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Potential Busts for Week 16: Ranking the Top 5 for Fantasy Football

By Sgt. Alexander Martinez (15th Wing) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsIt's awfully frustrating when the fantasy gods deal us a championship week as low-scoring as the one we saw last week. Fortunately, this writer was able to overcome the lack of scoring explosions and win his lone championship (what's that? You say I also lost out of the RotoBaller playoffs last weekend? That's great. Now, who exactly invited you here?). The final recap: a damned stressful season, four leagues, two playoff appearances, one championship. NOT BAD.

For those of you who like to ride the regular season wave and find themselves in need of fantasy advice, have no fear. I bring you another batch of busts and potential disappointments at the point during the season when it's most important. Follow these picks and it might save your season. Of course, we might end up getting another week where no one gets any scoring from any of their players, and the Knile Davises and Josh Hills of the league go for multiple touchdowns. But why wouldn't the fantasy gods just rain all over our fantasy parades?

(For my diehard fans, I apologize for a shorter column than you are more accustom to. But the good news is that RotoBaller and I have agreed upon some regular NBA columns for the rest of that season. So those of you who play, you can come check it out. Those of you who like to laugh can come, too. Really, anyone can come.)

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

(Except for those who murder puppies. You can just stay right where you are.)

(Get ready for parentheses, baby!)

 

Top Five Potential Busts & Disappointments for Week 16

1. Robert Griffin III - QB, Washington Redskins

This very well could end up being one of the weirdest (and potentially exciting) matchups of the weekend, especially considering it's featuring a nine-win team (the Eagles) against a three-win team (the Deadskins). My prediction: RGIII and Mark Sanchez have a game of “Who Can Play Worse” and the III will “outplay” the Butt Fumbler. But just to make it even more whackier, the game will go in a very Philadephian way and the ‘Skins will end up beating their divisional rivals, ruining their quest for the playoffs. And then Jay Gruden will go into his postgame presser unhappy with the win and overtly disappointed with his QB, and question whether or not an ailing Colt McCoy is the best option to close out the season. Griffin, in turn, will be so mad that his talent is being questioned that he’ll go out and film a Subway commercial to show everyone how serious he takes it all.  It’ll be a good commercial, though. I’ll definitely end up getting a turkey and ham footlong upon first viewing.

 

2. Matt Forte - RB, Chicago Bears

The Lions defense proved its worth against a young Minnesota team by holding them to only two touchdowns, which kept afloat a struggling Detroit offense. I don’t expect the offense to have as much trouble against the Swiss Cheese that is Chicago’s secondary (they're allowing 272 yards per game, placing them second-to-last in the league). Throw in the fact that everyone on this team (save Forte and Alshon Jeffery) has given up on the season (Monday night was a dreadful display by a professional team), and things are not looking too good for Forte. Lucky for him that Jimmy Clausen is obviously the answer to the problem. Wait. (Reviews notes.) Scratch that. Forte is screwed.

 

3. Mike Evans - WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s good to see the rookie out of Texas A&M  having the season that he is having. And he's only going to improve going forward. But I foresee some issues as he faces a usually bad Packers pass defense. I figure Evans will see plenty of fellow rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, so you know he’ll have to work on every down. You figure the Green Bay sideline will know exactly how the Lions are playing in Chicago, and it'll keep the defense fired up all game knowing that the divisional title (and quite possibly a playoff position berth) could be in jeopardy. Plus, these Packers are all veterans. They know how to close down far inferior opponents when they need to, especially at the end of the season.

 

4. Percy Harvin - WR, New York Jets

If you’re still “Boom or Bust”-ing Harvin (and you’ve managed to keep from punching through your screen up to this point), then you should find comfort in knowing that Bill Belichick has no intentions of allowing the speedy playmaker to run free at MetLife Stadium this weekend. If he isn't designating Harvin to Revis Island, then he’s going to be making Geno Smith miserable (of course, sending a three-man rush usually gets the job done there). Expect the Jets to try to grind down the Patriots with their run game if this doesn’t turn into a slaughter early. But Harvin will see his usual state line: four targets, two widely misthrown balls, two catches for 18 yards and two rushing attempts for -4 yards. Not quite going to win you that championship belt.

 

5. DeMarco Murray - RB, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys, who for the past ten years have been the butt of all “Can’t Get it Done” jokes, are toying with the idea of playing their star running back this weekend. And all signs point to Murray suiting up against the Colts, too. Hopefully someone sensible on the Dallas sideline keeps a fresh dose of Joseph Randle in the lineup, because I don’t see the point in risking Murray’s health in a season where Dallas might just get it done.  Of course, the Colts could end up laying it on and exposing what might amount to a mediocre team with a hobbled Murray, in which case Tony Romo is going to have to try and save the game. Need I remind you how that typically works out in December?

 

That's it for this week, folks.  Hit me up on Twitter at @fantasybhehir if you're looking for more one-on-one help. Or you've got a funny joke. Or if you wanna call me dumb. Everything is game!

(Please be nice.)

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael Penix Jr.

Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
Jacoby Brissett

Still Absent From OTAs This Week
George Kittle

Still Hoping to be Ready for Week 1
Micah Parsons

Expected to Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Tucker Kraft

Packers Hopeful Tucker Kraft Will Participate in Training Camp
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Held Out of OTAs on Wednesday
Jayden Daniels

Participating in Commanders OTAs
Chris Bell

No Timetable for Chris Bell's Return from Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Limited in OTAs Due to Recovery From Shoulder Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

Participating in Packers OTAs
Josh Jacobs

No Criminal Charges Filed Against Josh Jacobs
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
Daniel Jones

Present at OTA Practice on Wednesday
CFB

Drew Mestemaker a Top Big 12 Quarterback Right Away?
T.J. Hockenson

Dynasty Stock Continues to Trend Down
Jordan Addison

Is Jordan Addison a Clear Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of 2026?
Cade Otton

Continues to Offer Depth in Dynasty Leagues
PGA

Sungjae Im Remains Boom-or-Bust at Colonial
Jared Goff

Continues to Have Dynasty Appeal at 31 Years Old
Tez Johnson

No Clear Path to Fantasy Relevance for Tez Johnson in Tampa Bay?
PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
Zach Ertz

Could Still Contribute in Dynasty Leagues
De'Aaron Fox

Limited to Nine Points in Game 5 Loss
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Dyami Brown

Holds Little Dynasty Value in His Return to Washington
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Julian Champagnie

Notches 22 Points With Four Triples Tuesday
Trevor Etienne

Could Still Find Dynasty Relevance After Quiet Rookie Season
Stephon Castle

Leads Spurs in Scoring Tuesday Night
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Victor Wembanyama

Struggles in Game 5 Loss to Thunder
Bam Knight

Dynasty Value Has Run Dry in Crowded Running Back Room
Alex Caruso

a Difference-Maker Again in Game 5
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Jared McCain

Produces 20 Points in First Playoff Start
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores Game-High 32 Points in Game 5 Win
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Jared McCain

Moves into Starting Five
Boston Celtics

Joe Mazzulla Wins Coach of the Year
Jalen Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 5 on Tuesday
Zion Williamson

to See More Versatile Role
Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson to Remain Cavaliers Head Coach Next Season
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Mackenzie Blackwood

in Net for Game 4 Against Golden Knights
Valeri Nichushkin

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Nathan MacKinnon

Will Suit Up Tuesday
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
OG Anunoby

Active on Both Ends in Blowout Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads Knicks in Scoring During Series-Clincher
Jalen Brunson

Named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
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