Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
Network: CBS
Buffalo Bills
Quarterback
Josh Allen: START, QB1
Josh Allen is the quarterback you build your entire fantasy team around, but did you know that this past Christmas, the script got flipped on him? While quarterbacks usually spoil their linemen, Allen’s offensive line surprised him in December 2024 with a custom diamond pendant necklace featuring his number “17” and the letters “MVP” on the front, with all of their names engraved on the back to show who really has his back.
Running Back
James Cook III: START, RB1
Ty Johnson: SIT
Ray Davis: SIT
James Cook is a set-and-forget RB1, but did you know that he spent his off-day this December delivering holiday magic to local kids? On December 9, 2024, he made a surprise appearance at the M&T Bank holiday celebration in Buffalo, handing out gifts and spending time with children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo to kick off their festive season.
Wide Receiver
Khalil Shakir: SIT
Tyrell Shavers: SIT
Joshua Palmer: SIT
It may seem odd to see a quarterback listed as a must-start QB1 and all of his receivers categorized as sits. But (a) Josh Allen is a boss, (b) Khalil Shakir is the only fantasy viable receiver for Buffalo, and (c) a player with an already limited ceiling, most of his production comes from receptions. Cleveland allows a league-low 8.7 receptions to receivers per game. (d) There is no d, I just wanted to tell you I hope you have a wonderful day.
Tight End
Dalton Kincaid: START, TE1
Dawson Knox: SIT
Dalton Kincaid was not practicing at the time of writing, and his status for Week 16 is unclear. If he’s active, he’s a borderline TE1 even in a tough matchup, as he’s become the de facto WR1 for Josh Allen. If he’s not, don’t bother with Dawson Knox.
Defense/Special Teams
Buffalo Bills: START
Despite their 29-point outburst against the Titans in Week 15, the Browns have averaged just 13.3 points per game over their last three contests, falling short of their 16.1 season average.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders: SIT
Did you hear it? That supersonic thud? That was Shedeur Sanders faceplanting in a top 10 fantasy matchup just a week after shredding the Titans. Sanders owns a league-low 52.2 completion percentage (min 25 attempts), but I can’t pin it all on him. Since becoming the starter, the rookie has faced pressure on a league-high 51.3% of his drop-backs. When he’s been given time, he’s made some impressive throws, like the one below.
Beautiful ball from Shedeur to Bond for the first down! 🎯
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/9N4OY1s5bA
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 14, 2025
It’s a crime that Dillon Gabriel was given an opportunity before Sanders, but at least he’s getting an extended look now. But don’t get it twisted, you’re not starting him in fantasy against the Bills, who allow the sixth fewest points to the position.
Running Back
Quinshon Judkins: START, RB2
Dylan Sampson: SIT
I’m a big fan of Quinshon Judkins, but over the past few weeks, he’s been a bigger letdown than seasons 5-8 of Dexter. He’s getting the carries and, surprisingly, an increase in targets too. But as abysmal as the Browns’ passing offense is, teams are stacking the box against Judkins at an alarming rate. Since Week 10, Judkins has faced eight men in the box on 60 of his 104 rush attempts, third most behind James Cook and Saquon Barkley. That’s not likely to change this season, but with his locked-in role and top-five matchup against the Bills, you can still comfortably start Judkins as an RB in Week 16.
Editor’s note: While seasons 5-8 of Dexter were indeed disappointing, the sequel series “New Blood” and especially “Resurrection” are fantastic. If you’re a fan of the original show who was let down by the ending, give the follow-up shows a shot.
Wide Receiver
Jerry Jeudy: SIT
Cedric Tillman: SIT
Isaiah Bond: SIT
Not much to share here, as it’s quite obvious that, with as terrible as Sanders has been, you can’t rely on any Browns wide receiver for fantasy. But I did want to share a Jerry Jeudy stat… oh… wait…, man… I’m sorry I dropped it. Bear with me. Ok, here it is. Among wide receivers with at least 75 targets, Jeudy ranks dead last with 1.1 yards per route run. YEESH.
Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr.: START, TE1
One of the few success stories in Cleveland this season has been the stud rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. He’s shown flashes throughout the season, but he’s really turned it on over the last three weeks. Over that period, Fannin has averaged 16.6 points per game as the second-most-targeted tight end and the sixth-most-targeted player overall. The Bills are the most difficult matchup in fantasy for tight ends, but with that type of volume, I’m still starting him.
Defense/Special Teams
Cleveland Browns: SIT
The once-dominant defense has allowed 88 points over their last three games. Oh, and now it’s Josh Allen time.