Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings And Tiers. Is Calvin Ridley BACK?
It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 16 of the fantasy football season.
Below, you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, team totals and spreads for every game on the slate.
Notes:
- Players are now tiered across all positions (RB, WR and TE) to help with flex decisions in larger formats. Because of this, TEs might not have a player deserving of Tier 1 compared to RBs and WRs.
- Defensive yards and TDs allowed exclude overtime play.
- All references to defensive ranks are for this week (bye Week teams excluded).
Last updated: 2:30 p.m. ET, Dec. 21. Please refer to our Rankings page for updates!
Quarterback Rankings & Tiers - Week 16
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Josh Allen | BUF | QB | LAC | 27.75 | -11.5 | 24.1 |
| 2 | 1 | Jalen Hurts | PHI | QB | NYG | 27.25 | -12.0 | 24.0 |
| 3 | 2 | Dak Prescott | DAL | QB | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 20.3 |
| 4 | 2 | Lamar Jackson | BAL | QB | SF | 21.00 | 5.0 | 20.7 |
| 5 | 2 | Patrick Mahomes | KC | QB | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 19.2 |
| 6 | 2 | Justin Fields | CHI | QB | ARI | 23.50 | -4.0 | 18.7 |
| 7 | 2 | Brock Purdy | SF | QB | BAL | 26.00 | -5.0 | 21.0 |
| 8 | 2 | Tua Tagovailoa | MIA | QB | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 18.2 |
| 9 | 3 | Jared Goff | DET | QB | MIN | 25.00 | -3.0 | 18.4 |
| 10 | 3 | Matthew Stafford | LAR | QB | NO | 25.00 | -4.0 | 16.5 |
| 11 | 3 | Trevor Lawrence | JAX | QB | TB | 20.75 | 1.0 | 18.4 |
| 12 | 3 | Kyler Murray | ARI | QB | CHI | 19.50 | 4.0 | 17.7 |
| 13 | 3 | Baker Mayfield | TB | QB | JAX | 21.75 | -1.0 | 17.2 |
| 14 | 3 | Jordan Love | GB | QB | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 18.5 |
| 15 | 4 | Nick Mullens | MIN | QB | DET | 22.00 | 3.0 | 11.2 |
| 16 | 4 | Joe Flacco | CLE | QB | HOU | 21.25 | -2.5 | 20.3 |
| 17 | 4 | Geno Smith | SEA | QB | TEN | 22.25 | -2.5 | 15.3 |
| 18 | 4 | Russell Wilson | DEN | QB | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 17.9 |
| 19 | 4 | Jake Browning | CIN | QB | PIT | 19.50 | -2.0 | 15.8 |
| 20 | 5 | Derek Carr | NO | QB | LAR | 21.00 | 4.0 | 13.2 |
| 21 | 5 | Gardner Minshew | IND | QB | ATL | 21.75 | 1.0 | 13.9 |
| 22 | 5 | Sam Howell | WAS | QB | NYJ | 17.00 | 3.0 | 18.6 |
| 23 | 6 | Tommy DeVito | NYG | QB | PHI | 15.25 | 12.0 | 13.6 |
| 24 | 6 | Aidan O'Connell | LV | QB | KC | 15.50 | 10.0 | 12.1 |
| 25 | 6 | Easton Stick | LAC | QB | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 14.8 |
| 26 | 6 | Taylor Heinicke | ATL | QB | IND | 22.75 | -1.0 | 12.6 |
| 27 | 6 | Bailey Zappe | NE | QB | DEN | 14 | 6.5 | 6.3 |
| 28 | 7 | Zach Wilson | NYJ | QB | WAS | 20 | -3.0 | 11.4 |
| 29 | 7 | Bryce Young | CAR | QB | GB | 15.75 | 5.0 | 11 |
| 30 | 7 | Mason Rudolph | PIT | QB | CIN | 17.5 | 2.0 | 0.1 |
| 31 | 7 | Will Levis | TEN | QB | SEA | 19.75 | 2.5 | 13.9 |
| 32 | 7 | Case Keenum | HOU | QB | CLE | 18.75 | 2.5 | 11.4 |
| 33 | 8 | Ryan Tannehill | TEN | QB | SEA | 19.75 | 2.5 | 9.5 |
