X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 16 NFL Matchups Analysis: Start/Sit for Fantasy Football

Vladimir De Wet breaks down the second half of the Week 16 matchups for the 2015 NFL football season. Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down each of the NFL matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well.

Below, you will find part two of our Week 16 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis, which should help you prepare your lineups to win this week. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL matchups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, but most importantly Happy Championship Week! You're in the Super Bowl. You don't need advice, you have destroyed all the weak competition that dared to challenge you so far. But this is the only matchup that will matter all year. If you come in second place, you're just the first loser and that cannot happen. This is your year, and to make sure of that, you have to check out all of the matchups we love and hate below!

 

Texans @ Titans - Sunday 12/27 @ 1:00 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Delanie Walker, TE, Titans - Walker is the only Titans offensive player worth starting. Last week he did absolutly nothing until a late touchdown catch. It was the first time in four weeks Walker didn't lead the team in targets. Even with Zach Mettenberger starting, Walker is still a must start TE1. Walker was snubbed for the Pro Bow (I'm looking at you Travis Kelce) and will be looking to let everyone know he's one of the top five tight ends in football.

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans - Hopkins has had three straight weeks where the team has had trouble getting him the ball. The revolving door at QB has made it difficult to keep Hopkins in rhythm. None of this matters though because he's DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins has been the best receiver in the league this season when you consider the QB and running support he has to deal with. There isn't a situation where he is worth benching.

Matchups We Hate:

Kendall Wright, WR, Titans - After missing several weeks with a rib injury Wright is scheduled to return against the Texans. He is going against one of the league's hottest defenses with a backup QB. Wright is just too risky to start.

Notable Players:

Zach Mettenberger, QB, Titans - Mettenberger has been decent as a starter but the team around him and the matchup make him not worth considering.

Alfred Blue, RB, Texans - After two weeks of basically not getting the blue, Blue took back lead RB duties. Blue is a RB3 this week against a decent Titans run defense.

 

Browns @ Chiefs - Sunday 12/27 @ 1:00 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs - Maclin has finally emerged as Alex Smith's favorite weapon. He has silently put together one of the best WR seasons in the league this year. The Browns have an injured secondary that is no good. With their playoff hopes still on the line, Maclin and the Chiefs should put up big numbers against a poros Cleveland defense.

Gary Barnidge, TE, Browns - Barnidge is Cleveland's only reliable offensive player at this point in the season. His consitent and solid play makes him a start worthy TE1 with high Touchdown potential.

Matchups We Hate:

Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns - Crowell has been hurt and missing practice throughout the week. Even if he was healthy, Crowell's production throughout the year and a very tough Kansas City defense make this a bad matchup for Crowell.

Notable Players:

Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs - Kelce is a hit or miss prospect dependent on TDs at this point. The Chiefs attention to the running game and new found focus of getting Jeremy Maclin the ball leaves Kelce the odd man out. He is worth the start at TE is no one better is available, not worth a flex play.

Johnny Manziel, QB, Browns - Johnny Football might not be awful. Hard to tell while he's still playing on the Browns. Obviously not worth the start.

Spencer Ware/Charcandrick West, RB, Chiefs - Spencer Ware is trending towards playing on Sunday. Charcandrick West is still worth the start even if Ware plays, but West just isn't as valuable in the RB committee. Ware isn't worth the start.

 

Jaguars @ Saints - Sunday 12/27 @ 4:05 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars - Robinson is another pro-bowl snub (I'm looking at you Calvin Johnson). He has emerged as a number one guy for the Jaguars and Blake Bortles. Robinson is in a three way tie for the most receiving touchdowns in the league this year. He also has four straight weeks of getting into the end zone. I fully expect Robinson to destory the Saints in ways Megatron wasn't able to last week.

Denard Robinson, RB, Jaguars - Assuming T.J. Yeldon doesn't play, then Denard "Shoelace" Robinson should be a great plug and play option. Denard left last week after it looked like he got injured but he has practiced this week and should be fine on Sunday. If Yeldon misses another game, Robinson is a RB2 against this Saints defense.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Saints - Cooks has had two of his best weeks this season over the last three. Assuming Drew Brees plays, Cooks should see a lot of targets again as the Saints realize he is their best chance at an explosive play.

