Fantasy Football Week 16: Uncovering Hidden Gems
Dominate your fantasy football league this week with insights from Chris, a renowned fantasy expert and the mastermind behind BettingPredators.com. chris,who also serves as the sports editor for the Post-Gazette and previously held the position of fantasy football and sports betting lead analyst for ESPN 97.5, consistently delivers winning strategies. His recent triumph in the FantasyPros’ 2023 Fantasy Football NFL Draft Accuracy competition,securing first place out of 235 analysts,speaks volumes about his expertise.Currently ranked #2 for both quarterbacks and DSTs among over 175 analysts in FantasyPros’ 2024 in-season accuracy rankings, Chris is your go-too source for fantasy advice. Connect with him on X @MaddJournalist to discuss your start/sit dilemmas, potential trades, or waiver wire pickups. He also shares his weekly fantasy football utilization/usage report on X, providing valuable insights based on the latest snap counts, routes, targets, and more from PFF.
Unlocking Week 16’s Potential
This week’s rankings, categorized by position (QB, RB, WR, TE, D/ST, kicker, and FLEX) and scoring format (standard/non-PPR, half-PPR, and full-PPR), are designed to help you make informed decisions.
Beyond the rankings, Chris offers valuable resources to elevate your game:
RB Priority Handcuff Ranks: Secure your running back depth with these crucial rankings. Week 16 Kicker Streamers: Find the best kicker options for this week’s matchups. Week 16 D/ST Streamers: Discover hidden defensive gems to bolster your lineup.
week 17 D/ST Stashes: Get ahead of the curve by stashing promising defenses for the future.
Week 17 QB Stashes: Identify quarterbacks with potential for breakout performances in Week 17.
Week 17 TE Stashes: Unearth tight end sleepers who could surprise in the final weeks.
Week 16 Sleeper Picks: Unearthing Hidden Value
This week’s top 40 sleepers feature 10 players per position, offering a wealth of potential for your fantasy roster.
Quarterback Sleepers:
Jared Goff, DET: (Consensus rank: QB10; Dell’s rank: QB7)
Anthony Richardson, IND: (Consensus rank: QB12; Dell’s rank: QB9)
Matthew Stafford, LAR: (Consensus rank: QB18; Dell’s rank: QB14)
Drake Maye, NE: (Consensus rank: QB22; Dell’s rank: QB18)
Cooper Rush, DAL: (Consensus rank: QB19; Dell’s rank: QB18)
Aidan O’Connell, LVR: (Consensus rank: QB27; Dell’s rank: QB21)
Geno Smith, SEA: (Consensus rank: QB24; Dell’s rank: QB23)
Mac Jones, JAX: (Consensus rank: QB28; Dell’s rank: QB25)
Mason Rudolph, TEN: (Consensus rank: QB30; Dell’s rank: QB28)
Drew lock, NYG: (Consensus rank: QB32; Dell’s rank: QB30)
(Continue with the remaining positions in a similar format)
Unveiling Hidden Gems: Undervalued Fantasy Football Players for 2024
This fantasy football season, don’t settle for the obvious picks. Delve deeper and discover the undervalued players poised to exceed expectations. We’ve scoured the rankings and identified sleepers at each position, ready to elevate your team to championship contention.
Running Backs Ready to Breakout
While consensus rankings might overlook them, these running backs possess the talent and possibility to become fantasy stars:
Tank Bigsby (JAX): With Travis Etienne jr. firmly established as the lead back, Bigsby’s role as a change-of-pace option could translate into significant fantasy production, especially in PPR leagues.
Zach Charbonnet (SEA): Sharing the backfield with Kenneth Walker III, Charbonnet’s powerful running style and receiving ability make him a valuable asset, especially in touchdown-heavy formats.
Craig Reynolds (DET): As the primary backup to David Montgomery, Reynolds is a high-upside handcuff with the potential to become a fantasy starter if Montgomery suffers an injury.
Kenneth Gainwell (PHI): Gainwell’s versatility as a runner and receiver makes him a valuable weapon in the Eagles’ offense. He could see an increased workload in 2024, making him a sneaky sleeper pick.
Wide Receivers Poised for a Surge
These wide receivers are flying under the radar but have the potential to deliver WR1-caliber performances:
Keenan Allen (CHI): After a down year in 2023, Allen is poised for a bounce-back season in Chicago. With Justin Fields’ development and a favorable schedule, Allen could return to his Pro Bowl form.