| 34 | 8 | Drew Lock | SEA | QB | TEN | 22.25 | -2.5 | 8 |
| 35 | 8 | C.J. Beathard | JAX | QB | TB | 20.75 | 1.0 | 0.7 |
Running Back Rankings & Tiers - Week 16
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Christian McCaffrey | SF | RB | BAL | 26.00 | -5.0 | 23.0 |
| 2 | 1 | Kyren Williams | LAR | RB | NO | 25.00 | -4.0 | 19.6 |
| 3 | 2 | Rachaad White | TB | RB | JAX | 21.75 | -1.0 | 14.5 |
| 4 | 2 | Alvin Kamara | NO | RB | LAR | 21.00 | 4.0 | 16.1 |
| 5 | 2 | Raheem Mostert | MIA | RB | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 17.6 |
| 6 | 2 | James Cook | BUF | RB | LAC | 27.75 | -11.5 | 14.0 |
| 7 | 2 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | RB | MIN | 25.00 | -3.0 | 15.0 |
| 8 | 2 | Travis Etienne Jr. | JAC | RB | TB | 20.75 | 0.0 | 14.9 |
| 9 | 2 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | RB | ATL | 21.75 | 1.0 | 13.3 |
| 10 | 2 | Tony Pollard | DAL | RB | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 12.1 |
| 11 | 2 | De'Von Achane | MIA | RB | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 17.7 |
| 12 | 3 | Bijan Robinson | ATL | RB | IND | 22.75 | -1.0 | 12.5 |
| 13 | 3 | Joe Mixon | CIN | RB | PIT | 19.50 | -2.0 | 13.7 |
| 14 | 3 | Isiah Pacheco | KC | RB | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 13.1 |
| 15 | 3 | Derrick Henry | TEN | RB | SEA | 19.75 | 2.5 | 13.3 |
| 16 | 3 | Breece Hall | NYJ | RB | WAS | 20.00 | -3.0 | 11.7 |
| 17 | 3 | Saquon Barkley | NYG | RB | PHI | 15.25 | 12.0 | 14.4 |
| 18 | 3 | Josh Jacobs | LV | RB | KC | 15.50 | 10.0 | 12.7 |
| 19 | 3 | Ty Chandler | MIN | RB | DET | 22.00 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
| 20 | 3 | David Montgomery | DET | RB | MIN | 25.00 | -3.0 | 14.8 |
| 21 | 3 | Ezekiel Elliott | NE | RB | DEN | 14.00 | 6.5 | 8.1 |
| 22 | 3 | Brian Robinson Jr. | WAS | RB | NYJ | 17.00 | 3.0 | 12.9 |
| 23 | 3 | D'Andre Swift | PHI | RB | NYG | 27.25 | -12.0 | 11.4 |
| 24 | 3 | Aaron Jones | GB | RB | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 9.6 |
| 25 | 3 | Chuba Hubbard | CAR | RB | GB | 15.75 | 5.0 | 9.4 |
| 26 | 4 | Kenneth Walker III | SEA | RB | TEN | 22.25 | -2.5 | 12.9 |
| 27 | 4 | James Conner | ARI | RB | CHI | 19.50 | 4.0 | 11.4 |
| 28 | 4 | Gus Edwards | BAL | RB | SF | 21.00 | 5.0 | 10.9 |
| 29 | 4 | Devin Singletary | HOU | RB | CLE | 18.75 | 2.5 | 8.7 |
| 30 | 4 | Austin Ekeler | LAC | RB | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 13.1 |
| 31 | 4 | Javonte Williams | DEN | RB | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 9.2 |
| 32 | 4 | Jaylen Warren | PIT | RB | CIN | 17.50 | 2.0 | 9.8 |
| 33 | 4 | Najee Harris | PIT | RB | CIN | 17.50 | 2.0 | 8.8 |
| 34 | 4 | Jerome Ford | CLE | RB | HOU | 21.25 | -2.5 | 10.8 |
| 35 | 5 | D'Onta Foreman | CHI | RB | ARI | 23.50 | -4.0 | 9.5 |
| 36 | 5 | Tyjae Spears | TEN | RB | SEA | 19.75 | 2.5 | 6.7 |
| 37 | 6 | Tyler Allgeier | ATL | RB | IND | 22.75 | -1.0 | 6.5 |
| 38 | 6 | Chase Brown | CIN | RB | PIT | 19.50 | -2.0 | 4.2 |
| 39 | 6 | Antonio Gibson | WAS | RB | NYJ | 17.00 | 3.0 | 6.8 |
| 40 | 6 | Kareem Hunt | CLE | RB | HOU | 21.25 | -2.5 | 7.7 |
