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Week 16 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

Jamey Eisenberg
Senior Fantasy Writer
  •  

Disclaimer ... Before you start reading, understand that we are not in the business of stating the obvious and wasting your time (or ours), so you won't be reading here why you need to start Aaron Rodgers, Arian Foster, Calvin Johnson or any other top-tier players. We're here to help you evaluate players you might be on the fence about.

Prior to the season, we never thought we'd have to recommend starting Michael Vick. He was drafted as an elite Fantasy quarterback in all leagues, and some of you even selected him No. 1 overall.

But you know what happened to Vick by now. He struggled with injuries and inconsistent play and is looking up on the stat pages at better Fantasy options in Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and even less-than-stellar quarterbacks in Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

I'm starting Vick over ...
Eli Manning, NYG at NYJ
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT vs. STL
Tim Tebow, DEN at BUF
Matt Ryan, ATL at NO
Tony Romo, DAL vs. PHI

He is the No. 13 quarterback in a standard league at 207 Fantasy points, but he can still help you win your championship game in Week 16. We expect Vick to have a standout performance at Dallas.

Vick, who was started in 51 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com in Week 15, has already shined against the Cowboys once this year in Week 8 when he had 28 Fantasy points. It was one of his few highlights of the season since he had 279 passing yards and two touchdowns and seven carries for 50 yards. He was nearly flawless with just seven incomplete passes and no turnovers.

Last year, Vick went to Dallas and had 25 Fantasy points, and we expect him to play well again. The Cowboys have allowed 20 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks and seven have reached at least 19 Fantasy points.

The Eagles need a big game out of Vick to remain in playoff contention, and he was solid in Week 15 in a tough matchup against the Jets with 23 Fantasy points. He should have a similar performance against Dallas.

Vick has failed Fantasy owners for most of this season, but he can still make it up to you this week. He should be trusted as a starting option in all formats with a potential Fantasy title on the line.

Quarterback

Start 'Em

Week 16 sleeper QBs
Mark Sanchez, NYJ vs. NYG
Kyle Orton, KC vs. OAK
John Skelton, ARI at CIN

Cam Newton (vs. TB): Newton has helped many Fantasy owners reach the playoffs, and he should be able to carry you to a title with his matchup with the Bucs. He has at least 22 Fantasy points in his past three games, and in Week 13 at Tampa Bay he had 39 points. The Bucs have allowed nine touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in their past three outings against Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Tony Romo, and Newton should have another big game in the rematch. (Started in 78 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Matt Ryan (at NO): Ryan is closing the season like the elite Fantasy quarterback we expected him to be all along. He has at least 18 Fantasy points in six of his past seven games, with five games of at least 24 points, including two in a row. Included in that stretch is a Week 10 matchup against the Saints when he had 351 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Saints have allowed at least 20 Fantasy points against Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford and Jake Locker in the past four games, and Ryan had 23 Fantasy points at New Orleans last year. (Started in 76 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Tim Tebow (at BUF): When Tebow has a good matchup, you start him. And this is a good matchup against the Bills, who have allowed at least 18 Fantasy points to five of the past six quarterbacks they have faced in Romo, Matt Moore twice, Sanchez and Philip Rivers. Tebow had 21 Fantasy points at Minnesota in Week 13 and 26 points against New England last week, which were both good matchups. He should have another productive outing this week and remains a No. 1 Fantasy option against the Bills. (Started in 45 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Matt Moore (at NE): Moore has an excellent matchup at New England, and he is worth starting ahead of standout Fantasy quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger and Manning. Moore has four games with at least 18 Fantasy points in a standard league in his past seven outings, including two on the road. The Patriots have also allowed multiple touchdowns to their past three opposing quarterbacks in Dan Orlovsky, Rex Grossman and Tebow, and New England is now without top pass rusher Andre Carter (quadriceps). It's risky to trust Moore at this point in the season, but he could be a useful option if you need a starter this week. (Started in 12 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Rex Grossman (vs. MIN): Grossman has the best matchup of any quarterback this week against the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed the most touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks (33) with the fewest interceptions (six). The last time a quarterback did not have multiple touchdowns against the Vikings was in Week 5. It's hard to trust Grossman at this point in the season, but he does have three games with at least 18 Fantasy points in his past five outings, including two at home. Like Moore, I would start Grossman ahead of Roethlisberger and Manning this week. (Started in 17 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Sit 'Em

