Say it with me, “semi-finals,” “semi-finals”!
With one more week until the fantasy championship or one week closer to your league’s punishment… the advice remains the same.
Let’s be honest, do you really need to be told to start guys such as Josh Allen in a home matchup against the Patriots? Or sit someone like David Njoku, who is playing with a third-string quarterback this week on an injured hamstring?
But what you may need is that extra oomph to start someone you’re on the fence with. You also may have taken a gamble in the draft and feel depleted at a position and are looking to slide someone in this week slyly. And let’s be honest, this happens most weeks.
Last week, we saw Texans’ QB C.J. Stroud, Buccaneers’ RB Rachaad White, Chiefs’ WR DeAndre Hopkins, Commanders’ TE Zach Ertz and Patriots’ TE Hunter Henry make the list.
Maybe this explains my first-round postseason exit…
But hey, I gave you Stroud and White!
Editor’s Note: These selections rank Tier 5 or lower on The Wolf’s Week 16 Fantasy Rankings.
Fantasy Football Week 16 Sleepers and Streamers
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
vs Detroit Lions
It looked like Caleb Williams was on track to finish with about five fantasy points on Thanksgiving when the clock struck halftime. He finished with his second-highest total of the year, 34.7 (give or take for league format).
Williams went on to have a trio of second-half touchdowns and pull the Bears close enough to complete the improbable upset. We won’t talk about what happened…
Detroit’s defense was banged up in that matchup, and it’s even more injured now.
The Lions have 14 defensive players on injured reserve, with two more picking up injuries heading into Week 16.
Detroit’s offense, even without David Montgomery (MCL), is still lethal and capable of posting high-scoring numbers.
Williams will have D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze all healthy and at his disposal.
The Bears also don’t have to win for high fantasy numbers. I’d take 34 points again.
Williams ranks in Tier 5 (QB 23) in The Wolf’s Week 16 Rankings.
Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
@ Las Vegas
Travis Etienne could reach RB2 status this weekend in a second consecutive matchup of bad teams.
I like that Etienne was on the field for 73% of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps last week and found success – 4.6 yards per carry – against a Jets team that is supposed to be better against the run than the pass.
Las Vegas just put defensive end Maxx Crosby on IR, which is making its defense weaker, too. Not to mention, a suspect offense with virtually no running back and a backup quarterback will likely yield more time to an offense that at least has serviceable players at multiple positions.
Etienne also quietly has double-digit PPR outings in his last two games.
Etienne ranks in Tier 5 (RB 36) in The Wolf’s Week 16 Rankings.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
vs New York Giants
The Falcons’ quarterback change could be a positive for Atlanta backup rusher Tyler Allgeier. Allgeier, and the Falcons, also face a poor rush defense for the second week in a row as they host the Giants.
While he didn’t make a splash fantasy-point-wise, he turned in his fourth-highest yardage total of the season and tied his second-most carries of the season.
Allgeier has also seen his touches increase each week since the team’s Week 12 bye, making me think he can help the pressure on Bijan Robinson (and Michael Pennix Jr.) in Week 16.
Atlanta, who is one game back from a playoff spot, made a do-or-die decision to bench Kirk Cousins. Pennix Jr. will likely also use his backs as dump-off options. Even though Robinson has shined in that department out of the two this season, I have faith Allegeier sees his most field time of the season.
Any help Atlanta can give Pennix Jr. it’ll do on Sunday, including things not seen yet this season.
Allgeier ranks in Tier 6 (RB 39) in The Wolf’s Week 16 Rankings.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
vs Pittsburgh Steelers
I don’t expect this game to be high-scoring, but I do expect Rashod Bateman to be involved in whatever scoring there will be.
Bateman is second to Ja’Marr Chase this season in touchdowns going for longer than 20 yards. His four scores of 20 or more yards are only bested by Chase’s five.
Baltimore is also 6-0 this season in games Bateman finds the end zone. The Ravens are looking to end a four-game losing streak against their AFC North rival, and they have success using Bateman to put points on the board.
*Wolf’s Note: Bateman was added to the injury report with a foot injury, but if he plays, I will start him with confidence.
Bateman ranks in Tier 6 (WR 50) in The Wolf’s Week 16 Rankings.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
@ Dallas Cowboys
It would have been a disservice to add a tight end here. In the semi-finals, if you don’t have an answer, then it’s time to punt and pray.
In Tampa Bay’s recent games, Jalen McMillan and Cade Otton’s roles have seemingly switched.
McMillan has nine catches for 134 yards and three touchdowns on 13 targets in the last two games compared to Otton’s 94 yards and zero touchdowns on nine targets. Otton (knee) is also doubtful, leaving extra targets up for grabs.
Mike Evans likely draws Trevon Diggs, leaving everyone else on defense vulnerable to McMillan. It also helps that Dallas is in the Top 10 for most points allowed to opposing receivers. It’s very possible that Evans remains Baker Mayfield’s top option, but McMillan is top-targeted.
McMillan ranks in Tier 5 (WR 41) in The Wolf’s Week 16 Rankings.
