Here's a look back at Week 16's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 16 RECAP
Jaguars 19, Jets 3: James Robinson has been a healthy scratch since Week 13 and is still rostered in way too many leagues.
Bills 35, Bears 13: James Cook is the overall RB25 in standard formats (RB26 in PPR) since Week 11. Cook has 371 total yards (6.23 yards per carry), 12 receptions and two touchdowns in the last six games. He could be the Buffalo’s lead running back next season with Devin Singletary hitting free agency.
Saints 17, Browns 10: Taysom Hill is the overall TE3 in standard formats through 16 weeks. Hill is the overall TE8 in PPR despite only making seven receptions this season.
Chiefs 24, Seahawks 10: Noah Fant has been the overall TE8 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since Week 13 on the strength of a TD in three of the last four games.
Vikings 27, Giants 24: Justin Jefferson’s last eight games: 71 receptions (103 targets) for 1,004 yards and six TDs.
Bengals 22, Patriots 18: Since Joe Mixon erupted for 211 total yards and five TDs in Week 9 against the Panthers, Mixon is the overall RB38 in standard formats (RB34 in PPR) and hasn’t scored a touchdown.
Panthers 37, Lions 23: Chuba Hubbard has been flex-worthy since Week 12. Hubbard has 356 total yards — 5.83 yards per carry — and a TD in his last four games.
Ravens 17, Falcons 9: Gus Edwards has had at least 55 yards or a TD in six of seven games played this season and is averaging 5.19 yards per carry with double-digit carries in five of seven games.
Texans 19, Titans 14: Remember when I wrote about how raw Malik Willis was as a passer? In his three starts: 234 yards and three interceptions with a completion percentage of 51% (25 of 49).
49ers 37, Commanders 20: Only Justin Jefferson, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Tyreek Hill and CeeDee Lamb have produced more fantasy points per game in standard formats than Jahan Dotson since Week 13 (he’s 10th overall in PPR over that span).
Cowboys 40, Eagles 34: I told you Gardner Minshew had been good enough when giving the opportunity and was trustworthy as a replacement for Jalen Hurts in your fantasy lineup — I’d be surprised if Hurts plays against the Saints this week. Minshew’s 355 yards and three TDs (two passing and one rushing) were good enough to make him the overall QB5 for Week 16.
Steelers 13, Raiders 10: Derek Carr has been the overall QB16 since Week 13. Carr has 792 yards with six TDs against seven interceptions in the last four games and a concerning 53.4 completion percentage.
Packers 26, Dolphins 20: Tua Tagovailoa has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol once again and should probably sit the rest of this season out to allow his brain to heal.
Rams 51, Broncos 14: Cam Akers is the overall RB3 in standard formats (RB5 in PPR) since Week 13 with 350 total yards and six TDs in the last four games.
Buccaneers 19, Cardinals 16 (OT): Greg Dortch’s last two games have produced at least nine receptions, 10 targets and 98 yards as Arizona’s primary slot receiver with Rondale Moore sidelined.
Chargers 20, Colts 3: Keenan Allen is the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 11 (when Allen returned from a lingering hamstring injury).
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here’s an in-depth look at the NFL matchups for Week 17 and how they’ll affect your fantasy football lineup, with players you should start, sit and a sleeper for each game:
ARIZONA AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), James Conner (ARI).
Who to start: The Cardinals D/ST has been the 10th-highest scoring defense in fantasy this season and deserves streaming consideration against a rookie quarterback. Both Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL) and Tyler Allgeier (ATL) deserve flex consideration against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Drake London (ATL) has 20 receptions (32 targets) for 261 yards in the last three games.
Who to sit: Marquise Brown (ARI) is the overall WR78 in standard formats (WR65 in PPR) since Week 12. Colt McCoy (ARI) has one TD against three interceptions in four games this season.
Sleeper: Greg Dortch (ARI) has 21 receptions (24 targets) for 216 yards and a TD in three starts this season.
CHICAGO AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI), David Montgomery (CHI), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET).
Who to start: Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. D'Andre Swift (DET) and Jamaal Williams (DET) face a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB7 since Week 12 with 1,517 yards, 11 TDs and no interceptions in the last five games. DJ Chark (DET) has been the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 12 with at least 94 yards in three of the last four games.
Who to sit: Chase Claypool (CHI) still hasn’t practiced with a knee injury that has caused him to miss two games already. Jameson Williams (DET) remains boom-or-bust with only five targets in four games.
