RADIO
Dennis Clausen highlights the top FanDuel NFL DFS lineup picks for December 22, 2019 (Week 16), and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.
After three games on Saturday, we have a loaded slate on Sunday in what could turn out to be the most crucial week of the season, and also the most interesting. With injuries and teams looking to play for either draft picks, or to remain in the playoff hunt, there are some interesting names that could have big games in Week 16.
In this article, I will be providing you with daily fantasy football picks in FanDuel for Sunday, December 22, 2019 (Week 16). These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. Be sure to also consult the NFL Depth Charts and Snap Counts for more critical information this week.
Follow me on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Good luck.
FanDuel Quarterbacks - Week 16 Picks
Lamar Jackson - QB, @ CLE ($9,300)
Baltimore ranks second in the league in overall offense while ranking first in points per game, with Jackson (and Greg Roman) being responsible for the Ravens' dominance this year. At this point, it doesn't matter who Baltimore is playing because the sophomore signal-caller is as close to a sure thing as you can get. He has logged less than 20.8 fantasy points only once this season and has hit north of 30 seven times. Jackson stomped Cleveland back in Week 4, recording 247 yards and three scores on 24-for-34 passing to go along with 66 rushing yards on nine attempts. While his previous success against the Browns doesn't guarantee that he will have a similar outing on Sunday, chances are he will.
Drew Brees - QB, @ TEN ($8,200)
If spending that type of cash on Lamar Jackson makes you nervous, you can save some bread by rolling with Brees in what should be the highest-scoring game of the day. He has been on a roll over his last two outings, recording 656 passing yards and nine touchdowns. He also has the best receiver in the league at his disposal in Michael Thomas, and with the Saints looking to cement their place in the postseason as it related to seeding, the veteran should remain efficient until the end of his season, whenever that may be.
FanDuel Running Backs - Week 16 Picks
Chris Carson - RB, vs, ARI ($8,200)
Rasheed Penny is out of the picture for the remainder of the year after suffering a knee injury, leaving Carson as the only legit back on the roster. He had his best game of the year against the Panthers in Week 15, finishing things up with 133 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. He also caught a few passes in that one, and while the Cardinals Defense hasn't been horrible at stopping the run, Carson should still produce, regardless.
Joe Mixon - RB, @ MIA ($7,800)
Mixon was on the injury report as a result of a calf issue but has since been removed, opening the door for him to potentially do some damage against Miami on Sunday. The Dolphins Defense has struggled against opposing runners, particularly over the last month, allowing a fourth-worst 29.80 fantasy points per game. The 23-year-old started off the season slow and though it would be nice if he scored more frequently, he continues to produce based on volume alone by racking up at least 18 attempts over his previous four outings.
FanDuel Wide Receivers - Week 16 Picks
Michael Thomas - WR, @ TEN ($9,000)
Thomas' place in DFS lineups is a must on Sunday. As he inches closer to Marvin Harrison's single-season reception record of 143, it is apparent that this type of production may never be seen again, or at least for a very, very long time from now. He leads the league in many categories this year and has 11 games in which he has received double-digit targets.
A.J. Brown - WR, vs. NO ($7,200)
Brown will be going up against a Saints team that heavily scouted him heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, and with his recent play as of late, you can bet that those making the decisions in New Orleans are second-guessing not picking him up. Brown has hit at least 21.5 fantasy points in three of his last four games and has also logged 29 catches for 447 yards and four touchdowns over the previous month. The Saints Defense has struggled defending opposing wideouts this season to boot, allowing an eighth-worst 39.03 fantasy points per game.
FanDuel Tight Ends - Week 16 Picks
Zach Ertz - TE, vs. DAL ($6,900)
Though the Eagles are banged up on the offensive end, Ertz continues to handle the heavy lifting. He has been targeted by Carson Wentz at least 10 times in five out of his last six games and has five touchdown grabs during that same span. He logged 68 snaps in Week 15, good for second-best at his position, and should continue to get his looks in a crucial game that could determine the winner of the NFC East.
FanDuel Defenses - Week 16 Picks
Panthers Defense - DEF, @ IND ($3,500)
T.Y. Hilton returned in Week 15 after missing some games with a hamstring issue but didn't look right, Parris Campbell is out on injured reserve, Same for Eric Ebron, and Marlon Mack hasn't slowly declined, making it possible that the Panthers Defense could be in store for an efficient outing.
