Start/Sit Hub – Week 16 – Fantasy Football Blueprint

Happy Friday and happy holidays to all the fantasy enthusiasts out there. Welcome back to my weekly Start/Sit HUB! Mike Hubbard Jr here, providing you with information that can help you win your fantasy league week in and week out. For all things fantasy football, follow me on Twitter (@FantasyHubbard) and Instagram (@fantasyhubbard). You can tweet me or message me on either social media with any questions you might have regarding the fantasy football season.

Welcome to week 16 where the fantasy football playoffs are heating up with a ride to the championship on the line. If you made it this far congratulations and keep it going! If your fantasy season is over, you can still watch good football and play other fantasy games or even start thinking about next season. I hope you’re enjoying the fantasy football experience and continue to fight hard to win. This season has been very unpredictable with injuries and now COVID is becoming an even bigger issue. Stay informed and play smart.

Week 16 began last night with a TNF game between the 8-6 49ers and the 9-5 Titans. What started out as the 49ers dominating their way to a 10-0 start, later turned into a 20-17 win for the Titans. Deebo did all he could and more but in the end, it was the AJ Brown show. Start your fantasy studs.

Remember we have a couple of Saturday games this week. Browns go to the Packers and Colts visit the Cardinals. Christmas football is always a nice present. Keep in mind who plays when in order to optimize your projected lineups. The matchups I look forward to watching the most this Sunday are the Bills/Patriots game and the Steelers/Chiefs game.

I’m here every Friday with start and sit suggestions that can impact your team each week. My decisions as always include obvious and not so obvious picks. I would also like to clarify that my sit suggestions are based on the assumption you have or can add a player that has a better chance at success. Good luck this week and continue to check out my weekly articles.

START OF THE WEEK

Start – Justin Herbert – Herbert might be my top QB of the week and is easily in a great position this week going up against the Texans’ defense. Herbert is on a tear statistically. He has a powerful arm with good accuracy and makes good decisions for a 2^nd year QB. Justin has 10 games this season with multiple passing TDs including 7 of his last 9. Herbert doesn’t have a game this season where he hasn’t thrown a TD, in fact he only has 1 career regular season game where he didn’t throw a TD and that was against the Patriots over a year ago. Herbert has most of his guys healthy and should cruise in this one. Austin Ekeler’s status is up in the air due to COVID, but Justin should still have the upper hand in this game. I love Herbert to get you to the fantasy championship next week, even if this game gets out of hand quickly.

Giants @ Eagles

Start – Miles Sanders – Miles Sanders and the Eagles are rushing the football a ton and getting a lot of success. Sanders has run efficiently all season long when healthy and given opportunity. He only has 1 game where his yards per carry was below 4.1. Miles has back-to-back 120+ rushing yard games and is averaging over 100 rushing yards in his last 4 games. In late November the Miles Sanders played against the Giants and had 64 rushing yards on 9 carries. The elephant in the room is that Sanders has not scored this season, over 700 rushing yards but no TDs. I think that trend could end this weekend in Philadelphia as long as Jordan Howard and/or Boston Scott don’t spoil the party.

Sit – Jordan Howard – Jordan Howard clearly isn’t RB1 in Philly with Miles Sanders healthy and dominating lately. The good news is that the Eagles rush a lot with a lot of players. In the 5 games Howard played in, he had double digit carries every time and averages over 68 rushing yards. Howard has scored 3 TDs in his games this season but hasn’t in the last 6 weeks. I would normally be confident in Howard in this scenario, but his teammate Boston Scott is called ‘Giant Killer’ for a reason. Scott could easily snag some time away from Howard as Sanders backup RB this week. All Scott does is scrap for more yards and score on the Giants. The last 5 meetings with the Giants have resulted in 7 total TDs for Boston Scott with at least 1 in every game. Keep that in mind if you are a Philadelphia Eagles RB owner.

