN, and CAR). Bortles and his receivers should be able to feast.

Kirk Cousins is heading on the road to face the Eagles, another one of the season's worst QB defenses. With the Redskins still sitting in the front seat of playoff contention, they'll be trying to put the Eagles down and keep the Eagles down in what's likely to be a very competitive divisional game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't have a lot of success on the road against the Cowboys, but against the Patriots at home he should be able to pull out a much better fantasy day. Fighting for a playoff spot, expect the Jets to put up a big fight against the Patriots.

An Odell Beckham-less Eli Manning is going to fall heavily in the rankings. There's just no way around it. Despite facing what may end up being a depleted Vikings defense, it's nearly impossible for the Giants to expect the same kind of offensive production without Beckham in the lineup. If his appeal goes through, Eli will climb back up in the rankings.

 

Week 16 Running Back (RB) Playoff Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

Todd Gurley against the Seahawks is a tough buy. Although he's still expected to be startable just because of the volume, Gurley has yet to become matchup proof because the Rams are just not a very good team.

Gurley is likely to see another night like he did against Tampa Bay, racking up ~80 yards and hopefully a touchdown to go along with it. However with the way the Seahawks have been scoring, there's a chance he might have another low carry night if the Rams see the game fall through their hands early on.

The return of Spencer Ware is expected this week, meaning Charcandrick West will be seeing a huge downgrade. Ware operated as the goal line back when the two were active earlier this year, and likely will remain the goal line back this week removing much of West's upside. However, they're playing a horrible Cleveland defense which leaves room for both to still be startable.

Lamar Miller's ranking should fluctuate leading up to Sunday, as news of his potential injury and everything else related to Jay Ajayi comes out. With the way the Dolphins have been using Miller, it wouldn't be surprising if they decided to just play Ajayi over him at this point and look to the future. Miller is a risky, high upside play at home against the Colts.

Denard Robinson's ranking is also one that's subject to change as news comes out. Against the Saints, he should be an easy plug-and-play RB1 - but dealing with injury, and a potential the return of T.J. Yeldon, might change that.

Danny Woodhead might be able to carry his momentum from last week over to this week when he faces the Raiders on Sunday. With few other targets to throw to on this offense, and the Raiders giving up the 12th most receiving yards to running backs, Woodhead seems poised to be another strong RB2 in PPR and standard scoring leagues.

 

Week 16 Wide Receiver (WR) Playoff Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

Bill Belichick is generally very good at removing the opposing team's top receiving threats from games. We've seen it happen plenty of times this year, where the only thing that saves those top options are big plays or random touchdowns. Brandon Marshall was held to his worst game by Belichick earlier this year, and he'll be trying to replicate it this week.

Even though Odell Beckham proved that anybody can be beat last week, as he scored a touchdown over Josh Norman (and almost another, that he dropped), Julio Jones has already seen his stats take a huge fall when facing Norman earlier this year.

Julio will still be startable this weekend, since the Falcons have no one else to throw to. The Falcons also try their hardest to make sure Julio stays away from Norman by placing him in the slot, where Norman doesn't follow. Julio moves down to a low end WR1 like Marshall.

Whoever Brandin Cooks was in the early season is not who he is now. Cooks now averages 14 standard points per game when playing at home, and has seen great games even against some very tough matchups (against corners like Josh Norman and Darius Slay).

All the hype that Cooks had going into the season has finally started to materialize just when it matters most. He should be expected to keep up his fantasy relevance against the Jaguars, who allow an average of 80 yards per game to opposing WR1s and have allowed a 100 yard game to opposing WR1s in each of the last three weeks.

DeSean Jackson will be returning to play the Eagles this week in his second revenge game against them in their stadium. With Kirk Cousins playing his best ball right now, and the Eagles defense playing it's worst, a WR1 week is not out of the question for DeSean.

Amari Cooper had a great game against the backup corner for the Packers, but now he'll be facing Jason Verett this week who is amongst the leagues top corners (believe it or not). Verett has held opposing WR1s to below-league-average yardage all season, with only 67 yards allowed on average per game. Cooper, playing Thursday night, is looking like a risky FLEX play.

 

Week 16 Tight End (TE) Playoff Rankings Analysis

By Edward Gorelik (@Edward Gorelik)

New Orleans has allowed the most points to tight ends on the season. Julius Thomas, who's really come on in the last five weeks, should be seeing a high-end TE1 type of week against one of the league's worst defenses.

Antonio Gates should also continue to bounce back as he ends the championship week facing the Raiders, a team that's been shredded all year by tight ends. Gates, one of Rivers' only healthy targets, should be in line for at least eight targets.

Both Zach Miller and Will Tye enter this week as potential TE1s due to offensive necessity. With Alshon Jeffery and OBJ both potentially sitting out for their games, each of them will have to take on a bigger role - both are likely to see many more throws in their direction than normal, against what should be some light coverage.

