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Dave's fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks for Week 16 of 2025. His fantasy football outlooks for J.J. McCarthy, Trevor Lawrence, Audric Estime, Ashton Jeanty, Ladd McConkey, Terry McLaurin, Darren Waller, Harold Fannin Jr., more.
Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 16 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like J.J. McCarthy, Trevor Lawrence, Audric Estime, Ashton Jeanty, Ladd McConkey, Terry McLaurin, Darren Waller, and Harold Fannin Jr. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 16. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start ... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to start...
Sunday Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions
The fantasy football semi-finals are here! Managers are just one game away from advancing to their league's championship match.
There is a lot on the line, including bragging rights, a championship belt, and a nice cash prize. Gamers everywhere are facing tough lineup decisions, and that can make this a stressful time. We'll do our best to alleviate that stress and will present you with several start/sit options for each position to take into consideration for this week.
Make sure you’re following RotoBaller on X and download the RotoBaller app for all your fantasy football needs. Let's discuss our start ‘em and sit ‘em picks for Week 16.
QB Starts - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Justin Herbert - QB, Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys
Herbert has not posted a top 12 finish since Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans. That is largely due to the Chargers' shift to a run-heavy approach following a slew of offensive line injuries.
However, this week gives Herbert a great chance to deliver a top 12 result. Los Angeles faces a Dallas Cowboys defense that allows the most passing yards per game as well as the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, per Fantasy Football Today.
Gamers should consider Herbert a backend QB1, and he is one of the better streaming candidates for Week 16.
Aaron Rodgers - QB, Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Rodgers has turned things around over the last two games after we ripped him in this article a few weeks ago. The Steelers' QB1 has a great chance to deliver another fine fantasy performance this weekend.
Thanks to a slew of injuries, the Detroit defense is not as formidable as it was earlier in the season. Even though the Lions rank 10th in PFF's pass coverage grade, they have allowed the ninth-most passing yards per game as well as the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
We could see both teams light up the scoreboards in this one, and that would be good news for Rodgers' outlook. He's an acceptable streamer in single quarterback leagues and is a fine QB2 play in superflex formats.
J.J. McCarthy - QB, Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
McCarthy has turned things around over the last two weeks and is starting to play some good football.
JJ McCarthy griddys into the end zone!
MINvsDAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/5P2lN654PM— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2025
Now he goes up against a Giants defense that ranks 25th in PFF's pass coverage grade and has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. It's going to feel super uncomfortable starting McCarthy, but he's taken advantage of plus matchups the last two weeks. This is a spot where he can post another strong performance.
He's in play as a streaming option in single quarterback leagues and is an acceptable QB2 in superflex leagues, too.
QB Sits - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Marcus Mariota - QB, Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
With Jayden Daniels being shut down for the rest of the year, Mariota takes over as Washington's QB1. He's had some nice fantasy performances, but this week doesn't look like a great time to start him.
The Eagles have one of the best defenses in the NFL and have been very good against opposing quarterbacks. Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position.
Mariota will offer some rushing appeal, but this is a tough spot to expect a strong performance. Leave him on the bench and look elsewhere for a streamer.
Trevor Lawrence - QB, Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
Lawrence is currently playing some of the best football of his career and is fresh off a six-touchdown effort against the New York Jets last week.
Count 'em... 6️⃣ TDs for Trevor Lawrence pic.twitter.com/FwNQvLbHG8
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
However, Lawrence faces a tough test this weekend. The Broncos defense is very good, and the team currently ranks sixth in FTN Fantasy's defensive passing DVOA. This represents a big step up in competition for Lawrence compared to the last three weeks, and it's unknown if he can continue playing well against one of the league's best defensive units.
Lawrence's hot streak could continue here, but it's probably safer for gamers leave him on the bench in favor of other options.
Jaxson Dart - QB, New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings
Dart has been a fine QB1 for the majority of this season. However, we could see the bottom fall out this week.
Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores is known for his aggressive, blitzing defense. That could cause problems for Dart in this game and force him into several poor decisions.
Throw in the fact that Minnesota has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards to quarterbacks, and this looks like a spot where Dart could struggle.
RB Starts - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Audric Estime - RB, New Orleans Saints vs. New York Jets
With Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal both missing this game due to injuries, Estime could see a ton of volume here. That would be good news for his fantasy outlook as the Jets allow 137.2 rushing yards per game, which is the fourth-most in the league.
