With the NFL regular season heading into its final weeks, fantasy football fans are preparing for battle. As they often do, they are preparing for their most important engagements in Week 16. Most importantly, we see C.J. Stroud as the potential streaming play this week for teams hoping to take advantage of the melted down Las Vegas Raiders. As it stands, Matthew Stafford sits third in fantasy points amongst quarterbacks this season. He was the right pick for those in search of a dependable first.
In what might be the biggest turn of events this season, Patrick Mahomes will miss the rest of the season. So Gardner Minshew now is the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. The world of fantasy football is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Players such as D’Andre Swift are kicking things off with a bang, scoring 96 yards and two touchdowns just the other week! Here’s a look at some player performances and lineup locks. We’ll be back with shadow coverage predictions to help fantasy managers navigate Week 16.
C.J. Stroud and Streaming Options
CJ Stroud’s recent breakout performance against the Raiders this week should be just what fantasy teams need to ride him into the playoffs. The Raiders have struggled defensively, allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Indeed, seven of the last nine quarterbacks who’ve played against them have delivered a top-10 fantasy performance.
“Shadow Reports: WR vs. CB Cheat Sheet”
Here’s hoping that Stroud is finally able to take full advantage of this favorable matchup. He’s an intriguing choice for any team that has a hole to plug in their lineup. His recent form suggests potential for substantial points, especially against a defense that has shown vulnerability.
In the meantime, fantasy managers are enjoying every minute of Matthew Stafford’s week-to-week reliability. Tied for third among QBs in fantasy points this year, Stafford keeps showing he belongs as a matchup proof starter. The mix of Stroud and Stafford creates a novel dilemma for fantasy managers to consider as they decide on their QB1.
Key Player Performances
D’Andre Swift’s effort last week firmly entrenched him as a must-start this week. Last week, he accumulated 96 yards and two touchdowns on only 19 touches, highlighting his explosiveness. His electric playmaking ability makes him an incredibly valuable asset for any fantasy roster going into Week 16.
Even Josh Allen came up big against New England, posting 24.5 fantasy points. It’s not just his ability to produce consistently that makes him special—it’s everything that comes with being one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson’s reservation of his rights appears to be on the rocks. Most analysts are predicting he will not be a reliable option for Week 16 fantasy lineups. In fact, they think it might be genius to bench him indefinitely.
“Not only is Lamar Jackson not a Week 16 lineup lock, he may be worth benching all together.” – Mike Clay
Lineup Locks and Shadow Coverage
A handful of wideouts and runners all but guaranteed their spots in advance of Week 16. Ashtan Jeanty, Woody Marks, Nico Collins, Brock Bowers, Rashee Rice, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Puka Nacua all present strong cases for inclusion in starting lineups. Furthermore, their past production and steady usage within their respective offenses offer stability and potential upside to any fantasy manager fortunate enough to draft them.
Beyond that, shadow coverage strategies will be among the most important factors affecting outcomes this week. The plan is for DJ Turner to give the same kind of shadow coverage this week that Emmanuel Forbes Jr. provided in Week 11. This strategic move would affect receiver matchups and by extension, impact their fantasy production.
“If he’s able to return from injury this week, Christian Benford is a good bet to shadow Jerry Jeudy.” – Mike Clay
These observations give fantasy managers the opportunity to make sage lineup decisions on Sundays. As they head down the home stretch of this important season, each decision is critical.
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