Ben Roethlisberger (vs. STL): There is a chance the Steelers could sit Roethlisberger this week to rest his injured ankle, but even if he plays he has minimal upside for Fantasy owners. We saw what he looked like limping around at San Francisco on Monday night in Week 15, and he finished with five Fantasy points thanks to no touchdowns and four turnovers. The Rams don't pose a tremendous threat defensively, but teams tend to run all over them. Alex Smith in Week 13 is the lone quarterback to pass for multiple touchdowns against St. Louis in the past eight games. Look for Pittsburgh to run a lot in this matchup, and Roethlisberger is now a risky starting option in the majority of leagues. (Started in 48 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Carson Palmer (at KC): Palmer did well in Week 15 against the Lions and has 20 Fantasy points in two of his past three games, but he could struggle in his rematch with the Chiefs. The last time he played Kansas City in Week 7 he came off the bench and had three interceptions and minus-2 Fantasy points. The Chiefs have allowed some big games to quarterbacks recently, but they haven't allowed multiple passing touchdowns at home in their past three outings against Tebow, Roethlisberger and Rodgers. (Started in 34 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs. DEN): Fitzpatrick is too inconsistent to trust in the majority of leagues during the Fantasy playoffs. He is averaging just over 12 Fantasy points a game for his last three outings against Tennessee, San Diego and Miami, and he has three touchdowns and six turnovers over that span. The Broncos have allowed just two quarterbacks to pass for multiple touchdowns in the past six games, and they should be able to contain Fitzpatrick even on the road, especially with Steve Johnson (groin) at less than 100 percent. (Started in 27 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Joe Flacco (vs. CLE): Flacco heads into this game on a productive two-game stretch with 37 Fantasy points combined against Indianapolis and San Diego, and it's the first time this season he's had consecutive games with multiple touchdowns. Prior to that, Flacco faced Cleveland in Week 13, and he had four Fantasy points as the Ravens ran all over the Browns. You can expect a similar game plan against Cleveland, which is why Flacco is a risky starting option in the majority of leagues. In his past five games against the Browns, Flacco is averaging just 204 passing yards with six touchdowns and two turnovers. (Started in 32 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Josh Freeman (at CAR): Freeman enters this matchup against the Panthers having not thrown for more than 200 yards in each of his past three games. He has two touchdowns and three interceptions over that span as well. Carolina is No. 18 in pass defense, giving up under 235 yards per contest, and has allowed an average of 17 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Freeman did not play when the division foes met earlier in the year due to a shoulder injury. He has thrown for 740 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in three career games against the Panthers, so even if he was at full strength he would not be a recommended starting option in the majority of leagues. (Started in 12 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Bust alert: Eli Manning (at NYJ): Manning has been great for Fantasy owners this season and he has become an elite option in all leagues. But he cost many Fantasy owners in Week 15 when he had three interceptions and four Fantasy points against the Redskins, and he could struggle again in Week 16 against the Jets. For all the good Manning has done this season, he still has three games with 12 Fantasy points or less against Buffalo, Philadelphia and Washington, all at home. The Jets have also allowed just three quarterbacks to throw multiple touchdowns in Romo, Brady and Fitzpatrick, but they limited Brady in another matchup and held Rivers to 11 Fantasy points. It's tough to bench Manning given how he's played this season, but this week he should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback in the majority of leagues. (Started in 74 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Running back

Start 'Em

Week 16 sleeper RBs
Kevin Smith, DET vs. SD
Kahlil Bell, CHI at GB
Chris Ivory, NO vs. ATL
Ricky Williams, BAL vs. CLE
Mike Tolbert, SD at DET

