Week 16 of the NFL season has arrived, which means it’s time for the second round of the fantasy playoffs! Do you have tough lineup decisions to make in this must-win matchup? I’ve got you covered.
Let’s break down my Week 16 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football wide receiver picks.
Start ‘Em: Ladd McConkey (Chargers) vs. Broncos
The Broncos are a tough matchup for virtually any receiver, there’s no denying that.
However, I’m putting more stock in McConkey’s recent form, as the rookie has been stellar this season. The Georgia product has racked up at least 14 PPR points in four straight contests, emerging as Justin Herbert’s clear top target. It should also benefit Ladd that Pat Surtain — one of the game’s best corners — won’t be travelling to the slot much to line up against him.
With Surtain locking up the outside man, it will give Herbert even more reason to look at his top receiver early and often. I expect another strong outing for McConkey with a high target share.
Sit ‘Em: Jameson Williams (Lions) at Bears
It’s not often you sit a receiver who has racked up double-digit fantasy points in four of his last five contests, but that’s exactly what I’m recommending in this case.
Williams has been productive as of late, but his target share isn’t still nearly as high as I’d like from my starting receiver in a must-win matchup. The third-year wideout provides legitimate WR1 upside, but his floor has been minimal at time if he’s unable to find the end zone.
This Sunday, Williams and the banged-up Lions take on a Bears secondary that allows the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. There are likely better options out there at the position for you this week.
Check out my full Week 16 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Fantasy Advice Twitter Takeover
On Sunday from 11-1 ET, Jeff Pratt will be taking over the DraftKings Network X account to answer all of your start/sit questions. Don’t miss out!
Start ‘Em: Khalil Shakir (Bills) vs. Patriots
Shakis was my start of the week last time around, and he earns the same nod this Sunday against a horrendous Patriots defense.
The lone bright spot of New England’s unit on that side of the ball is Christian Gonzalez, who has looked like one of the best corners in the game this year. Luckily for Shakir, he won’t see much of Gonzalez, who should shadow Amari Cooper on the perimeter for a majority of the showdown.
That will leave plenty of room for Shakir to assume his usual role as Josh Allen’s No. 1 target. The speedster has seen at least seven targets in eight straight games, and should be incredibly productive at home against the Pats.
Sit ‘Em: DK Metcalf (Seahawks) vs. Vikings
Metcalf’s numbers as of late haven’t exactly been indicative what’s happening on the field.
If you’ve tuned into a Seahawks game as of late and watch a few of their offensive possesions, one thing stands out: Everyone on the defensive side of the ball is aware of where Metcalf is at all times. There were multiple occasions last week against the Packers where DK was triple-teamed in the middle of the field.
The Seahawks have figured this out and are utilizing Metcalf as a smokescreen consistently to open up bigger plays down the field. While that’s worked for them, it’s resulted in four straight underwhelming performances for the superstar receiver. Unfortunately, I expect that trend to continue against Minnesota.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 16 fantasy football wide receiver picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice later this week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
