Derrick Henry, Brandon Aiyuk, Jayden Reed: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 16

Should I start Derrick Henry, Brandon Aiyuk, or Jayden Reed for Week 16? Fantasy football start em, sit em picks and recommendations for the 2023 NFL season.

The bulk of the Week 16 NFL slate is finally here, meaning it's time for fantasy managers to make tough, last-minute start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Derrick Henry, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jayden Reed are all hot names ahead of Sunday's games.

All three players have had big games this year. Can they add another one this week?

Should you start Henry, Aiyuk, or Reed in Week 16? Let's dive in.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
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• Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
• Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
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• NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
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Should I Start Derrick Henry for Fantasy Football?

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is coming off one of his worst games of the season, rushing 16 times for just nine yards and catching four passes for one yard. This marked the fifth time this season the star running back was held to under six PPR points as he averaged a season-low 0.56 yards per carry against the Texans.

The Titans take on the Seahawks in Week 16, who allow the seventh-most points per game to running backs this season. Seattle ranks just 21st in defensive rushing DVOA, while Houston ranked fifth, so the matchup is much more favorable this week compared to last. Henry is likely to see 15 or more touches and should get some opportunities near the goal line, ranking him as a low-end RB1 as he looks for a bounce-back game in Week 16.

He is the RB12 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Brandon Aiyuk for Fantasy Football?

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is currently the WR17 on the year, averaging 15.5 PPR points per game. The 25-year-old is coming off his worst fantasy output of the season in Week 15, where he caught three of five targets for a season-low 37 yards. The game script went against him immediately as the 49ers dominated a much inferior Cardinals team.

The Niners take on the Ravens in Week 16, who allow the 21st-most points per game to receivers this season. While it's a tough matchup on paper, the Ravens are more likely to stay competitive, allowing the Niners to air it out throughout the game. Despite facing a stingy Ravens' defense, Aiyuk ranks as a high-end WR2 for Week 16.

He is the WR13 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Jayden Reed for Fantasy Football?

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has really come on as of late, scoring at least 15 or more PPR points in five of the last six games. The rookie receiver has received eight or more targets in three of the last four games, and his increased rushing volume has only added to his value for fantasy managers. The 23-year-old has scored five touchdowns in the last six games, including two on the ground, clearly establishing himself as a priority in the Packers' offense.

In Week 16, the Packers face the Panthers, who allow the fourth-fewest points per game to receivers this season. Although Carolina ranks 17th in defensive passing DVOA, they struggle against the run, making them vulnerable on the ground. Additionally, the Panthers' offense has had difficulties keeping pace. As a result, the rookie ranks as a WR3/flex option for Week 16 against a struggling Carolina team. He is questionable currently and has missed practice this week, so be sure to monitor his status before the game.

He is the WR27 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

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