 

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Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jonas Brodin

to Miss Second Consecutive Game Sunday
Emil Lilleberg

Exits Early Saturday
Will Smith

Hurt in Saturday's Victory
Pavel Dorofeyev

Exits Win With Injury
Jalen Suggs

Injured on Saturday Night, Leaves Arena in a Wheelchair
Daniel Jones

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on Reserve/Left Squad List, Out for the Season
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Expected to Play in Week 15
Haydn Fleury

Cleared to Play
Simon Nemec

to Miss "Some Time"
Jake Evans

Back for Canadiens Saturday
Ilya Lyubushkin

Returns to Stars Lineup Saturday
Roope Hintz

Good to Go Saturday
Charlie Lindgren

Activated From Injured Reserve
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Available Against Oilers
William Nylander

a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers' "Optimism Has Run Out" on Brandon Aiyuk
Philip Rivers

Will Start on Sunday Against the Seahawks
Jorge Polanco

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Mets
De'Von Achane

Expected to Play Monday Night
Rome Odunze

Bears Optimistic Rome Odunze Will Play in Week 15
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Return to South Carolina in 2026
Cason Wallace

Off Injury Report Saturday
Keyonte George

Erupts for Career-High 39 Points Against Memphis
Bones Hyland

Exits Early With Knee Contusion
Isaiah Joe

To Miss Fourth Straight Game
Isaiah Hartenstein

Removed From Injury Report
Austin Reaves

To Be Re-Evaluated In One Week With Calf Strain
Logan O'Connor

Still Not Ready for Season Debut
Lukas Dostal

Activated From Injured Reserve
NJ

Arseni Gritsyuk Ruled Out for Weekend's Action
Connor Bedard

Ruled Out for Saturday
Zeev Buium

Canucks Acquire Zeev Buium From Wild
Marco Rossi

Moves to Vancouver
Quinn Hughes

Traded to WIld
Joel Embiid

Available Against Indiana
Ja Morant

Back on Friday Night
Rickard Rakell

Available Saturday
Tre Jones

is Returning on Friday
Coby White

Cleared for Action Versus Hornets
Jake Ferguson

Listed as Questionable for Week 15
Bo Horvat

Ruled Out for Saturday
Tre Johnson

to be Limited in Return on Friday
Geno Smith

Officially Ruled Out for Week 15
Kenny Pickett

to Start in Week 15 Against Eagles
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Available on Friday
Tyrese Maxey

Under the Weather on Friday
Josh Jacobs

Officially Questionable to Face the Broncos
Victor Wembanyama

Expected to Return on Saturday
Anthony Edwards

Sidelined on Friday Evening
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Questionable for Week 15
CFB

Washington State Expected to Hire Kirby Moore as Next Head Coach
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Kyle Whittingham Stepping Down as Utah Head Coach
T.J. Watt

Officially Ruled Out for Monday Night
Manel Kape

Set For UFC Vegas 112 Main Event
Davante Adams

to be Questionable, Expected to Play on Sunday
Brandon Royval

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 112
Rome Odunze

Questionable for Sunday
Kevin Vallejos

Set For His Third UFC Fight
Alvin Kamara

Ruled Out for Sunday
Giga Chikadze

In Dire Need Of Victory
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Set To Welcome Cezary Oleksiejczuk To The UFC
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Set To Make His UFC Debut
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Not Cleared for Contact
T.J. Watt

Undergoes Surgery for Collapsed Lung
Maikel Garcia

Royals Agree on Five-Year Extension
Melquizael Costa

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Looks to Win Second Consecutive Fights
Marcus Buchecha

Looks To Bounce Back
Kennedy Nzechukwu

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 112
King Green

Returns At UFC Vegas 112
Lance Gibson jr

Lance Gibson Jr. Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 112 Main Card
Jake Ferguson

on Track to Play in Week 15
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Sherrone Moore Charged with Home Invasion, Among Other Charges
Jayden Daniels

Cleared for Contact
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Ruled Out Against Ravens
Daniel Gafford

Still Unlikely to Play Friday
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Misses Second Straight Game
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Coby White

On Track To Suit Up Versus Charlotte
Tre Jones

Expected To Play Friday Vs. Hornets
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Freddie Kitchens Fired from North Carolina Coaching Staff
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Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
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Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
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Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
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Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
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Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
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Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

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Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
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Chip Kelly Interviews for Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
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Louisville Receiver Chris Bell has a Torn ACL
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
CFB

Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
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Jim Knowles Expected to be Hired as Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator
Harris English

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Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Not Being Retained at Penn State
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Indiana's Stephen Daley Done for Season After Post-Game Injury
Pete Alonso

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Kyle Finnegan

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal
Bo Bichette

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Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Michael King

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Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
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Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
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Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
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Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
Shohei Ohtani

to be Used More as Traditional Starting Pitcher Next Year
Yordan Alvarez

to Become Full-Time DH in 2026?
Mason Miller

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Ranger Suárez

Orioles Interested in Signing Ranger Suarez
Anthony Volpe

Yankees Don't Expect Anthony Volpe to be Ready in April
Gerrit Cole

Targeting a Return in May/June
Rory McIlroy

Ends 2025 as the Year's Most Unburdened Player
Aaron Rai

Needs to Figure Out Putting Woes This Offseason
Jordan Spieth

Plays Better on Paper in 2025 Than Results Show
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Chris Gotterup Needs to Find Better Touch and Consistency This Offseason
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