| 41 | 6 | Zach Charbonnet | SEA | RB | TEN | 22.25 | -2.5 | 5.8 |
| 42 | 6 | AJ Dillon | GB | RB | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 7.4 |
| 43 | 6 | Alexander Mattison | MIN | RB | DET | 22.00 | 3.0 | 8.8 |
| 44 | 6 | Roschon Johnson | CHI | RB | ARI | 23.50 | -4.0 | 5.2 |
| 45 | 7 | Rico Dowdle | DAL | RB | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 5.1 |
| 46 | 7 | Jamaal Williams | NO | RB | LAR | 21.00 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| 47 | 7 | Kenneth Gainwell | PHI | RB | NYG | 27.25 | -12.0 | 4.8 |
| 48 | 7 | Zack Moss | IND | RB | ATL | 21.75 | 1.0 | 11.6 |
| 49 | 7 | Jerick McKinnon | KC | RB | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 6.0 |
| 50 | 7 | Justice Hill | BAL | RB | SF | 21.00 | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| 51 | 7 | Samaje Perine | DEN | RB | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 6.2 |
| 52 | 8 | Khalil Herbert | CHI | RB | ARI | 23.50 | -4.0 | 6.5 |
| 53 | 8 | Miles Sanders | CAR | RB | GB | 15.75 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 54 | 8 | Latavius Murray | BUF | RB | LAC | 27.75 | -11.5 | 5.3 |
| 55 | 8 | Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN | RB | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 5.3 |
| 56 | 8 | Dalvin Cook | NYJ | RB | WAS | 20.00 | -3.0 | 2.6 |
| 57 | 8 | Dameon Pierce | HOU | RB | CLE | 18.75 | 2.5 | 6.0 |
| 58 | 9 | Zamir White | LV | RB | KC | 15.50 | 10.0 | 2.4 |
| 59 | 9 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | RB | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 4.1 |
| 60 | 9 | Chris Rodriguez Jr. | WAS | RB | NYJ | 17.00 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| 61 | 9 | Cordarrelle Patterson | ATL | RB | IND | 22.75 | -1.0 | 2.4 |
| 62 | 9 | D'Ernest Johnson | JAC | RB | TB | 20.75 | 0.0 | 2.1 |
| 63 | 9 | Ty Johnson | BUF | RB | LAC | 27.75 | -11.5 | 4.1 |
| 64 | 9 | Isaiah Spiller | LAC | RB | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 1.9 |
| 65 | 9 | Patrick Taylor Jr. | GB | RB | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 2.6 |
| 66 | 9 | Chase Edmonds | TB | RB | JAX | 21.75 | -1.0 | 1.9 |
| 67 | 9 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | MIA | RB | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 3.1 |
| 68 | 9 | Jordan Mason | SF | RB | BAL | 26 | -5 | 4.2 |
| 69 | 9 | Joshua Kelley | LAC | RB | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 4.3 |
| 70 | 9 | Royce Freeman | LAR | RB | NO | 25 | -4 | 5.5 |
| 71 | 9 | Matt Breida | NYG | RB | PHI | 15.25 | 12 | 2.7 |
| 72 | 9 | Trey Sermon | IND | RB | ATL | 21.75 | 1 | 1.3 |
| 73 | 9 | Kevin Harris | NE | RB | DEN | 14 | 6.5 | 8.5 |
| 74 | 9 | Melvin Gordon III | BAL | RB | SF | 21 | 5 | 5.7 |
| 75 | 9 | Emari Demercado | ARI | RB | CHI | 19.5 | 4 | 4.8 |
| 76 | 9 | Boston Scott | PHI | RB | NYG | 27.25 | -12 | 1.7 |
Tier 2 – Jonathan Taylor
It has been a rollercoaster ride for Taylor managers this year. However, the Colts are fighting for a playoff spot, and they could get their newly-minted RB back from a thumb injury in Week 16.