Darnell Mooney (ATL): With Desmond Ridder entering his second year as the Falcons’ starting quarterback, Mooney’s connection with Ridder could blossom, leading to a significant increase in targets and production.
Jalen McMillan (TB): McMillan’s explosive playmaking ability and chemistry with baker Mayfield make him a high-ceiling option in Tampa Bay’s offense.
Christian watson (GB): Watson’s size, speed, and athleticism make him a hazardous weapon in the Packers’ offense. With Jordan Love at the helm, Watson could emerge as a true WR1.
Tight Ends Ready to Dominate
Don’t overlook these tight ends, who are primed for breakout seasons:
Dalton Kincaid (BUF): Kincaid’s athleticism and route-running ability make him a perfect fit for Josh allen’s aggressive passing attack.
Kyle Pitts (ATL): Pitts’ immense talent and Ridder’s development could lead to a resurgence for the former first-round pick. Jake Ferguson (DAL): With Dak prescott’s penchant for targeting tight ends,Ferguson is poised for a significant increase in production in 2024. Chig Okonkwo (TEN): Okonkwo’s athleticism and receiving skills make him a valuable weapon in the Titans’ offense.
Handcuff stashes for long-Term Success
These running backs are valuable insurance policies, ready to step up if the starter goes down:
Kendre Miller (NO): Miller’s explosive running style and pass-catching ability make him a valuable handcuff to Alvin Kamara.
Alexander Mattison (LVR): With Josh Jacobs’ uncertain future, Mattison is a must-have handcuff for fantasy owners.
Tyjae Spears (TEN): Spears’ dynamic playmaking ability makes him a potential breakout candidate if Derrick Henry suffers an injury.
Patrick Taylor (SF): Taylor’s size and power make him a valuable goal-line option and a reliable backup to Christian McCaffrey.
* Audric Estime (DEN): Estime’s extraordinary preseason performance suggests he could be a valuable handcuff to Javonte Williams.
This list is just a starting point. As the season progresses, keep an eye on emerging trends, injuries, and player performance to identify additional sleepers and maximize your fantasy football success.
Week 16 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Hidden Gems for Your Championship Run
As the fantasy football playoffs heat up,finding those crucial waiver wire pickups can make or break your championship aspirations. This week, we’ve got you covered with potential game-changers at every position, focusing on players owned in less than 50% of leagues.
Running Backs Ready to Rumble
Looking for a late-season surge from your RB corps? Consider these options:
Jaylen Warren (PIT): With Najee Harris dealing with an injury, Warren could see increased touches and become a valuable flex play.
Khalil Herbert (CHI): herbert has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a sneaky RB2 if given the opportunity.
Kimani Vidal (LAC): the rookie has impressed in limited action and could carve out a larger role in the Chargers’ backfield.
Kicker Streamers: Finding Points Where You Least Expect Them
Need a reliable kicker for Week 16? These under-the-radar options could deliver:
Brandon McManus (DEN): Facing a vulnerable Saints defense, McManus has a favorable matchup.
Chad Ryland (CIN): Ryland gets a favorable matchup against the Panthers, who have struggled against opposing kickers.
Joshua Karty (SF): Karty has a chance to shine against the Jets, who have been generous to opposing kickers.
Kicker Stashes: Looking Ahead to Week 17
Planning for the future? These kickers could be hot commodities on the waiver wire next week:
Will Reichard (SEA): Reichard faces a tough matchup this week but has a favorable schedule in Week 17.
Brandon McManus (DEN): McManus has a potentially high-scoring matchup against the Vikings in Week 17.
Jake Moody (MIA): Moody could be a valuable asset in Week 17 against the Titans.
D/ST Streamers: Defensive Dominance Awaits
Looking for a D/ST to bolster your lineup? These units have favorable matchups in Week 16:
Atlanta Falcons (vs. Giants): The Falcons’ defense has been playing well and faces a Giants offense that has struggled on the road.
Arizona Cardinals (at Panthers): The Cardinals’ defense could feast on a Panthers offense that has been inconsistent.
Indianapolis Colts (vs. Titans): The Colts’ defense has been solid at home and faces a Titans offense that has struggled to score points.
D/ST Stashes: Setting Yourself Up for Success in Week 17
Get a head start on Week 17 by stashing these D/ST units:
Miami Dolphins (at Browns): The Dolphins’ defense has been playing well and faces a Browns offense that has been inconsistent. Indianapolis Colts (at Giants): The Colts’ defense has a favorable matchup against the Giants in Week 17. Washington Commanders (vs. Falcons): The Commanders’ defense could be a sneaky play against the Falcons in Week 17.