Matchups We Hate:

Tim Hightower, RB, Saints - Hightower might get a lot of opportunities but he's just not good. A lack of explosiveness and overall playmaking ability make Hightower a flex play at best.

Notable Players:

Drew Brees, QB, Saints - Brees has a foot injury that seemed to bother him last week. All reports indicate Brees will play. A hobbled Drew Brees, assuming he plays like he did last week, is still worth the start.

Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars - Bortles has had a breakout season. He is worth the start this week. I am already considering whether or not he's the new QB to wait on during next year's fantasy draft. It's never too early to get your draft strategy in order.

TEs - Both Julius Thomas and Benjamin Watson are worth the start. Both are red zone threats that their team has been looking for all year.

 

Packers @ Cardinals - Sunday 12/27 @ 4:25 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

David Johnson, RB, Cardinals - Johnson has come in and assumed workhorse duties for the Cardinals. He has three straight weeks of solid production and there's no reason that shouldn't continue. The Packers have gotten run on a few times this year. Both Johnson's running and catching ability will make him a major threat this weekend.

Randall Cobb, WR, Packers - Cobb has had a disappointing season by his standards. Yet, his talent and this game both are too big for Cobb to not show up again. With no Tyrann Mathieu for the Cardinals, Cobb should have one of his best days of the season.

Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals - Floyd has arguably been the most consistent and productive receiver in the league over the last six weeks. Palmer and his receivers are all on fire right now in terms of connection and big plays. Floyd is the most talented receiver the Cardinals have and will have another big day against the Packers.

Matchups We Hate:

Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers - The Cardinals have one of the league's better run defenses. Lacy has been playing well of late but the Packers run game has also been known to disappear when it doesn't immediately produce. The shaky status of Lacy on a week-to-week basis and a tough matchup make him and all Packers RBs not worth the start.

Notable Players:

Richard Rodgers, TE, Packers - A very dangerous red zone threat that Aaron Rodgers trusts. A must start.

Aaron Rodgers/Carson Palmer - Always start the people that have "MVP" associated with their names.

 

Rams @ Seahawks - Sunday 12/27 @ 4:25 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks - I have been on Tyler Lockett's bandwagon all season and it has paid off. The rookie receiver seems to get better every week or the team seems to trust him to do more every week. Either way, the Pro Bowl returner has shown that he's also a very good receiver. He is a solid WR3 option.

Matchups We Hate:

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams - I don't care what RB you are, you don't want to face this Seahawks defense right now. Gurley is a beast but that won't matter against the leagues best run defense over the last six weeks.

Notable Players:

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks - Baldwin is on an unheard of hot streak and should probably cool down this week. That being said, start Baldwin and hope the touchdown madness continues.

 

Giants @ Vikings - Sunday 12/27 @ 8:30 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Rueben Randle, WR, Giants - With no Odell Beckham Jr, Randle will see the most increase in targets. Randle is probably playing to either stay on the Giants for next year or he's auditioning for other teams. The inconsistent Randle can never truly be relied upon, but he has all the talent and skill to have a big day.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings - The GIants have a horrible secondary and Diggs has been coming on extremely strong as of late. He is a strong WR3 with high upside in a great matchup.

Matchups We Hate:

Rashad Jennings, RB, Giants - Jennings has had two solid weeks after the team finally realized that having four different guys run the ball isn't a good idea.

Notable Players:

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings - Bridgewater has played really well the last two weeks despite some big time mistakes. As the Vikings make their playoff push, Bridgewater is worth the start.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings - Peterson will have a big day. The Giants cannot stop the run. He is Adrian Peterson.

Will Tye, TE, Giants - Tye has been a valuable piece of the Giants offense the last four weeks. He is worth the start as a low end TE and Flex option.