Lions @ Falcons

Start – Amon-Ra St. Brown – We have reached week 16 and people are finally acknowledging St. Brown for his success as a rookie WR on the Lions. I didn’t know much about Amon-Ra this season and being on the Lions is probably the reason why. Nonetheless, Amon-Ra has gotten attention of fantasy owners and Lions fans since he has been targeted 35 times in Detroit’s last 3 games. Those targets resulted in 26 receptions for 249 receiving yards. Fun fact, when St. Brown scores a TD, the Lions win. I would continue to target Amon-Ra this week in hopes of a win and some good stats against the Atlanta defense.

Sit – Jamaal Williams – Both DeAndre Swift and Jamaal Williams are activated off the COVID list. I assume Swift will take the lead RB workload while giving both Williams and Craig Reynolds reps and chances. Reynolds should have done enough to get a role in the offense after rushing for 195 yards in 2 games. Williams could take full advantage of any opportunities; however, I don’t foresee a ton of those opportunities if everyone is healthy. I would avoid starting Williams in a fantasy playoff game if I can.

Ravens @ Bengals

Start – Joe Burrow – Burrow gets the Ravens this week for the 2^nd time this season. Both teams are 8-6 and the winner will take sole possession of the AFC North heading into week 17. Burrow has been pretty good this season, but he does need to work on INTs. Burrow had his best game of the season in week 7 when he last faced Baltimore. He had 416 passing yards and 3 passing TDs. Also, in that game CJ Uzomah had 91 receiving yards with 2 TDs, Tee Higgins was targeted 15 times, and Ja’Marr Chase had 201 receiving yards and a TD. I expect them to try to attack them through the air again until they can show they can stop it. Burrow has 1 or more passing TDs in 13 of 14 games this season. I have Burrow as a top 10 QB this week in fantasy.

Sit – Devonta Freeman – Freeman is coming off a game where he saw just 6 rushing attempts go for 22 yards. Huntley rushed 13 times including 2 rushing TDs and also Latavius Murray saw 7 rushing attempts for 48 yards. Devonta previously had at least 10 rushing attempts in every game since Baltimore’s week 8 BYE. Whether it’s Lamar Jackson or Tyler Huntley at QB, both can rush effectively and take a lot away from Freeman who also has to worry about Murray stealing chances. Freeman did score on Cincinnati earlier this season but only had 14 rushing yards. I don’t expect much success from him this week as I have him outside my top 40 RBs this week meaning there are plenty of starters and backup RBs I like better.

Rams @ Vikings

Start – Sony Michel – Michel has come on lately with Henderson missing some time for the Rams. Michel has 62 carries in the last 3 games played and turned that hefty workload into 292 rushing yards and 1 TD. Those stats are hard to ignore especially since the Rams have won all 3 of those games. Michel should have no problem continuing his domination on Sunday against the Vikings. I am hoping for a high scoring contest so Michel could be in for another score.

Sit – Darrell Henderson – Being a Henderson owner this season has been great most of the time. The other part of the time is lately/now. Henderson hasn’t gotten the work load he used to get earlier this season and it’s affecting his fantasy football appeal. Both RBs can be lethal but more so when one of them is the main RB and doesn’t have to worry much about splitting time. Michel is supposed to get the majority of touches in week 16 so I wouldn’t risk Henderson in a starting lineup.

Bills @ Patriots

Start – Gabriel Davis – Davis was in my sit category recently so of course he is putting up big numbers. 3 consecutive games with a TD making it 6 on the season. Davis caught 10 of 15 targets for 128 receiving yards and 3 TDs in his last 2 games. He faces the Patriots for a 2^nd time this month after he scored 1 TD against them first time around. The Patriots have a great defense and coach so I don’t know how Belichick will approach this game defensively. Will they focus on stopping Diggs? Maybe. Diggs getting extra attention could help out Davis getting open, and even Dawson Knox in the red zone. I think that Josh Allen will do whatever it takes to put the Bills in a position to win this game and Gabriel Davis might be a name he continues to rely on down the stretch. Emmanuel Sanders is currently questionable, and Cole Beasley is in on a COVID list, some news to keep your eye on up until game time.

