QBs
After our initial rankings, we will have a rookie quarterback making his starting debut in Michael Penix Jr. He will likely be a hot topic for those in SuperFlex leagues, but it’s risky to rust the young rookie. The Giants are not a team many usually throw on, and it’s the run game used to beat the Giants this year.
One player who may be higher in other rankings is Joe Burrow. In his career, the Bengals quarterback has struggled to put up elite fantasy numbers against the Browns. The last time Burrow faced the Browns, he only finished with 18 fantasy points. While you are likely to start Burrow anyway, you may want to lower your expectations slightly in Week 16
A name many would likely not talk about is Mac Jones, a deep sleeper in SuperFlex leagues and has a great matchup against the Raiders. The Raiders have allowed a QB1 performance in 3 of the last 5. Jones has been playing well since taking over as the starter the last few weeks and could be a decent stream in a pinch.
RBs
One backfield we need to keep our eyes on is Seattle. Kenneth Walker III is back in Week 16, but we could see more of a split backfield. Zach Charbonnet was listed as a team captain in this game and could earn some extra work after some impressive showings in recent weeks. The Vikings have a strong run defense but have allowed a 60-yard rusher in 3 straight games.
Injuries continue to plague the 49ers backfield, as rookie Isaac Guerendo is out against the Dolphins due to a hamstring injury. That means Patrick Taylor, who has less than 100 career carries in 4 years, will likely be the starter in this game. The 49ers starting running back has typically done well, but Miami’s run defense has allowed just 1 QB performance in the last six games. Taylor will have flex appeal, but trusting your semi-final matchups is risky.
If you have James Conner, then you better fire him up in Week 16. His backfield will be him and DeeJay Dallas, as Trey Benson is OUT this week. The Panthers have allowed 100-yard rushers in 5 of the last six games.
WRs
Fantasy managers must learn to trust some receivers who have produced backup quarterbacks. Malik Nabers will have Drew Lock, who saw 23 targets in two games that his quarterback started. He still has a top-15 upside. Drake London and Darnell Mooney are big question marks with Michael Penix Jr. starting as quarterback. The rookie quarterback has a history of throwing the ball deep, but does the coaching staff allow him to do that?
Jerry Jeudy‘s upside is capped with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback. If you need to take a risk, then go with Jeudy. He is a FLEX, but you never know if the Browns will make a halftime switch back to Jameis Winston. It may be worth the gamble this week.
We will see Marquise Brown make his Chiefs debut in Week 16 but don’t expect much in this first game. I also don’t expect the passing game to thrive, even with Patrick Mahomes getting in a full practice this week. We could see the run game get leaned on.
TEs
If you have an elite tight end, you are in for a solid week. Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, and George Kittle have great matchups for TE1 weeks.
If you are still using Cade Otton at TE, you may want to come up with a backup plan. Otton is a game-time decision in Week 16. Look toward Chig Okonkwo and Jordan Akins (David Njoku is likely out) as a streaming option if you are in a big pinch for Week 16.