Rashard Mendenhall (vs. STL): Mendenhall, as we expected, has struggled this season with just five games with double digits in Fantasy points. He has just one game with a touchdown in his past four outings, and he has let a lot of Fantasy owners down. But he should have an outstanding game against the Rams this week. The Steelers will lean heavily on Mendenhall and Isaac Redman, who should be considered a sleeper, and St. Louis has allowed 13 touchdowns to opposing running backs and 10 to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Mendenhall also has scored in four of six home games this year. (Started in 70 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Cedric Benson (vs. ARI): Benson should be able to take advantage of the Cardinals this week just like Peyton Hillis and Frank Gore did the previous two games. Hillis and Gore combined for 28 Fantasy points with each scoring touchdowns, and Arizona has allowed 11 touchdowns to opposing running backs this year with nine reaching double digits in Fantasy points. Benson has at least 14 Fantasy points in three of his past five games, and he should be able to reach double digits in this matchup with the Cardinals. The good thing about Benson is he continues to see plenty of work with at least 21 carries in three of his past four outings. (Started in 71 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Ahmad Bradshaw (at NYJ): Teams have had success running on the Jets as LeSean McCoy proved in Week 15 and Roy Helu showed in Week 13. Both gained over 100 rushing yards and combined for four touchdowns, and Bradshaw enters this matchup coming off his best performance since Week 6. He had 13 Fantasy points against Washington last week, and we expect him to reach double digits in Fantasy points against the Jets. Brandon Jacobs will obviously steal some touches, but Bradshaw should be at full strength now that he's been back for three games after sitting out four games with a foot injury. (Started in 42 percent of leagues in Week 15)
C.J. Spiller (vs. DEN): Spiller had the best Fantasy performance of his young career in Week 15 against Miami with 28 points, and he now has 43 points in his past two home games. Spiller is showing his ability as a dual-threat running back, and his value in point-per-reception leagues is higher than in standard formats. Denver has allowed three running backs to score in the past two games against Chicago and New England, but the Broncos have also allowed nine running backs to reach double digits in Fantasy points since Week 8. (Started in 44 percent of leagues in Week 15)
DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart (vs. TB): We like Williams much better than Stewart this week, but both running backs have the chance to start for you in this matchup. The Bucs allow the most Fantasy points to opposing running backs with 19 total touchdowns and 12 reaching double digits in Fantasy points. Williams comes into this game with double digits in Fantasy points in three of his past four games with four touchdowns over that span. The lone game where he didn't score was Week 13 at Tampa Bay, but Stewart had 15 Fantasy points in that matchup. We consider Williams a solid No. 2 Fantasy running back, with Stewart a quality flex option in all leagues. (Started in 32 percent of leagues in Week 15 for Williams and 36 percent of leagues for Stewart)

Sit 'Em

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Peyton Hillis (at BAL): Hillis finally helped Fantasy owners with his performance in Week 15 at Arizona with 15 points, and it was just his second game this season with double digits in Fantasy points. He did fare well against the Ravens in Week 13 with nine Fantasy points, but he had a 52-yard reception in that matchup. It's doubtful he will reach double digits in Fantasy points this week even though Baltimore was run over by Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert in Week 15. The Ravens have only allowed two running backs to score at home this season in Beanie Wells and Benson, and Hillis should be shut down this week. (Started in 30 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Steven Jackson (at PIT): Jackson has returned as an elite Fantasy option the past two weeks with 32 points against Seattle and Cincinnati, but those defenses don't compare to the Steelers, especially with James Harrison returning from a one-game suspension and coming off a tough loss at San Francisco. Jackson has just two touchdowns on the road this season, and the Steelers have allowed just Ray Rice and Chris Johnson to score at home. It's tough to bench Jackson in the majority of leagues, but just lower your expectations based on the matchup. (Started in 81 percent of leagues in Week 15)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (vs. MIA): Green-Ellis is probably the most frustrating Fantasy running back this season because he always has the chance to score even in a difficult matchup. He has four touchdowns in his past four games even though he has a combined 35 carries over that span and has just one game with more than 50 rushing yards since Week 10. He had 34 rushing yards and a touchdown at Miami in Week 1, but the Dolphins have only allowed five rushing touchdowns on the season. Green-Ellis could come away with multiple touchdowns in this matchup, but he could also fail to score with limited production. I wouldn't trust him in the majority of leagues with a Fantasy title on the line. (Started in 50 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Toby Gerhart (at WAS): Gerhart had 17 Fantasy points last week against New Orleans even with Adrian Peterson back, but this week Peterson should take on a larger role with his ankle close to 100 percent. Gerhart had just two carries against the Saints, but he had four catches for 46 yards and two touchdowns. It's hard to count on him for guaranteed production as a receiver out of the backfield so consider him just a flex option at best in PPR leagues. (Started in 14 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Marion Barber (at GB): Barber could easily score in this matchup with the Packers since Green Bay has allowed nine touchdowns to opposing running backs this year, but it's clear Barber has taken a backseat to Kahlil Bell. In Week 15 against Seattle, Barber had just 11 carries for 33 yards while Bell had 15 carries for 65 yards, and Bell should see an increase in touches against the Packers. Barber was a beast against Denver in Week 14, but his costly fumble in overtime as well as running out of bounds at the end of regulation may have ruined any chance for him to finish the season strong with Matt Forte (knee) out. (Started in 49 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Bust alert: Marshawn Lynch (vs. SF): At least one streak will likely end this week with Lynch facing the 49ers. Lynch has scored a touchdown in 10 straight games with 13 over that span. The 49ers haven't allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back all year, and they haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 36 consecutive games. Now, in full disclosure, I am starting Lynch in a championship game against my colleague Dave Richard. I also projected Lynch to score with just 39 rushing yards. But I doubt he reaches double digits in Fantasy points, and he had only four Fantasy points against the 49ers in Week 1. If you plan on starting Lynch, just lower your expectations since San Francisco has been the best run defense this season. (Started in 93 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Wide receiver

