Wednesday, December 23, 2015

2015 Week 16 Fantasy Advice

'Twas the night before the fantasy football Championship Sunday and all through the land... this writer can't rhyme worth a damn so he's not going to even try to fake it. It's pretty apparent what the significance is of this week if you weren't aware, and if you're not in any important games... take heed in that you can watch Redzone without worrying about Charcandrick West, I guess.

Who to Start:

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) vs. BAL: Do the Ravens have anyone left that feels remotely like a Baltimore Raven defender? The answer is probably not. The Steelers have torched just about everybody through the air this season, including defenses far better than Baltimore's, which means Big Ben could have big day on Championship Sunday (other starts: Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins (SAT), Teddy Bridgewater)

RB Doug Martin (TB) vs. CHI: He hasn't lit up the stat sheets all that much of late, but the Bears defense has been susceptible to big games on the ground, so Martin, who is one of the NFL's leading rushers, could have a decent day out on Sunday (other starts: David Johnson, Latavius Murray (THU), Frank Gore)

WR DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) vs. TEN: Despite the Texans QB uncertainty, Nuk could be in for a big day anyway against the porous Titans secondary. He had a big game against Tennessee in Week 8, so even with the QB questions, Hopkins is still a good play.

WR DeSean Jackson (WSH) vs. PHI SAT: Revenge games are the best, forever and for always. Jackson is always capable of busting a big play, and not only does it help that the Eagles secondary is bad and injured, Jackson should be extra motivated against his former team to make the play that propels Washington to an NFC East title (other starts: Martavis Bryant, Jarvis Landry, Jeremy Maclin)

TE Benjamin Watson (NO) vs. JAX: He's quietly done a very good job in replacing Jimmy Graham down by the Bayou, and he's been playing really well of late. This week he's going up against the Jaguars who are one of the worst teams in the league at defending against the Tight End, so another big day for Watson is probably in the offing (other starts: Antonio Gates (THU), Zach Ertz (SAT), Gary Barnidge)

DEF Kansas City vs. CLE: Johnny Football against the red hot, surging and opportunistic Kansas City defense with the playoffs on the line. Sign me up (other starts: HOU, PIT, CAR).

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. CAR: He was decent last week in Jacksonville, but Carolina is another animal entirely (yes Panthers and Jaguars are similar, what of it?). He barely mustered five fantasy points last time out against the Panthers, and it's hard to imagine him doing any better this time around (other sits: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyrod Taylor, Brock Osweiler (MON))

RB Eddie Lacy (GB) vs. ARZ: Running back carousels are always difficult to parse out, and Green Bay's certainly has been one worth avoiding to prevent whiplash and dizziness. Arizona is tough against the run, so Lacy is one to dodge on Championship Sunday (other sits: DeMarco Murray (SAT-Duh), Chris Ivory, Ronnie Hillman)

WR Dez Bryant (DAL) vs. BUF: Kellen Moore. It doesn't matter that the Bills secondary has been iffy.

WR A.J Green (CIN) vs. DEN MON: It's hard to trust any great receiver with a backup QB tossing them the rock (see the above for proof positive), and this is especially true against good defenses. Denver's defense is still rock solid even in the face of last week's evidence, so Green is a risky play with everything on the line (other sits: Tavon Austin, Julio Jones, Anquan Boldin)

TE Travis Kelce (KC) vs. CLE: In Andy Reid's offenses, one would expect the Tight End to be wildly successful. Kelce has been... but not recently. The Browns have been tough on the position this season, and even though there is little depth here across the board, this is still a risky play (other sits: Heath Miller, Jason Witten, Jordan Cameron)

DEF New York Jets vs. NE: It should be apparent why they are here, and even with the Pats hamstrung on offense a bit, a matchup against them in fantasy-land is never a good thing (other sits: GB, STL, MIN)

Three Super Sleepers:

QB Drew Brees (NO) vs. JAX: He's a must start if he's healthy... so if he's here, he must not be. In fantasy championships, it's hard to risk injured players, and even though it would be a shock if he sat, it's a risk to play him even in the face of a very tasty matchup. He's a sleeper because he may or may not play, but if he does, watch out.

RB Lamar Miller (MIA) vs. IND: It's been hard to trust the Dolphins RB this season because of some inconsistencies, but this week those should not be present against the Colts, who look toothless up front and against the run, as they have recently.

WR Kamar Aiken (BAL) vs. PIT: It's Jimmy Clausen, but Aiken has found a way to put up numbers in the face of the guy throwing him the ball. Pittsburgh's defense is still really bad, so Aiken could be a sneaky Championship decider on Sunday.

Buyer Beware:

QB Aaron Rodgers (GB) vs. ARZ: It's usually impossible to sit someone like Rodgers, especially in Week 16. But if you have someone with a better matchup, it may be worth considering. The Cardinals defense even without the Honey Badger is fierce, and Rodgers has struggled of late, especially away from Lambeau. Buyer beware.

Good Luck in Week 16 and your fantasy championships and have a Merry Christmas!


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