December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter should lead the backfield against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, reinforcing his fantasy value as a low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 in fantasy football. Carter will handle a larger workload this week after
Zonovan Knight (ankle) was placed on injured reserve. After Knight exited last weekend, Carter played a season-high 80% snap share with 14 carries, 56 rushing yards, four catches, and 38 receiving yards. The 26-year-old is likely headed for similar volume this Sunday, but we also wouldn't be surprised if
Emari Demercado eats into his workload slightly. Nevertheless, Carter should remain the clear No. 1 back heading into a favorable matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed the 13th-most rushing yards and 14th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. A spread of ATL -3.0 also indicates that this should be a competitive game, which is another reason why we expect Carter to see a healthy dose of carries and targets. He ranks as the overall RB25 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Jacoby Brissett has filled in admirably for
Kyler Murray (foot), and he remains a strong fantasy option ahead of Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran quarterback wasn't expected to have any fantasy relevance coming into this season, and even when he took over as the Cardinals' starter, expectations were quite low. However, he has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers, ranking as a top-12 quarterback in all nine of his starts this year. Since replacing Murray in Week 6, he is the overall QB3 in fantasy scoring, trailing only
Josh Allen and
Trevor Lawrence. He already has talented receiving threats available in
Trey McBride and
Michael Wilson, and he could get additional reinforcements with
Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) listed as questionable. Harrison is working his way back after missing four of the last five Cardinals games. Having all three of his top targets available would give Murray an extra boost against the Falcons, who rank near the middle of the league with the 16th-most fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Just last week, Atlanta's defense surrendered 277 passing yards and two touchdowns to
Baker Mayfield. As it stands, Brissett is the overall QB7 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Atlanta Falcons kicker
Zane Gonzalez has been solid as the team's third placekicker this year, going 11-for-13 in the six games he's played, with both misses coming from more than 50 yards out. He's also 11-for-11 on extra point attempts. The 30-year-old is on the streaming radar for Week 16's road matchup against the Cardinals, as Arizona has given up 35 points per contest over the last three weeks, which is second-worst in the NFL over that stretch, and Atlanta owns an implied total of 25 for this contest, so there is scoring expected in this one. Gonzalez won't have to deal with any elements playing indoors in Arizona either, so it sets him up as a potential top 12 kicking option for Week 16.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
David Sills V drew 10 targets in Week 15, converting them into six catches for 78 yards. The 29-year-old enjoyed a four-game stretch with
Drake London (knee) missing from action, which included touchdown receptions in Weeks 12 and 13, however, London is expected to return in Week 16. That could mean Sills' fantasy relevance could revert to near-zero, although he did manage to outsnap
Darnell Mooney each of the last two weeks, so it could be Mooney's playing time that takes a hit. Either way, with it being the fantasy playoffs for most managers, it's a situation that is probably best avoided if possible, leaving the 29-year-old as a deep league Hail Mary where needed.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
The Broncos' defense enters Week 16 as one of the league's best and will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in what could be another defensive matchup. The Broncos' defense currently ranks second in the league in average points per game allowed at just 18.6, and the Jaguars' defense isn't too far behind them at tenth with just 20.9. Since the Jaguars are ranked as a top-ten offense in scoring with 26.9 points per game, the Broncos will have a great test in containing them. With RotoBaller ranking the Broncos' defense at seventh overall for Week 16, fantasy managers should still feel confident in starting them despite the tough matchup.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Denver Broncos Kicker
Wil Lutz will look for more opportunities to contribute as he'll face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16. In the Week 15 win over the Green Bay Packers, Lutz was able to convert four PAT attempts and didn't get a chance to kick a field goal. The Jaguars' defense is currently ranked 10th in scoring allowed per game at 20.9, and while it can be difficult to predict exactly how likely a kicker will be relied upon for field goals, Lutz has been reliable when given the opportunity this season. As Lutz will do all he can to help the Broncos extend their win streak to 12 straight, RotoBaller ranks him at 21 overall for Week 16.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Denver Broncos tight end
Evan Engram will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16. Engram enters Week 16 as the TE30 overall on the season in full-PPR leagues and has had a downtrend in offensive snaps with 36% in Week 14 and 28% in Week 15. While the Jaguars will likely force the Broncos to focus more on the passing attack since they are the best in the league at average rushing yards allowed per game, with 86.3, it's hard to bet that Engram will be a beneficiary of the gameplan. As RotoBaller's TE27 overall on the week, Engram will be best left on the bench or on waivers.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Denver Broncos rookie running back