Sleeper: If you’re in need of a dart throw option with upside, Khalil Herbert (CHI) provides plenty against a defense that just allowed 320 rushing yards to the Panthers.
DENVER AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Jerry Jeudy (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC).
Who to start: Latavius Murray (DEN) has 61 total yards or a TD in eight of 11 games this season. Greg Dulcich (DEN) deserves streaming consideration with eight targets in three of the last four games. Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Jerick McKinnon (KC) face a defense that has allowed four TDs to running backs in the last two games. The Chiefs D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) and Kadarius Toney (KC) face a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: Russell Wilson (DEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
MIAMI AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Patriots D/ST.
Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (NE) has at least four receptions, 55 yards or a TD in 10 of 12 games this season. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends and Jonnu Smith could be out with a concussion.
Who to sit: Raheem Mostert (MIA) and Jeff Wilson (MIA) face a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Mike Gesicki (MIA) has two receptions in the last five games. I’m passing on Mac Jones (NE) despite the positive matchup.
Sleeper: Teddy Bridgewater (MIA) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in four of the last five games.
INDIANAPOLIS AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: Daniel Jones (NYG) is the overall QB8 since Week 10. Darius Slayton (NYG) has at least 63 yards or a TD in eight of the last 11 games. Isaiah Hodgins (NYG) has at least four receptions or a TD in four straight games and Richie James (NYG) has at least four receptions or a TD in five of six — both deserve flex consideration despite the matchup. The Giants D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Parris Campbell (IND) has failed to surpass two receptions and 19 yards in three of the last four games. Deon Jackson (IND) only played eight offensive snaps against the Chargers. Daniel Bellinger (NYG) is the overall TE37 in standard formats (TE28 in PPR) since Week 13.
Sleeper: Zack Moss (IND) deserves flex consideration with 146 yards on 36 carries in the last two games.
NEW ORLEANS AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST.
Who to start: Taysom Hill (NO) is the overall TE5 in standard formats since Week 13 — only Evan Engram and George Kittle have averaged more fantasy points per game over that span. This is a must-win game for the Eagles with the Vikings and 49ers breathing down their neck for home-field advantage, so I’m firing up Gardner Minshew (PHI) once again with Jalen Hurts likely out again.
Who to sit: I’m fading Chris Olave (NO) with a difficult matchup and an injured hamstring. Juwan Johnson (NO) is touchdown-dependent with only five receptions in his last three games.
Sleeper: Rashid Shaheed (NO) has 264 yards and a TD on 13 receptions — 20.31 yards per reception (!) — in his last four games.
CAROLINA AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: DJ Moore (CAR), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Leonard Fournette (TB), Tom Brady (TB).
Who to start: Both D'Onta Foreman (CAR) and Chuba Hubbard (CAR) deserve flex consideration despite the difficult matchup. Rachaad White (TB) is the overall RB27 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) since Week 10.
Who to sit: Sam Darnold (CAR) only has value in superflex formats. There are better options available than the Panthers D/ST and Buccaneers D/ST this week. It’s hard to trust either Cade Otton (TB) or Cameron Brate (TB) despite a potentially positive matchup.
Sleeper: Russell Gage (TB) has 15 receptions and three TDs in the last three games.
CLEVELAND AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), David Njoku (CLE), Terry McLaurin (WAS).
Who to start: The Browns D/ST have allowed 17-or-fewer points in four of the last five games. Brian Robinson (WAS) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Jahan Dotson (WAS) and Curtis Samuel (WAS) are both flex-worthy this week against a pass defense propped up by back-to-back matchups with the Ravens and Saints. The Commanders D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense averaging 11 points in its last three games.
Who to sit: Kareem Hunt (CLE) is the overall RB49 across all formats since Week 10. Deshaun Watson (CLE) is the overall QB17 since Week 13 (the first game after a lengthy suspension). Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) is a boom-or-bust option with five-or-fewer targets in four of the last five games. Antonio Gibson (WAS) hasn’t practiced (as of Thursday) with multiple injuries (knee/foot).
Sleeper: You're probably not starting Carson Wentz (WAS) with a championship on the line, but he looked solid in relief, playing from behind against the 49ers on Christmas Eve.
JACKSONVILLE AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC), Trevor Lawrence (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: Zay Jones (JAC) is averaging 9.2 targets (six receptions) per game since Week 10. Brandin Cooks (HOU) has at least 59 yards or a TD in four of his last five games.
Who to sit: Marvin Jones (JAC) remains boom-or-bust with only 11 receptions in the last six games. Chris Moore (HOU) is touchdown-dependent with Cooks healthy.
