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

Week 16 NFL Matchups Analysis: Start/Sit for Fantasy Football

Vladimir De Wet breaks down the second half of the Week 16 matchups for the 2015 NFL football season. Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down each of the NFL matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well.

Below, you will find part two of our Week 16 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis, which should help you prepare your lineups to win this week. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL matchups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, but most importantly Happy Championship Week! You're in the Super Bowl. You don't need advice, you have destroyed all the weak competition that dared to challenge you so far. But this is the only matchup that will matter all year. If you come in second place, you're just the first loser and that cannot happen. This is your year, and to make sure of that, you have to check out all of the matchups we love and hate below!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Texans @ Titans - Sunday 12/27 @ 1:00 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Delanie Walker, TE, Titans - Walker is the only Titans offensive player worth starting. Last week he did absolutly nothing until a late touchdown catch. It was the first time in four weeks Walker didn't lead the team in targets. Even with Zach Mettenberger starting, Walker is still a must start TE1. Walker was snubbed for the Pro Bow (I'm looking at you Travis Kelce) and will be looking to let everyone know he's one of the top five tight ends in football.

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans - Hopkins has had three straight weeks where the team has had trouble getting him the ball. The revolving door at QB has made it difficult to keep Hopkins in rhythm. None of this matters though because he's DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins has been the best receiver in the league this season when you consider the QB and running support he has to deal with. There isn't a situation where he is worth benching.

Matchups We Hate:

Kendall Wright, WR, Titans - After missing several weeks with a rib injury Wright is scheduled to return against the Texans. He is going against one of the league's hottest defenses with a backup QB. Wright is just too risky to start.

Notable Players:

Zach Mettenberger, QB, Titans - Mettenberger has been decent as a starter but the team around him and the matchup make him not worth considering.

Alfred Blue, RB, Texans - After two weeks of basically not getting the blue, Blue took back lead RB duties. Blue is a RB3 this week against a decent Titans run defense.

 

Browns @ Chiefs - Sunday 12/27 @ 1:00 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs - Maclin has finally emerged as Alex Smith's favorite weapon. He has silently put together one of the best WR seasons in the league this year. The Browns have an injured secondary that is no good. With their playoff hopes still on the line, Maclin and the Chiefs should put up big numbers against a poros Cleveland defense.

Gary Barnidge, TE, Browns - Barnidge is Cleveland's only reliable offensive player at this point in the season. His consitent and solid play makes him a start worthy TE1 with high Touchdown potential.

Matchups We Hate:

Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns - Crowell has been hurt and missing practice throughout the week. Even if he was healthy, Crowell's production throughout the year and a very tough Kansas City defense make this a bad matchup for Crowell.

Notable Players:

Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs - Kelce is a hit or miss prospect dependent on TDs at this point. The Chiefs attention to the running game and new found focus of getting Jeremy Maclin the ball leaves Kelce the odd man out. He is worth the start at TE is no one better is available, not worth a flex play.

Johnny Manziel, QB, Browns - Johnny Football might not be awful. Hard to tell while he's still playing on the Browns. Obviously not worth the start.

Spencer Ware/Charcandrick West, RB, Chiefs - Spencer Ware is trending towards playing on Sunday. Charcandrick West is still worth the start even if Ware plays, but West just isn't as valuable in the RB committee. Ware isn't worth the start.

 

Jaguars @ Saints - Sunday 12/27 @ 4:05 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars - Robinson is another pro-bowl snub (I'm looking at you Calvin Johnson). He has emerged as a number one guy for the Jaguars and Blake Bortles. Robinson is in a three way tie for the most receiving touchdowns in the league this year. He also has four straight weeks of getting into the end zone. I fully expect Robinson to destory the Saints in ways Megatron wasn't able to last week.

Denard Robinson, RB, Jaguars - Assuming T.J. Yeldon doesn't play, then Denard "Shoelace" Robinson should be a great plug and play option. Denard left last week after it looked like he got injured but he has practiced this week and should be fine on Sunday. If Yeldon misses another game, Robinson is a RB2 against this Saints defense.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Saints - Cooks has had two of his best weeks this season over the last three. Assuming Drew Brees plays, Cooks should see a lot of targets again as the Saints realize he is their best chance at an explosive play.

Matchups We Hate:

Tim Hightower, RB, Saints - Hightower might get a lot of opportunities but he's just not good. A lack of explosiveness and overall playmaking ability make Hightower a flex play at best.

Notable Players:

Drew Brees, QB, Saints - Brees has a foot injury that seemed to bother him last week. All reports indicate Brees will play. A hobbled Drew Brees, assuming he plays like he did last week, is still worth the start.

Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars - Bortles has had a breakout season. He is worth the start this week. I am already considering whether or not he's the new QB to wait on during next year's fantasy draft. It's never too early to get your draft strategy in order.

TEs - Both Julius Thomas and Benjamin Watson are worth the start. Both are red zone threats that their team has been looking for all year.