RJ Harvey is set to dominate backfield touches again against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, but faces another difficult test. The Jaguars currently rank first in the NFL in average rushing yards allowed per game, at just 86.3. With the Broncos having success in Week 15 through the air while facing the Green Bay Packers, it's possible that they could lean more towards the passing game as a focal point to keep the win streak alive. While Harvey has scored at least one touchdown on the ground in three consecutive games and averages 75.7 total yards per game in that stretch, RotoBaller ranks him as the RB14 overall for Week 16.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin is aiming to stay efficient against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16. After booming again in Week 15 with six of six targets caught for 85 yards and a touchdown, adding one carry for three yards, Franklin could potentially cede snaps to the return of rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant. However, it will be a surprise if Sean Payton decides to keep Franklin out of the scheme, as he has been a key part of the Broncos' 11-game win streak. With the Jaguars' defense being stronger against the run than it is against the pass, it's likely that the passing attack will be a focal point to keep the win streak alive. With offensive snap counts in the last three games since the bye of 53%, 26%, and 50%, Franklin enters Week 16 as RotoBaller's WR51 overall for the week.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Courtland Sutton has been a healthy start for fantasy managers since the Week 12 bye and will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16. The Jaguars' defense currently ranks first in average rushing yards per game allowed with 86.3 and 20th in average passing yards allowed with 222.2. With this in mind, it's likely that the passing attack remains a focal point of the Broncos' offense in Week 16 as they look to build off of the tremendous outing that quarterback
Bo Nix had in Week 15. This could bode well for Sutton's production against the Jaguars, and RotoBaller's rankings reflect that as the WR14 overall for Week 16.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Denver Broncos quarterback
Bo Nix will look to stay hot as they will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16. After lighting up the Green Bay Packers in Week 15 with 302 passing yards and four passing touchdowns, Nix should theoretically have an easier time moving the offense down the field against a defense ranking 20th overall in average passing yards allowed per game at 222.2. Nix will also get rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant back into the lineup for Week 16, which could lead to even more open options to choose from throughout the day. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Nix as RotoBaller's QB11 overall for Week 16 rankings.
--Luke DeMarcusSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Atlanta Falcons running back
Tyler Allgeier was a non-factor in Week 15's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers, rushing just twice for 18 yards, and did not receive any targets in the passing game for the first time since Week 10. The BYU product is tied for the team lead in touchdowns with eight, but has limited fantasy appeal if he's not finding the end zone. Week 16, however, could bring a solid chance to score, as the Falcons go up against an Arizona defense that has yielded the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and has allowed 35 points per game to opponents over their last three games (second most). Atlanta has an implied total of 25 points in this one, so there should be a few touchdowns scored, and the 25-year-old projects as a low-floor Flex play who currently has the third-best odds of scoring out of all the Falcon playmakers (+140).
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have activated cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) from Injured Reserve, and he will start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. Diggs' return coincides with fellow cornerback Daron Bland (foot), who is set to miss the rest of the season after being moved to Injured Reserve. Diggs was placed on IR in late October after suffering a concussion while also managing a knee injury. The 27-year-old is expected to return in a rotational role for Week 16's game against the Chargers before ramping up over the final two games of the season.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Patrik Walker
December 20, 2025
Tennessee Titans running back
Tony Pollard has posted back-to-back games with over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. Pollard's previous season high for rushing yards was 92 back in Week 2, and he scored only twice in the first 13 weeks before erupting over the past two games. The 28-year-old ranks as the RB3 in PPR points in the past two weeks after a mediocre first 12 games, where he ranked as the RB29. The former Dallas Cowboys running back has maintained a steady workload with double-digit touches in every game and at least 15 in three of the past four games. However, Pollard has a tough matchup on Sunday against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has allowed the fourth fewest PPR points per game to running backs. He ranks as RotoBaller's RB29 in PPR leagues and is more of a FLEX option in Week 16.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 20, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Calvin Austin III failed to bring in his lone target in last week's win over the Miami Dolphins and will hope to see an uptick in utilization against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. This matchup sets up extremely well for Pittsburgh's aerial attack, given its high projected point total and a struggling Detroit secondary that is allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Still, Austin has not been able to establish himself as a consistent weapon for quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, who has frequently targeted
DK Metcalf along with the Steelers' running backs and tight ends. Given the matchup, Austin could certainly surprise with an explosive play, but he remains off the fantasy radar in all redraft formats.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker
Chris Boswell has underwhelmed for fantasy purposes as of late, attempting just two field goals over the past four weeks. He'll look to get back on track against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Boswell has been steady when given opportunities this season, and perhaps more importantly, this contest is expected to feature plenty of scoring. Of course, the Steelers will need to reach the end zone to keep pace with the Lions' high-powered offense, but Boswell could still have ample chances to make an impact in a climate-controlled environment at Ford Field. Fantasy managers can start Boswell as a top-12 option at the position this week.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback