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Scottie Scheffler

The Untouchable Favorite At CJ Cup
Tom Kim

A Popular Name To Avoid At TPC Craig Ranch
Austin Eckroat

Looking To Find Success Again At TPC Craig Ranch
Ben Kohles

Finishes Tied For 59 At Corales Puntacana Championship
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For Second At Corales Puntacana Championship
Beau Hossler

Finishes Tied For 60 At Valero Texas Open
Doug Ghim

Finishes Tied For 18 At the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

Finishes Tied For 18 At RBC Heritage
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut At Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For Eighth At RBC Heritage
George Kirby

"Feeling Great", Could Throw Again On Sunday
Tyler Fitzgerald

Returning To Starting Nine
Josh Lowe

Progressing Well, Could Play In Rehab Games On Saturday
Shane McClanahan

Begins "Throwing-Like" Activities
Patrik Laine

Remains Day-To-Day
Gabriel Vilardi

On Track To Return Wednesday
Brandon Hagel

Ruled Out For Game 5
Marcus Johansson

Returns To Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Won't Start On Wednesday
Dylan Moore

Placed On 10-Day Injured List With Hip Inflammation
Jonas Siegenthaler

Considered A Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Brett Pesce

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Back In Tuesday's Lineup
Frederik Andersen

Unavailable Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Upgraded To Available
Las Vegas Raiders

Jack Bech A Strong Candidate To Be An Immediate Starter
Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir White Competing For Depth Role
New York Jets

Mason Taylor To Immediately Be Atop Jets Tight End Depth Chart
Bennedict Mathurin

Cleared For Game 5
Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid Setting Up As Post-Hype Sleeper In 2025?
Denver Broncos

Dre Greenlaw Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold To Take Over 90% Of The Snaps
Tennessee Titans

Titans In No Rush To Trade Will Levis
Daulton Varsho

Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Says He Knows He's Ready To Start For Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Picking Up Fifth-Year Option On Dax Hill
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To J.K. Dobbins
Seattle Seahawks

Jaren Hall Cut Loose By Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Compare Josh Simmons To Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater
Denver Broncos

Pat Bryant Compared To Michael Thomas
Denver Broncos

RJ Harvey Could Do It All For Broncos
Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Likely To Man The X Spot For Panthers
Green Bay Packers

Packers, Jaire Alexander Continue To Discuss Potential Reunion
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Discussed George Pickens With Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs To Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
Washington Commanders

Matt Gays Signs One-Year Deal With Commanders
San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle Signs Four-Year Extension With 49ers
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Records Third Consecutive Double-Double
Brandin Podziemski

Hits Six Treys During 26-Point Performance
Jimmy Butler III

Leads Warriors In Scoring Monday Night
Jarrett Allen

Has Double-Double, Six Steals In Blowout Win
Brandon Boston Jr.

Recovering From Ankle Surgery
Kelly Olynyk

Undergoes Heel Procedure
Aaron Nesmith

Probable For Tuesday's Action
Nathan MacKinnon

Has Two Points In Losing Effort
Martin Necas

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Loss
Mikko Rantanen

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Win
Wyatt Johnston

Leads Stars To Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Returns To Winning Ways
Anton Lundell

Earns Two Points Monday
Ryan Gerard

Going For A Texas Trifecta Of Sorts
Brandon Hagel

Departs Loss Early
Joe Highsmith

Hoping To Make More Putts In Texas
Eric Cole

Expecting Big Things In Texas
Brian Campbell

May Go Under The Radar At CJ Cup
Riley Greene

Homers Twice On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Los Angeles Chargers

Tre Harris Expected To Fill X Role For Chargers
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Brandon Nimmo

Has Career Game
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Tyler Glasnow

Going On The Injured List
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Jrue Holiday

Out Again On Tuesday Night
Bennedict Mathurin

Questionable For Game 5
Damian Lillard

May Not Play Next Season
Luis Arraez

Expected To Return On Tuesday
Johnathan Kovacevic

To Remain Out Tuesday
Brenden Dillon

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Hughes

Not Ready To Return For Game 5
Darius Garland

Remains Out On Monday
Ross Colton

Remains Out On Monday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back Returns To Stars Lineup Monday
Miro Heiskanen

To Miss Game 5
Jordan Westburg

Placed On Injured List
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go For Game 4
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Joe Ryan

Posts Stellar Outing
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Nick Lodolo

Throws Seven Scoreless Innings
Tyler Glasnow

Removed Early On Sunday
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Tarik Skubal

Racks Up 11 Strikeouts
Luke Weaver

In Line To Get The Bulk Of Save Opportunities Moving Forward
Devin Williams

Removed From Closer Role
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Austin Hays

Smacks Two Homers On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF