Week 16 Fantasy Football Start Sit Tiers are here, and there is no margin for error. With playoff matchups on the line, these QB, RB, WR, and TE player rankings highlight the safest starts, biggest upside swings, and riskiest traps for one of the most important weeks of the fantasy season. Use the tiers to simplify tough decisions and maximize your edge when it matters most.
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Week 16 Fantasy Football QB Rankings and Tiers
Tier 1 | Elite Starters for Week 16
Jalen Hurts | PHI
Jalen Hurts delivered a QB1 performance last week despite playing just 75% of the snaps, reminding managers how efficient his fantasy production can be. Another soft matchup against Washington makes Hurts one of the safest plays of the week, with elite rushing equity and week-breaking upside.
Josh Allen | BUF
Josh Allen remains the QB1 on the season by over three points per game and has been scorching hot lately with seven total touchdowns and 126 rushing yards over the last two weeks. Even against Cleveland’s fourth-ranked defense versus QBs, Allen’s rushing floor and multi-TD ceiling make matchup concerns irrelevant.
Tier 2 | High-End Week 16 Quarterback Plays
Joe Burrow | CIN
After throwing six touchdowns in his first two games back, Joe Burrow ran into a brick wall against Baltimore’s improved defense last week. Miami has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, setting Burrow up for a strong Week 15 bounce-back.
Drake Maye | NE
Drake Maye has quietly been a steady backend QB1 over the last five weeks, offering solid production even without explosive stat lines. Baltimore presents a top-10 defense versus QBs, but a projected high-scoring and competitive game environment gives Maye tournament-winning upside.
Tier 3 | Week 16 Strong QB1 With Some Risk
Justin Herbert | LAC
The Chargers head to Dallas in one of the highest-projected scoring games of the week, creating a strong fantasy environment for both quarterbacks. Justin Herbert has struggled recently, but a defense that ranks worst against QBs gives him one of his best ceiling spots in weeks.
Tier 4 | Week 16 Matchup-Driven QB1/High-End QB2 Options
Lamar Jackson | BAL
Lamar Jackson hasn’t delivered his usual elite fantasy output down the stretch, averaging just 13 points per game since Week 10. A matchup against New England could reignite his competitive edge and unlock the rushing production fantasy managers have been missing.
Jacoby Brissett | ARI
Jacoby Brissett has produced QB1 results every week since taking over, providing consistency through rushing and efficiency. Facing an Atlanta defense that has allowed the sixth-most points to quarterbacks gives Brissett a strong floor once again.
J.J. McCarthy | MIN
Don’t look now, but J.J. McCarthy appears to be finding his rhythm with back-to-back QB1 performances. A matchup against the Giants gives him a realistic path to extending that streak for a third straight week.
Caleb Williams | CHI vs Jordan Love | GB
Caleb Williams and Jordan Love square off again in their second meeting in three weeks, adding intrigue to this divisional matchup. Chicago’s defense has been one of the tougher units against QBs recently, while Green Bay has remained closer to league average.
Tier 5 | Volatile QB2 Starters for Week 16
C.J. Stroud | HOU
C.J. Stroud’s best fantasy performances come when the touchdowns pile up, as his rushing contribution remains limited. The Raiders have surrendered the fourth-most QB touchdowns over the last five weeks, making this a prime ceiling spot.
Tier 6 | Week 16 Desperation Superflex Plays
Trevor Lawrence | JAX
This matchup features two defenses that rank inside the top 15 against quarterbacks, limiting overall expectations. With Denver and Jacksonville both capable of slowing the passing game, this profiles as a lower-ceiling fantasy environment.
Marcus Mariota | WAS
With Jayden Daniels likely shut down, Marcus Mariota steps in as Washington’s starter for the remainder of the season. His rushing ability provides a usable floor, but a tough Eagles defense caps his upside.
Tyler Shough | NO
Tyler Shough has been a top-10 fantasy quarterback over the last three weeks, averaging just under 20 points per game during that stretch. With the Jets failing to consistently suppress QB production, Shough is positioned to stay hot.
Gardner Minshew | KC
Patrick Mahomes’ injury shifts Gardner Minshew into the starting role and instantly puts him on the fantasy radar. While expectations should be tempered, the surrounding talent gives Minshew QB2 value with upside.
Tier 7 | QBs to Avoid if Possible
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Week 16 Fantasy Football RB Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1 | The Difference Makers for Week 16
De’Von Achane | MIA
De’Von Achane draws a cake matchup this week, setting him up for explosive efficiency and big-play upside. Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson remain matchup-proof elites.
Tier 2 | Near-Elite, Matchup-Proof-ish Week 16 RB1
Saquon Barkley | PHI
An easy matchup against Washington sets up perfectly for Saquon Barkley following back-to-back RB1 finishes. His combination of volume, receiving work, and scoring equity keeps him locked in as an elite option.