Cameron Ward has thrown multiple touchdowns in back-to-back games for the first time this season. Ward completed 18 of 29 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns with a season-high 101.2 passer rating in last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has largely struggled this season, totaling 12 touchdowns to 16 turnovers and taking a league high 49 sacks. Positively, he's taken only one sack and committed one turnover in the past two games, but faces another challenge on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have allowed the fifth fewest passing touchdowns and the 12th fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. Ward profiles as a desperation QB2 in superflex leagues in Week 16.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 20, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Pat Freiermuth was effective in Week 15, catching three passes for 45 yards, and will hope to stay involved in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. Though the Lions have struggled against the pass this season, the majority of production they have allowed has come from opposing wide receivers. Still, this isn't necessarily a matchup to avoid, especially given the game's healthy projected point total. The concern for Freiermuth remains his volatile role, as Pittsburgh continues to split opportunities fairly evenly among him,
Jonnu Smith, and
Darnell Washington. Fantasy managers in deep formats who are desperate at the position could look to stream Freiermuth in hopes of a touchdown, but the 27-year-old should be left on waiver wires in most redraft leagues.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have signed running back
Dameon Pierce to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Pierce signed with Kansas City's practice squad on November 24 after being waived by the Houston Texans. The 2022 fourth-round pick had a promising rookie campaign, totalling 939 yards and four touchdowns on 220 carries with 30 catches (39 targets) for 165 yards and another score as a receiver, but has faded into a depth role since then. Pierce doesn't have a path to consistent playing time with the Chiefs, as
Kareem Hunt and
Isiah Pacheco lead the backfield. He shouldn't be considered for fantasy purposes in Week 16 and is mainly a dynasty league stash for now.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Aaron Wilson
December 20, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell has been heavily involved over the past five weeks and should remain a focal point of the offense against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. The Lions' run defense has been stout for most of the season, but perhaps more importantly, Detroit has shut down opposing backs in the passing game, surrendering the second-fewest receiving yards, the fourth-fewest receptions, and zero receiving touchdowns to the position. On paper, this doesn't bode well for Gainwell, who has thrived as a check-down option for quarterback
Aaron Rodgers. Still, Pittsburgh doesn't have many reliable pass-catchers outside of
DK Metcalf, and Gainwell actually leads the team in receptions through 15 weeks. Expectations should be tempered, but Gainwell remains on the fantasy radar as a flex option on Sunday.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Darnell Mooney was targeted six times in last week's 29-28 win over the Buccaneers, but managed to haul in just three of them for 35 scoreless yards. The 28-year-old has caught four passes only one time all season, totaling 25 catches for 364 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played. His chances for making a fantasy impact won't get any better in Week 16 with
Drake London (knee) expected to return for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals. The veteran wideout has fallen off the WR3 radar and is shaping up as nothing more than a risky Flex play for managers in the fantasy playoffs.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
December 20, 2025
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) has officially been ruled out for Monday night's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. The star cornerback hasn't practiced since suffering a calf strain in the Colts' Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans and will miss his third consecutive game. The 25-year-old played in just two full games since the Colts acquired him for two first-round picks and
Adonai Mitchell at this year's trade deadline. Gardner's injury was described as week-to-week, and the team is hopeful that he can return before the end of the regular season, though with the Colts' playoff hopes dwindling, it's possible he is shut down with only two games remaining after this week.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Mike Chappell
December 20, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
DK Metcalf has scored as a top-24 fantasy option in each of his past two games and should stay hot against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. On the season, Detroit has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts, and over the past four weeks, it has surrendered the most receptions, the most yards, and the second-most touchdowns to the position. This contest has shootout potential with the highest projected point total of the week, and with the Lions entering as heavy home favorites, Pittsburgh may be forced to air it out. While Metcalf's utilization in the offense has been underwhelming at times, the connection between him and quarterback
Aaron Rodgers has been heating up recently. Fantasy managers should fire up Metcalf in all formats as a borderline WR1 this week.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker
Cam Little has been solid in 2025. Little has drilled 23 of 27 field goals while converting 39 of 40 extra point tries. However, it might be tough to trust him in the fantasy playoffs with a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have the third-best scoring defense in the NFL, which, in theory, should limit Little's kicking opportunities. However, coming off a massive game against the New York Jets, the Jacksonville offense is clicking, so they could at least move the ball. That could mean fewer red-zone chances but more field-goal opportunities. Fantasy managers who have been riding Little all season can continue to do so, but there are certainly better options to start in Week 16.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Kickers RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
The Jacksonville Jaguars DST is a decent starting option most weeks, but could struggle against the Denver Broncos. In important Week 16 playoff matchups, fantasy teams should be looking for defenses with better matchups. However, given the defense's ability to force turnovers, the Broncos aren't the worst matchup.
