It’s the fantasy postseason, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups and take home a championship! 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 kickers and defenses who could either exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent.
For your final lineup decisions, check out my fantasy player rankings. I update them daily! Also, make sure you subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast with Lindsay Rhodes and me as we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Kickers to Start in Week 16
Start of the Week
Jake Bates at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Bates wasn’t great last week, missing a field goal and scoring just six points. However, I’d stick with him in what is a plus matchup against the Bears. Their defense has allowed nine kickers to beat them for at least eight points, including eight with at least 11 points. Bates also beat them for 11 points in Week 13.
Other Kickers to Consider
Chase McLaughlin at Cowboys (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): McLaughlin has become one of the top kickers in fantasy football, scoring 15 or more points in two of his last three games while averaging 9.4 points on the season. This week’s Sunday night game against the Cowboys could be a high-scoring affair, so McLaughlin should have plenty of chances to produce.
Jake Moody at Dolphins (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Moody has scored a combined 17 points in his last two games, averaging just under nine on the season. His success should continue against the Dolphins, who have been generous to kickers. In fact, their defense has given up the most fantasy points per game to the position in the last eight weeks.
Kickers with Good Matchups
1. Chris Boswell at Ravens (Sat.)
2. Jake Bates at Bears
3. Brandon Aubrey vs. Buccaneers
4. Wil Lutz at Chargers (Thurs.)
5. Cameron Dicker vs. Broncos (Thurs.)
6. Ka’imi Fairbairn at Chiefs (Sat.)
7. Chad Ryland at Panthers
8. Chase McLaughlin at Cowboys
9. Tyler Bass vs. Patriots
10. Jake Moody at Dolphins
Complete Week 16 kicker rankings
Defenses to Start in Week 16
Start of the Week
Bills defense vs. Patriots (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The Bills defense has been smoked in the last two weeks, giving up massive totals to both the Rams and Lions offenses. The good news is the Patriots’ offense isn’t even close to as explosive as those two units, and their opposing defenses have averaged the sixth-most points when facing New England.
Other Defenses to Consider
Vikings defense at Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): The Vikings defense has been among the best in fantasy football, and this week’s matchup against the Seahawks is one of the most favorable on paper. Defenses have averaged the fifth-most fantasy points against Seattle this season, and Geno Smith (knee) will be playing at less than 100 percent.
Falcons defense vs. Giants (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Fantasy managers looking to stream a DST this week should look no further than the Falcons. They’ll face a Giants offense that is a mess due to their quarterback situation, not to mention a bad line that’s allowed the most sacks on the season. The G-Men have also turned the ball over 11 times since Week 8.
Defenses with Good Matchups
1. Bills defense vs. Patriots
2. Packers defense vs. Saints (Mon.)
3. Falcons defense vs. Giants
4. Lions defense at Bears
5. Bengals defense vs. Browns
6. Vikings defense at Seahawks
7. Cardinals defense at Panthers
8. Colts defense vs. Titans
9. Ravens defense vs. Steelers (Sat.)
10. Texans defense vs. Chiefs (Sat.)
Complete Week 16 defense rankings
Kickers and Defenses to Sit
Sit of the Week – Kickers
Justin Tucker vs. Steelers (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox): Tucker has not been the elite, top-end kicker in fantasy leagues this season, especially in the last few weeks. In fact, he hasn’t scored more than seven points in a game since Week 9, and he’s failed to score double digits in all but one of his last seven games. I’d keep Tucker on the sidelines.
Other Kickers to Sit
Jake Elliott vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Elliott put up 10 points in last week’s win over the Steelers, but he had been held to six or fewer in three of his previous four games. Next on the schedule is a matchup against the Commanders, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to kickers since Week 8. I’d put Elliott on the bench.
Jason Myers vs. Vikings (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Myers has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring at least nine fantasy points in all but one of his last five games. I would still beware the veteran this week, as he faces a tough matchup against the Vikings. Only the Steelers have allowed fewer fantasy points to kickers this year, so Myers could have a tough weekend.
Sit of the Week – Defenses
Steelers defense at Ravens (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox): The Steelers defense scored just seven fantasy points last week in a loss to the Eagles, and their superstar defender, T.J. Watt, suffered an ankle sprain. Regardless, their defense should be on the fantasy bench against a Ravens offense that’s allowed just seven sacks with one giveaway since Week 8.
Other Defenses to Sit
Eagles defense at Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Fox): The Eagles defense has been better in fantasy terms lately, scoring the fifth-most points since Week 8. However, I’d beware of a matchup against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. Defenses have put up an average of just 4.3 fantasy points against them this season, so expect a modest total.
Cowboys defense vs. Buccaneers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Believe it or not, the Dallas defense ranks third in fantasy points at the position since Week 8. However, a matchup against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers is not favorable. In the last four weeks, their offense has averaged 31 points and 455.5 yards. As a result, I’d beware the Pokes.
As we dive into Week 16, remember that every decision counts. Make sure to analyze these matchups thoroughly and set your lineups wisely! Good luck!
