Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 25th, at 4:30 PM EST
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Betting Odds: DEN -2.5, 36.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS & Nickelodeon
Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Russell Wilson (Sit), Brett Rypien (Sit)
I think the answer is rather clear: no matter if it is Russell Wilson or Brett Rypien, it’ll be hard to stream either option; even against the lowly Rams. Rypien filled in for Wilson last week due to his concussion, and was actually serviceable, but not for your fantasy lineup this week. Wilson will likely be back this week against LA, but his 11:6 passing touchdown to interception ratio on the year is not inviting whatsoever in the Semis.
Running Backs
Latavius Murray (Start, RB3), Marlon Mack (Sit)
What year is it? Latavius Murray dialed it back in Week 15, turning 24 carries into 130 yards and a score in the win against Arizona. The carries were the most for him this season, and most since, get this – Week 7 in 2019! – where he had 27 touches against the Bears. Fellow journeyman Marlon Mack also found the end zone against the Cardinals, but it’s clear that Murray owns this backfield that can’t wait to get to 2023 and have Javonte Williams return. If you are an unfortunate Jonathan Taylor owner who has [somehow] made it to the Semis, you could do worse than Murray and his volume at this stage.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Jerry Jeudy (Start, WR3 with WR2 upside), Courtland Sutton (Sit), Greg Dulcich (Start, TE2)
Without many hands ahead of him in recent weeks, Jerry Jeudy has been a reliable option as far as Broncos pass-catchers go. He has 17 total targets in the last two games and averaging 74.5 receiving yards per game in that span. It’s worth noting that Courtland Sutton may be back this week from his hamstring injury, but he would be hard to throw into your lineup after a two-game absence. Instead, rely on Jeudy if you have been, who is a solid WR3 with WR2 upside if Sutton were to miss another game. Rookie TE Greg Dlucich was a dud against the Cardinals, catching just one of his two targets for 11 yards. He’s set to face a Rams defense allowing the 12th fewest fantasy points to tight ends on the year, but in a thin position you can still consider him a TE2 on the week.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield (Sit)
As if you needed any warning, Baker Mayfield doesn’t hold any fantasy value entering Week 16. For starters, the Broncos’ defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points to QBs this season, and Mayfield is coming off a Monday night loss to the Packers in which he completed 12 of 21 attempts for 111 yards, one touchdown, and a pick. Avoid Mayfield – and the Rams offense overall – the rest of the season.
Running Backs
Cam Akers (Sit), Kyren Williams (Sit)
Considering how the season started out for a disgruntled Cam Akers, he’s been the primary ball carrier for the Rams in recent weeks. Kyren Williams isn’t the factor we thought he could be, but the matchup this week against the Broncos doesn’t bode well for either back. Akers can be considered to be on the RB3 radar, but I would be hard-pressed to start him when you could find options like Deon Jackson or Zack Moss on the wire.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Van Jefferson (Sit), Tutu Atwell (Sit), Tyler Higbee (Sit)
With Ben Skowronek’s season now over, as he was placed on IR with a calf injury, this leaves the door open for more Tutu Atwell and Van Jefferson targets. That said, it doesn’t mean you should be lobbying for them in your lineup. Avoid both of the healthy Rams receivers, especially since the Broncos’ defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points to WRs this year. Tyler Higbee caught his first touchdown of the season last week against the Packers, but his better days were left behind when Matthew Stafford was placed on season-ending IR. Higbee projects to finish as the TE19 this week.