Trashman’s Fantasy Fallout Going Into Week 16 of the 2024 NFL Season

Time to trim the fat, as we head into the semifinals. This is the fallout going into Week 16 of the NFL season…

 

Rams- 12 @ 49ers – 6

• Cooper Kupp’s 2nd career shutout couldn’t have come at a worse time for fantasy owners. Fortunately, It hasn’t happened since 2019, and probably won’t happen again for another 5 years. His matchup this week with the Jets isn’ an ideal spot for a bounce back, but Kupp plays out of the slot enough to get his targets.  

 

• Jauan Jennings(2/31) and Deebo Samuel(3/16) were almost as bad as Kupp, but they had 9 and 7 targets each. The rainy weather played a large part in everyone’s output that night, and like Kupp they’ll face an elite pass defense in the Dolphins this week. Their prospects are bettered by the absence of Christian McCaffrey. 

 

Bengals – 37 @ Titans – 27

• Aside from the usual Bengals suspects, both Mike Gesicki(3/37) and Andre Iosivas(1 /5) got 4 targets a piece. Neither player did much with their targets though, and neither of them can be used this week in the playoffs. 

 

• Tyjae Spears(10/92/2) had his best game of the season on a week when he probably wasn’t used much in fantasy. His usage has increased every week since returning from injury though, and he has a rapport with Mason Rudolph, so his top 5 matchup with the Colts this week is alluring. If you need a flex with upside, you don’t have to go further than Spears.

 

• It was only a matter of time before Will Levis(8/89/0/3) turned back into a pumpkin. He got benched after throwing 3 picks for Mason Rudolph(21/209/2/1), who actually made the game competitive. It’s unlikely that Levis finds his way under center again this season. With Indy and Jacksonville up next, Rudolph actually has some juice for the playoffs. 

 

• Chig Okonkwo(8/59) saw a season high in targets(10) in WK15. The scoring opportunities with the Titans are so low though, that it doesn’t make sense to chase this line in the playoffs. 

 

Ravens – 35 @ Giants – 14

• Rashod Bateman(3/80/2) had his best game of the season on Sunday, but it came on only 5 targets. With a Steelers team on deck that he only had 2 catches for 30 yards against a few weeks ago, Bateman is a hard pill to swallow in the fantasy semifinals, even with Diontae Johnson out of the picture. The same can be said for Justice Hill(7/68/1), who’s solid line was an artifact of the runaway game script. 

 

• Devin Singletary(11/41/1) out produced Tyrone Tracy(11/35) and matched him in touches. This kind of output makes both of them tough starts in WK16 against a stout Falcons run defense. 

 

• Wan’Dale Robinson(4/38) was 2nd on the team with 9 targets, but didn’t manage to do much with them. He actually had the same yardage in WK14 on 11 targets. Even in a cushy matchup with Atlanta this week, Robinson’s looks aren’t high yield enough to warrant starting him in most formats. 

 

Commanders – 20 @ Saints – 19

• Zach Ertz got concussed in the 2nd quarter, leaving the game. Bad timing, but if Ertz can clear protocol this week, he’ll be good to go in a revenge game against the Eagles.

 

• Kendre Miller(9/46) led the Saints backfield in carries and rushing yards, as Alvin Kamara exited with a groin injury. If Kamara can’t go this week, Miller would be a must start versus Green Bay. 

 

• Marques Valdez-Scantling(2/64) led the team with 7 targets. It’s a mess at QB for the Saints though, and MVS will be too boom or bust to rely on this week. 

 

Jets – 32 @ Jaguars – 25

• Breece Hall(11/51/1) managed to salvage his day with a score, but he only out touched Isaiah Davis(6/26) 11 to 6. Hall was playing banged up though, and you’d have to think that the Jets wouldn’t press the issue on their star back in a list season, if they didn’t think he was ok. There are a lot of variables affecting Hall going into WK16 that make him more of an RB2 this week. 

 

• Just when you think Tank Bigsby(11/42) might be bellcow in Jacksonville, Travis Etienne(18/85) comes along and leads the backfield in WK15. The Jags seem to change up their scheme every week, so there’s no telling who will be in front this week, but Etienne’s usage in the passing game makes him a more viable play. 

 

• Brenton Strange(11/73) was 2nd in targets behind Brian Thomas Jr. on Sunday, filling in for Evan Engram(IR, shoulder). He’ll be another strong start this week against Las Vegas. 

 

Dolphins – 12 @ Texans – 20

• Jaylen Waddle was playing well enough to get him back on the fantasy map, before injuring his knee and tossing up a goose egg for his owners on Sunday. He’s day to day, but he’ll be a shaky play against SF this week, if he makes it back. Malik Washington(6/52) played well in Waddle’s absence, and would be a gut shot deep league flex option this week, if Waddle can’t go. 

 

• The Texans’ passing game is barely hanging on right now. Nico Collins(4/17/2) is the only pass-catcher you can play in fantasy this week. 

 

Chiefs – 21 @ Browns – 7

• Kareem Hunt(14/49) led the Chiefs backfield in a revenge game against the Browns, but I think it was mainly because of the matchup. The Chiefs play a top 5 Texans run defense this week, so I don’t expect Hunt to repeat this performance, touch wise. Pacheco(14/47) is more likely to be the goal line option, so he makes for a better start this week. 