After an early-season stint on IR, it took a while for Taylor to reclaim a fantasy-friendly workload due to the emergence of Zack Moss. However, Moss hasn’t been nearly as effective lately and didn’t practice on Wednesday due to a forearm injury.
The Indianapolis coaching staff has shown a willingness to feed one back, with their RB1 collecting a 70%-plus snap share in 9 of 14 games. Taylor accounted for two of those performances and broke out before a thumb injury forced him to miss the last two games. The 25-year-old back averaged 17.8 points per contest from Week 9 to 12.
Over that three-game stretch, Taylor averaged 20.7 opportunities per game. In the two games preceding Week 12, when he injured his thumb, that number was 23.5. That is an immense touch ceiling that makes Taylor worth shoving into most lineups despite the risk of the team easing him back into action.
The Falcons allow 112 yards per game on the ground — just one yard above the league average — but allow the fewest TDs per contest at 0.29. However, with a potential colossal workload on tap, I still like JT to punch in a score and push for 100-plus total yards.
Taylor is my RB7 and a top-15 option on the Week 16 slate.
Tier 3 – Bijan Robinson
Arthur Smith pulled the rug out from under fantasy managers in Week 15, limiting Robinson to a tilting season-low 23% rush share. The rookie finished the day with only seven carries and three targets despite the choice matchup against the Panthers.
Of course, after that massive disappointment, Robinson would land another premiere matchup because that is how fantasy works. The Colts allow the seventh-most rushing yards (128) and the second-most TDs (1.4) per contest.
Opposing RBs have bushwhacked the Indianapolis run defense for the third-most fantasy points per game.
While the Falcons' offense is maddening to predict, Robinson still averages 16.9 opportunities per game and has reached 20-plus in three of the last five outings. I completely understand if you want to avoid this one and save yourself the agitation, but my role is to share the data so you can make that choice.
At $6,300 on DraftKings, he could come in at a very low rostership due to multiple backs like Ty Chandler ($5,600), Devin Singletary ($5,500) and Chuba Hubbard ($5,700) that project for sizable workloads at a discount.
Robinson weighs in as my RB12, but I am eight spots behind industry consensus in my flex rankings.
Tier 3 – Isiah Pacheco
Pacheco will return to the lineup after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury, and Andy Reid expects him to see a full workload. In four games before the injury, Pacheco pushed his utilization to new heights, bogarting 78% of the Chiefs’ rushing attempts.
Over that stretch, Pacheco averaged 16 fantasy points on 19.8 opportunities per contest — RB1-worthy marks. There is some risk that the team will ease him back into the fold, but it’s hard to be conservative with the second-year back, given the Chiefs are 10-point favorites against the Raiders.
Las Vegas allows 125 yards per contest to opposing rushers – the tenth-most in the NFL. In week 12 against the Raiders, Pacheco tallied his best fantasy output of the season with 25.9 points.
Pacheco is my RB14 this weekend and would be inside my top 10 if he wasn’t coming off an injury.
