The fantasy football finish line is within sight. In most leagues, there are just two more games remaining in the season. Win those, and it's championship time.
However, there are obstacles between here and that title in the form of two very good opponents. No more taking on 3-8 tomato cans for easy wins. There are just four teams left in most leagues, and all of them are good.
This time of year, though, just being good isn't good enough. Fantasy managers need to siphon every possible point from the roster. And to do that, fantasy managers need to be on top of every matchup of the week.
They need to know which players are good (and bad) plays in all 16 contests, which "sleepers" could come from nowhere to win a week and who is in danger of sitting out with injury.
This column features all of that information, in the form of a game-by-game breakdown of everything fantasy managers need to know in Week 16.
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
The Denver Broncos head into Thursday's big AFC West matchup in relatively good shape where injuries are concerned, although running back Jaleel McLaughlin has been ruled out with a quadriceps issue.
The Chargers will be short a tight end Thursday night. Will Dissly has missed time recently with a shoulder injury and has been ruled out.
Start of the Week
Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: There aren't many favorable fantasy matchups in this game, but Sutton has been consistently productive of late. Since Week 8, the seven-year veteran has been a top-10 fantasy wideout.
Sit of the Week
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: The Chargers offense has struggled a bit of late, and Herbert faces a Denver defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper
Denver Broncos Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,900]: This isn't a great matchup. But the Broncos have piled up sacks and takeaways this season, so much so that they are the No. 1 defense in terms of fantasy points after 15 weeks.
Stat to Know
17.6. That's how many points per game the Broncos and Chargers are allowing this season, which is tied for the fewest in the league with the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers no doubt want to start Week 16 off strong, but this contest has the makings of a low-scoring, defensive affair. It's a game that could leave many disappointed with the fantasy output of the players involved.
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
The Houston Texans dodged a bullet last week. Running back Joe Mixon left last week's win over Miami with an injured ankle, but it's a minor issue that won't affect his availability for Saturday's game.
The $64 question for the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday was the availability of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a high-ankle sprain last week. However, Mahomes is off the injury report, as is wide receiver Marquise Brown, who will make his 2024 debut Sunday.
Start of the Week
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Hopkins has been in a funk recently with less than 40 receiving yards in each of the past two games. He should break out of it against a Texans team surrendering the seventh-most PPR points to wide receivers in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,800]: Mixon has been mostly excellent for fantasy managers in his first season with the Texans, and he's 11th in PPR points among running backs. But no team has given up fewer PPR points to running backs this season than the Chiefs.
Sleeper
Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: Schultz has had his moments this season, and another of those could come Saturday. The Chiefs have surrendered the third-most PPR points to tight ends this year.
Stat to Know
131. The number of passing yards Houston's C.J. Stroud had last week against the Dolphins. He hasn't been especially productive of late, topping 250 passing yards just once in the past six weeks. Over that span, he has just six touchdown passes and ranks outside the top 30 quarterbacks in fantasy points.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers have some major injury questions in the leadup to this all-important AFC North clash. Wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) and backup quarterback Justin Fields (abdomen) are both out for Saturday's trip to Baltimore.
The Baltimore Ravens also have receiver problems. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor is in the concussion protocol, and Rashod Bateman landed on the injury report Wednesday with a foot problem. Bateman is officially questionable, while Agholor has been ruled out.
Start of the Week
Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: The Ravens have struggled against the pass this season, allowing the second-most passing yards in the league per game. If Pittsburgh is going to knock off Baltimore again, it will be through the air.
Sit of the Week
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: No team in the league has been stingier on the ground this season than the Ravens, who are surrendering just 80.7 yards per game on the ground and the eighth-fewest PPR points to running backs for the season.
Sleeper
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: If Pickens can't go Saturday, Freiermuth could effectively serve as Pittsburgh's top passing-game weapon against one of the league's leakiest pass defenses.
Stat to Know
357.5. The number of fantasy points Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has—tops at his position. Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills is hot on his heels after two massive games, though, and Jackson has struggled against the Steelers. He is 2-5 for his career against Pittsburgh and has averaged less than 115 passing yards per game in those contests.