Gamers should feel comfortable starting Estime as a flex play or RB2 in a pinch.
Rico Dowdle - RB, Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dowdle has really cooled off down the stretch, but he's still seeing plenty of volume. This is a spot where he could deliver a surprise performance, as Tampa Bay has quietly allowed the eighth-most PPR points to running backs this year.
Look for Carolina to rely heavily on its running attack to score a victory in this game. That will make Dowdle a volume-based RB2 play with potential for more.
Omarion Hampton - RB, Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys
Hampton has played well in two games since returning from an ankle injury. Now he gets to face a Cowboys defense that ranks 29th in defensive rushing DVOA and has allowed the seventh-most PPR points to running backs. Even though the Cowboys' defense has been better since trading for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, this could be a spot where they struggle against the Chargers' ground attack, as Dallas has allowed the fifth-most explosive rushing yards this year per Fantasy Points Data Suite.
Start Hampton as a strong RB2 play.
RB Sits - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Jaylen Warren - RB, Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
Warren has averaged under 4.0 yards per carry in four straight games, and has started ceding more work to Kenneth Gainwell the last few weeks. Gainwell has looked like the better player, so we could very well see Pittsburgh give him more work at Warren's expense.
Throw in the fact that Detroit allows the second-fewest PPR points per game to opposing running backs, and Warren looks like a clear sit.
Tony Pollard - RB, Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Pollard is in the middle of a heater and has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in two straight games. That streak will likely come to an end this week as the Chiefs rank fifth in PFF's rushing defense grade and have allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards this year.
Look for the Chiefs' defense to stack the box and force Tennessee quarterback Cameron Ward to beat them with his arm. That would mean bad news for Pollard, and he carries major bust potential this weekend. That makes him a risky play for the fantasy semi-finals, and gamers would be wise to leave him on their bench.
Ashton Jeanty - RB, Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans
Jeanty's rookie season has been awful. Outside of a 138-yard effort against the Chicago Bears in Week 4, Jeanty hasn't been able to get much going on the ground.
That isn't likely to change this weekend as the Raiders face a Houston Texans defense that ranks third in defensive rushing DVOA, third in PFF's rushing defense grade, and allows the seventh-fewest PPR points per game to opposing backs.
There's not much to like about Jeanty's outlook this week, and gamers should consider sitting him on the bench.
WR Starts - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Ladd McConkey - WR, Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys
McConkey has been incredibly frustrating to own this year, and he has been one of 2025's biggest busts. However, this could be a spot where he pops for a big game, as the Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
He is a risky play given how inconsistent he's been, but McConkey is worth starting as a WR3 or flex play in this spot. The matchup is too good to ignore, and he could be a major difference-maker in your lineup this weekend.
Jauan Jennings - WR, San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts
We'll see if Ricky Pearsall can play Monday night. If he doesn't, that would obviously be better for Jennings' outlook. However, even if Pearsall plays, Jennings could still post a strong performance.
The Colts have struggled against wide receivers this year and have allowed the third-most PPR points per game to the position. We should see quarterback Brock Purdy and the 49ers' passing offense have another solid game. That would mean good news for Jennings' fantasy ceiling. Start him as a WR3 or flex play.
Xavier Worthy - WR, Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans
With it looking increasingly likely that Rashee Rice will miss this weekend's game with a concussion, that would put Worthy in line to function as the team's WR1. That comes at a good time, as the Titans rank 26th in PFF's pass coverage grade and allow the fourth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers.
Even though he's had a disappointing sophomore season, this is a good matchup for Worthy. Start him as a WR3 or flex.
WR Sits - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Terry McLaurin - WR, Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
McLaurin has played very well since returning to the Commanders' lineup, but we may want to temper our expectations this week. The Eagles have been very effective at limiting opposing WR1s this year. Philadelphia ranks second in DVOA against opposing WR1s and allows 46.3 receiving yards per game to the position.
This is not the best time for managers to trust McLaurin in a difficult matchup. Send him to the bench in favor of someone else.
Wan’Dale Robinson - WR, New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings
Robinson has enjoyed a fine season and is currently the PPR WR9 on the year.