Wide Receiver Rankings & Tiers - Week 16
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | CeeDee Lamb | DAL | WR | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 17.9 |
| 2 | 1 | Tyreek Hill | MIA | WR | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 21.2 |
| 3 | 2 | A.J. Brown | PHI | WR | NYG | 27.25 | -12.0 | 15.8 |
| 4 | 2 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | WR | MIN | 25.00 | -3.0 | 16.0 |
| 5 | 2 | Justin Jefferson | MIN | WR | DET | 22.00 | 3.0 | 15.5 |
| 6 | 2 | Mike Evans | TB | WR | JAX | 21.75 | -1.0 | 14.8 |
| 7 | 2 | Stefon Diggs | BUF | WR | LAC | 27.75 | -11.5 | 14.1 |
| 8 | 2 | Michael Pittman Jr. | IND | WR | ATL | 21.75 | 1.0 | 12.8 |
| 9 | 3 | Cooper Kupp | LAR | WR | NO | 25.00 | -4.0 | 11.4 |
| 10 | 3 | Deebo Samuel | SF | WR | BAL | 26.00 | -5.0 | 15.0 |
| 11 | 3 | DJ Moore | CHI | WR | ARI | 23.50 | -4.0 | 14.5 |
| 12 | 3 | Rashee Rice | KC | WR | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 10.8 |
| 13 | 3 | Jaylen Waddle | MIA | WR | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 12.1 |
| 14 | 3 | Puka Nacua | LAR | WR | NO | 25.00 | -4.0 | 13.5 |
| 15 | 3 | Calvin Ridley | JAC | WR | TB | 20.75 | 0.0 | 10.1 |
| 16 | 3 | Amari Cooper | CLE | WR | HOU | 21.25 | -2.5 | 10.5 |
| 17 | 3 | DK Metcalf | SEA | WR | TEN | 22.25 | -2.5 | 12.6 |
| 18 | 3 | Brandon Aiyuk | SF | WR | BAL | 26.00 | -5.0 | 13.4 |
| 19 | 3 | Davante Adams | LV | WR | KC | 15.50 | 10.0 | 12.1 |
| 20 | 3 | Chris Olave | NO | WR | LAR | 21.00 | 4.0 | 11.7 |
| 21 | 3 | Tee Higgins | CIN | WR | PIT | 19.50 | -2.0 | 9.2 |
| 22 | 3 | DeVonta Smith | PHI | WR | NYG | 27.25 | -12.0 | 12.1 |
| 23 | 4 | Garrett Wilson | NYJ | WR | WAS | 20.00 | -3.0 | 10.5 |
| 24 | 4 | DeAndre Hopkins | TEN | WR | SEA | 19.75 | 2.5 | 11.3 |
| 25 | 4 | Chris Godwin | TB | WR | JAX | 21.75 | -1.0 | 9.3 |
| 26 | 4 | Courtland Sutton | DEN | WR | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 11.9 |
| 27 | 4 | Jordan Addison | MIN | WR | DET | 22.00 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
| 28 | 4 | Tyler Lockett | SEA | WR | TEN | 22.25 | -2.5 | 9.4 |
| 29 | 4 | Drake London | ATL | WR | IND | 22.75 | -1.0 | 9.1 |
| 30 | 4 | Jayden Reed | GB | WR | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 10.4 |
| 31 | 4 | Diontae Johnson | PIT | WR | CIN | 17.50 | 2.0 | 9.8 |
| 32 | 4 | Zay Flowers | BAL | WR | SF | 21.00 | 5.0 | 9.3 |
| 33 | 4 | Adam Thielen | CAR | WR | GB | 15.75 | 5.0 | 11.2 |
| 34 | 5 | Jakobi Meyers | LV | WR | KC | 15.50 | 10.0 | 11.4 |
| 35 | 5 | Terry McLaurin | WAS | WR | NYJ | 17.00 | 3.0 | 9.6 |
| 36 | 5 | Noah Brown | HOU | WR | CLE | 18.75 | 2.5 | 9.8 |
| 37 | 5 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA | WR | TEN | 22.25 | -2.5 | 7.0 |
| 38 | 5 | Curtis Samuel | WAS | WR | NYJ | 17.00 | 3.0 | 8.8 |
| 39 | 5 | Brandin Cooks | DAL | WR | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 8.2 |
| 40 | 5 | Christian Watson | GB | WR | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 9.7 |