New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are making a change at quarterback, benching veteran Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. The team has also placed kicker Younghoe Koo on injured reserve after he aggravated his hip injury last week against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The New York Giants have quarterback issues of their own, with both Drew Lock (heel/elbow) and Tommy DeVito (concussion) listed as questionable. But both practiced this week and are off the injury report, with Lock expected to start. The Giants have a long list of players who were limited Wednesday, including running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) and wide receivers Malik Nabers (knee) and Wan'Dale Robinson (shoulder). Only Tracy remains on the injury report entering the weekend,
Start of the Week
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,100]: This isn't exactly a reach of a call, but with Penix making his first career start, the Falcons will likely lean on the ground game. And the Giants are 31st in the league in run defense, surrendering 143.7 yards per game on the ground.
Sit of the Week
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: Fantasy managers hopeful that the change at quarterback will boost Pitts' fantasy value may want to think again, as the Giants have allowed the third-fewest PPR points to tight ends this season.
Sleeper
Atlanta Falcons Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,700]: The Falcons posted a big score last week in a plus matchup with the two-win Raiders. Now Atlanta draws the NFL's other two-win team, so fantasy managers who picked up the Falcons last week should be able to get one more solid week out of the unit.
Stat to Know
238.9. That's how many passing yards the Falcons have averaged this season with Cousins under center, good for sixth in the NFL. There will no doubt be some growing pains as Penix acclimates to the pros, but it's hard to view the switch under center in Atlanta as anything less than a good thing for the likes of wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney.
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
The Arizona Cardinals will be short a running back Sunday. Rookie Trey Benson injured his ankle last week against the Patriots and has been ruled out.
Carolina will be short a passing-game weapon this week. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette is considered week-to-week with a groin injury and has been ruled out against the Cardinals.
Start of the Week
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Conner had a big game last week, surpassing 100 rushing yards and finding the end zone twice. With Benson sidelined, Conner should see a heavy workload against a Carolina Panthers run defense allowing a whopping 173.7 rushing yards per game.
Sit of the Week
Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: This is a "Start 'Em if You Got 'Em" game replete with favorable fantasy matchups. But for whatever reason, Kyler Murray and Harrison just haven't clicked—the rookie has just one game with double-digit PPR points over the past month.
Sleeper
Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: Coker returned from injury last week to catch four of six targets for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. With the Panthers likely playing from behind and Legette out, he should see a similar target share Sunday.
Stat to Know
89. That's how many receptions Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has this season—without a touchdown catch. That lack of scores hasn't stopped him from being a top-five fantasy option, and he now faces a Carolina Panthers defense giving up the sixth-most PPR points to the position this season.
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions have been decimated by injuries on the defensive side of the ball, and those injuries have bled into the offense. Running back David Montgomery's season is over after tearing his MCL last week, leaving Jahmyr Gibbs as the unquestioned lead back in the Motor City.
The Bears are in better shape on the injury front. Reserve running back Roschon Johnson has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, which would leave the Bears at full strength...for all the good it will do them.
Start of the Week
Keenan Allen, WR, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Allen led Bears receivers in targets, catches and receiving yards in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. And if Chicago is going to move the ball Sunday at Soldier Field, it will have to be through the air.
Sit of the Week
D'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Swift has been quiet recently. Last week was the only time in the past month he's had 40 rushing yards in a game. The Lions rank sixth in the league in run defense, allowing just 101.3 yards per game.
Sleeper
Detroit Lions Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: Despite a seemingly never-ending list of injuries, the Lions are eighth among defenses in fantasy points for the season. The Bears have been a plus matchup for opposing defenses this year, giving up the eighth-most fantasy points at the position.
Stat to Know
5.6. The average yards per carry gained by Gibbs this year on the way to a third-place ranking in PPR points among running backs. He has surpassed 10 fantasy points in every game this season and should see an uptick in usage with Montgomery on the shelf, beginning this week against a Chicago Bears defense allowing the fifth-most PPR points to RBs this season.
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
The Titans are one of a number of teams making a switch at quarterback in Week 16. After another turnover-fest a week ago, Will Levis has been benched in favor of Mason Rudolph.
Tennessee also has issues in the backfield. Tony Pollard has been dealing with an ankle injury for weeks and is questionable for Week 16 after not practicing all week.
The Colts have been dealing with banged-up wide receivers all season, and this week is no exception. Alec Pierce is in the league's concussion protocol and has been ruled out.
Start of the Week
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Pollard is banged up, but he's tentatively expected to be able to give it a go this week against an Indianapolis Colts defense allowing 141.6 yards on the ground and the sixth-most PPR points to running backs this season.
Sit of the Week
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: There's always a chance Richardson will salvage a decent fantasy game with his rushing ability. But the second-year pro's passing numbers this season continue to be atrocious, including a completion percentage of just 47 percent for the year.