Start 'Em

Week 16 sleeper WRs
Davone Bess, MIA at NE
Titus Young, DET vs. SD
Andre Roberts, ARI at CIN
Dwayne Bowe, KC vs. OAK
Plaxico Burress, NYJ vs. NYG

Miles Austin (vs. PHI): Austin has been stellar since returning from his latest hamstring injury in Week 14. In his past two games against the Giants and Tampa Bay he has nine catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns, and he should stay hot against the Eagles. Philadelphia has allowed seven touchdowns to opposing receivers in the past five games, and Austin, Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson all have the chance to play well in this matchup. This game has the makings of a high-scoring affair against the Eagles. (Started in 61 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Julio Jones (at NO): Jones is ready to close the season strong based on his play the past two weeks. He had eight catches for 189 yards and three touchdowns against Carolina and Jacksonville, and he should continue to play at a high level against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed 12 touchdowns to opposing receivers this season and nine have reached double digits in Fantasy points. Jones has double digits in Fantasy points in four of his six games on the road with four touchdowns over that span. His worst road game this season was six Fantasy points at Houston in Week 13. (Started in 58 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Santana Moss/Jabar Gaffney (vs. MIN): The Vikings have allowed the most touchdowns to opposing receivers at 19, which should allow Moss and Gaffney to continue to play at a high level. Moss comes into this game with five catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns in his past two outings against New England and the Giants, and Gaffney has at least seven Fantasy points in four of his past five games with two touchdowns over that span. We consider Moss a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver, and Gaffney should be started as a No. 3 option in all leagues. This should be a good week for the Washington passing game based on the matchup. (Started in 43 percent of leagues in Week 15 for Moss and 37 percent of leagues for Gaffney)
Demaryius Thomas (at BUF): Thomas has been the best receiver in all Fantasy leagues the past three weeks, and he should remain hot against the Bills. He has 50 Fantasy points over that span with 18 catches for 338 yards and three touchdowns, and he has a favorable matchup this week at Buffalo. The Bills have allowed 14 touchdowns to opposing receivers and 10 to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Tebow should continue to look for Thomas, who has 33 targets in his past three outings. (Started in 27 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Jeremy Maclin (at DAL): Maclin said he is finally over the hamstring and shoulder injuries that cost him three games prior to Week 14, and we're expecting him to finish the year on a solid note. Maclin had a good game against the Cowboys in Week 8 with three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown, and this Dallas secondary has struggled with opposing receivers all year. In their past five games, the Cowboys have allowed five touchdowns to opposing receivers and six to reach double digits in Fantasy points, including less-than-stellar options in Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Andre Roberts, and Dezmon Briscoe. Maclin, when healthy, is better than all of those receivers, and he should be started in all leagues this week now that he's back at 100 percent. (Started in 22 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Sit 'Em