| 41 | 5 | Josh Downs | IND | WR | ATL | 21.75 | 1.0 | 7.4 |
| 42 | 5 | Odell Beckham Jr. | BAL | WR | SF | 21.00 | 5.0 | 7.2 |
| 43 | 5 | Demario Douglas | NE | WR | DEN | 14.00 | 6.5 | 6.1 |
| 44 | 5 | George Pickens | PIT | WR | CIN | 17.50 | 2.0 | 9.1 |
| 45 | 5 | Tyler Boyd | CIN | WR | PIT | 19.50 | -2.0 | 7.1 |
| 46 | 5 | Joshua Palmer | LAC | WR | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 9.3 |
| 47 | 5 | Gabe Davis | BUF | WR | LAC | 27.75 | -11.5 | 8.2 |
| 48 | 6 | Jerry Jeudy | DEN | WR | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 6.7 |
| 49 | 6 | Rashid Shaheed | NO | WR | LAR | 21.00 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| 50 | 6 | Romeo Doubs | GB | WR | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 8.8 |
| 51 | 6 | Jameson Williams | DET | WR | MIN | 25.00 | -3.0 | 5.3 |
| 52 | 6 | Elijah Moore | CLE | WR | HOU | 21.25 | -2.5 | 6.3 |
| 53 | 6 | Wan'Dale Robinson | NYG | WR | PHI | 15.25 | 12.0 | 6.0 |
| 54 | 6 | Jonathan Mingo | CAR | WR | GB | 15.75 | 5.0 | 4.7 |
| 55 | 6 | Darius Slayton | NYG | WR | PHI | 15.25 | 12.0 | 5.4 |
| 56 | 6 | Jahan Dotson | WAS | WR | NYJ | 17.00 | 3.0 | 6.7 |
| 57 | 6 | DeVante Parker | NE | WR | DEN | 14.00 | 6.5 | 4.4 |
| 58 | 7 | Treylon Burks | TEN | WR | SEA | 19.75 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| 59 | 7 | Alec Pierce | IND | WR | ATL | 21.75 | 1.0 | 4.5 |
| 60 | 7 | Darnell Mooney | CHI | WR | ARI | 23.50 | -4.0 | 4.4 |
| 61 | 7 | Rashod Bateman | BAL | WR | SF | 21.00 | 5.0 | 3.9 |
| 62 | 7 | Quentin Johnston | LAC | WR | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 4.5 |
| 63 | 7 | Michael Wilson | ARI | WR | CHI | 19.50 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| 64 | 7 | Parker Washington | JAC | WR | TB | 20.75 | 0.0 | 4.7 |
| 65 | 7 | Jalin Hyatt | NYG | WR | PHI | 15.25 | 12.0 | 3.1 |
| 66 | 7 | Justin Watson | KC | WR | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 4.7 |
| 67 | 7 | Michael Gallup | DAL | WR | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 5.0 |
| 68 | 8 | Dontayvion Wicks | GB | WR | CAR | 20.75 | -5.0 | 5.5 |
| 69 | 8 | Khalil Shakir | BUF | WR | LAC | 27.75 | -11.5 | 4.8 |
| 70 | 8 | Kadarius Toney | KC | WR | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 3.0 |
| 71 | 8 | Demarcus Robinson | LAR | WR | NO | 25.00 | -4.0 | 4.7 |
| 72 | 8 | Cedric Tillman | CLE | WR | HOU | 21.25 | -2.5 | 2.2 |
| 73 | 8 | Robert Woods | HOU | WR | CLE | 18.75 | 2.5 | 4.9 |
| 74 | 8 | DJ Chark Jr. | CAR | WR | GB | 15.75 | 5.0 | 5.6 |
| 75 | 8 | A.T. Perry | NO | WR | LAR | 21.00 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| 76 | 8 | K.J. Osborn | MIN | WR | DET | 22.00 | 3.0 | 5.9 |
| 77 | 8 | Josh Reynolds | DET | WR | MIN | 25.00 | -3.0 | 7.1 |
| 78 | 8 | Rondale Moore | ARI | WR | CHI | 19.50 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| 79 | 8 | Marvin Mims Jr. | DEN | WR | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 3.4 |
| 80 | 8 | Kalif Raymond | DET | WR | MIN | 25.00 | -3.0 | 4.8 |
| 81 | 8 | Tutu Atwell | LAR | WR | NO | 25.00 | -4.0 | 6.7 |