Sleeper
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: Spears saw most of the passing-down work for the Titans last week, catching six passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. With Rudolph under center, the Titans will likely lean toward a conservative game plan, so much so that both Pollard and Spears could have nice stat lines.
Stat to Know
One. That's how many times Richardson has thrown for 200 yards in a game since Week 2. He has two games with multiple passing touchdowns, is averaging less than 170 passing yards per game and his passer rating is barely over 60. Any improvements he showed as a passer after being benched earlier this season have evaporated. And as athletic as Richardson is, his long-term viability as the team's starter is hardly a sure thing.
Los Angeles Rams at New York Jets
The Rams have moved their way into first place in the NFC West, and are at relatively full-strength for the trip to New York. No prominent offensive players for the team are on the injury report.
The Jets are a bit more banged up. Running back Braelon Allen left last week's win with a back injury, and tight end Tyler Conklin missed Week 15 due to personal reasons. Allen remains questionable for Week 16.
Start of the Week
Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Adams caught nine passes for 198 yards and two scores last week against the Jaguars, and the Jets now face a Rams defense that has had some issues against the pass in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Kupp received just three targets a week ago and didn't record a reception. Now he takes on a Jets defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to wide receivers and ranks fifth in the NFL against the pass.
Sleeper
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Rodgers has spent most of the 2024 season relegated to fantasy irrelevance. But the four-time MVP had one of his best games of the season last week against Jacksonville, and the Rams have given up the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Stat to Know
89.4. That's how many receiving yards per game Rams wideout Puka Nacua is averaging, which leads the NFC. The second-year pro has surpassed 100 total yards in four of his past five games, ranks fourth among all wide receivers with 18.9 PPR points per game and has become his team's unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver. Nacua is Batman in Los Angeles, and Cooper Kupp is barely Robin at this point.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
The Philadelphia Eagles are arguably the NFL's hottest team—due in part to the fact that they are relatively healthy. No fantasy-relevant players have been added to the Week 16 injury report.
The Commanders are also in decent shape injury-wise. Tight end Zach Ertz is in the concussion protocol and questionable, but outside that Washington heads into this big NFC East showdown healthy on offense.
Start of the Week
DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: Both Smith and A.J. Brown had double-digit catches last week and found the end zone. Look for the Philly passing game to keep things rolling Sunday against an average Washington secondary.
Sit of the Week
Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,300]: McLaurin found the end zone twice last week against the New Orleans Saints. But the Eagles are no joke against the pass—no team in the league has surrendered fewer PPR points to wide receivers this week than Philadelphia.
Sleeper
Dyami Brown, WR, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: This is a game short on "sleeper" plays. But the Commanders will probably be playing catch-up, and the Eagles will devote the majority of their defensive attention to McLaurin, making Brown at least a somewhat appealing fantasy dart throw in Week 16.
Stat to Know
65. The number of rushing yards Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had on 19 carries last week against Pittsburgh, his second-lowest total in that regard of the 2024 season. He still paces the league with 1,688 rushing yards, but he'll now need to average 139 rushing yards per game over the season's last three weeks to tie Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. It's not impossible, but it won't be an easy task to accomplish.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
For reasons known only to Kevin Stefanski, the Browns are making a switch at quarterback in Week 16. Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start against the Bengals. Cleveland will be without running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a broken foot last week. Tight end David Njoku (hamstring) and wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) are questionable, although there's some optimism they will be available against the Bengals.
Cincinnati has minor injury issues of its own. Quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) and wide receiver Tee Higgins (knee) were limited in practice Wednesday, but their status for this must-win game isn't in jeopardy--neither is on Friday's injury report.
Start of the Week
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Higgins' scaled-back practice was believed to be more cautionary than anything, and he now draws a Browns secondary that has surrendered the 10th-most PPR points to wide receivers in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Jeudy has quietly had the best season of his professional career in 2024, and the Bengals rank 27th in the league against the pass. But Thompson-Robinson has been a disaster in limited action as a starter, making all of Cleveland's offensive pass-catchers a risk in Week 16.
Sleeper
Cincinnati Bengals Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,300]: The Bengals are 29th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense. But the Browns were already among the league leaders in both sacks allowed and giveaways, and the insertion of Thompson-Robinson under center just makes the matchup all the more appealing.
