As we approach the final stretch of the fantasy football season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fantasy managers everywhere are gearing up for the playoffs, and these next two weeks are crucial. After months of strategizing, it’s time to put all that preparation to the test. But while we focus on the upcoming matchups, it’s equally important to reflect on the past weeks. Analyzing previous performances can provide valuable insights that might just give you the edge over your competition.
Key Stats and Trends for Week 16
Here, we dive into the pivotal stats, trends, and narratives that can guide fantasy managers toward success in Week 16 and beyond. Let’s break down some of the standout performances and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Josh Allen’s MVP Case Grows Stronger
Key Stat: Josh Allen has accumulated a staggering 93.26 fantasy points over the last two weeks, ranking as the 5th-most by any player in a two-game stretch in NFL history.
Fantasy Takeaway: Allen has been the headline player in fantasy discussions for weeks, and rightfully so. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Last week, he rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more, propelling the Bills to a thrilling victory over the Lions. This marked Allen’s sixth career game with both rushing and passing touchdowns, a feat that no other player has matched more than four times in their career. With this level of play, Allen is poised to lead fantasy teams to championship glory.
The Resurgence of the Adams-Rodgers Connection
Key Stat: Davante Adams racked up 135 receiving yards in the final four minutes of the Jets’ win over the Jaguars, marking the most receiving yards by a player in the last four minutes of regulation this century.
Fantasy Takeaway: It seems like Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams have found their groove again, reminiscent of their 2020 campaign where they connected for 1,374 yards and 18 touchdowns. Adams’ impressive 9/198/2 performance resulted in a whopping 48.2 PPR points, making it his best outing of the season. This was also Adams’ third consecutive game leading the team in targets, a promising sign for his fantasy value as we head into the playoffs. If they can maintain this momentum, Adams could become a game-changer for fantasy rosters.
Lamar Jackson’s Passing Game Shines
Key Stat: In Week 15, Lamar Jackson recorded his sixth career game with five or more passing touchdowns, matching the likes of Patrick Mahomes.
Fantasy Takeaway: While Jackson’s rushing ability is well-known, his passing prowess often goes unnoticed. This season, he has excelled as a passer, ranking first in yards per attempt and fourth in completion percentage over expected. With such impressive numbers, Jackson remains a top-tier quarterback, capable of delivering elite performances even when he doesn’t rush for significant yardage. The competition between Jackson and Allen for the QB1 title is heating up!
Rico Dowdle: A Rising Star?
Key Stat: Over the past month, Rico Dowdle has amassed 478 rushing yards, second only to Saquon Barkley.
Fantasy Takeaway: Dowdle has been on fire, surpassing 110 rushing yards in three consecutive games. However, while he’s thrived against weaker opponents, the upcoming matchups against the Buccaneers and Eagles could pose challenges. With potential game scripts favoring the passing game, it’s wise to temper expectations for Dowdle as a reliable RB2 in these crucial playoff weeks.
Defensive Dominance in Week 15
Key Stat: There were 51 turnovers across 13 games last Sunday, the highest number recorded in a single Sunday slate since 2016.
Fantasy Takeaway: This statistic highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL. Even star quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa struggled, contributing to a defensive showcase. Six defenses scored at least 15 fantasy points last week, a trend that may not be replicated in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on defensive matchups as they could play a pivotal role in your fantasy success.
What If? The Amon-Ra St. Brown Dilemma
Key Stat: The Lions have run 918 plays this year, with 106 occurring while trailing by multiple possessions—60 of those in the recent game against the Bills.
Fantasy Takeaway: This statistic raises an intriguing question: What could Amon-Ra St. Brown’s season look like if the Lions found themselves in more trailing situations? Last week, he received 18 targets, showcasing his potential as a top-tier receiver. If the Lions had to play catch-up more often, St. Brown could have been in the conversation for the WR1 title.
Jameis Winston Elevates Jerry Jeudy
Key Stat: In his 71-game career, Jerry Jeudy has played seven games with Jameis Winston, during which he has accumulated 19.1% of his career receiving yards.
Fantasy Takeaway: Winston may not be the most conventional quarterback, but he has a knack for turning players into fantasy stars. With an average of 9.7 targets and 21.1 fantasy points per game in Winston’s starts, Jeudy is a solid WR2 or Flex option as long as Winston remains under center.
Trey McBride’s Historic Season
Key Stat: Trey McBride has caught 89 passes this season without a single touchdown, setting a record for the most receptions in a season without a touchdown.
Fantasy Takeaway: Despite the lack of touchdowns, McBride has emerged as one of the most valuable tight ends, ranking as TE3 this season. His elite 27-percent target rate ensures he will continue to receive ample opportunities, and when those touchdowns finally come, he’ll be a force to reckon with.
Elite RBs Stumble in Playoffs
Key Stat: The top three running backs in points per game—Saquon Barkley, Joe Mixon, and Derrick Henry—combined for just 26.7 PPR points in Week 15.
Fantasy Takeaway: This situation exemplifies the unpredictable nature of fantasy football. Even the most reliable players can falter when it matters most. If you managed to advance in the playoffs despite these underwhelming performances, consider yourself fortunate and ready to seize the championship opportunity ahead.
As we gear up for Week 16, remember that every decision counts. Stay informed, analyze the trends, and make strategic moves to secure your spot in the fantasy playoffs. Good luck!
