December 21, 2016

Ricky Delgado looks at fantasy football risers and fallers for Week 16 of the NFL season, following the conclusion of Week 14 of the 2016 fantasy football season.

Perhaps more than any other, the NFL is a league that experiences ups and downs at a rapid pace. With only 16 games, there’s little room for error and seemingly endless opportunities for improvement. The same goes for fantasy football, and managing rosters effectively is key to winning that championship.

Throughout the season, players get hot and see an increased role while others struggle and fight to stay relevant. Experienced fantasy players know this happens every year. In this weekly column, we’ll showcase those who have taken important steps forward and those who have taken steps back. These are the risers and fallers heading into Week 16 of the NFL season.

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Post-Week 15 Fantasy Football Risers

RISER - Alshon Jeffery (WR, CHI)

Returning from a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, 26-year-old Alshon Jeffery was quieted for the most part before coming alive right at the end. With the red-hot Green Bay Packers in town, Bears quarterback Matt Barkley targeted Jeffery just once through the first three quarters. As Chicago pulled off a furious comeback in the fourth, however, the Pro Bowl wideout was at the forefront. Jeffery was targeted eight times in the fourth, making six catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. Making those who trusted him with their playoff fortunes sweat, he wound up having a solid return game. With the Washington Redskins traveling to Soldier Field for a Christmas Eve matchup, Jeffery figures to be a strong play for any fantasy football managers that feature him on their squads. With a quarterback that isn't afraid of throwing the football, trust Jeffery to make some plays on Saturday.

RISER - Tyler Lockett (WR, SEA)

Sophomore wideout Tyler Lockett finally had himself a breakout game in 2016. The 24-year-old had eight targets, his most since Week 1, while making a season-high seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown reception. Incredibly, it was his first touchdown reception of the year, having recorded his first rushing touchdown of the season last week. While Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham continue to lead the Seahawks in receptions and touchdowns, Lockett clearly has the ability to be the top receiver on the team. While that may come next year, he can still play a major role in the short term. Fresh off surrendering a whopping 48 points at home to the New Orleans Saints, the Arizona Cardinals will travel to CenturyLink for a Christmas Eve matchup. Look for the Seahawks to continue their strong form and expect Lockett to remain an active member of the offense.

RISER - Derrick Henry (RB, TEN)

While DeMarco Murray is the unquestioned leader of the Tennessee Titans' running game, rookie Derrick Henry is making strides as a productive second-stringer. The 22-year-old is averaging 4.5 yards per carry, slightly under Murray's 4.6. Additionally, he's amassed four touchdowns to Murray's nine and will eventually take over as the lead back on the roster. This past week in Kansas City, however, Henry was used in the biggest moments as the Titans pulled off a huge road victory to boost their playoff aspirations. The Alabama alum tallied 59 rushing yards on nine carries on Sunday, scoring two huge touchdowns in a successful fantasy football performance. Henry, along with the rest of the Titans are poised for a huge Week 16 as they head to Jacksonville for a matchup against the hapless Jaguars. Already 2-12, the Jags are now down a head coach after Gus Bradley was fired. Look for Henry to contribute significantly as a strong FLEX option in the championship game.

Post-Week 15 Fantasy Football Fallers

FALLER: Terrelle Pryor Sr. (WR, CLE)

As the Cleveland Browns continue to fade away into a historical nightmare, their lone bright light has burned out. Terrelle Pryor, who was having a solid fantasy season as a wide receiver just a couple of weeks ago, has gone completely silent the last two games. After catching six passes for 131 yards against the Giants, the 27-year-old has managed just 22 yards on five receptions across the past two games. His targets have also taken a steep hit, while opposing defensive players continue to bad-mouth him. While the Browns have a home matchup against the San Diego Chargers this upcoming week, Pryor's current form means he can't be trusted in a championship game. At this point, he should be dropped in favor of any other hot wideouts available through waiver wire.

FALLER: Brock Osweiler (QB, HOU)

A recent look at Brock Osweiler's ownership perecent startled us when we discovered that the number wasn't zero. Houston's $72 million ($37 million guaranteed) dollar man has been an absolute catastrophe this season, tossing 14 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with five fumbles and a 71.4 quarterback rating. Osweiler hasn't improved Houston's offense at all, and has actually set DeAndre Hopkins back, also minimizing Will Fuller's rookie season. This past week, with the Texans still in playoff contention and hosting the abysmal Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Bill O'Brien seemingly had enough. With the team down 13 in the second quarter, backup quarterback Tom Savage took over, with the crowd cheering wildly in approval. Savage would go on to lead a comeback, as Hopkins would record his most receiving yards in a game since Week 2. Savage has already been announced as the starter for Week 16, and Osweiler's tenure in Houston could be done.

FALLER: Trevor Siemian (QB, DEN)

Trevor Siemian was one of our very first risers, making an appearance all the way in Week 4. Those were simpler times for Siemian and the Broncos, as they were undefeated and the Northwestern alum was fresh off tossing four touchdowns to zero interceptions. In his ensuing nine games, however, Siemian has managed multiple touchdowns in a game just three times, also missing time with injuries. While he tossed for three touchdowns in Week 12, his past two games have seen solid yardage but a failure to record touchdowns. Just this past week, with the New England Patriots at Mile High, Siemian's offense managed a disappointing three points as the defense managed to control Tom Brady. With the Broncos heading to Arrowhead Stadium for a Christmas matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Siemian shouldn't be trusted in such a situation.