We are officially in semifinal week, and one week away from the championship week! (in most leagues that is). Every decision you make is crucial, and I’m here to help. In these weekly articles, I will review and help you decide which WRs and TEs to start and sit every week based on matchups, weather conditions, injuries, and more. You’ll never see studs like Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase on this list, but this is more advice to help you decide between those two players that will help you set and win your weekly lineup. For any additional gameday questions, be sure to follow me on X at @Lobosffden.
Week 16 Start and Sit
Start ‘Em Wide Receivers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Minnesota Vikings
JSN has officially taken the mantle of WR1 for the Seattle Seahawks. In the last 7 games, JSN has averaged 20.2ppg, exceeding 70+ yards in all but one game. Geno Smith avoided a major injury and seems to be ready to go this week and in a playoff implication game for the Seahawks, I expect JSN to have another big game. The Vikings allow the most points to opposing WRs, and in a week before the championship, start JSN and enjoy.
DJ Moore vs. Detroit Lions
Despite this Chicago offense struggling, I like what we’ve seen from DJ Moore as of late. In the last five weeks, DJ Moore has seen 7 or more targets, putting up 18 ppg in that span. Now, the Bears face a very depleted Detroit Lions defense, and in what actually might be a high-scoring divisional game, DJ Moore should be in your starting lineup. Don’t overthink it.
Khalil Shakir vs. New England Patriots
Shakir has become Josh Allen’s favorite target in this Buffalo offense, with at least 11 fantasy points in all but four games this season. With Josh Allen playing at an MVP level, Shakir should continue to see the benefits. In Week 16 the Bills face a middle-of-the-pack Patriots defense. Shakir is a great FLEX/WR3 play in all PPR leagues.
Sit ‘Em Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Houston Texans
After his hot start in KC, Hopkins has cooled off a bit in KC, with less than 40 yards in 5 of the last 6 games. Now, the Chiefs face a stout Houston defense with a hobbled Patrick Mahomes? Yeah, leave Hopkins on the bench the week before the ship. You’ve got better options.
Michael Pittman vs. Tennessee Titans
This year has been a night and day difference for Michael Pittman, a year removed after his WR13 finish. Pittman has yet to score more than 17 points this year, and is averaging 8.4 points per game with Anthony Richardson under center. Pittman might not see the volume or production this season with Richardson, so he’s best left on your bench.
Amari Cooper vs. New England Patriots
Khalil Shakir, as mentioned above, should be started in all your PPR leagues. The opposing Buffalo WR, Amari Cooper, should not. Cooper has yet to make a big impact on his new team, where he actually failed to receive ONE target in last week’s game vs. Detroit. Cooper has a total of 11 receptions in four active games in his time in Buffalo, despite Josh Allen playing at the level he is. Until we see consistency from Cooper, he’s best left on your bench.
Start ‘Em Tight Ends
Jonnu Smith vs. San Francisco 49ers
At this point, Jonnu Smith is in must-start territory. Dating back to Week 11, Smith is the TE1, averaging nearly 21 points a game. In that same time frame, he’s out-targetted and outscored Tyreek Hill AND Jaylen Waddle. With that kind of volume and production that we’ve seen, Jonnu is a set-it-and-forget-it TE.
Pat Freiermuth vs. Baltimore Ravens
In the absence of George Pickens, it’s the Muth who has been able to step up and deliver the red-zone touches. Freiermuth has three straight 10+ point fantasy games, with three straight TDs in those games. With Pickens’ status still up in the air and the Ravens allowing the most passing yards to opposing teams, the Muth could be in for another double-digit game. Fire him up!
David Njoku vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Despite the QB change in Cleveland, if Njoku plays this week you’ve got to start him vs. a Cinci defense that allows the most points to opposing TEs. When healthy, Njoku has been a TE1, averaging nearly 13 points per game. In a game where both these teams don’t have much to play for, it could be a fun fantasy day for both offenses.
Sit ‘Em Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No Dak Prescott means no fantasy impact for Jake Ferguson. Dating back to Week 6, Ferguson has scored double-digit points just once and has yet to haul in a receiving TD in 2024. Cooper Rush has targeted Ferguson no more than 6 times since week 10, and as long as Cooper Rush is the QB for the Cowboys, Ferguson should stay on your bench.
Kyle Pitts vs. New York Giants
The Kyle Pitts hope has dwindled from the fantasy community, right? In the last 6 games, Pitts has a TOTAL of 11 receptions and 23 fantasy points. The New York Giants may not be a great team at many things, but they are stingy vs. opposing TEs. Pitts should be in the pits of your bench at best.
Chig Okonkwo vs. Indianapolis Colts
Don’t let last week’s performance fool you, Chig is a good TE but hasn’t been great for fantasy this season. The Colts do allow the 3rd-most points to opposing TEs, but for Chig, that was just his second double-digit performance of the year, and with the question marks at QB for the Titans, he’s best left on your bench.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!