Week 16 is upon us, and with only three full slates left in the NFL season, the excitement is palpable! Some might argue that Week 18 could be a bit of a letdown due to teams potentially benching players, but for now, we have 11 matchups to dive into. This week presents a fantastic opportunity to craft a strong Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) lineup, with plenty of intriguing options available.
Finding the Right Edges in DFS
In the world of DFS, success hinges on identifying edges over your opponents. With a finite salary cap, creativity becomes essential. Whether you’re targeting under-the-radar players or leveraging matchups that scream potential, this week offers numerous avenues to explore.
Without further ado, let’s break down the optimal lineups and best picks for Week 16 on both DraftKings and FanDuel!
DraftKings DFS Picks Week 16: NFL DFS picks for GPP tournaments
Sunday Main Slate, $50,000 salary
QB: Caleb Williams, Bears vs. Lions ($5,500)
It’s time to revisit Caleb Williams for the second time in three weeks. Despite his struggles over the last two games, his price tag of just $5,500 is too tempting to ignore. The Lions’ defense is in disarray, making them susceptible to giving up big plays. Williams previously scored 26.1 DK points against the Lions on Thanksgiving, and with their defense looking even worse now, he could be primed for a bounce-back performance.
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions at Bears ($7,500)
Jahmyr Gibbs is ready to shine! With David Montgomery sidelined, Gibbs is set to dominate the backfield. He has proven to be explosive when given the opportunity, and with previous performances of 18-82-0, 20-126-1, and 31-189-1 in games without Montgomery, he’s a must-start. Don’t overthink it—get Gibbs into your lineups!
RB: James Conner, Cardinals at Panthers ($7,100)
We might have the chalkiest running back duo on the slate, but strong plays are hard to pass up. James Conner’s workload is set to increase with Emari Demercado on IR and Trey Benson nursing an ankle injury. Even if Benson plays, Conner is likely to dominate touches, especially in a matchup against the Panthers, who rank 32nd in total rushing defense. With 56 DK points in the last two weeks, Conner is riding a hot streak.
WR: Puka Nacua, Rams at Jets ($8,000)
Puka Nacua is on fire! He leads all receivers in targets per route run and fantasy points per route run. The Jets’ secondary has struggled recently, ranking 29th in EPA per dropback over the last month. Nacua’s ability to command a 30-percent target share makes him a prime candidate for a big day, especially with the Rams’ offense finding its rhythm.
WR: Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals at Panthers ($5,400)
Targeting the Panthers’ defense is a winning strategy, and adding Marvin Harrison Jr. to the mix is a smart move. Despite not living up to lofty expectations, Harrison has the potential for explosive plays. The Panthers are allowing 29.9 points per game, setting the stage for a possible two-touchdown performance from Harrison.
WR: Keenan Allen, Bears vs. Lions ($5,300)
With multiple talented receivers on the field, pinpointing Caleb Williams’ best options can be tricky. However, Keenan Allen stands out as a solid choice. He has drawn at least 30 percent of the targets in two of his last four games, and the Lions rank second in targets allowed to slot receivers. Expect Allen to be heavily involved in what should be a high-scoring affair.
TE: Ben Sinnott, Commanders vs. Eagles ($2,800)
Looking to save some salary? Ben Sinnott is a budget-friendly option at tight end. With Zach Ertz out due to a concussion, Sinnott stepped up with a 65 percent route participation after Ertz’s injury. The Commanders will need to score to keep up with the Eagles, making Sinnott a sneaky play.
FLEX: Rome Odunze, Bears vs. Lions ($5,100)
We’re doubling down on the Bears’ passing game with a Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen stack. Odunze leads the team in deep targets and endzone looks, making him a high-upside option against a vulnerable Lions secondary. If he can convert on those high-value targets, he could deliver a fantastic fantasy day.
D/ST: Arizona Cardinals, at Panthers ($3,200)
Finally, let’s round out the lineup with the Arizona Cardinals defense. Bryce Young has struggled, and the Cardinals are in a prime position to capitalize on his mistakes. With the Panthers’ offense still finding its footing, this could be a great matchup for Arizona’s defense.
FanDuel DFS Picks Week 16: NFL DFS picks for GPP tournaments
Sunday Main Slate, $60,000 salary cap
QB: Matthew Stafford, Rams at Jets ($7,100)
Matthew Stafford is a strong play on both platforms. The Jets’ secondary has been vulnerable, and the Rams’ passing attack has been efficient. This matchup could turn into a shootout, making Stafford a valuable asset.
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions at Bears ($8,300)
Gibbs carries over from our DraftKings lineup. He’s a no-brainer against a Bears defense that has struggled to defend the run, and his expected fantasy points per game are through the roof.
RB: Alexander Mattison, Raiders vs. Jaguars ($5,600)
With injuries depleting the Raiders’ backfield, Alexander Mattison is poised for a significant role. He’s the last man standing and will likely see the bulk of the workload against a Jaguars defense that has struggled against the run.
WR: Puka Nacua, Rams at Jets ($8,900)
Nacua makes the FanDuel lineup as well, solidifying his status as a top receiver this week. His connection with Stafford is undeniable, and he’s set for another big performance.
WR: Davante Adams, Jets vs. Rams ($8,400)
Davante Adams is on a tear, scoring over 24 points in his last two games. With elite usage and a favorable matchup, he’s a must-start this week.
WR: Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars at Raiders ($7,300)
Brian Thomas Jr. is making waves with his elite volume and potential for big plays. He’s averaging nearly 20 points per game, and with injuries to key players, he’s stepping up as a WR1.
TE: Ben Sinnott, Commanders vs. Eagles ($4,400)
Sinnott appears in both lineups as a budget-friendly option. His role as TE1 could yield valuable targets, especially against a weak Eagles defense.
FLEX: Rome Odunze, Bears vs. Lions ($5,900)
Odunze rounds out the FanDuel lineup, taking advantage of a high-scoring game. His ability to convert high-leverage looks makes him a player to watch this week.
D/ST: Atlanta Falcons, vs. Giants ($3,100)
With Drew Lock under center for the Giants, the Falcons’ defense has a chance to shine. They’ve been generating pressure, making them a solid option for your lineup.
As we gear up for an exciting Week 16, remember to keep an eye on matchups and player news. With the right strategy, your DFS lineup could lead you to victory!
