It’s the fantasy postseason, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups and get to the championship game! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll examine the wide receivers who could either exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent.
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Start of the Week
Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is the standout start of the week. Coming off a career-best 32.5 fantasy points in a loss to the Jets, he’s now scored at least 16.6 points in each of his last three games. With 36 combined targets during that span, Mac Jones is clearly looking his way. Although the Raiders defense can be tough on the perimeter, Thomas Jr. is simply too hot not to play this week.
Brian Thomas Jr. at Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Thomas Jr. is a must-start, and you won’t want to miss out on his potential this week!
Wide Receivers with Good Matchups
As we dive deeper into the matchups, here are some more wide receivers to consider starting this week:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Vikings (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Smith-Njigba continues to shine, scoring 18.3 points last week and maintaining that level in five of his last six games. With the Vikings allowing the fifth-most points to wide receivers, he’s a solid choice.
- Jauan Jennings at Dolphins (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Despite a rough outing last week, Jennings saw nine targets. The Dolphins have allowed five touchdowns to wide receivers in the last four weeks, making Jennings a viable option.
- Zay Flowers vs. Steelers (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox): Flowers hasn’t posted great totals lately, but the Steelers’ defense just gave up 20-plus points to both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith last week. It’s worth flexing him in this matchup.
- Khalil Shakir vs. Patriots (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): With the highest first-read rate among Bills receivers, Shakir has scored at least 15 points in three of his last four games. The Patriots have allowed four touchdowns to the slot in the last eight weeks, making Shakir a strong play.
Wide Receivers with Bad Matchups
Now, let’s shift gears and look at some wide receivers you might want to avoid this week:
Sit of the Week
DK Metcalf vs. Vikings (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): If Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a start ‘em, why is Metcalf a sit? The numbers tell the story. He has failed to score more than 10.6 PPR points in his last four games, and he’s seen six or fewer targets in three of those contests. Even with a favorable matchup on paper, I’d be cautious about starting DK this weekend.
Other Notable Sits
- Deebo Samuel Sr. at Dolphins (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Despite the 49ers trying to get him involved, Samuel Sr. scored just 4.9 points last week. The Dolphins have allowed the third-fewest points per game to wide receivers this season, so it’s best to keep him on the bench.
- Calvin Ridley at Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Ridley has been inconsistent, failing to score more than 12.9 points in four of his last five games. With a messy quarterback situation in Tennessee, it’s hard to trust him against the Colts.
- Josh Downs vs. Titans (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Downs has only managed 11.9 points in his last two games. The Titans have been tough on slot receivers, allowing the fewest points per game to the position since Week 8.
- Tank Dell at Chiefs (Sat. 1 p.m. ET, NBC): Dell has averaged just 9.1 points per game and has been held to single digits in four of his last five games. Even with a favorable matchup, I can’t trust him in the fantasy postseason.
Week 16 Rankings
As we approach the final week of the fantasy season, here are some wide receivers to keep an eye on:
1. Ja’Marr Chase vs. Browns
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown at Bears
3. Justin Jefferson at Seahawks
4. Puka Nacua at Jets
5. CeeDee Lamb vs. Buccaneers
6. Nico Collins vs. Chiefs (Sat.)
7. A.J. Brown at Commanders
8. Mike Evans at Cowboys
9. Davante Adams vs. Rams
10. Malik Nabers at Falcons
Complete Week 16 wide receiver rankings
As we gear up for the championship game, remember that setting the right lineup could make all the difference. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s make this fantasy postseason one to remember!
