Fantasy Football Boom Starts & Bust Sits (Week 16)

It’s time for the semi-finals of the fantasy playoffs, so we need to make informed lineup decisions in this do-or-die spot. The best way to do so is to focus on the matchup, consider the game script and compare your thoughts with FantasyPros’ expert consensus rankings (ECR).

You’ll find three fantasy football booms to start and three busts to bench for Week 16. With that in mind, let’s make those lineup decisions easier for you in Week 16.

Fantasy Football Week 16 Start/Sit Advice

Fantasy Football Boom Starts

C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU) vs. LV

C.J. Stroud is coming off a big game versus the Cardinals, where he completed 22-of-29 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. That was good enough to finish as the fantasy QB8 for Week 15.

Up next is a terrific spot at home against the Raiders. The Texans have a 26-point implied team total, which ranks fifth on the Week 16 slate. The Raiders are tied for 19th in fantasy points per game versus quarterbacks.

Michael Carter (RB – ARI) vs. ATL

Michael Carter looks like a must-start, volume-based RB2 in a home game against a Falcons defense ranked 19th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs.

When Bam Knight left early against the Texans last week, Carter rushed 14 times for 56 yards, while also catching four passes for 38 yards. That’s the type of usage you want to fire up in this spot.

Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN) vs. JAX

Courtland Sutton has been rolling lately, putting up 59+ yards in four straight games, including seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown versus the Packers in Week 15.

Up next is a good matchup against the Jaguars, who rank 20th in fantasy points per game allowed to wideouts. This is a game that could come down to the wire, which bodes well for Sutton.

Fantasy Football Bust Sits

Dak Prescott (QB – DAL) vs. LAC

Dak Prescott is QB5 in fantasy points per game this season, but with the Cowboys virtually eliminated from playoff contention, this is a tough spot to use him.

That’s because it’s a matchup versus the Chargers, who are allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. I’m below FantasyPros ECR on Prescott this week.

Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV) at HOU

Ashton Jeanty is in an absolute dumpster fire of an offense, which is the reason why he’s had such a disappointing rookie season. Now, the Raiders have to face an elite Texans defense.

It’s hard to see a scenario where the Raiders are able to move the ball against this group. If you’ve somehow made it this far with Jeanty, don’t bother starting him.

Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB) at CAR

Emeka Egbuka has recorded no more than four catches in four consecutive games. With a now crowded receiver room with the returns of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, it’s hard to trust Egbuka.

With Baker Mayfield struggling, it’s tough to ride with Egbuka in this spot.