If you’re still reading these articles, congratulations. You’ve made it to round two of the fantasy football playoffs and are hoping to get into the championship. In order to make this a reality, we’re going to be looking at the top 36 running backs and wide receivers to help with your start/sit decisions.
As always, these rankings are constructed through statistical analysis, matchup data, sportsbook data, and film. Good luck!
Notable Injury Assumptions
OUT: Kenneth Walker, George Pickens
Week 16 WR Rankings
Tier 1
1. Ja'Marr Chase vs CLE
Tier 2
2. Justin Jefferson @ SEA
3. Puka Nacua @ NYJ
4. Nico Collins @ KC
5. CeeDee Lamb vs TB
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown @ CHI
7. Mike Evans @ DAL
8. Tee Higgins vs CLE
Tier 3
9. A.J. Brown @ WAS
10. Davante Adams vs LAR
11. Terry McLaurin vs PHI
12. Drake London vs NYG
Tier 4
13. Courtland Sutton @ LAC
14. Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs MIN
15. Ladd McConkey vs DEN
16. Tyreek Hill vs SF
17. Jerry Jeudy @ CIN
Tier 5
18. Brian Thomas Jr. @ LV
19. Jauan Jennings @ MIA
20. Malik Nabers @ ATL
21. Cooper Kupp @ NYJ
22. Garrett Wilson vs LAR
Tier 6
23. DJ Moore vs DET
24. DeVonta Smith @ WAS
25. Jordan Addison @ SEA
26. Adam Thielen vs ARI
27. Darnell Mooney vs NYG
28. Khalil Shakir vs NE
29. Jakobi Meyers vs JAC
Tier 7
30. Keenan Allen vs DET
31. Zay Flowers vs PIT
32. Calvin Ridley @ IND
33. DK Metcalf vs MIN
34. Marvin Harrison Jr @ CAR
35. Jayden Reed vs NO
36. Jameson Williams @ CHI
Must Start: WR
Jerry Jeudy @ CIN
ESPN Projection - WR29
For the FTR start of the week, the players that will be eligible for this list are all close to being ranked as a back-end WR2/RB2 based on ESPN’s PPR projections. Jerry Jeudy has been quietly dominating fantasy football without any respect. ESPN and most experts have Jeudy as a high-end WR3 for the week despite his fantastic performances.
Right now, Jeudy is averaging 14.5 PPG which is good for the WR11 spot on the year. Even with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at the helm, I expect Jeudy to be a WR2. It’s not like the Cincinnati Bengals are a very tough matchup either, allowing the 14th most fantasy points (476.7) to wide receivers. Not having Jameis Winston will make it harder for Jeudy, but the talent is shining through right now.
Week 16 RB Rankings
Tier 1
1. Saquon Barkley @ WAS
Tier 2
2. Josh Jacobs vs NO
3. Bijan Robinson vs NYG
4. Jahmyr Gibbs @ CHI
5. De'Von Achane vs SF
6. Derrick Henry vs PIT
7. Chase Brown vs CLE
Tier 3
8. James Conner @ CAR
9. Kyren Williams @ NYJ
10. James Cook vs NE
11. Zach Charbonnet vs MIN
12. Joe Mixon @ KC
Tier 4
13. Chuba Hubbard vs ARI
14. Rico Dowdle vs TB
15. Bucky Irving @ DAL
16. Isaac Guerendo @ MIA
17. Breece Hall vs LAR
18. Jonathan Taylor vs TEN
19. Aaron Jones @ SEA
Tier 5
20. Brian Robinson Jr. vs PHI
21. Jerome Ford @ CIN
22. Rachaad White @ DAL
23. Tyrone Tracy @ ATL
24. Tony Pollard @ IND
Tier 6
25. Rhamondre Stevenson @ BUF
26. D'Andre Swift vs DET
27. Isiah Pacheco vs HOU
28. Najee Harris @ BAL
29. Kendre Miller @ GB
Tier 7
30. Tank Bigsby @ LV
31. Travis Etienne Jr. @ LV
32. Jaylen Warren @ BAL
33. Gus Edwards vs DEN
34. Tyjae Spears @ IND
35. Javonte Williams @ LAC
36. Kareem Hunt vs vs HOU
Must Start: RB
Rachaad White @ DAL
ESPN Projection - RB27
With the rise of Bucky Irving, everyone has started to hate on Rachaad White. While I still have Irving higher, White is a solid low-end RB2. Just last week, we saw White score 14.1 points next to Irving. It’s not like this is a one-time thing either, as White has 14.1 PPG on the year.
The Cowboys run defense has looked rough all year, and that’s clearly shown by their fantasy points allowed. This season, the Cowboys have allowed the 11th most points (345.4) to running backs, making this an appealing matchup. White may have a capped ceiling, but he should give you solid RB2 production on the week.