Jaxson Dart finds Wan'Dale Robinson in the end zone 🙌#ProBowlVote
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/4gDZR13kAS
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 14, 2025
He's proven to be a good option in PPR leagues, but this weekend looks like a good time to send him to the bench. The Vikings rank ninth in defensive passing DVOA and have allowed the third-fewest PPR points to wide receivers this year. This is also a spot where quarterback Jaxson Dart could struggle, and that would also mean bad news for Robinson's outlook.
Brian Thomas Jr. - WR, Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
Thomas is coming off a PPR WR15 finish last week, where he scored his second touchdown of the season.
Brian Thomas Jr. gives the @Jaguars an early lead
NYJvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/KNmlfflFG8
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
He's now posted two straight top 24 finishes in PPR leagues. However, this weekend looks like a good spot to sit him as the Denver Broncos rank sixth in defensive passing DVOA. Thomas also draws a matchup with star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, according to RotoBaller's Week 13 WR/CB matchup chart. That is bad news for Thomas, and he is at risk of being completely neutralized in this game.
Several things are working against him here, and that usually means it's a good idea for gamers to consider other options.
TE Starts - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Darren Waller - TE, Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Waller is coming off a 7-66-2 effort last weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he finished as the PPR TE3. Now he goes against a Bengals defense that's been awful at defending tight ends and has allowed the most PPR points to the position this year.
Even though the move to rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers throws some uncertainty into the mix, the matchup here is too good to ignore. Consider Waller one of the top streaming candidates for Week 16.
Mike Gesicki - TE, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
We'll stay in this game for our next call. Gesicki is coming off a disappointing game against the Ravens last week, but two weeks ago, he posted a 6-86-1 line to finish as the PPR TE2. This weekend could be a spot for another spike game as the Dolphins allow the third-most PPR points per game to tight ends.
Start Gesicki as a touchdown-dependent, boom/bust streamer.
Dallas Goedert - TE, Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
Goedert is coming off two straight top-five finishes in PPR leagues. He will have a great chance to extend that streak this weekend as the Commanders rank 32nd in DVOA against tight ends and allow 63.7 receiving yards per game to the position.
Managers should continue rolling with Philadelphia's TE1 this week as this is another great matchup, and Goedert is live for another strong performance.
TE Sits - Week 16 Fantasy Football
Harold Fannin Jr. - TE, Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills
Fannin has enjoyed a fine rookie season, but he draws a terrible matchup in the fantasy semi-finals. The Bills have allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends, and their defense could give Fannin and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders fits in this game.
While Fannin is clearly a good player, this is a dangerous time of year to trust players on bad teams in poor matchups. That means the safe play is to leave Fannin on the bench in favor of other options.
Dalton Schultz - TE, Houston Texans vs. Las Vegas Raiders
While the Raiders have been a complete embarrassment (again) in 2025, the team continues to guard opposing tight ends quite well. Las Vegas allows only 39.8 receiving yards per game to tight ends. With Houston likely playing from ahead for most of this game, this could be a spot where Schultz disappoints.
He's been a fantastic streaming option in recent weeks, but this looks like a good time to bench him for another tight end in a better matchup.
Hunter Henry - TE, New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
Henry struggled in a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills last week. Unfortunately, he gets a tough draw in Week 16 as the Ravens have allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to tight ends this year. Send him to the bench and find a streamer with an easier matchup.
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
Week 16 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players -- J.J. McCarthy, Trevor Lawrence, Audric Estime, Ashton Jeanty, Ladd McConkey, Terry McLaurin, Darren Waller, and Harold Fannin Jr. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 16.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool, but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
Improvements For Who Should I Start? You may have noticed our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win your fantasy football matchups each week. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Each week, our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football rankings and projections based on their research. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked. If someone is out for the week, they will not appear in the search results.
Scoring Formats. Fantasy football managers play in various types of leagues, and this tool allows you to choose whether it's PPR scoring, Half-PPR scoring, or Standard (Non-PPR) scoring. The second thing you want to do is to select the scoring format. There are three small radio buttons (small circles), so click on the scoring format you prefer. The results may vary based on the scoring format you select.
Popular Week 16 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 16 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 16 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 16 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for J.J. McCarthy, Trevor Lawrence, Audric Estime, Ashton Jeanty, Ladd McConkey, Terry McLaurin, Darren Waller, and Harold Fannin Jr. compared to others:
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