 

Packers @ Cardinals - Sunday 12/27 @ 4:25 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

David Johnson, RB, Cardinals - Johnson has come in and assumed workhorse duties for the Cardinals. He has three straight weeks of solid production and there's no reason that shouldn't continue. The Packers have gotten run on a few times this year. Both Johnson's running and catching ability will make him a major threat this weekend.

Randall Cobb, WR, Packers - Cobb has had a disappointing season by his standards. Yet, his talent and this game both are too big for Cobb to not show up again. With no Tyrann Mathieu for the Cardinals, Cobb should have one of his best days of the season.

Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals - Floyd has arguably been the most consistent and productive receiver in the league over the last six weeks. Palmer and his receivers are all on fire right now in terms of connection and big plays. Floyd is the most talented receiver the Cardinals have and will have another big day against the Packers.

Matchups We Hate:

Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers - The Cardinals have one of the league's better run defenses. Lacy has been playing well of late but the Packers run game has also been known to disappear when it doesn't immediately produce. The shaky status of Lacy on a week-to-week basis and a tough matchup make him and all Packers RBs not worth the start.

Notable Players:

Richard Rodgers, TE, Packers - A very dangerous red zone threat that Aaron Rodgers trusts. A must start.

Aaron Rodgers/Carson Palmer - Always start the people that have "MVP" associated with their names.

 

Rams @ Seahawks - Sunday 12/27 @ 4:25 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks - I have been on Tyler Lockett's bandwagon all season and it has paid off. The rookie receiver seems to get better every week or the team seems to trust him to do more every week. Either way, the Pro Bowl returner has shown that he's also a very good receiver. He is a solid WR3 option.

Matchups We Hate:

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams - I don't care what RB you are, you don't want to face this Seahawks defense right now. Gurley is a beast but that won't matter against the leagues best run defense over the last six weeks.

Notable Players:

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks - Baldwin is on an unheard of hot streak and should probably cool down this week. That being said, start Baldwin and hope the touchdown madness continues.

 

Giants @ Vikings - Sunday 12/27 @ 8:30 PM EST

Matchups We Love:

Rueben Randle, WR, Giants - With no Odell Beckham Jr, Randle will see the most increase in targets. Randle is probably playing to either stay on the Giants for next year or he's auditioning for other teams. The inconsistent Randle can never truly be relied upon, but he has all the talent and skill to have a big day.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings - The GIants have a horrible secondary and Diggs has been coming on extremely strong as of late. He is a strong WR3 with high upside in a great matchup.

Matchups We Hate:

Rashad Jennings, RB, Giants - Jennings has had two solid weeks after the team finally realized that having four different guys run the ball isn't a good idea.

Notable Players:

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings - Bridgewater has played really well the last two weeks despite some big time mistakes. As the Vikings make their playoff push, Bridgewater is worth the start.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings - Peterson will have a big day. The Giants cannot stop the run. He is Adrian Peterson.

Will Tye, TE, Giants - Tye has been a valuable piece of the Giants offense the last four weeks. He is worth the start as a low end TE and Flex option.

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




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

Rico Dowdle

to Become Panthers Featured Back in Week 9?
Aidan Hutchinson

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Lions
Joe Flacco

Week 9 Status in Doubt With AC Joint Sprain
Ziaire Williams

Uncertain for Wednesday
Sam Merrill

Out on Wednesday
Santi Aldama

Iffy for Wednesday's Action
Gabe Vincent

Out for Several Weeks
Marcus Smart

in Danger of Missing Another Contest Wednesday
Cam Skattebo

Facing 4-6-Month Recovery Timetable
CFB

Jordyn Tyson Questionable for Iowa State Matchup with Hamstring Injury
Cameron Johnson

Considered Questionable for Wednesday
Jakob Poeltl

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Ausar Thompson

Battling Illness, Questionable for Wednesday
Jake Oettinger

Collects First Shutout of the Season
Chuba Hubbard

Panthers Don't Want To Move Chuba Hubbard
Connor Bedard

Produces First Career Hat Trick
Victor Olofsson

Has Career Night With Five Points
Thomas Harley

Signs Eight-Year Extension With Stars
Shayne Gostisbehere

Suffers New Injury Tuesday
Conor Garland

Joins Canucks' Growing Injury List
Mikael Granlund

to Miss 2-3 Weeks
Obi Toppin

Expected to Miss One Month
Andrew Nembhard

to Miss Third Straight Game Wednesday
Bennedict Mathurin

Out Week-to-Week
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Iffy for Wednesday
Zaccharie Risacher

Listed as Probable Against Nets
Jalen Johnson

Considered Probable for Wednesday
Dillon Brooks

to Remain Out Wednesday
Jalen Green

Could Make His Suns Debut Wednesday
Anthony Davis

Expected to Play Wednesday
Jaylen Brown

Listed as Probable for Wednesday
Zion Williamson

Uncertain for Wednesday
Alex Caruso

Returns to Thunder Lineup
Gary Trent Jr.

