At this point, you are starting the wide receivers that got you here in the fantasy football semi-finals for most leagues. However in PPR, players with safe floors and guaranteed targets could be better choices than more boom-bust receivers. Getting single digits from a starting receiver could cost you a chance at the title. With a full slate including two Saturday games, make sure to set your lineups early.
Wide Receiver Must Starts Week 16
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants
We just saw a game where he had a breakout with Tim Boyle. Even if its Drew Lock, who is the announced starter, or Tommy Devito later in the game, Malik Nabers is an alpha wide receiver. Against a porous secondary indoors and a defense that lacks pass rush, the Giants may be able to throw downfield in this game. This could be another repeat boom performance for the rookie.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
The same can be said with Brian Thomas Jr., as the rookie thrived with “McCorkle” Mac Jones. The Jaguars at times have been able to air it out and this could be another opportunity. Especially against a exploitable Las Vegas Raiders defense that has a poor secondary and no Maxx Crosby. Thomas Jr. can post another wide receiver one statline and catch a touchdown or 2 for the fantasy playoffs.
Wide Receiver Must Sits Week 16
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs
Even with a hobbled Patrick Mahomes, against a tough Houston Texans defense, I wouldn’t trust any pass catchers for Kansas City. The Chiefs have been barely scraping by with wins and it has mostly been limiting the turnovers. Although it is a revenge game for Hopkins, if it’s Carson Wentz taking any snaps later on in the game, he won’t pay off this week unless he catches multiple touchdowns.
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
Mason Rudolph is now the starter over Will Levis, as it could be tough for him against a better Colts secondary. While Calvin Ridley could benefit from some stability at quarterback, he has been on a downturn the last few weeks. Tyjae Spears was the focal point last week and took a bunch of check-downs as a PPR machine. There are better options to trust this inconsistent Titans offense.
Lock for Week 16
Davante Adams, New York Jets
Davante Adams has found the fountain of youth, as he has been vintage Packers Adams with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball often. The Jets don’t have anything to play for but pride, so that could lead to more throws to put up points. The veteran has been a wide receiver one for fantasy with the most touchdowns out of receivers in the last few weeks.
Fade for Week 16
Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns
With Dorian Thompson-Robinson now the starter for the Browns, this deflates the value of all their pass-catchers, including Jerry Jeudy. He has been a wide receiver one but expectations have to be way lowered with DTR. With any other quarterback other than Jameis Winston, the top target has failed to deliver. Although the Bengal’s defense has been bad this year, the upside for Jeudy at least has been capped. He is now more of a wide receiver two or three at the very worst that could be inconsistent.
Sleeper for Week 16
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
While the rushing production of the Bills and the increased usage of tight ends against the Patriots is worrisome for Shakir, they are projected for the most points this week. Khalil Shakir has emerged as their top receiver despite only playing about 60% of the snaps. However, those are usually schemed-up targets like screens for him and he finally hit home last week in the red zone. He has a safe floor and a great ceiling with Josh Allen if he lands in the endzone in a high-scoring projected game.
Conclusion
This is the week you start your stud wide recievers, so don’t overthink things. However, there are some exploitable matchups and receivers who have shown consistency even in tough ones against better defenses. Target indoor games on good offenses if possible, but some with high target shares, despite the quarterback play, are worthy enough to set and forget in lineups for week 16.
