The NFL season is heating up as we head into Week 16, and for many fantasy football managers, the playoff races are getting intense. If you find yourself on the outside looking in, don’t worry! There’s always Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) to give you a chance to start fresh each week. It’s the perfect opportunity to leverage smart plays and potentially win some cash during this festive season.
Identifying value is the No. 1 key to success in daily fantasy. You won’t hit those big DFS jackpots without maximizing your budget during lineup construction. Striking a balance between reliable weekly stars and high-value sleepers is essential, much like pairing your holiday ham with some delicious Stove Top Stuffing.
For years, this column has spotlighted undervalued gems across DraftKings, FanDuel, and SuperDraft. While anyone can recognize elite DFS stars, it’s the sleepers and value plays that truly set your lineups apart and can lead to significant winnings.
Let’s dive into our Week 16 DFS sleepers and value picks on DraftKings, FanDuel, and SuperDraft. We’ll highlight the most affordable high-value options at each position, along with their costs and potential scoring boosts on each platform.
Week 16 Fantasy Football Roster Management
Lessons Learned | Sleepers | Busts
Throughout the season, we’ve been tracking our biggest hits from the previous week to showcase the effectiveness of our strategies. Here’s a look at our successes from Week 15, including each player’s salary and their final DraftKings points production.
| POS. | PLAYER | WEEK 15 GAME | SALARY | POINTS |
| QB | Bo Nix | Broncos vs. Colts | $6,300 | 16.5 |
| QB | Bryce Young | Panthers vs. Cowboys | $5,300 | 16.0 |
| RB | Rico Dowdle | Cowboys at Panthers | $6,100 | 17.9 |
| RB | Rachaad White | Bucs at Chargers | $5,800 | 15.0 |
| WR | Jerry Jeudy | Browns vs. Chiefs | $6,200 | 24.8 |
| WR | Xavier Worthy | Chiefs at Browns | $5,100 | 19.6 |
| WR | Khalil Shakir | Bills at Lions | $6,100 | 15.9 |
| TE | David Njoku | Browns vs. Chiefs | $5,200 | 17.2 |
| TE | Chig Okonkwo | Titans vs. Bengals | $2,900 | 13.9 |
| DST | Denver | Broncos vs. Colts | $3,200 | 22.0 |
While this list may not be our flashiest of the season, it still features ten plays that exceeded expectations based on their price points. We were slightly underwhelmed by the quarterback production, but we made up for it with some standout performances from wide receivers and the Denver D/ST.
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 16: Quarterback
Please note that we’re selecting from the Thursday-Monday player pools on DK and FD. Players from the Saturday and primetime games will be marked as N/A for SuperDraft.
Jordan Love, Packers vs. Saints (DK: $6,200 | FD: $7,700 | SD: N/A)
The Packers are heating up at just the right time, and they’re back at Lambeau for their first home game since Thanksgiving. Love has averaged 20.7 DK points per game at home this season, a noticeable uptick from his 15.7 PPG on the road.
The Saints are limping into this matchup with a 5-9 record and several key injuries, including Derek Carr and Chris Olave. With Alvin Kamara also banged up, New Orleans might struggle to put up a fight against Love and his array of weapons.
Russell Wilson, Steelers at Ravens (DK: $5,700 | FD: $7,400 | SD: N/A)
Wilson has made a comeback this season, averaging 17.1 DK PPG. Despite a rough outing against the Eagles last week, he faces a Ravens defense that has given up the 4th-most DK points to quarterbacks this season.
In a crucial game, expect Wilson to air it out to keep pace with MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense. With the Ravens’ defense focusing on stopping the run, this could be a prime opportunity for Wilson to shine.
Other QBs whose Week 16 values exceed their price tags:
- Matthew Stafford, Rams at Jets (DK: $5,900 | FD: 7,100 | SD: 1.4x)
- Aaron Rodgers, Jets vs. Rams (DK: $5,600 | FD: $7,300 | SD: 1.5x)
- Kirk Cousins, Falcons vs. Giants (DK: $5,500 | FD: $7,100 | SD: 1.5x)
- Mac Jones, Jaguars at Raiders (DK: $5,200 | FD: $6,800 | SD: 1.5x)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 16: Running Back
Rico Dowdle, Cowboys vs. Buccaneers (DK: $6,300 | FD: $7,300 | SD: N/A)
Rico Dowdle may not be a sleeper anymore, but he’s still a fantastic value at these prices. The Cowboys’ breakout back has been on fire, racking up more rushing yards in each of his last four games—86, 112, 131, and 149.