 

• Xavier Worthy(9/76/1) had his best performance of the season on Sunday, leading the Chiefs in receiving. Hollywood Brown is working his way back, so Worthy’s value may diminish as the season comes to a close, but it’ worth testing him one more week, as the Chiefs go up against a beatable Houston secondary. 

 

• Jerome Ford(9/104/1) looks primed to lead the Browns backfield the rest of the way, as Nick Chubb broke his foot on Sunday. Ford is a prime pickup this week, while D’Onta Foreman should pick up more touches as well. 

 

• Dorian Thompson-Robinson(4/18/0/1) relieved a flailing Jameis Winston, who’d thrown 3 picks on the day. It makes sense for the Browns to get a better look at DTR, but it doesn’t bode well for the Browns passing attack. Jerry Jeudy sees enough targets to stay viable, but that’s about it, unless David Njoku(hamstring) gets back. 

 

Cowboys – 30 @ Panthers – 13

• Cooper Rush had his best day of the season thus far, throwing 3 TDs against Carolina. He’ll get another exploitable matchup this week in the Buccaneers, making him a viable play in 2 QB leagues. Rico Dowdle(25/149) and CeeDee Lamb(9/116/1) are the only other Cowboys worth starting this week. 

 

• (4/110/1) reared his head this week, leading Carolina in receiving. 83 of his yards came on one play, so we must take this performance with a grain of salt. Adam Thielen(5/51) led in targets(7) and is the only Panther receiver you can safely start this week, though Coker is a fine DFS tourney option. 

 

Steelers – 13 @ Eagles – 27

• Pat Freiermuth(3/22/1) led the Steelers in targets(6) on Sunday with George Pickens(hamstring) still sidelined. He’ll probably do it again this week if Pickens can’t go. Calvin Austin(5/65) led the team in yardage and would be a PPR flex option this week if Pickens can’t go. 

 

• Grant Calcaterra(1/22) is no Dallas Goedert. He can’t be relied upon even while he starts. 

 

Buccaneers – 40 @ Chargers – 17

• Jalen McMillan(5/75/1)has scored 3 TDs in 2 weeks as the number 2 behind Mike Evans. He’s worth another start this week against Dallas. 

 

• Quentin Johnston(5/45/1) injured his ankle on Sunday, but was able to play through it. Buoyed by his TD upside, QJ isn’t an ideal play this week. 

 

• Stone Smartt(5/50) filled in for Will Dissly and put up a fair showing. This Chargers offense just doesn’t seem to have any oomph right now. He’s a decent floor streamer this week, but his upside is limited. 

 

Bills – 48 @ Lions – 42

• Amari Cooper(0/0) wasn’t hurt this week. The Bills just didn’t have to use him. Ty Johnson(5/114) was the leading receiver on Sunday, showing that the Bills will use any and every player they have to get a win. It could just as well go the other way this week. James Cook(15/133/2) and Khalil Shakir(6/39/1) are the only safe playoff plays, other than Josh Allen, for Buffalo. 

 

• David Montgomery tore his MCL, ending his season. Jahmyr Gibbs owners can rejoice, but it’s a tough loss for Montgomery and his owners. Craig Reynolds could actually see a considerable amount of action in his stead. He’s worth adding in deeper formats. 

 

• Tim Patrick(4/30/1) found the endzone for the 2nd straight week. As the no.3 WR in Detroit, he could see even more action this week, with no Montgomery around. 

 

Colts – 13 @ Broncos – 31

• The Colts couldn’t get anything going in the air against Denver’s, sometimes, elite secondary. They’ll have another tough matchup against Tennessee this week, so it’s probably best to avoid the Indy receiving corps this week. Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson, just due to his legs, are the only viable plays in the semifinals – Richardson is pushing it. ALec Pierce is in concussion protocol, but you can’t use him this week anyway. 

 

• The Broncos put up a ton of offense, but it was spread out across the players. It was almost an even split between their 3 RBs, making it impossible to play any of them this week, if not for Jaleel McLaughlin injuring his quad. I’m staying away from this backfield against the Chargers’ top 5 run defense. In fact, I’m staying away from all Broncos not named Nix or Sutton.

 

Patriots – 17 @ Cardinals – 30

• The Pats are a bundle of meh. Rhamondre Stevenson has a decent matchup with the Bills this week, but the offense rarely gets in scoring position. He’s a flex if you have to. 

 

• Marvin Harrison Jr.(2/32) just isn’t living up to his billing. I can’t justify starting him this week, as he hasn’t topped 60 yards since WK8. James Conner(21/138/2) and Trey McBride(9/87) are the only starts outside of Kyler Murray. 

 

Packers – 30 @ Seahawks – 13

• Romeo Doubs(3/40/2) returned to form after missing 2 games with a concussion. His usage in the red zone makes him viable even in a crowded receiving corps. You can start him in a good matchup with the Saints this week. Jayden Reed(8/61) and Christian Watson(3/56) are reasonable flexes as well, but they’re more subject to game script it seems. 

 

• Geno Smith injured his knee, making way for Sam Powell under center. DK Metcalf(3/28) takes a hit if Powell starts this week, as does Tyler Lockett(1/22), who was already unplayable. Jaxon Smith-Njigba(10/83) retains his value due to his role in the offense as an underneath chain mover. 

 

• Zach Charbonnet(9/66/1) was a victim of game script on Sunday night as the Packers took an early 2 TD lead. He’ll face a stout Minnesota defense this week, but he’s still worth starting if Ken Walker remains sidelined.