| 82 | 8 | Nelson Agholor | BAL | WR | SF | 21.00 | 5.0 | 4.4 |
| 83 | 8 | Allen Lazard | NYJ | WR | WAS | 20.00 | -3.0 | 3.7 |
| 84 | 9 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | KC | WR | LV | 25.50 | -10.0 | 3.4 |
| 85 | 9 | Xavier Gipson | NYJ | WR | WAS | 20.00 | -3.0 | 3.1 |
| 86 | 9 | Tre Tucker | LV | WR | KC | 15.50 | 10.0 | 3.5 |
| 87 | 9 | Jamal Agnew | JAC | WR | TB | 20.75 | 0.0 | 3.0 |
| 88 | 9 | Lil'Jordan Humphrey | DEN | WR | NE | 20.50 | -6.5 | 1.9 |
| 89 | 9 | Trey Palmer | TB | WR | JAX | 21.75 | -1.0 | 3.8 |
| 90 | 9 | Allen Robinson II | PIT | WR | CIN | 17.50 | 2.0 | 2.8 |
| 91 | 9 | Jauan Jennings | SF | WR | BAL | 26.00 | -5.0 | 3.2 |
| 92 | 9 | Hunter Renfrow | LV | WR | KC | 15.50 | 10.0 | 2.7 |
| 93 | 9 | Cedrick Wilson Jr. | MIA | WR | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 3.4 |
| 94 | 9 | Chris Moore | TEN | WR | SEA | 19.75 | 2.5 | 3.4 |
| 95 | 9 | Greg Dortch | ARI | WR | CHI | 19.50 | 4.0 | 2.7 |
| 96 | 9 | Trenton Irwin | CIN | WR | PIT | 19.50 | -2.0 | 3.0 |
| 97 | 9 | D.J. Montgomery | IND | WR | ATL | 21.75 | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| 98 | 9 | Jalen Guyton | LAC | WR | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 3.0 |
| 99 | 9 | Lynn Bowden Jr. | NO | WR | LAR | 21.00 | 4.0 | 0.0 |
| 100 | 9 | Xavier Hutchinson | HOU | WR | CLE | 18.75 | 2.5 | 1.2 |
| 101 | 9 | Jalen Tolbert | DAL | WR | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 2.5 |
| 102 | 9 | KaVontae Turpin | DAL | WR | MIA | 24.25 | 1.5 | 4.0 |
| 103 | 9 | Braxton Berrios | MIA | WR | DAL | 25.75 | -1.5 | 3.1 |
| 104 | 9 | Tyquan Thornton | NE | WR | DEN | 14.00 | 6.5 | 2.0 |
| 105 | 9 | Alex Erickson | LAC | WR | BUF | 16.25 | 11.5 | 3.2 |
| 106 | 9 | Isaiah Hodgins | NYG | WR | PHI | 15.25 | 12.0 | 3.2 |
| 107 | 9 | Tyler Scott | CHI | WR | ARI | 23.50 | -4.0 | 1.8 |
| 108 | 9 | Andrei Iosivas | CIN | WR | PIT | 19.50 | -2.0 | 1.5 |
| 109 | 9 | John Metchie III | HOU | WR | CLE | 18.75 | 2.5 | 1.7 |
Tier 2 – Stefon Diggs
Diggs has left fantasy managers uninspired over the last four games. Notching only 10.3 fantasy points per contest, he has three finishes of WR36 or worse. On the surface, it looks like the Bills' new focal point of the offense is James Cook, but despite his emergence, Diggs’ underlying remains WR1-worthy.
The 30-year-old is still the primary focal point in a quality offense with a 4% DBOE, but the schedule has been brutal. He managed 19.4 points against the Eagles in Week 12 but struggled against three top-seven fantasy defenses against WRs in the Jets, Chiefs and Cowboys.
Dec 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) takes the field before the game Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Opponents have averaged only 196 yards and 1.2 TDs against those three stingy defensive units. A stark contrast to the Chargers, who have allowed the most passing yards (283) and the fifth-most TDs (1.7). Only the Eagles and Commanders have been worse against WRs in fantasy.
