Fantasy football managers face critical decisions in Week 16 as the playoffs approach their climax. Choosing the right players to start or sit can mean the difference between championship glory and an early exit. This guide offers expert insights on who to trust and who to bench in every position. Let’s dive into the best start sit week 16 choices to ensure success in your matchups.
Quarterbacks: Who to Start and Who to Sit
Start: Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings)
Kirk Cousins continues to perform at a high level, especially in must-win situations. Facing a vulnerable secondary, he has the potential for a big fantasy day. His consistency in passing yards and touchdowns makes him a safe start for start sit week 16.
Start: Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Trevor Lawrence has been heating up, and his matchup against a bottom-tier defense presents a golden opportunity. With an improved offensive rhythm, he should be a top-10 fantasy QB this week.
Sit: Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)
Wilson’s inconsistency throughout the season makes him a risky play. Against a stout defense, expect struggles in both yardage and touchdowns. Other quarterbacks provide safer alternatives.
Sit: Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pickett has yet to prove his fantasy viability. Facing a strong defensive front, he will likely have limited opportunities to put up big numbers. Benching him is the safer bet.
Running Backs: Must-Start and Risky Options
Start: Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys)
Pollard’s explosiveness and usage make him a must-start in Week 16. Against a defense that struggles against the run, he should see a significant workload and red-zone opportunities.
Start: James Cook (Buffalo Bills)
Cook has steadily become a key component of the Bills’ offense. His involvement in both rushing and passing plays ensures a high ceiling and a safe floor for fantasy production.
Sit: AJ Dillon (Green Bay Packers)
With an inconsistent workload, Dillon is too risky to trust in a crucial fantasy week. The Packers’ offense has been unpredictable, making him a poor starting option.
Sit: Cam Akers (Los Angeles Rams)
Akers has struggled with efficiency, and his usage remains unclear. Without guaranteed touches, he is not a reliable start this week.
Wide Receivers: Best Plays and Players to Avoid
Start: DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles)
Smith has established himself as a primary target, and his chemistry with Jalen Hurts continues to shine. A favorable matchup makes him a top WR option.
Start: Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
With Tampa Bay leaning on its passing attack, Godwin should see a healthy target share. His ability to rack up receptions in PPR leagues makes him a great start.
Sit: JuJu Smith-Schuster (New England Patriots)
New England’s passing game remains unreliable. Smith-Schuster lacks consistency and has a tough matchup, making him an easy sit this week.
Sit: Michael Gallup (Dallas Cowboys)
Gallup’s role in the offense has diminished, limiting his fantasy appeal. With limited targets, he is best left on the bench.
Tight Ends: Reliable Picks and Bust Candidates
Start: Pat Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Freiermuth is a trusted target, especially in the red zone. Given the matchup, he has the potential to deliver a strong fantasy performance.
Start: Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears)
Kmet has been a reliable tight end in recent weeks. His target volume and red-zone presence make him a great streaming option.
Sit: Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Chargers)
Everett’s usage has been inconsistent, making him a difficult player to trust. The matchup does not favor a breakout game.
Sit: Dawson Knox (Buffalo Bills)
Knox has not been heavily involved in the offense. With limited opportunities, there are better options available.
Defense/Special Teams: Best Starts and Sits
Start: San Francisco 49ers D/ST
The 49ers boast one of the best defensive units in the league. Against a turnover-prone opponent, expect a dominant fantasy performance.
Start: Baltimore Ravens D/ST
Baltimore’s defense has been outstanding. They should generate sacks and turnovers against a struggling offense.
Sit: Miami Dolphins D/ST
Miami’s defense has been inconsistent, and the matchup does not favor a strong showing. There are better streaming options available.
Sit: New Orleans Saints D/ST
The Saints’ defense has underperformed recently. With a tough matchup ahead, they are not a trustworthy play in Week 16.
Kickers: Reliable Options and Avoidable Players
Start: Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
Tucker remains one of the most reliable kickers in fantasy football. In a game expected to have multiple scoring opportunities, he is a must-start.
Start: Tyler Bass (Buffalo Bills)
Bass has been consistent, and the Bills’ offense should provide him with ample field goal attempts.
Sit: Greg Zuerlein (New York Jets)
The Jets’ offense struggles to move the ball, limiting Zuerlein’s scoring chances. Better options exist at the position.
Sit: Jake Moody (San Francisco 49ers)
Moody has been unreliable, and his matchup does not suggest a high-scoring affair. It is best to sit him this week.
Conclusion: Making the Right Fantasy Decisions
As fantasy football enters its most critical week, making the right start/sit decisions is key. Reviewing matchups, recent performance trends, and player usage can help optimize your lineup. Utilize this guide to confidently set your roster and advance in your fantasy playoffs. Best of luck in start sit week 16!