Available Against Knicks
Adam Gaudette

Could Miss Time
John Klingberg

Ready for Action Tuesday
Warren Foegele

to Miss "Some Time"
George Springer

Not in the Lineup for Game 4 of World Series
Brett Pesce

Expected to Be Out for One Month
Jake Neighbours

to Miss at Least Five Weeks
Hampus Lindholm

Expected to Return Tuesday
Jacob Markstrom

Returns to Devils Crease Tuesday
Quinn Hughes

Sits Out Second Consecutive Game
Malik Nabers

Should be Ready for Start of Next Season
Lamar Jackson

Says he's "Ready to Go Now"
Isiah Pacheco

Week-to-Week With MCL Sprain
Tyler Shough

Named Saints' Starting Quarterback
Drake Batherson

Picks Up Three Points in Monday's Win
Sidney Crosby

Becomes Ninth NHL Player With 1,700 Points
Michael Kesselring

Expected to Make Season Debut Tuesday
Shayne Gostisbehere

Could Return Tuesday
K'Andre Miller

Expected to Remain Out Tuesday
Pyotr Kochetkov

Close to Returning
Kareem Hunt

Scores Twice in Monday Night Win Over Washington
George Springer

Pulled Early in Game 3 With Side Injury
Terry McLaurin

Questionable to Return in Week 8 After Aggravating Quad Injury
Baltimore Orioles

Orioles Finalizing Deal to Hire Craig Albernaz as the Next Manager
William Byron

Dominates at Martinsville and Advances to the Championship Round
Kyle Larson

Advances to the Championship Round After Top-Five Finish
Ryan Blaney

Falls Short of the Victory and Title Contention at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

Eliminated From 2025 Title Contention Despite Strong Martinsville Run
Lamar Jackson

Ravens Expect Lamar Jackson to Play on Thursday Night
Michael Carter

Cardinals Release Michael Carter on Monday
Carson Wentz

to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
CFB

Behren Morton Will Start Against Kansas State
Nico Collins

Trending Toward a Week 9 Return
Puka Nacua

Expected to Practice Wednesday, Play in Week 9
CFB

Lane Kiffin Says Money Won't Impact his Decision-Making
Tony Pollard

Reportedly Available for Trade
CFB

Arch Manning in Concussion Protocol, Misses Practice Monday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars Not Planning on Trading Brian Thomas Jr.
Justin Fields

Jets Non-Committal on Justin Fields as the Starter Going Forward
Christopher Bell

Eliminated From Championship 4 After a Too Conservative Season
Joey Logano

Lack of Championship-Caliber Speed Leads to Elimination
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Last at Martinsville
Denny Hamlin

Don't Think Denny Hamlin's Engine Failure Affects his Championship Prospects
Cam Skattebo

Out for the Season With Dislocated Ankle
Ciryl Gane

Fight With Tom Aspinall Ends In No-Contest
Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall Vs. Ciryl Gane Ends in No-Contest
Virna Jandiroba

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Mackenzie Dern

Wins Vacant Strawweight Title
Mario Bautista

Gets Outclassed
Umar Nurmagomedov

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Split Decision At UFC 321
Azamat Murzakanov

Remains Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Tucker Kraft

Dominates With 143 Yards, Two Touchdowns on Sunday Night
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher A Playable DFS option for Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

is an Intriguing DFS Option For Martinsville
Daniel Suarez

May be Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville This week?
Christopher Bell

Kyle Larson Should Advance to Championship 4
Joey Logano

Don't Expect Joey Logano to Significantly Contend for Championship 4
William Byron

A DFS Must-Start Due to Lap-Leader Points
Ross Chastain

Hail Melon Nostalgia Masks Ross Chastain's Martinsville Mediocrity
Josh Berry

a Top Contender for DFS Place-Differential Points
Brad Keselowski

an Intriguing Martinsville Option
Shane Van Gisbergen

Now Competent on Ovals, but Don't Start Him Here
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well but Probably Won't Have Staying Power
Carson Hocevar

Lack of Finesse Makes Him a Risky Martinsville Pick
Bryce Harper

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper
Bo Bichette

Starting at Second, Batting Cleanup in Game 1 of World Series
Bo Bichette

Makes World Series Roster
Ciryl Gane

Scheduled For A Title Fight
Tom Aspinall

Set for First Official Title Defense
Mackenzie Dern

Can Become The New Strawweight Champion
Virna Jandiroba

Set For UFC 321 Co-Main Event
Mario Bautista

Aims To Extend His Win Streak
MMA

Umar Numagomedov A Favorite At UFC 321
Jailton Almeida

Hopes To Get A Title Shot With A Win
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

In Dire Need Of Victory
CFB

Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Will Start vs. Oklahoma State Saturday
CFB

Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards Out For Sunflower Showdown
CFB

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson Will Not Play In Week 9
Zack Wheeler

Could be Ready for Opening Day in 2026
William Contreras

Could Need Finger Surgery

RANKINGS

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