Sit –Mac Jones – Mac Jones has been the most pivotal rookie QB this season in terms of immediate success. Jones has impressed many times by doing the big and little things that give his team the best chance at winning. Jones isn’t going to drop your jaw with 400 passing yards and 4 TDs, but he can quietly produce. He has surpassed 300 passing yards just twice this season and has only thrown for 3+ TDs once. And for the most part, Jones isn’t going to hurt you scrambling. The Bills defense is no joke, which Mac found out in week 13. Mac threw 3 passes in that low scoring windy game which will hopefully not be the case this time around. Kendrick Bourne is on the COVID list and a good number of Patriots are currently questionable. Jones will have to be Tom Brady 2.0 to escape with a win and be fantasy relevant this week. Too much to ask.

Jaguars @ Jets

Start – James Robinson – The Jaguars still lost to a Texans team after canning Urban Meyer, however that was not due to the play of Robinson. James handled 18 carries for 75 rushing yards and a TD while also contributing a few short receptions. Laquon Treadwell was the only other Jaguar with a decent game in week 15 with 6 receptions for 57 receiving yards. Robinson gets the Jets defense this week who excel at giving up fantasy points to opposing RBs. Feed Robinson and start him with confidence. Top 10 RB this week.

Sit – Marvin Jones – Above I said the Jets defense excels at giving up fantasy points to RBs. That’s not the case with opposing WRs. They actually are a very good team at defending WRs this season. Even if they weren’t, Marvin Jones is too much of a wildcard to start. He hasn’t scored since week 6 and his best game since then came in week 14 where he had 70 receiving yards on 6 receptions. Since his week 7 BYE (not including week 14) Jones has averaged just 30 receiving yards each game. I am not trying to start a WR on a Jags team that has a rookie QB who has thrown 9 passing TDs in 14 games. More specifically, The Jags have scored just 1 receiving TD since week 9 and of all players it went to Tavon Austin. Hard pass.

Buccaneers @ Panthers

Start – Ronald Jones – Ronald Jones has reentered fantasy relevance!! He has vultured a few rushing TDs earlier this season but has now only exceeded 37 rushing yards in a game twice this season. With Leonard Fournette out in week 16 and most likely again in week 17, Ronald Jones will be RB1 for Brady and the Bucs with veteran LeVeon Bell backing him up. This is a great spot for Jones to put his mark on the game and impress like last season. Jones should get a decent workload on the ground and maybe even catch a few passes since Fournette was notorious for that. I’m starting Jones this week and expecting a top 15 fantasy RB performance.

Sit – Chuba Hubbard – Chuba Hubbard has not impressed since CMC reinjured himself and played his last game of the season in week 12. Hubbard and the Panthers are averaging just 15 points per game since then. Hubbard has 18 carries in the last 2 weeks but Ameer Abdullah has 8 carries and is much better as a pass catcher. The Bucs are going to try to shut down the run as usual meaning Hubbard is in for a challenging game. Abdullah could get some good target exposure, but I would avoid all Panthers RBs this week and next week when they play the run defense of the Saints.

Chargers @ Texans

Sit – David Johnson – David Johnson has not scored a TD since week 1 of the season. He has also never exceeded 39 rushing yards this season in any game. He is however usually good for around 20 receiving yards per game but not enough to start him. I believe Rex Burkhead is the better RB this week for Houston, but I still wouldn’t even start him unless I was very desperate. Proceed with caution.

