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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

Pat Bryant

Working With Training Staff This Offseason
Jacoby Brissett

in Communication With Cardinals Despite Skipping Workouts
Daniel Jones

Could Take Part in 7-on-7 Drills at OTAs
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Sam Merrill

Iffy for Game 3 on Saturday
Anthony Edwards

Rejoins Starting Lineup Friday
Kevin Huerter

Likely to Remain Out Saturday
Jarred Vanderbilt

Considered Questionable for Saturday
Jalen Williams

Ruled Out for Game 3 Against Lakers
Ayo Dosunmu

Cleared to Play Friday
Anthony Edwards

Available Friday Night
Joel Embiid

is Returning for Game 3 on Friday
Brandon Ingram

Undergoes Heel Surgery
Josh Hart

is Available to Play in Game 3
OG Anunoby

is Downgraded to Out for Game 3 on Friday
Mitchell Robinson

is Returning for Game 3
Mats Zuccarello

Expected to Play Saturday
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Be a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Jonas Brodin

Still Out Saturday
Josh Manson

Could Return Saturday
Kaedan Korczak

Scratched for Game 3 Against Ducks
Radko Gudas

Likely to Remain Out Friday
Sam Carrick

Won't Play Friday
Isiah Pacheco

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Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
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Marcus Mariota

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Jacoby Brissett

a Clear Sell-High Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Najee Harris

Can Najee Harris Re-Establish Some Dynasty Value in 2026?
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Breece Hall

Jets Sign Breece Hall to Three-Year Extension Worth $45.75 Million
Sean Strickland

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Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
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Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
Denver Broncos

Broncos Sign GM George Paton to New Five-Year Deal
Brandon McManus

Packers Release Kicker Brandon McManus
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Jets Talking to a "Number of Veteran Quarterbacks"
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a Reliable Dynasty Starter Entering First Season With Saints
Kenneth Gainwell

Is Kenneth Gainwell's Dynasty Stock Still Rising After Offseason Change of Scenery?
Mac Jones

a Deep-League Dynasty Stash Candidate
Tez Johnson

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
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Remains a High-Floor Dynasty QB2 Heading into 2026
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Remains a High-End Dynasty RB Despite Uncertain Supporting Cast
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Chiefs Limited Xavier Worthy's Usage After Injury Last Year
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Stays Hot in Game 2 Victory
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Pushes Pistons to 2-0 Series Lead
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Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
Jarrett Allen

Provides Bright Spot in Cavs' Game 2 Loss to Pistons
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Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
James Harden

Struggles in Game 2 Loss
Donovan Mitchell

Finishes Game 2 Loss with 31 Points
Gradey Dick

Open to Trade Away From Toronto
Michael Porter Jr.

Wants to Stay in Brooklyn
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Connor Dewar

Penguins Re-Sign Connor Dewar for Two Years
Mikko Rantanen

Played Through Torn MCL Late in the Season
Rasmus Dahlin

Ready to Go Friday
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Set to Return Thursday
Christian Dvorak

Available Thursday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
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Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
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Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
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Nets Late Power-Play Goal in Losing Effort
Leo Carlsson

Pots Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Juraj Slafkovsky

Ends Point Drought in Game 1 Loss
Bowen Byram

Ties Franchise Record With Fourth Postseason Goal
Zach Benson

Posts Second Consecutive Multi-Point Game
Rasmus Dahlin

"Seems Fine" After Early Exit on Wednesday
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Nils Hoglander

Will Miss World Championship Due to Injury
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Carted Off With Apparent Hamstring Injury on Tuesday
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
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Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
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Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
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LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
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Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
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One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
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on Pole at Texas
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Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
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Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
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