While we’re not predicting a 175-yard game, Dowdle’s momentum is undeniable. The Bucs have struggled defensively, allowing 10 total touchdowns to running backs this season and ranking among the worst in catches and receiving yards allowed to the position.
Rachaad White, Buccaneers at Cowboys (DK: $5,900 | FD: $7,000 | SD: N/A)
Rookie Bucky Irving has shown promise, but he’s banged up and can’t handle the workload alone. White remains a reliable option, especially in the passing game, with three rushing scores and six through the air this season.
The Cowboys’ defense has been generous to running backs, allowing 24.7 DK PPG and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Expect White to play a significant role as the Bucs aim to control the game tempo.
Other strong Week 16 RB values:
- Bucky Irving, Bucs at Cowboys (DK: $6,400 | FD: $7,800 | SD: N/A)
- Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots at Bills (DK: $5,900 | FD: $6,500 | SD: 1.35x)
- Aaron Jones Sr. (still a value!), Vikings at Seahawks (DK: $6,400 | FD: $7,500 | SD: 1.25x)
- Kendre Miller, Saints at Packers (DK: $5,300 | FD: $6,100 | SD: N/A)
- Tyjae Spears, Titans at Colts (DK: $4,900 | FD: $5,900 | SD: 1.6x)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 16: Wide Receiver
Malik Nabers, Giants at Falcons (DK: $6,100 | FD: $8,200 | SD: 1.25x)
Nabers had a breakout game last week, scoring over 24 DK points with 10 catches on 14 targets. Regardless of who’s under center, expect him to see plenty of targets against a Falcons defense that has allowed the 4th-most DK points to wide receivers.
Jakobi Meyers, Raiders vs. Jaguars (DK: $5,800 | FD: $6,700 | SD: 1.3x)
Meyers has quietly been a solid contributor for the Raiders, averaging 14.5 DK PPG. Despite the Raiders’ struggles, the Jaguars’ secondary has been vulnerable, making this a prime opportunity for Meyers to capitalize.
Other strong Week 16 DFS values at WR:
- Khalil Shakir, Bills vs. Patriots (DK: $5,900 | FD: $6,600 | SD: 1.25x)
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks vs. Vikings (DK: $6,000 | FD: $7,900 | SD: 1.25x)
- Jordan Addison, Vikings at Seahawks (DK: $6,200 | FD: $6,900 | SD: 1.25x)
- DJ Moore, Bears vs. Lions (DK: $5,700 | FD: $6,300 | SD: 1.3x)
- Romeo Doubs, Packers vs. Saints (DK: $5,100 | FD: $5,600 | SD: N/A)
- Xavier Worthy, Chiefs vs. Texans (DK: $5,000 | FD: $6,400 | SD: N/A)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 16: Tight End
Sam LaPorta, Lions at Bears (DK: $4,700 | FD: $6,000 | SD: 1.3x)
LaPorta has been impressive lately, catching 7-of-10 targets for 111 yards against Buffalo. He faces a Bears defense that has allowed the 7th-most DK points to tight ends this season. Trust in Sam the Man to deliver once again.
More Week 16 TEs worth a look:
- T.J. Hockenson, Vikings at Seahawks (DK: $4,800 | FD: $5,800 | SD: 1.3x)
- Dalton Kincaid, Bills vs. Patriots (DK: $4,600 | FD: $5,600 | SD: 1.35x)
- Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. Steelers (DK: $4,300 | FD: $6,000 | SD: N/A)
Best NFL DFS Sleepers for Week 16: D/ST
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Browns (DK: $3,300 | FD: $4,400)
The Bengals’ defense has turned a corner in recent weeks, scoring 35 DK points over the last three games. With the Browns struggling and relying on Dorian Thompson-Robinson, expect the Bengals to capitalize on any mistakes and rack up points.
Other decent D/ST plays for Week 16:
- Green Bay Packers vs. Saints (DK: $3,200 | FD: $4,600)
- Denver Broncos at Chargers (DK: $2,900 | FD: $4,700)
As we gear up for Week 16, remember that the right combinations can lead to big rewards. Happy DFS hunting!