Anquan Boldin (vs. CLE): Boldin has reverted back to the receiver we saw last year who disappeared down the stretch. He has now gone four games in a row without a touchdown and hasn't reached double digits in Fantasy points since Week 8. He faced the Browns in Week 13 and was held to two catches for 32 yards, and Cleveland has only allowed three No. 1 receivers to score this season in A.J. Green, Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd. (Started in 70 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Brandon Lloyd (at PIT): Lloyd has been terrible the past three games with the Rams dealing with issues at quarterback. Kellen Clemens is the latest starter with Sam Bradford (ankle) and A.J. Feeley (thumb) out, and Lloyd was held to five catches for 42 yards in Week 15 against Cincinnati. He has combined for 15 Fantasy points in his past three outings, and the Steelers will likely shadow him with Ike Taylor. Pittsburgh also has allowed just eight touchdowns to opposing receivers this year with one touchdown allowed in the past four games. (Started in 69 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Steve Johnson (vs. DEN): Johnson is dealing with a groin injury, and that could further limit his production against the Broncos. He has played well of late with at least eight Fantasy points in his past four games, but Denver has done a solid job against opposing No. 1 receivers in part because of Champ Bailey. Since Week 7, Bailey has helped limit Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe, Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes and Vincent Jackson to six Fantasy points or less in each matchup. Consider Johnson just a No. 3 Fantasy receiver this week. (Started in 79 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Michael Crabtree (at SEA): Crabtree has struggled the past two games and has not played well on the road this year. In his past two outings against Arizona and Pittsburgh, Crabtree has 11 catches for 98 yards and no touchdowns. He has just one touchdown since Week 8, and he has no touchdowns on the road and five games with six Fantasy points or less. He had one catch for 4 yards against the Seahawks in Week 1, and he has combined for 10 catches for 77 yards in four previous meetings with Seattle. This could be a tough week to consider Crabtree a starting Fantasy option in the majority of leagues. (Started in 36 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Reggie Wayne (vs. HOU): Wayne scored against the Texans in Week 1, and he's coming off a productive game for him by this year's standards with nine Fantasy points against Tennessee in Week 15. But he remains too inconsistent to trust at this point in the season since he has just three touchdowns on the year and only one at home. The Texans have allowed three touchdowns to opposing receivers in the past three games with Roddy White, Jerome Simpson and Steve Smith all scoring, but Wayne doesn't have Ryan or Newton throwing him the ball == or even Andy Dalton. We can't recommend starting Wayne or Pierre Garcon with a potential Fantasy title on the line. (Started in 28 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Bust alert: Hakeem Nicks (at NYJ): Darrelle Revis has been far from perfect this season. Just ask Steve Johnson, Austin, Bryant and Marshall, who have each reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Jets this season with Revis mostly in coverage. But you also have to look at who Revis has shut down this year. He has held Bowe, Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Moss, Thomas and Vincent Jackson to six Fantasy points or less in each matchup, and he should make things difficult for Nicks. He has been awesome of late with an average of 11 Fantasy points in his past six games, and he has 47 targets in his past four outings. But Nicks should not be considered a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues against Revis, and you should lower your expectations if you start him this week. (Started in 97 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Tight end

Start 'Em

Week 16 sleeper TEs
Jermaine Gresham, CIN vs. ARI
Jared Cook, TEN vs. JAC

Aaron Hernandez (vs. MIA): Hernandez broke out of his slump in Week 15 with his performance against the Broncos. He had nine catches for 129 yards and a touchdown, and he should remain hot to close the season. Hernandez had an outstanding game against the Dolphins in Week 1 with seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown, and he should see a healthy amount of targets in the rematch this week if Deion Branch (groin) is out again as expected. (Started in 70 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Brent Celek (at DAL): Celek is worth starting in all formats in Week 16 at Dallas. The Cowboys have allowed five touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season and four have reached double digits in Fantasy points, including Celek in Week 8 when he had seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. Celek had six targets from Vick against the Jets last week and finished with five catches for 156 yards and a touchdown, and he should remain heavily involved once again this week in a must-win game for the Eagles. (Started in 35 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Brandon Pettigrew (vs. SD): Pettigrew has scored in four of his seven home games this season, including Week 14 against Minnesota when he had 11 Fantasy points. The Chargers have allowed seven touchdowns to opposing tight ends, including last week when Ed Dickson scored. This should be a good week to rely on Pettigrew if you need a starting option, especially in deeper formats. This game between the Lions and Chargers has the chance to be a high-scoring affair, which should help Pettigrew be successful. (Started in 47 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Sit 'Em