Stat to Know
42.6. That's Thompson-Robinson's passer rating over two seasons. The UCLA product has completed just 51.4 percent of his passes, thrown all of one touchdown pass against seven interceptions and is 1-2 as a starting quarterback at the NFL level. This switch was ostensibly made so the Browns can see what they have in the 25-year-old, but we could have saved them the trouble: What they have is a bad quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have numerous injuries of note to fantasy managers this week. Quarterback Geno Smith hurt his knee in last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers, he's off the injury report and will play. It's a similar story with running back Kenneth Walker III, who has missed time with a calf injury. Wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) also missed practice Wednesday, but all will be a go against the Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings are in excellent shape from an injury perspective in Week 16. No players of importance to fantasy managers are on this week's injury report.
Start of the Week
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Much of this call rests on Smith taking the field under center. If he does, Smith-Njigba will take on a porous Minnesota secondary that is the only team in the NFL allowing over 40 PPR points to wide receivers this season.
Sit of the Week
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: If Walker sits, this applies to Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet as well. The Vikings have been poor against the pass but excellent against the run, surrendering an NFC-low 89.1 yards per game on the ground and the third-fewest PPR points to running backs in 2024.
Sleeper
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: Lockett has fallen to a distant third in the pecking order at wide receiver in Seattle, but all it takes is one long touchdown catch against a bad Minnesota pass defense for him to pay off as a "sleeper" call.
Stat to Know
252.1. The number of passing yards per game posted by Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, which ranks seventh in the NFL. After a quiet game against the Bears last week, he ranks eighth among all QBs in fantasy points for the season ahead of a matchup with a Seattle defense that ranks in the middle of the pack in fantasy points given up to the position this year.
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
The Patriots possess one of the most anemic offenses in the league, but that unit will at least be at relatively full strength against the Bills. No fantasy-relevant players are on the New England injury report.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, the AFC East champion Bills are also healthy. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel is questionable with a shoulder ailment, but he's a bit-part player in the Buffalo offense anyway.
Start of the Week
Buffalo Bills Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: For the season, the Bills rank 10th in fantasy points among defenses. This week, Buffalo takes on a Patriots offense that ranks 30th in total offense, 31st in scoring defense and has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to team defenses this season.
Sit of the Week
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]: Henry may well be the most reliable pass-catcher the Patriots have, but he will likely also draw the lion's share of Buffalo's defensive attention. And the New England passing game isn't especially efficient, even in favorable fantasy matchups.
Sleeper
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: The Bills have topped 40 points in each of their past two games, and the Patriots are just about guaranteed to be down big in the second half. The receivers aren't easy to trust in a must-win game, but Maye could wind up with a surprisingly solid garbage time-boosted stat line.
Stat to Know
93.16. That's how many fantasy points Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has amassed over the last two weeks. Fantasy managers with Allen have rolled the past two weeks, but his numbers could come down a fair amount this week. It's nothing to do with the player, though; the Bills just aren't going to need 40-plus points to beat the lowly Patriots in Week 16.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders
At this point, the members of the Jaguars who aren't hurt may be shorter than the list of those who are. After tight end Evan Engram landed on injured reserve, Brenton Strange took over as the starting tight end and he was limited in practice Wednesday with a shoulder injury, but he's off the injury report and good to go.
Sincere McCormick season didn't last long in Vegas, as the young running back's season is over thanks to an ankle injury. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers was limited in practice Wednesday with an ankle issue of his own, but the Raiders will have both Meyers and quarterback Aidan O'Connell (knee) on the field in Week 16.
Start of the Week
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Assuming Meyers' injury isn't a serious one, he'll get O'Connell back just in time to face a terrible Jaguars defense that has given up more PPR points to wide receivers than all but two NFL teams.
Sit of the Week
Brian Thomas Jr., JAX [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: The Raiders are a surprisingly poor matchup for wide receivers from a fantasy perspective, allowing the ninth-fewest PPR points to the position this season. Throw in Jacksonville's dismal quarterback situation, and you have the recipe for a letdown week.
Sleeper
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: The Raiders' running back situation is a disaster, but Abdullah's receiving duties give him a boost in PPR leagues. Las Vegas also faces a Jaguars defense that has given up the third-most PPR points to running backs this season.
Stat to Know
396.4. That's how many yards the Jaguars allow per game—tops in the NFL. It doesn't matter if it's against the run or the pass, Jacksonville has had zero success stopping anyone this season. The Vegas offense was abysmal last week against Atlanta, but between O'Connell's return and this gravy matchup, the Raiders might actually score 20 points this week.
