Weekly Rankings: Ranking Each Position for Week 16

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Welcome to QB List’s weekly rankings! Each week, I’ll be taking a look at the upcoming matchups and ranking each position, as well as flex positions.

Week 16 Notes:

• Baker Mayfield has been pretty underwhelming the past few weeks, which makes him hard to trust in the fantasy championships. However, he’ll be up against a Bengals secondary that’s giving up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, so if there’s ever a week for Baker to go off, it’s this week. As such, he’s a borderline QB1, but I think he’s a bit risky.
• Lamar Miller was limited at practice Wednesday, and it seems like he might be back this week, which is why I’ve ranked him. Keep an eye on him this week.
• There’s loads of injuries this week, and James Conner is another one to watch. He says he’s day-to-day but it’s not clear whether he’ll play this week. If he doesn’t, slot in Jaylen Samuels as an RB2 against what’s been a pretty solid Saints run defense.
• And for more injuries, Spencer Ware. Ware was limited at practice Wednesday, which is a slightly more positive sign, but far from a guarantee that he’ll play. If he’s out, put Damien Williams in right about where Ware currently is in my rankings, as an RB2.
• Matt Breida was also limited at practice Wednesday and might play, so keep an eye on him. Even so, he’ll be up against the Bears, and that’s a tough matchup, making him likely a flex play if he suits up.
• And then there’s LeSean McCoy, who was (shocker) limited at practice Wednesday. Sean McDermott seems optimistic about McCoy playing, so keep an eye on him.
• Running backs aren’t the only ones with injuries! We’ll see if Odell Beckham Jr. plays. He didn’t practice Wednesday, so I’m not overly optimistic, but he’s worth keeping an eye on, obviously. If he’s starting, I feel like you have to start him, even if he isn’t 100%.
• Keenan Allen is also hurt and was a limited participant at practice Wednesday. He’s looking better, so there’s a chance he might play. Even against the Ravens’ secondary, he’s a must-start if he plays.
• I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bengals benched Tyler Boyd given that it seems like he’s dealing with an MCL injury and the team doesn’t have a shot at the playoffs. Still, I ranked him in case he starts. If he doesn’t, John Ross would be the biggest benefactor of targets, but I’m not starting him in a fantasy championship.
• DaeSean Hamilton has looked pretty good the past two weeks and should be in for a decent matchup this week likely against Marcus Gilchrist in the slot. Hamilton is a bit more appealing in PPR leagues given his low average depth of target.
• I believe Robby Anderson is going to be shadowed by Jaire Alexander this week, and I don’t think that’s going to turn out well for Anderson. Alexander has played fairly well this year, so I’m not as optimistic about Anderson’s prospects.
• Austin Hooper is likely matched up against Mike Adams this week, and I think that poses an advantage for Hooper. I think you can feel good about him as a borderline TE1 this week.

Check out the rest of the rankings below: