Happy semifinals week! It’s hard to believe the fantasy football season is almost over. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 16.
Last week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em was about 50/50 on success rates. Starting Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jonnu Smith were the best hits, but Tua Tagovailoa disappointed while Jared Goff had an incredible game.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. You won’t see players like A.J. Brown or Josh Allen on here because they should be starting all the time.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 16
Quarterbacks
Start: Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford has been up and down this season, including the last two weeks. However, the Jets defense is what it was feared to be at the start of the season. They have allowed three of the last four quarterbacks to throw for 270+ yards. This favors Stafford and the Rams. Expect a bounce-back game on Sunday.
Sit: Michael Penix
If this was Week 7, there may be a reason to get aggressive and start Michael Penix. However, starting a rookie quarterback in a semifinal matchup is the fantasy football version of playing fire. This isn’t to say Penix won’t be good, but it’s a big risk to play him unless you’re only playing for pride.
Sit: Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams posted 250+ yards and three touchdown passes the last time out against Detroit. However, that was largely due to the huge hole the Bears were in at the start of the second half. This time around, Chicago should keep things closer. As a result, Williams may struggle like he has the past two weeks.
Read More: Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings Week 16
Running Backs:
Start: Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford is the main running back for the Browns once again, and he has a strong matchup this week against Cincinnati. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson starting for Cleveland, the team will rely on Ford and the run game a lot more than with Winston. Ford is a great play this week for those who need an RB2 or flex player.
Sit: Gus Edwards
The drop off from J.K. Dobbins to Gus Edwards is noticeable after Edwards struggled to get three yards per carry in Week 15. He has another tough matchup Thursday night against the Broncos in a playoff-like atmosphere. Edwards is very touchdown dependent, so he’s not worth the risk of playing in Week 16.
Start: Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard didn’t have the best performance for the Titans against the Bengals. However, he is one week healthier now, and the Colts defense struggles to stop the run and the pass. Pollard ran for almost 100 yards and touchdown in Week 6 against Indianapolis, and he should have a chance to replicate it this week.
Read More: Upside Plays of the Week
Wide Receivers:
Start: Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings is the top target in the 49ers offense. His performance in Week 15 wasn’t great, but there’s reason to believe it will improve. Jennings saw eight targets in Week 15, so it’s clear Purdy prefers throwing him the ball. He gets a good matchup this week against the Dolphins, and is worthy of being a flex play.
Sit: Christian Watson
Christian Watson has recorded 170 yards over the last two games, but he’s still not the most trustworthy target. Jordan Love spreads the ball around too much, and the receiver with the most targets changes every week. Watson should only be played if necessary, so sit him if you have better options.
Start: Josh Downs
The Colts offense was terrible in Week 15 against the Broncos, but Josh Downs is someone to consider for Week 16. He’s been the top receiver for Indianapolis this season, and the Titans are a more favorable matchup than the Broncos. With the Colts’ playoff hopes on the line, they’ll need to get the ball to Downs.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 16 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight Ends:
Start: David Njoku
Even though the Browns are going to be run-heavy now with Thompson-Robinson under center, Njoku should see a lot more targets go his way. He’ll be the biggest beneficiary in the passing game especially with receptions. That gives him an edge in PPR formats, but he’s still worth starting in standard leagues.
Read More: Kendre Miller Fantasy Outlook
Sit: Jake Ferguson
Jake Ferguson has been a fantasy disappointment this year. He hasn’t recorded more than 40 receiving yards since Week 9, and that was just one of four weeks he hit the mark. Cooper Rush just doesn’t throw in his direction much at all. Even with a decent matchup against Tampa Bay, don’t take a chance on Ferguson.
Main Photo Courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images