Sleeper: The Jaguars D/ST face an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
SAN FRANCISCO AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST, Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) has at least five receptions or a TD in nine straight games.
Who to sit: Deebo Samuel (SF) has returned to practice, but if he plays, I can’t imagine he won’t be on a “pitch count.” Darren Waller (LV) is touchdown-dependent against the best defense in the NFL. Hunter Renfrow (LV) only has flex value in the deepest PPR formats.
Sleeper: Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has multiple TDs in four straight games.
N.Y. JETS AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST, DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Geno Smith (NYJ).
Who to start: Both Michael Carter (NYJ) and Zonovan Knight (NYJ) deserve flex consideration against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs — the Seahawks have allowed seven TDs to the position in the last five games. Mike White (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TDs in five of the last seven games. Noah Fant (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed 16 receptions for 238 yards and two TDs to tight ends in the last three games.
Who to sit: Elijah Moore (NYJ) is a boom-or-bust option failing to surpass 17 yards in three of the last six games. Corey Davis (NYJ) remains boom-or-bust with two-or-fewer receptions in three of his last four games. Appears Tyler Lockett (SEA) has a chance to play on Sunday, but I wouldn’t trust considering he’s still dealing with some swelling from his hand surgery.
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends.
MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), TJ Hockenson (TJ), Aaron Jones (GB), Aaron Rodgers (GB).
Who to start: Kirk Cousins (MIN) is the overall QB5 since Week 12 with 1,656 yards and 13 TDs against only three interceptions in the last five games. Adam Thielen (MIN) is the overall WR25 across all formats since Week 12 with 22 receptions (33 targets) for 200 yards and three TDs in the last five games. Allen Lazard (GB) has at least five receptions or a TD in 10 of 13 games this season. AJ Dillon (GB) is the overall RB12 across all formats since Week 12 with five TDs in the last four games.
Who to sit: Christian Watson (GB) is banged up with a hip injury he suffered on Christmas. I’m fading both the Vikings D/ST and Packers D/ST. Robert Tonyan (GB) has a single reception in three straight games.
Sleeper: Romeo Doubs (GB) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers and Watson potentially sidelined.
L.A. RAMS AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Tyler Higbee (LAR), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC).
Who to start: Cam Akers (LAR) has six TDs since Week 13 and is averaging 17.8 touches in the last four games. Gerald Everett (LAC) faces a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in six of the last nine games.
Who to sit: Van Jefferson (LAR) remains touchdown-dependent having failed to surpass three receptions in a game this season. Baker Mayfield (LAR) has played well for the Rams, but you’re not going to trust him with a fantasy championship hanging in the balance. Joshua Palmer (LAC) is touchdown-dependent with only 14 targets in the last three games.
Sleeper: The Chargers D/ST have been the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 13 and the Rams are allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
PITTSBURGH AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: George Pickens (PIT) has at least 53 yards or a TD in five of the last six games. The Steelers D/ST have allowed 17-or-fewer points in six of the last seven games. JK Dobbins (BAL) is the overall RB11 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) since Week 14.
Who to sit: Gus Edwards (BAL) only has flex value in standard formats as the overall RB34 since Week 12. Tyler Huntley (BAL) is the overall QB22 since Week 13 as a replacement for Lamar Jackson.
Sleeper: Demarcus Robinson (BAL) is the overall WR36 in PPR formats since Week 11 with five receptions or a TD in five of the last six games.
BUFFALO AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST, Ja'Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).
Who to start: Devin Singletary (BUF) is the overall RB14 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) since Week 8.
Who to sit: I’d still consider Gabe Davis (BUF) if you don’t have better options (considering the potential offensive bonanza at hand), but he’s essentially touchdown-dependent at this point with only 16 receptions in the last five games. James Cook (BUF) only has flex value in deeper PPR formats on the road against an underrated defense. Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust option with only 10 receptions in the last four games. Tyler Boyd (CIN) is a similar option to the Bills’ Davis — you’re probably starting him unless you have a clearly better option — Boyd is touchdown-dependent with 16 receptions in the last six games. Samaje Perine (CIN) is once again touchdown-dependent with Mixon back healthy. It’s hard to trust Hayden Hurst (CIN) returning from a calf injury that caused him to miss three games, but there’s upside if you’re desperate.
Sleeper: Dawson Knox (BUF) is the overall TE3 in standard formats (RB5 in PPR) since Week 14 with 13 receptions (20 targets) for 177 yards and three TDs in the last three games.