Bo Nix is a good quarterback, but he is prone to turnovers at times, so the Jaguars could get a pick-six and have a fantasy-worthy week. Still, in a matchup that is important for both teams in the real NFL standings, the Broncos will likely play a bit more carefully and protect the ball. Fantasy managers can do worse, but Jacksonville can be used as a streamer and come in as DST12 in the latest RotoBaller rankings for Week 16.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: D/ST RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Dallas Cowboys kicker
Brandon Aubrey doubled his season total for missed field goals, missing two attempts in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings for just the third time in his career. Aubrey attempted a career-high six field goals, missing kicks from 51 and 59 yards out. His performance from long range in Week 15 is an outlier compared to his season production, ranking second in the league with nine made field goals from 50 yards or more. The 30-year-old remains one of the elite kickers in fantasy and should be expected to bounce back in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 20, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren was outshined by teammate
Kenneth Gainwell last week but will look to get back on track against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Detroit has been much stronger defensively against the run than the pass this season, but it has softened up a bit as of late. The Lions have surrendered 4.2 yards per carry and over 20 fantasy points per game to running backs over the past four weeks. With this contest projected for a healthy amount of points, fantasy managers should look to start offensive pieces on both sides. Even if Pittsburgh continues to take a hot-hand approach in the backfield, Warren should see enough volume on the ground to provide fantasy value while offering touchdown upside. The 27-year-old checks in as the RB28 in RotoBaller's Week 16 rankings and should be viewed as a high-end flex play.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end
Brenton Strange is tough to trust in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos. He had a down week in Week 15 despite a huge offensive performance from
Trevor Lawrence, showcasing that Strange may be falling in the target pecking order.
Jakobi Meyers and
Brian Thomas Jr. seem to be more at the forefront of the passing offense, which limits Strange's upside. The Broncos have an elite pass rush, which could mean a security blanket tight end is necessary, but it is hard to predict, given the target competition. Strange isn't the worst starting option, but fantasy playoff teams should have a better choice if they want to advance in Week 16.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: Brenton Strange RotoBaller
December 20, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Malik Davis saw more run in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings after
Javonte Williams (neck) missed time in the first half. The 26-year-old ended up playing a career high 53% of the offensive snaps and handled eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches (three targets) for 16 yards. Williams eventually returned for the second half and was a full participant in practice this week. Still, it remains clear that Davis is the primary backup ahead of rookie
Jaydon Blue, who has been a healthy inactive for the past six games. Davis' fantasy upside for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers remains capped, as he hasn't seen much usage when Williams has been healthy, handling just 14 touches in the five games leading up to last week.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 20, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers has been solid over his past two games and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 16 meeting with the Detroit Lions. Although the Lions are favored by a touchdown at home, this contest is projected to have the highest point total of the week. The main reason is Detroit's struggling pass defense, which has surrendered the most fantasy points, the most yards, and the third-most passing touchdowns to opposing signal-callers over the past four weeks. Given the inconsistencies of Pittsburgh's banged-up defense, there should be no shortage of offense in this one. Rodgers will need to throw the ball early and often to keep pace and will have a full allotment of weapons at his disposal, including a surging
DK Metcalf. While he's not an ideal fantasy option in single-quarterback formats, Rodgers is firmly on the streaming radar and should be viewed as a solid QB2 this week.
--Jorden HillSource: RotoBaller
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