Tier 3 | Week 16 Reliable RB1s With Minor Concerns
James Cook | BUF
James Cook has been the RB5 since Week 5, thriving on efficiency and consistent usage. A brutal matchup against Cleveland’s fourth-ranked defense versus running backs lowers his ceiling but doesn’t remove him from RB1 consideration.
Josh Jacobs | GB
Chicago has been the sixth-toughest defense against running backs over the last five weeks, making this a tougher-than-usual spot for Josh Jacobs. Lingering injury concerns combined with the matchup add more risk than usual to an otherwise volume-driven profile.
Woody Marks | HOU
Woody Marks saw his highest snap share of the season last week but needed a fumble recovery touchdown to salvage an otherwise disappointing performance. Health remains a concern, making his weekly floor volatile despite the increased role.
Tier 4 | Volume-Driven RB2s in Week 16
Omarion Hampton | LAC
Dallas has allowed the most fantasy points to running backs this season, giving Omarion Hampton a strong opportunity to rebound. If fully healthy, the rookie has a chance to rediscover the form he showed before his injury.
RJ Harvey | DEN vs Travis Etienne | JAX
This matchup profiles as defense-heavy, potentially funneling offensive production through the running backs. Travis Etienne exploded with three receiving touchdowns last week, while RJ Harvey delivered a serviceable but fantasy-limited outing.
Tier 5 | Week 16 Risk/Reward Running Back Flex Plays
Ashton Jeanty | LVR
A matchup against Houston rarely favors opposing running backs, and Ashton Jeanty is likely to face heavy defensive attention. Volume alone may not be enough to overcome the Texans’ physical front.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG
Tyrone Tracy Jr. delivered a strong fantasy week thanks to multiple touchdowns, showcasing his upside when game script cooperates. His receiving role provides a solid floor, but Minnesota’s third-ranked run defense caps his ceiling.
Tier 6 | Fragile Floor RB3 Options
Tony Pollard | TEN
Back-to-back RB1 performances with consecutive 100-yard games have breathed life into Tony Pollard’s fantasy value. Kansas City’s strong run defense and a likely slower game script make this a tougher spot to sustain that momentum.
Kenneth Gainwell & Jaylen Warren | PIT
This remains a clear running back committee, but Kenneth Gainwell has outplayed Jaylen Warren over the last two weeks. Gainwell’s recent RB1 finishes give him the edge, though volume uncertainty keeps both as risky plays.
Tier 7 | Week 16 Running Back Deep League Dice Roll
Michael Carter | ARI
A middle-of-the-road Atlanta defense gives Michael Carter a path to relevance as a potential lead back in Week 16. Opportunity alone makes him interesting, but role clarity will ultimately determine his fantasy ceiling
Tier 8 | Week 16 Super Deep Running Backs
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Week 16 Fantasy Football WR Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1 | Elite Week 16 WR1
A.J. Brown | PHI
Prior to last week, A.J. Brown had averaged over 11 targets per game across his previous four contests before an outlier two-target performance in Week 15. A divisional matchup against a Washington defense that ranks bottom 10 against wide receivers sets him up for a strong rebound.
Tier 2 | High-End WR1 Anchors for Week 16
Nico Collins | HOU
Nico Collins draws a Raiders defense that ranks bottom 10 against opposing wide receivers this week. The matchup lines up perfectly for Houston’s clear WR1 to deliver a ceiling game.
Drake London | ATL
Before his injury, Drake London was dominating targets and production in the Falcons offense. Expected back after missing four games, London immediately re-enters the WR1 conversation if his workload is intact.
Tier 3 | Strong Week 16 WR1/2 Options
Tier 4 | Reliable Volume WR2s for Week 16
Mike Evans | TB
Mike Evans returned from a six-game absence with a dominant 132-yard WR1 performance. A matchup against a Carolina defense that ranks top 10 versus wide receivers makes this a tougher follow-up spot.
Courtland Sutton | DEN
Courtland Sutton is coming off his second-best fantasy performance of the season, reminding managers of his spike-week potential. Jacksonville has been middle of the pack against receivers, but a slower pace of play could cap his ceiling.
D.J. Moore | CHI
With both Rome Odunze and Luther Burden sidelined, D.J. Moore should see a significant boost in target share. Even against a strong defense, volume alone keeps him firmly in play.
Tier 5 | Boom-Bust Week 16 Upside WR3s
Jauan Jennings | SF
The Colts have allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, creating a favorable matchup. Jauan Jennings has emerged as a key red-zone weapon, scoring four touchdowns over his last three games.
Tier 6 | Week 16 Volatile Flex Plays
Marvin Harrison Jr. | ARI
Appendicitis surgery derailed Marvin Harrison Jr.’s season just as he was finding chemistry with Jacoby Brissett. If he returns this week, he has a clear path to reclaiming the top wide receiver role in Arizona.