San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins
There hasn't been a team in the NFL that has been blasted by injuries on offense more than the San Francisco 49ers. Now, running back Isaac Guerendo is nursing a new injury. After playing through a foot sprain last week, he is now dealing with a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for Week 16.
The Jaguars have injury issues too. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was limited by a hip injury. Waddle is doubtful for Sunday's contest, while Hill is questionable and Tagovailoa should be out there.
Start of the Week
De'Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,400]: This Desperation Bowl doesn't feature many strong fantasy matchups, but San Francisco's run defense has been suspect this season. It is 12th in PPR points given up to running backs this season.
Sit of the Week
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: The upcoming offseason for Purdy is going to be quite the drama. But in Week 16 at least, he draws a Miami Dolphins defense that has surrendered the fewest fantasy points to the quarterback position in the AFC in 2024.
Sleeper
San Francisco 49ers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,800]: The 49ers have disappointed just about everywhere this year, including defensively. But they got back edge-rusher Nick Bosa last week, and the Dolphins have been surprisingly kind to opposing defenses this year, allowing the 12th-most fantasy points to the position.
Stat to Know
57.5. The number of yards Tyreek Hill is averaging in 2024 after pacing the league with 112.4 yards per game in 2023. There are any number of reasons, including injuries at quarterback in Miami and defenses dedicating themselves to taking the long pass away from Miami. At this point a year ago, Hill—who was in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2024—was fantasy's No. 1 receiver and had almost 140 more PPR points than this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
The Buccaneers have a few injury concerns heading into Week 16, although they are tentatively expected to have their big guns for Sunday night's tilt with the Cowboys.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield and tight end Cade Otton both missed practice Wednesday with knee injuries, while wideout Sterling Shepard sat with a foot issue and running back Bucky Irving was limited with a back problem. Otton is doubtful for Week 16--the others are off the injury report.
The Cowboys are healthier. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb remains limited by a shoulder injury, but he's been playing through that for weeks.
Start of the Week
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: There's nothing to indicate fantasy football's fifth-ranked quarterback was ever in any real danger of missing Sunday night's tilt with a Dallas defense that has surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Sit of the Week
Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: This isn't just a matter of Otton being banged up. With Mike Evans back, Otton's target share has taken a serious hit, and the Cowboys have given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points to TEs in 2024.
Sleeper
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,800]: Ferguson hasn't had the breakout 2024 season many anticipated in 2024--he barely ranks among the top-25 tight ends in PPR points. But he's healthy again, and the Buccaneers are a top-five fantasy matchup for opposing tight ends.
Stat to Know
392. That's how many rushing yards Dallas running back Rico Dowdle has amassed over his three-game streak of 100-yard rushing efforts. Over that span, he ranks ninth in PPR points among running backs. It's fair to wonder if the Cowboys might have a couple more wins had they made Dowdle the team's lead running back from the jump this season.
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
As the Green Bay Packers prepare to host the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, they do so with a full complement of offensive weaponry. No fantasy-relevant players of note are on their injury report.
Meanwhile, the Saints are a disaster. At this point, there's no real reason for quarterback Derek Carr or wide receiver Chris Olave to play again this season, and Alvin Kamara's adductor injury leaves his Week 16 status very much in doubt.
Start of the Week
Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: After a Week 14 disappearing act, Reed was more involved in the Green Bay offense last week against the Seattle Seahawks. Now he faces a banged-up Saints defense giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this year.
Sit of the Week
Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: With no Saints players (outside Kamara) remotely startable in a playoff game, this is a process-of-elimination call as much as anything. The Saints have defended tight ends better than wide receivers in 2024, and Kraft is something of a high-variance, touchdown-dependent fantasy option.
Sleeper
Christian Watson [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,000]: Watson doesn't catch a lot of passes, but he gets his money's worth when he does with over 21 yards per reception this season. If you're a fantasy underdog and need a "swing for the fences" fantasy play, the third-year pro is capable of the sort of fat stat line that can win a postseason matchup.
Stat to Know
245. The number of yards of offense the Saints had last week against the Washington Commanders. That might be a best-case scenario for Week 16. With no Carr or Olave, the Saints' passing game consists of Spencer Rattler underthrowing Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Reserve running back Kendre Miller got a lot of waiver run in Week 16, but he's a desperation play at best.
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Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.
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