Fantasy Football Week 16 Start/Sit: Playoff Push Time
Welcome to Week 16, Fantasy Football fans! If you’re here, there’s a good chance you’re in the playoffs—or you’re just a big fan of the Fantasy Football Advice Network (and we love you for that). Either way, we’re here to help you make the tough decisions as you head into one of the most critical weeks of the season.
Bigz and Grindberg are back to give you the lowdown on which players to start, which to sit, and who might make or break your championship hopes. Let’s get into it!
Start: Jerome Ford (RB, Cleveland Browns)
Jerome Ford is stepping up big time for the Cleveland Browns after Nick Chubb’s season-ending injury, and Week 16 presents a golden opportunity. The Browns face the Bengals this week, a defense that has been vulnerable to the run, and Ford has shown explosiveness in his recent performances. He’s the clear lead back in Cleveland now and has proven he can break off big runs, including a 62-yard touchdown against a tough Kansas City defense.
Ford’s been heavily involved in both the running and passing games, and this week against a Bengals defense that allowed Tajae Spears to put up big numbers, Ford is poised for a breakout performance. If you’ve got him, start him with confidence in your fantasy playoffs!
Start: Kendre Miller (RB, New Orleans Saints)
If you’ve been following Bigz and Grindberg all season, you know we’ve been hyping Kendre Miller as a deep sleeper. Well, the time has come for him to deliver. With Alvin Kamara nursing injuries, Miller has a clear path to be the RB1 for the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. He’s an explosive talent between the tackles and has excellent hands out of the backfield—similar to Kamara’s skill set.
Despite a tough matchup against the Lions, Miller is primed to step up, and this could be the week you remember as the one that won you your fantasy championship. Don’t sleep on him—get him in your lineup!
Start: Aaron Rodgers (QB, New York Jets)
Aaron Rodgers’ season has had its ups and downs, but he’s showing signs of life just in time for your fantasy playoff push. He’s coming off back-to-back strong performances, including a 289-yard, 3-touchdown outing against the Jaguars. He’s building chemistry with Davante Adams and is up against the Rams this week—definitely a defense you can exploit.
The Rams have allowed the 9th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, and with Rodgers hitting his stride, he has sneaky top-12 upside in Week 16. If you’re streaming quarterbacks or in need of a fill-in, Rodgers could be a solid play to help you move on to the championship round.
Start: Aidan O’Connell (QB, Las Vegas Raiders)
Aidan O’Connell is getting his moment in the spotlight, and this is the week you should lean into the opportunity. This week he faces the Jacksonville Jaguars, who give up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Jaguars have struggled to contain opposing passers, and with weapons like Jacoby Myers and Brock Bowers, O’Connell has the tools to succeed.
If you’re in a pinch and need a quarterback with a juicy matchup, Aidan O’Connell is a sneaky play in Week 16. He’s got top-12 potential this week and could easily outplay expectations.
Sit: Najee Harris (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers)
It’s been a rough season for Najee Harris, and things aren’t looking better in Week 16. He faces the Baltimore Ravens, who have stifled opposing running backs all season. Harris’ role in the offense has been shrinking, and after a brutal Week 15, it’s hard to trust him heading into a divisional showdown with a tough defense. The Ravens’ defense will likely key in on Harris, and with George Pickens potentially sidelined, it’s hard to see a scenario where Harris breaks out.
Unless you have no other options, it’s better to sit Najee Harris this week. His upside is capped, and the matchup is brutal.
Sit: Terry McLaurin (WR, Washington Commanders)
Terry McLaurin has been a reliable fantasy option for most of the season, but this week, he faces one of the toughest defenses in the league: the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have historically had McLaurin’s number, and in their last matchup, he was held to just 1 catch on 2 targets for a measly 2 fantasy points.
McLaurin is a talented receiver, but the Eagles will focus on shutting him down, and the Washington offense has been inconsistent. If you have other solid options at wide receiver, it might be time to bench McLaurin this week. Temper your expectations and consider alternatives.
Sit: Amari Cooper (WR, Buffalo Bills)
Amari Cooper has been disappointing in recent weeks, and last week was the icing on the cake with a goose egg in a high-scoring game. The lack of consistency and a reduced role in the offense have made him a risky start in the fantasy playoffs. Add in a matchup against a tough Patriots defense, and Cooper is a player you should sit this week.
The Bills are likely to focus on the run. Look for more consistent options if you’re relying on wide receiver help in the postseason.
Sit: Joe Mixon (RB, Houston Texans)
Joe Mixon has been solid this season, but he faces a tough Kansas City defense in Week 16. The Chiefs’ defense has been stout against the run, and while Mixon is a solid back, the Texans’ offense could lean more on the passing game against a team that struggles in coverage. Additionally, Mixon has been dealing with some injuries, which could limit his effectiveness.
The Chiefs are tough against the run, and Mixon’s role could be limited, especially if the Texans are forced into a pass-heavy game script. If you have other options, it’s better to sit Mixon and look elsewhere.
Conclusion: Playoffs Are Here—Make the Right Moves!
Week 16 is make-or-break for your fantasy season, and these decisions could determine whether you move on to the championship or watch from the sidelines. Trust your studs, but make sure to consider matchups, game scripts, and injuries before finalizing your lineup. Players like Jerome Ford, Kendre Miller, and Aaron Rodgers are primed for big weeks, while Najee Harris, Terry McLaurin, and Amari Cooper are best left on the bench.
Good luck, and we hope you win!