Xavier Worthy | KC
With Rashee Rice sidelined, Xavier Worthy steps into an expanded opportunity in the Chiefs offense. His speed makes him a prime candidate for splash plays from Gardner Minshew.
Tier 7 | Week 16 Deep-League/ Break-Glass Options
Jerry Jeudy | CLE
Jerry Jeudy remains difficult to trust due to inconsistent weekly targets in a run-heavy offense. Until volume stabilizes, his fantasy value remains limited.
Jalen Coker | CAR
Jalen Coker has quietly caught fire over the last two weeks, finding the end zone twice. A matchup against Tampa Bay’s secondary gives him a chance to extend the streak.
Tier 8 | Week 16 Only if You’re Desperate WRs
🔒 Level Up Your IDP Game
Don’t stop here! Dive deeper into the world of Individual Defensive Players with our best resources:
- 📝 IDP Hub → All of our IDP articles in one place.
- 📊 IDP Rankings Tiers → Updated IDP rankings for every position.
- 📚 The Glossery → Our Top 500 all-in-one rankings for Superflex, TE Premium, and IDP.
- 📅 Dynasty Calendar → Never miss a key date in your dynasty league.
Week 16 Fantasy Football TE Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1 | Trey Solo
Trey McBride | ARI
At this point, it’s hard to make a serious argument against Trey McBride being the overall TE1 in fantasy football. His combination of target dominance, weekly floor, and ceiling production separates him clearly from the rest of the position.
Tier 2 | Elite Weekly Differentiators
Brock Bowers | LVR
Despite seeing eight targets last week, Brock Bowers failed to turn volume into a meaningful fantasy performance. A matchup against Houston won’t make things easier, but his elite target share keeps him firmly in the TE1 discussion.
Kyle Pitts | ATL
Kyle Pitts’ monstrous performance last week helped swing playoff matchups for fantasy managers. Arizona has struggled to defend tight ends, giving Pitts a real chance to stay hot if his usage holds.
Tier 3 | Strong, Volatile Starting Tight Ends for Week 16
Oronde Gadsden II | LAC
It’s been a few quiet weeks for Oronde Gadsden II, but the role remains intact. A matchup against Dallas sets up as a strong bounce-back opportunity for the athletic tight end.1/TE2 Options
Tier 4 | Usable Week 16 Fantasy Football TEs
Travis Kelce | KC
With his longtime quarterback sidelined and retirement speculation swirling, Travis Kelce has become increasingly difficult to trust. His name still carries weight, but the weekly floor is far shakier for the remainder of the playoffs.
Hunter Henry | NE
Drake Maye’s tendency to spread the ball around has made Hunter Henry’s target volume inconsistent. After seeing just three targets last week, a matchup against Baltimore offers little reason for optimism.
Dalton Kincaid | BUF
Dalton Kincaid simply isn’t playing enough snaps to provide reliable weekly production. Without consistent volume, he’s become a touchdown-dependent option for fantasy managers.
Tier 5 | Deep League Week 16 TE Streamers
Luke Musgrave | GB
Luke Musgrave is coming off his best game of the season, flashing the upside that once made him intriguing. Still, his role caps him as more of a TE2 streamer than a locked-in option.
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🧠 Week 16 Fantasy Football Start/Sit FAQ
Q: Should I start Jalen Hurts in Week 16 fantasy football playoffs?
A: Jalen Hurts remains one of the safest quarterback starts in Week 16 thanks to his rushing equity and red-zone role. Even with snap limitations, his efficiency and matchup against Washington give him both a strong floor and slate-breaking upside.
Q: Is Josh Allen matchup-proof in Week 16 fantasy football?
A: Josh Allen continues to be matchup-proof due to his rushing production and multi-touchdown ceiling. Even against Cleveland’s top-tier defense, his ability to score in multiple ways keeps him locked in as an elite Week 16 start.
Q: Can I trust Drake Maye as a QB1 in Week 16?
A: Drake Maye has quietly delivered consistent QB1-level production over the last month. While Baltimore presents a difficult matchup, the projected game environment and Maye’s volume keep him firmly in play for Week 16 lineups.
Q: Is De’Von Achane the top running back start for Week 16 fantasy football?
A: De’Von Achane draws one of the best matchups of the week and continues to offer explosive efficiency and receiving upside. He belongs near the top of Week 16 running back rankings and carries league-winning potential.
Q: Should I start James Cook despite a tough Week 16 matchup?
A: James Cook’s role and efficiency keep him in RB1 consideration even against Cleveland’s strong run defense. While the ceiling is slightly capped, his usage profile makes him a reliable playoff start.
Q: Is Trey McBride still the clear TE1 for Week 16 fantasy football?
A: Trey McBride continues to separate himself from the rest of the tight end position through dominant target share and weekly consistency. He remains the safest and highest-upside tight end option heading into Week 16.
