Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 22nd, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Network: FOX
New York Giants
Quarterback
It Doesn’t Matter
Some decisions don’t need too much thought. Whether it’s Tommy DeVito, Tim Boyle, or The Ghost of Eli Manning, you aren’t starting the Giants QB in Week 16.
Running Back
Tyrone Tracy Jr.: FLEX Option, RB3
Devin Singletary: Sit
While Tyrone Tracy Jr. has undoubtedly been the more explosive player in this backfield, the workload has been a frustrating split between the rookie and veteran Devin Singletary in recent weeks. Singletary has done his best to vulture touchdowns at inopportune times, and that unpredictability severely limits the upside for Tracy. In a week where you’re fighting to earn a spot in the championship, Tracy is a risky FLEX option at best, especially when you add that the Falcons allow the sixth-fewest points to opposing RBs.
Wide Receiver
Malik Nabers: Start, WR2
Wan’Dale Robinson: Sit
Darius Slayton: Sit
If there’s one player worth starting on the Giants, it’s standout rookie Malik Nabers. No matter who has thrown the ball for the Giants, Nabers has accrued a massive target volume, seeing no fewer than 7 targets in a single game and garnering double-digit looks in all but three contests he’s played in this season. The ceiling is capped due to the QB play, but Nabers should have a high volume once again, giving him a high floor against the team that allows the fourth-most points to opposing receivers. The Falcons are not a high-quality opponent, but it’s still likely that the Giants will find themselves behind on the road and needing to throw the ball for better or for worse. The other receivers in this group can be left on waivers.
Tight End
Daniel Bellinger: Sit
Bellinger has at least 3 catches and 35 yards in each of the past two games, but he isn’t a recommended streamer to get you to Championship Week.
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr.: Sit
After a few weeks of dismal QB play from Kirk Cousins, including a 1:9 TD-to-INT ratio, the Falcons have decided enough is enough and are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. for his first career start. It’s an exciting moment for the #8 overall pick, but it’s not advised to trust him to bring you to Championship Week. Things certainly can’t get worse for the Falcons’ pass-catchers, but let’s wait and see how Penix looks before we roll him out as a starter.
Running Back
Bijan Robinson: Start, RB1
Tyler Allgeier: Sit
If there’s any good news for the Falcons offense, it’s that Bijan Robinson looks like the complete package. Robinson has been a consistent scorer in fantasy football this season and has seen a workload increase coming out of the BYE as the Falcons continue to fight for the NFC South bid. Bijan has handled at least 22 carries in each of the past three weeks and now gets an incredibly favorable matchup in the Giants run defense. He’s a no-doubt top-three option at the position this week. Tyler Allgeier, meanwhile, has also seen a workload increase but hasn’t been efficient enough with his touches to be startable. Hold him as a handcuff, but don’t plug him into your lineups.
Wide Receiver
Drake London: Start, WR2
Darnell Mooney: FLEX Option, WR4
Ray-Ray McCloud III: Sit
Drake London managed to salvage his Week 15 by scoring an early touchdown, but the low target volume by virtue of a run-heavy game plan was a slightly concerning statistic. London is the team’s alpha receiver and can do a lot with a little, but there is a little more risk baked in if the game follows a similar script to last week’s scrum with the Raiders. He’s a mid-to-low-end WR2 with upside for me in Penix Jr.’s NFL debut.
If you own Darnell Mooney and you’re still fighting for a crown, congratulations on surviving one of Week 15’s handful of donuts (I’m looking at you, Cooper Kupp and Amari Cooper). Since the BYE, Mooney has had one boom game and two back-breaking busts. He’s a very risky option in this matchup and falls outside my top 36 players at the position. Ray-Ray McCloud III shouldn’t be in your lineups this week, either.
Tight End
Kyle Pitts: Sit
Forty-two total yards in the three games since the BYE. Maybe things get better with the QB change, but we haven’t seen enough this season to trust him in Week 16. Kyle Sitts.