- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Week 16 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Advice on Fantasy Football Stars to Play or Bench
- Updated: December 22, 2016
As a wise man once said, just win, baby.
Those fantasy football owners who are left standing now have a shot at a championship or advancing to one next week. Now more than ever, it is imperative that you throw names, reputations and loyalty to high draft picks out the window.
It is all about matchups, trends and data this week. Little else comes into play, as the only people left standing in the playoffs are the folks with the deepest rosters.
To make decisions easier, here is a look at matchup value comparisons and some notable stars to start or sit.
Quarterback
Star to Know: Cam Newton, CAR (vs. ATL)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton came alive during a Week 15 Monday contest against the Washington Redskins on the road, totaling 20 points.
Newton now has 19 or more points in six games this year, including two of his last four. He’s hot at the right time heading into an NFC South battle with the Atlanta Falcons.
Those Falcons allow the most points to quarterbacks on average, which Newton partially reinforced in Week 4 on the road when he dropped 15 points in Atlanta.
Call it a nice floor for Newton, who should tally plenty of points while trying to play spoiler at home.
Star to Sit: Andy Dalton, CIN (at HOU)
Share Tweet Embed
Andy Dalton has actually scored a few more points than Newton this year, but it doesn’t make the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback a must-play option every week.
Dalton struggled to hit 10 points in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at home. Now he has to hit the road and take on a similarly tough Houston Texans defense that is permitting the sixth-fewest points to quarterbacks on average.
Only two sets of opposing quarterbacks have reached 20 or more points against Houston this year. Dalton has his explosive moments and might have A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert together again, so not all hope is lost.
But for those who are vying for a title, Dalton is too risky.
Running Back
Star to Know: Frank Gore, IND (at OAK)
As usual, the old reliable names will mostly come up big for fantasy owners when they need it …