Bears @ Seahawks

Start – Tyler Lockett – Lockett missed week 14 due to COVID but is set to play in week 16 at home against the Bears. Lockett has been Russell Wilsons most reliable target this season and definitely as of lately. Locket has 95+ receiving yards in 6 games this season including 4 of his last 6 games played. Lockett and Metcalf are tied with 62 receptions this season which leads all Seahawks. Despite the same number of receptions, DK was targeted 11 more times than Lockett, and Lockett has over 200 more receiving yards. DK has 8 TDs compared to Lockett’s 5, but DK hasn’t scored since week 8 while Tyler has scored in his last 2 games played. The Bears defense has been decent lately against WRs, but my money is still on Lockett.

Sit – Allen Robinson – Allen Robinson has missed 4 of his last 5 games due to injury and COVID. He might suit up Sunday to take on the Seahawks, but I am nowhere near confident in starting him. Darnell Mooney Is the Chicago WR worth taking a shot on this week since he has shown what he is capable of. Robinson has 1 TD this season and has not exceeded 4 receptions in a game since week 1. 35 receiving yards per game is not good enough for a starting spot in fantasy playoffs.

Steelers @ Chiefs

Start – Najee Harris– Najee Harris is a work horse. He runs a lot, and he catches a lot. The 1^st round rookie RB out of Alabama is approaching 900 rushing yards, has 400 receiving yards, and 9 total TDs thus far. Harris has double digit carries in all but 1 game this season and has 3+ receptions in 11 of 14 games. The Chiefs defense has looked pretty good lately, but Najee will get his volume regardless. Harris is easily a top 10 fantasy RB this week. Don’t get cute, start your studs.

Sit – Chase Claypool – Claypool was having a decent stretch recently until week 14 where he struggled to do anything. Claypool’s 1 TD took place back in week 5 and gets to take on the Chiefs defense this week. Claypool has been criticized a lot lately for his on and off the field immaturity. That could help him or hurt him mentally. I think big Ben will throw a lot to Diontae Johnson and Najee Harris. In the red zone I expect some Freiermuth targets as well. Tough day ahead for Claypool in KC.

Broncos @ Raiders

Start – Josh Jacobs – Josh Jacobs is having a decent season. He is well below his previous 2 seasons in rushing but has had a career best receiving year. I believe the Raiders will give Jacobs plenty of volume in this game. I don’t see either team blowing out the other, although possible, so Jacobs should be involved on the ground and through the air for most of the game as long as he stays healthy. Darren Waller could possibly miss another game making the run a little more comforting as well. I have Jacobs just outside my top 10 fantasy RBs this week.

Sit – Courtland Sutton – Another week, another Courtland Sutton paragraph about why he is in my Sit category again. The stats speak for themselves. Sutton hasn’t scored since week 6 and hasn’t had more than 2 receptions in a game since week 7. Drew Lock is set to start at QB for the Broncos which could bode even worse for Sutton and all Bronco pass catchers. Also, the matchup with the Raiders does not benefit Bronco WRs. Las Vegas has been good against opposing WRs and this game is being played in Vegas. Christmas miracles happen but I wouldn’t count on any for Courtland.

Washington @ Cowboys

Start – Ezekiel Elliot – Zeke has had Tony Pollard beside/behind him all season stealing away RB volume form him. Zeke still has the advantage in opportunities and gets most of the goal line caries for the Cowboys. Elliot has stayed healthy all season and hasn’t missed a game. The Cowboys took on Washington just 2 weeks ago when Zeke had a subpar game with 60 total yards. You most likely drafted Zeke in the first round this season and for good reason. Start him with confidence and expect a top 10 fantasy RB.

Sit – Dalton Schultz – Schultz was in my sit category last week so of course he went for 67 yards on 7 receptions and a score. He is back to the bench for me again this week. When Schultz played Washington 2 weeks ago, he had 1 reception for 4 yards which was by far his worst fantasy outing of the season. Mostly all Cowboys are healthy right now on offense making it harder to determine who has the best chances for production. If he is your best TE on your roster and there aren’t any better available to grab, you’re starting Schultz and you shouldn’t feel too bad about it. Schultz is capable of big performances, just also duds. Proceed with caution.

Related Articles