TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

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 Playoff Challenge #2 is back with a massive $100,000 grand prize and $203,250 total prize pool, paying down to 100th place. Here's the deal: no salary cap, no draft, no pickups, no subs. Choose 8 players, and as NFL teams get knocked out so will your players, so choose your team wisely. The entries will sell out quickly, and registrations will close on Saturday January 17th at 4:30 pm ET . Don't wait - get your team now and end your fantasy football season with a shot at $100,000! 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.)

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Zach Charbonnet

Needs Knee Surgery, Out for Rest of Playoffs
Colston Loveland

Suffers Concussion in Divisional Round Loss
Kyren Williams

Scores Two Touchdowns in Divisional Round Win
Buffalo Bills

Bills Fire Head Coach Sean McDermott
De'Anthony Melton

Out for Front End of Back-to-Back
Tom Wilson

May Return Monday
Zaccharie Risacher

to Miss Another Game vs. Bucks
Henri Jokiharju

Moved to Non-Roster List
Daniel Gafford

Remains Out Monday Against New York
P.J. Washington

Out Again vs. Knicks
Frank Nazar

Returns to Practice
Oskar Sundqvist

Suffers Skate Cut Sunday
Sam Merrill

Still Out vs. Thunder
Kasperi Kapanen

Considered Day-to-Day
Jalen Williams

Ruled Out Monday with Hamstring Strain
Zach Whitecloud

Joins Flames
Isaiah Hartenstein

Ruled Out Again vs. Cavaliers
Rasmus Andersson

Moves to Vegas
Kristaps Porzingis

to Miss Sixth Straight Game on Monday
Aaron Nesmith

Bennedict Mathurin Out Again, Aaron Nesmith Available vs. 76ers
Lauri Markkanen

Sidelined for Fourth Straight Game
Steven Adams

Leaves Game with Sprained Ankle
Collin Murray-Boyles

Exits Early with Thumb Injury
Aaron Gordon

Won't Suit up on Sunday
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Available to Play on Sunday
Jalen Green

Holds Questionable Tag for Monday
Tyler Herro

Not Traveling with Team
Jaxson Hayes

Returning on Sunday
Deandre Ayton

Active on Sunday
Patrick Williams

Won't Face the Nets
Tari Eason

to Miss Fifth Straight Game
Josh Giddey

Ruled Out on Sunday
Carson Soucy

Expected Back on Monday
Teuvo Teravainen

to Remain Out Monday
Matthew Tkachuk

"Close" to Season Debut
Rodrigo Abols

Flyers Place Rodrigo Abols on Injured Reserve
Alex Lyon

Practices on Sunday
Rhamondre Stevenson

Returns in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round Game
Josh Norris

Out Week-to-Week
Dylan Holloway

Set to Return Sunday
Ha-Seong Kim

has Finger Surgery, Out 4-5 Months
Rhamondre Stevenson

Questionable to Return on Sunday With Eye Injury
Woody Marks

Returns Following Brief Exit on Sunday
Dalton Schultz

Won't Return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round Game
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Open to Aaron Rodgers Returning in 2026?
Jarrett Stidham

to Start AFC Championship Game
Zach Charbonnet

Questionable to Return Against 49ers
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Hiring Kevin Stefanski as Head Coach
Bo Nix

Suffers Broken Bone in Ankle, Done for Playoffs
Green Bay Packers

Packers Sign Head Coach Matt LaFleur to Multi-Year Extension
Ricky Pearsall

Active for Divisional Round
Sam Darnold

Officially Active for Saturday's Divisional Round Game vs. 49ers
William Carrier

Misses Fourth Consecutive Game
Shayne Gostisbehere

Remains Out Saturday
Jake Evans

Available Saturday
Teuvo Teravainen

Misses Second Straight Game
William Nylander

Out Against Jets
Pat Bryant

Won't Return on Saturday, Ruled Out with a Concussion
Tom Wilson

Could Be an Option Saturday
Leo Carlsson

Out for 3-5 Weeks After Thigh Procedure
New York Giants

John Harbaugh, Giants Finalize Five-Year Deal
Aaron Rodgers

Not Expected to Return to Steelers in 2026
Atlanta Falcons

Kevin Stefanski the Favorite for Falcons Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Darian Mensah Entering Transfer Portal
Sam Darnold

Seahawks "Optimistic" That Sam Darnold Will Play on Saturday
J.T. Realmuto

Signs Three-Year Deal to Return to Phillies
Bo Bichette

Agrees to Three-Year Contract With Mets
CFB

Weber State Signs former Ohio State, Cal Quarterback Devin Brown
Bo Bichette

Phillies the "Overwhelming" Favorite to Sign Bo Bichette
Josh Lowe

Angels Acquire Josh Lowe in Three-Team Trade
Kyle Tucker

Signs Four-Year Contract With Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw

to Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
CFB

Auburn, Ohio State the Lead Suitors for Kyle Parker
CFB

Oregon QB Transfer Bryson Beaver Linked to Georgia, Kentucky
CFB

Jake Merklinger Commits to UConn
Ben Griffin

Looks To Stay Hot In 2026
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Agrees to Five-Year Deal With Red Sox
CFB

Dante Moore Not Entering 2026 NFL Draft, Will Return to Oregon
CFB

FBS Coaches Unanimously Vote to Expand Redshirt Eligibility to Nine Games
CFB

Ohio State Transfer Mylan Graham Signs with Notre Dame
CFB

Caden Durham Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Will Stay at LSU
Jordan Spieth

Perhaps the Most Intriguing Player at Sony Open
Aaron Rai

Looking For Putting Confidence at Waialae Country Club
Collin Morikawa

Isn't The Safe Play He Used to Be Ahead of Sony Open
Kurt Kitayama

Needs His Putting to Turn Around For Success at Year's First Event
Ryan Weathers

Yankees Add Rotation Depth, Acquire Ryan Weathers in Four-Player Deal
CFB

Georgia Tech the Favorite to Land Justice Haynes?

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP