The fantasy football playoffs are heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher! As we dive into Week 16, making the right decisions with your lineup is crucial. The Sporting News fantasy team is here to help you navigate through the noise and identify those sleeper picks that could make all the difference in your playoff success. With the pressure on, let’s explore some players who could surprise and deliver big this week.
Fantasy QB Sleepers for Week 16
Michael O’Hara: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears — The Detroit Lions are struggling on defense, making this an ideal opportunity for Caleb Williams to shine. He demonstrated his potential on Thanksgiving, racking up an impressive 26.1 fantasy points against the Lions. With the Bears likely needing to keep pace with a high-scoring Detroit offense, Williams could very well find himself throwing the ball throughout the game. Expect him to finish as a top-12 quarterback this week!
Vinnie Iyer: Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets — Just when you thought you had seen it all, Aaron Rodgers is back, and he’s looking sharp! Over the last two weeks, he’s finished as QB11 and QB4, showcasing his ability to connect with Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson. As he faces the Rams this week, expect more high-volume passing from Rodgers, making him a solid start for fantasy managers looking for a boost.
Ed Williams: Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers — After a rocky start to the season, Bryce Young is showing signs of improvement. He had strong performances against the Chiefs and Bucs, and now he’s up against the Cardinals. Arizona’s defense has been more lenient, allowing Young to potentially compile a solid fantasy stat line. If he has his top receivers available, this could be a breakout game for him.
Fantasy RB Sleepers for Week 16
O’Hara: Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns — With Nick Chubb sidelined for the season, Jerome Ford is stepping into the spotlight. He’s set to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who have been a nightmare for defenses, ranking 20th overall against the run. Ford should see plenty of touches, both on the ground and in the passing game, making him a must-start for teams in need of running back help.
Williams: Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints — Kendre Miller is finally getting his chance to shine under interim coach Darren Rizzi. After returning from IR, he scored a touchdown and has been steadily increasing his workload. With Alvin Kamara dealing with a groin injury, Miller could see even more carries. This is the perfect time for Miller to make an impact in fantasy lineups.
Iyer: Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons — The Giants’ defense is vulnerable, especially against the run. Tyler Allgeier is set to benefit from this matchup, supporting Bijan Robinson in a game where the Falcons are favored by double digits. Look for Allgeier to get plenty of opportunities, including a chance at a short touchdown.
Fantasy WR Sleepers for Week 16
O’Hara: Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears — With Caleb Williams at the helm, Keenan Allen is primed for a big game. The Bears will likely need to air it out to keep up with the Lions, and Allen has been a target magnet, drawing at least 20% of the targets in nearly every game this season. Against a Detroit defense that struggles against slot receivers, expect Allen to see 10 or more targets.
Williams: Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons — Despite a quiet game against the Raiders, Darnell Mooney has the potential to bounce back against the Giants. The New York defense is in disarray, and this could be the perfect opportunity for Mooney to showcase his skills. Before his last outing, he had a stellar game against the Vikings, and fantasy managers should be optimistic about his chances this week.
Iyer: Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs — While Xavier Worthy has had an up-and-down season, he has the potential to break out against the Texans. With Kansas City spreading the ball around, Worthy could find himself in the right place at the right time, making him a sneaky option for those looking for a wide receiver with upside.
Fantasy TE Sleepers for Week 16
O’Hara: Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars — Brenton Strange has emerged as a reliable target for the Jaguars, drawing a significant portion of the targets in recent weeks. While he may not have the highest ceiling, his ability to compile catches and yards makes him a valuable asset, especially in PPR formats.
Williams: Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans — Coming off a solid performance against the Bengals, Okonkwo is looking to build on that momentum. With the Colts giving up the third-most points to tight ends, this could be a prime opportunity for Okonkwo to make a splash in fantasy lineups.
Iyer: Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans — Dalton Schultz has had an inconsistent season, but he’s in line for a favorable matchup against the Chiefs. With the Texans needing to score, Schultz could see increased usage, making him a worthwhile gamble for fantasy managers.
Fantasy Defense Sleepers for Week 16
O’Hara: Arizona Cardinals — The Cardinals are facing a Panthers offense that has struggled, especially with Bryce Young at the helm. After a rough outing last week, Young will need to prove himself, making the Cardinals a solid streaming option this week.
Williams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Buccaneers are not a typical defensive powerhouse, but they recently dominated the Chargers. With Cooper Rush starting for the Cowboys, Tampa Bay could capitalize on this matchup and create turnovers.
Iyer: Cincinnati Bengals — The Bengals have enough talent on defense to handle a struggling Browns offense. With a quarterback change and injuries to key players, expect the Bengals to make big plays, including sacks and interceptions, in a crucial game for their playoff hopes.
As you prepare for Week 16, remember that every decision counts. Keep an eye on these sleeper picks, and you might just find the edge you need to advance in your fantasy playoffs! Good luck, and may your fantasy dreams come true!