Heath Miller (vs. STL): This is a bad week to rely on Miller. Not only is Roethlisberger banged up and iffy to play, but the Rams are the best team against opposing tight ends in terms of Fantasy points allowed. Jason Witten is the only tight end to score against St. Louis this season, including matchups against Celek, Fred Davis, Jermichael Finley, Jimmy Graham, Vernon Davis and Gresham. Miller also hasn't scored since Week 7. (Started in 14 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Kellen Winslow (at CAR): Winslow has now gone six games in a row without a touchdown, and he has combined for 17 Fantasy points in his past four outings. Included in that stretch is his Week 13 matchup against the Panthers where he had just four Fantasy points, and Winslow might not score against Carolina this week. The Panthers have allowed four touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season, but Fred Davis is the only tight end to score in Carolina this season. (Started in 44 percent of leagues in Week 15)
Owen Daniels (at IND): Daniels has now gone 10 games in a row without scoring a touchdown, and it's hard to envision him breaking that streak against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed seven touchdowns to tight ends this year, but the tight ends who have hurt them are Graham, Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez. Daniels was held to one catch for 12 yards in Week 1 against the Colts, and that was with a healthy Matt Schaub (foot). T.J. Yates has not shown the ability to get the ball to Daniels on a consistent basis, and he should only be used as a No. 2 Fantasy tight end in this matchup. (Started in 48 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Bust alert: Greg Olsen (vs. TB): The last time Olsen faced the Bucs in Week 13 he had one catch for 21 yards. He has one touchdown in his past six games, and he continues to share targets with Jeremy Shockey. Olsen started the season as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end, but his value has plummeted to where he has become a risky starting option in the majority of leagues. Even in a favorable matchup against the Bucs it remains difficult to start Olsen based on his inconsistent play. (Started in 24 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Defense/Special teams

Start 'Em

Week 16 sleeper DSTs
Broncos at BUF
Redskins vs. MIN
Chiefs vs. OAK

Titans (vs. JAC): The Titans DST left most Fantasy owners upset with their performance in Week 15 at the Colts. The Titans had just six Fantasy points against the Colts and have now gone three games in a row with single digits in Fantasy points. But we're counting on the Titans to play well at home against the Jaguars. Last week, the Falcons DST had 27 Fantasy points in a standard league against the Jaguars, and Gabbert has seven turnovers in his past four games. The Titans also have four games with double digits in Fantasy points at home, and they should be considered a starting option in all leagues in this matchup. (Started in 42 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Sit 'Em

Bears (at GB): The Bears DST heads into this matchup with the Packers playing well with double digits in Fantasy points in their past three games against Kansas City, Denver and Seattle. But facing the Packers, even with a banged up offensive line and with Greg Jennings (knee) out, is still a daunting task, especially in Green Bay. The Bears were held to eight Fantasy points against the Packers in Week 3, and Green Bay should be highly motivated following its first loss of the season in Week 15. The one saving grace for the Bears DST would be if the Packers decide to rest starters based on what happens with San Francisco on Saturday. If Rodgers is sitting then you can still consider the Bears DST a No. 1 option. (Started in 86 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Kicker

Start 'Em

Week 16 sleeper Ks
Graham Gano, WAS vs. MIN
Mike Nugent, CIN vs. ARI
Alex Henery, PHI at DAL

Nick Novak (at DET): Prior to Week 15, Novak had gone five games in a row without reaching double digits in Fantasy points, but he had 10 points against Baltimore last week. He has the chance for another solid outing against the Lions. Detroit has allowed 10 kickers to make multiple field goals, including five at home. This game should be a high-scoring affair, and Novak should have plenty of scoring chances. He has five games this season with double digits in Fantasy points, and he should have six after Week 16. (Started in 60 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Sit 'Em

Matt Prater (at BUF): Prater has been a solid Fantasy option of late with three games with at least nine points in his past four outings. But those are his only three games with at least nine Fantasy points this season, and he has struggled outdoors away from the thin air in Denver. He has just one game with multiple field goals on the road outside, and that was in Week 12 at San Diego. Otherwise he is 4 of 8 on field goals at Tennessee, Green Bay, Miami, Oakland and Kansas City. The Bills have allowed 8 of 9 field goals in their past three games at home against Nick Folk, Rob Bironas and Dan Carpenter, but we're expecting Prater's road woes to continue, especially if the weather is a problem in Buffalo. (Started in 7 percent of leagues in Week 15)

Stay in touch with the most passionate Fantasy staff in the business by following us via Twitter @CBSFantasyFB . You can also follow Jamey at @JameyEisenberg and on Facebook .

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Player News
Robert Griffin III
Griffin to be ready by camp?
Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
11:54 AM
News: Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan suggested Thursday that quarterback Robert Griffin III has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp. "We're hoping," he said. "He's working extremely hard." Shanahan also said he wouldn't be comfortable starting Griffin without some offseason or preseason work. Griffin was spotted by NFL Network dropping back on passes to receivers while wearing a helmet along with a brace on his right knee on Thursday.
Analysis: It would be incredible for RG3 to be ready to go by late July, less than seven months after getting hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back unless they were convinced he was totally healthy. That seems risky, but for now any positive progress is great for prospective Fantasy owners. Here's a gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.

