With Thursday Night Football and two Saturday games now in the books, Week 16 of the NFL season is in full swing. Season-long fantasy leagues enter what’s likely the postseason semifinals, and of course, DFS contests are always available for those looking for a new kind of challenge.
The player pool is slightly slimmer than usual… but whether they’re on your season-long roster or you’re looking to pay up for a stud on DraftKings DFS, here are three must-start players for Week 16 and the fantasy football playoffs.
QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, $8,700
To quote NBA superstar Kevin Durant, “You the real MVP.”
Josh Allen is absolutely incredible. The guy is playing the best football of his career and practically has the NFL MVP award locked up with three games remaining this season. He’s thrown for 3,395 yards and 25 touchdowns while cutting back on turnovers with just five interceptions. He’s also rushed for 484 more yards and 11 scores, which raises both his fantasy floor and ceiling. It’s evident he’s a game-breaker — the QB averages 25.8 fantasy points per contest and is coming off back-to-back outings of 54.9 and 44.3 points.
This week, the Bills face a floundering New England Patriots squad in an AFC East rivalry matchup. It shouldn’t be a close one against a Patriots defense which ranks bottom-10 in scoring, total yards, rushing yards, and overall EPA/play allowed. Sure, Allen is the most expensive player in the game, but his upside is immense and he’s got a great matchup on the schedule.
RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons, $8,100
Can I get 1,500 scrimmage yards and nine scores with a side of Bijan mustard?
Horrible puns aside, Bijan Robinson is the cream of the crop when it comes to elite running backs. Averaging 19.5 PPG, the second-year star provides a safe double-digit floor and 30-point upside as Atlanta’s bell cow back. His production is fantastic both on the ground (1,102 yards, eight TDs) and through the air (54 catches, 411 yards, one TD). Would we like to see him find the end zone more often? Sure, but even with the inconsistencies of the Falcons offense, Robinson is still great.
The biggest news of the past week was the benching of quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. This matchup with the 2-12 Giants is a great first-start spot for Penix, but Robinson will likely benefit as well. New York allows 143.7 rushing yards per contest, second-worst in the NFL, and they fall 27th in EPA/rush. There’s slight risk here if Penix doesn’t play well, but Bijan will remain the focal point of the offense and receive plenty of touches regardless.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions, $7,500
Lions and Bears? Oh my, all we’re missing is a tiger or two.
Look. Jahmyr Gibbs was an elite fantasy asset while operating in a timeshare with backfield mate David Montgomery. Unfortunately for Detroit, their bruising back will miss a few weeks at minimum due to injury. That leaves the elusive speedster Gibbs in place to receive the lion’s share of touches in a high-powered offense. He’s already averaging 19.4 points per game, but ceiling games are more likely than not now that he’s the starter.
The Bears continue on the treadmill of mediocrity with a 4-10 record and the 26th-ranked run defense. The Lions will likely take an early lead in this one and nurse it for the rest of the day. Gibbs will take plenty of carries and remain involved as a receiver as well, so take advantage of the matchup in this rivalry. $7,500 is still expensive in DFS, but it could also be fantastic value for a week-winner in Gibbs.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
DraftKings promoters may sometimes play on personal accounts in the games that advice is offered on. Personal views on the games and strategies above do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. DraftKings promoters may also deploy different players and strategies than what is recommended above. DraftKings promoters do not have access to any non-public information.