QB Stashes: Finding Hidden Quarterback Gems
need a backup QB or looking for a potential streamer in Week 17? These quarterbacks could be worth a roster spot:
Matthew Stafford (LAR): Stafford has a favorable matchup against the Cardinals in Week 17.
Drake Maye (CAR): Maye has shown promise and could be a valuable asset in Week 17 against the Buccaneers.
Russell Wilson (DEN): Wilson has a chance to bounce back against the Chiefs in Week 17.TE Stashes: Unearthing Tight End Treasures
Looking for a TE with upside? These players could be worth a gamble:
Brenton Strange (TEN): Strange has shown flashes of potential and could be a valuable asset in Week 17 against the Titans.
Stone Smartt (NE): Smartt has a favorable matchup against the Patriots in Week 17.
* Dalton Schultz (HOU): Schultz has a chance to shine against the Ravens in Week 17.
Chris’ Top Tight End Picks for Week 1
Looking for an edge in your fantasy football league? Chris’s expert rankings offer a unique perspective on the upcoming week’s matchups. Here’s a breakdown of his top 10 tight end picks for Week 1, highlighting players who could outperform industry expectations:
High-Potential Tight Ends to Watch:
Mike Gesicki vs. Broncos: Gesicki kicks off the season facing a Broncos defense that struggled against tight ends last year.
Grant Calcaterra vs. Cowboys: Calcaterra has the potential to be a breakout star this season, and a matchup against the Cowboys could be his launching pad.
Noah Gray at Steelers: Gray is poised for a bigger role in the Chiefs’ offense, and the Steelers have historically been vulnerable to tight ends.
Isaiah Likely at texans: Likely showed flashes of brilliance last season, and a favorable matchup against the Texans could allow him to shine.
* juwan johnson vs. Raiders: Johnson is a red-zone threat who could benefit from the Raiders’ struggles defending tight ends in the past.
Understanding Chris’s Rankings:
chris’s rankings are based on his own in-depth analysis and may differ from the expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) compiled by FantasyPros. the “VS. ECR” column highlights these differences, allowing you to identify potential sleepers and busts.
Powered by FantasyPros ECR™:
These rankings are powered by FantasyPros ECR™, which aggregates expert rankings from across the fantasy football industry. This ensures a thorough and data-driven approach to player evaluation.
Stay Informed:
For the latest fantasy football news and analysis, visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com.
This is a great start to a comprehensive fantasy football article! Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and some suggestions for enhancement:
Strengths:
Clear Structure: The article is well-organized with distinct sections for different positions and waiver wire strategies.
Useful Information: The player recommendations are relevant to fantasy football, and the rationale behind each pick is provided.
Depth of Content: You cover a wide range of positions, including handcuffs, kickers, and D/ST options.
Actionable Advice: The article encourages readers to act proactively by suggesting players to stash for future weeks.
Suggestions for Improvement:
Intro:
Add a hook to grab the reader’s attention. for example,you could start with a statistic about the importance of waiver wire pickups in fantasy playoffs.
Sleeper Analysis:
Provide more specific statistical projections or comparisons to established players. This will make your sleeper recommendations more convincing.
Briefly mention any potential risks associated with each sleeper. For example, is there a chance they lose playing time or face a tough matchup?
Waiver Wire:
Include the percentage of ownership for each player in major fantasy platforms (ESPN, Yahoo, etc.). This will help readers determine their availability.
consider adding a “priority” level to each waiver wire advice (e.g., high, medium, low) to guide readers on who to target first.
Visuals:
Incorporate tables, charts, or images to make the information more engaging and easier to digest.
Conciseness:
Consider tightening up some of the sentences to improve readability.
Example Improvements:
Intro:
“With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, one savvy waiver wire pickup can be the difference between championship glory and postseason heartbreak. This week, we’re highlighting undervalued gems who are poised to explode in Week 16.”
Sleeper Analysis:
“Keenan Allen (CHI): After a down year in 2023, Allen is poised for a bounce-back season. with Justin Fields’ progress and a favorable schedule, he could return to WR2/WR3 value. While he’s currently owned in only 40% of leagues, keep an eye on his target share and yardage totals in Week 15.”
Waiver Wire:
running Backs:
Jaylen Warren (PIT) – 25% Owned
Khalil herbert (CHI) – 38% Owned
Kimani Vidal(LAC) – 2% Owned – High Priority!
this is a solid foundation for a helpful and informative fantasy football waiver wire article. By implementing the suggestions above, you can make it even more valuable for your readers.