Pierre Garcon
Shanahan: Garcon had surgery
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
1:41 PM
News: Mike Shanahan disclosed Thursday that wide receiver Pierre Garcon had chest surgery this offseason, but the Washington Times clarified it as a minor procedure on his labrum, which is in the shoulder . It appears Garcon is not a candidate to miss any serious playing time, however. "I think he's really unbelievable. He's come back so fast ..." Shanahan said of his receiver. "lifting weights he shouldn't be able to lift."
Analysis: Garcon is also still battling a toe injury that capsized much of his first year in D.C. As long as he's healthy for the start of the season he's got plenty of upside to offer Fantasy owners. Garcon finished last year averaging 14.4 yards per catch, the second-highest average in his career, but he had a four-year-low 44 receptions with a three-year-worst four scores. Staying healthy is obviously the most important thing he can do to keep him relevant in Fantasy Football but one recurrence of the toe injury could wipe out several games. If he can stay upright -- and assuming quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy with his knee -- Garcon can be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.

James Casey
Casey has knee surgery
James Casey, TE, PHI
11:42 AM
News: USA Today reports that Eagles tight end James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring. A team spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's offense.
Analysis: Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns last year, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps. Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August as long as he's healthy. He's not worth drafting in most leagues, but Casey is someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire addition if he's fine as expected following this procedure.

Peyton Manning
Manning to CBS: My arm is stronger
Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
11:34 AM
News: In an exclusive Q&A with CBSSports.com NFL Columnist Pete Prisco, Peyton Manning admitted to being nervous about his arm as far back as June 2011 when he had a hard time throwing at all, then again last season when he forced some things in a road game at Atlanta. But a year removed from rehabbing his arm, Manning sounds confident in his skills. "I feel much more comfortable than I was last year. I am stronger than I was last year. I am throwing the ball better now in May of 2013 than I did in May of 2012 -- significantly better," he said. "I got better throughout the season. I am not doing the monthly update reports anymore. I am past that."
Analysis: The Broncos will attempt to move into a more up-tempo approach this season and added Wes Welker to an already stacked receiving corps. Manning should be in for a very good season, perhaps even better than the one he had last year. Manning is a candidate for 300 yards and at least two scores every week. He should be considered an elite passer worth a pick between the middle of Round 2 and the end of Round 3, depending on your league's size and scoring system.

Trent Richardson
Richardson misses practice
Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
10:57 AM
News: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski comfirmed running back Trent Richardson missed practice Thursday with a lower leg muscle pull. "It's precautionary," Chudzinski said. "We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I'm not sure, we'll just take it day-by-day."
Analysis: The Browns can't take chances with their prized running back, particularly since he'll be featured in an offense that will lean heavily on him. Richardson established himself as one of the top young running backs in the league last season with 267 carries for 950 yards with 11 touchdowns and another 51 catches for 367 yards and a score. He should be able to better those stats this season as long as he's healthy. You're taking him with a Top 5 pick.

Wes Welker
Welker expects catches to drop
Wes Welker, WR, DEN
10:55 AM
News: The Denver Post reports that new Broncos receiver Wes Welker doesn't expect to reach his average for receptions, which was 112 over the past six seasons with the Patriots. "If I have to catch 112 balls, that probably means we're in trouble," Welker said. "(The catches) are not the goal," Welker said. "The goal is to go out there and help your team win games. However many catches that is, however many blocks that takes, however many routes I've got to run, whatever. I think we all feel the same way about that." The report says that in New England, the Patriots don't feature their outside receivers. In recent years, they have become a tight end-slot attack. Not so the Broncos. For all the questions about Peyton Manning's arm strength last year, he threw enough outside the numbers to help Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker develop into one of the NFL's top receiver tandems. "I mean, we have two really good guys. We can't ignore them," Welker said. "If one guy is catching 112 balls, the defense is focusing in on that guy. We want defenses focusing on everybody and having to worry about everybody. That was one of the main reasons I came here."
Analysis: Now, before you downgrade Welker, keep in mind it's not like the plan calls for him to go from 112 catches to 50. Manning won't forget his friends, but he won't ignore the new guy, either. Welker's Fantasy value definitely takes a hit going from New England to Denver, but he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a pick in Round 4 or 5 in standard leagues. In PPR formats, look for Welker to be drafted as early as Round 3 since he should still be around 85-plus catches despite the drop-off with the Broncos.

