We’re marching closer to the conclusion of the fantasy football season. And if you’re still fighting for a fantasy title, congratulations. Making it past the carnage of Week 15 is an impressive feat.
I’ve mentioned before that Week 15’s randomness was a reminder of how little control we have in this game we play. But it’s also a reminder to leave no stone unturned when setting your lineups. And that includes at quarterback.
Quarterback is an easy position to fall into a stubborn pattern. I’ve got Patrick Mahomes, why would I sit him? Well, this week he could be without his top two pass catchers. Starting Mahomes in this situation may still be the best move for you in the end, but it’s always good to check your options. Don’t be afraid to sit bigger names for a lesser-known commodity with a better opportunity, situation or matchup.
Ultimately, do what you feel is best. It’s simple advice, but something that’s easy to lose sight of with so many opinions out there.
Let’s get into the Week 16 QB1 primer. Last week, three of our four mid-range selections finished as a QB1, while streaming option Justin Fields cracked the top 10.
Create Optimal DraftKings lineups using our DFS Lineup Optimizer tool
Week 16 Mid-Range Passers with QB1 Upside
Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR): QB7 ECR
Stafford could finish as the QB1 overall this week against a Vikings defense that struggles to defend the pass. The Vikings have given up the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs this season.
Joe Burrow (QB – CIN): QB10 ECR
Burrow just feels too low here in our Expert Consensus Rankings. Presuming he’s healthy, Burrow gets a Ravens secondary that’s easily the most battered in the league. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins could both have field days against this unit too.
Russell Wilson (QB – SEA): QB12 ECR
Wilson just might be too hard to trust with a fantasy season on the line, but he gets a Bears defense that’s been generous to opposing QBs. Chicago has allowed 18.6 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. They’ve given up 26 passing touchdowns to just six interceptions. Assuming Wilson is healthy, he could have a big day.
Week 16 Streaming Options
Matt Ryan (QB – ATL): QB18 ECR
Recommending Ryan is painful, as you just always have a feeling he’s going to let you down. But you can’t argue with the matchup, as Detroit has given up 23 passing touchdowns this season and is coming off a huge upset victory. The Falcons meanwhile lost in embarrassing fashion to San Francisco.
Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAX): QB25 ECR
Lawrence gets a Jets defense that was already talentless and inept. Now, they’ll be without nine players and head coach Robert Saleh due to COVID. To top it off, New York is allowing 18.6 fantasy points per game to opposing passers.
Import your team to My Playbook for instant Lineup advice
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team, and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.