Percy Harvin
Harvin to get time at running back
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA
10:46 AM
News: The Seattle Times reports that new Seattle receiver Percy Harvin is already making an impact. "His talent level is unbelievable, off the charts," said quarterback Russell Wilson. "He brings an explosive mentality to the game, which a lot of our guys already have. But to have him is truly tremendous. He's a guy that's been one of the best football players in the National Football League for the past several years." Harvin, 24, has averaged 1,800 total yards in four seasons and was on pace for 2,400 yards in 2012 — which would have led the NFL — before an ankle injury ended his season. In those nine games, he had 62 catches — 12 more than any Seahawk — for 677 yards. He also had 96 yards rushing and 574 yards on kickoff returns, including a 105-yard touchdown return. The Seahawks plan to use him similarly. He'll likely line up in the slot as his regular spot, but figures to get used outside, as well, and should see his share of handoffs and kickoff returns. "I'll be moving around — pretty much all around," said Harvin. "There'll be a little bit of running back coming up. But right now, we're just trying to get the foundation set, just running the base plays, and we'll see where it goes from there."
Analysis: We're excited about Harvin in Seattle because he should be able to remain highly involved on offense with better talent around him. Harvin remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he's worth drafting in Round 3 or 4 in the majority of leagues, especially if he continues to see time in the backfield.

Randall Cobb
Rodgers: Cobb could catch 100 passes
Randall Cobb, WR, GB
10:37 AM
News: ESPN reports that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has high expectations for third-year receiver Randall Cobb this season. Last year, Cobb made an enormous jump in his second NFL season. With Greg Jennings out with a torn abdominal muscle, Cobb played 733 snaps and caught a team-high 80 passes for 954 yards and added eight touchdowns. Rodgers thinks Cobb can do more. "I think Randall Cobb is a guy who could be a 100-plus catch guy every year," Rodgers said.
Analysis: We don't think Rodgers is far off with Cobb, who could take the next step in his career in his third season. The Packers as a team have high expectations for Cobb, and we like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option. Plan on drafting Cobb in Round 4 in the majority of leagues, with his value slightly higher in PPR formats.

Ryan Williams
Williams played 'scared' in '12
Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
10:08 AM
News: Cardinals running back Ryan Williams told the Arizona Republic that he was more concerned about his knee than his play last season, saying he played scared. Williams came back from a torn patella tendon suffered in 2011 and wasn't ready for the physical punishment that comes with playing running back. Per the story, he got nervous when then-quarterback Kevin Kolb would call '39 toss' because it exposed his right side and his injured knee. The lack of confidence left him "pretty much scared all last year to get the ball in my hands." He added hurting his shoulder was a "blessing" because it allowed him time to get his knee feeling good. Now he says he's not scared anymore. "This is the healthiest I've felt in the past two years," Williams said. "It feels good to be able to run like myself, instinctive and not having to think about what I’m doing, just going out and doing it. I've been working real hard, so things are looking good. My stars are aligned this year."
Analysis: In the story coach Bruce Arians noted that Williams has his mobility back and is someone to watch when the pads come on. Williams has to fight for playing time after the Cardinals drafted Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington and signed Rashard Mendenhall. For now he's no better than a late-round flier but if he looks good in camp and runs with confidence then we could see him getting a decent amount of work.

Michael Crabtree
Harbaugh: Crabtree will play in '13
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
8:45 AM
News: 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Michael Crabtree's torn right Achilles will not cost him the entire season. With surgery already done, it is believed Crabtree will return within six months. Linebacker Patrick Willis said Crabtree went down after making a "simple, normal cut" after going in motion and before starting his route during 7 on 7 drills. "Crab is one of those tough guys. He can get hit hard, and he'll bounce right back up," Willis told the San Jose Mercury News. "Yesterday he stayed down a little longer than normal. You say a little prayer and hope it wasn't as bad as it looked. Unfortunately it is."
Analysis: Crabtree was expected to post ridiculous numbers in 2013 after becoming Colin Kaepernick's go-to receiver last year and his promise to dedicate himself to being the Niners' top receiver this year. Eventually he should return and contribute to the Niners but the earliest it seems he could be back is Week 12 at Washington. If you draft Crabtree with what would now be a late-round pick, you'd have to dedicate a bench spot to him for most of the regular season with no guarantee you'd get him in your lineup at 100 percent, if at all. We'd rather spend the same late-round pick on Anquan Boldin or maybe even A.J. Jenkins knowing both will see a lot of work in San Francisco with Crabtree sidelined.

 
 
 
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