The Bills are nearly two-TD favorites, which could keep them from passing the ball as much late in the game. However, this team is in must-win mode to make the playoffs, and their passing game needs a tuneup to close out strong. Even if they shut things down early, no team carries a higher game total. This matchup has the makings of a 100-plus yard outing with multi-TD upside.
Diggs is a SMASH play in Week 16 as my WR7 and No. 15 overall flex option.
Tier 3 – Calvin Ridley
Fantasy managers have had difficulty pinning down when to start and bench Ridley this season. He has three top-three finishes and five finishes outside the Top 40 WRs. However, his utilization has settled in at ELITE WR1 levels over the last three games without Christian Kirk — averaging 10.3 targets, 1.3 end zone targets and 148 air yards.
Indeed, the fantasy points haven’t followed his recent surge in opportunities, but the former Round 1 NFL Draft pick is due for a monster outing. Based on data from the last 12 NFL seasons, Ridley’s comps averaged 19.2 points and a WR6 finish.
With Zay Jones labeled week-to-week, the Jaguars passing attack will revolve around Ridley and Evan Engram. The biggest question for Jacksonville this week is the status of Trevor Lawrence, who is working through the concussion protocol.
Five weeks ago, this was an offense averaging 236 passing yards, carving up targets between three to four weapons. Lawrence has been on fire lately, averaging 281 yards and 1.8 TDs since Week 11.
Ridley’s situation has changed more than any other WR in the NFL over the last few games, and he draws a premium matchup against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay allows the second-most passing yards per game (283) and the fifth-most fantasy points to WRs.
On DraftKings, Ridley’s price has risen, but at $6,300, there is too much upside to ignore, given his recent role and talent profile.
Ridley is my WR15 this weekend and ranks 12 spots ahead of industry consensus as a top-35 overall play. He is a SMASH play, assuming Trevor Lawrence suits up.
Tier 3 – Amari Cooper
Last offseason, the Browns indicated they wanted to move to a pass-first offense, but it simply hasn’t come to fruition due to QB challenges. But over the last three games with Joe Flacco under center, Cleveland boasts a 7% DBOE (dropback rate over expectation).
During this three-game stretch, the Browns have averaged a mouthwatering 47.3 dropbacks per game. Cooper left Week 13 early due to injury, but he has averaged 10.5 targets and 132 air yards over the last two contests.
While the Texans might not be able to force the Browns into a shootout without C.J. Stroud, per the 40-point game total, they have been a funnel defense. Houston’s stingy run defense allows the sixth-fewest rushing yards (93) per contest. Last weekend, they held Derrick Henry — who has owned Houston in recent years — to 16 yards on nine carries. However, the Texans cough up the seventh-most through the air (260).
You can still roster Cooper at a very reasonable $6,400 on DraftKings.
Cooper is my WR16 this weekend and files in 14 slots ahead of industry consensus as my No. 35 player overall.
Tight End Rankings & Tiers - Week 16
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Travis Kelce | KC | TE | LV | 25.5 | -10.0 | 12.7 |
| 2 | 4 | Trey McBride | ARI | TE | CHI | 19.5 | 4.0 | 8.3 |
| 3 | 4 | Sam LaPorta | DET | TE | MIN | 25.0 | -3.0 | 11.8 |
| 4 | 4 | T.J. Hockenson | MIN | TE | DET | 22.0 | 3.0 | 11.8 |
| 5 | 4 | David Njoku | CLE | TE | HOU | 21.3 | -2.5 | 9.6 |
| 6 | 4 | Evan Engram | JAC | TE | TB | 20.8 | 0.0 | 9.6 |
| 7 | 4 | George Kittle | SF | TE | BAL | 26.0 | -5.0 | 10.7 |
| 8 | 5 | Jake Ferguson | DAL | TE | MIA | 24.3 | 1.5 | 8.6 |
| 9 | 5 | Dalton Kincaid | BUF | TE | LAC | 27.8 | -11.5 | 7.1 |
| 10 | 5 | Isaiah Likely | BAL | TE | SF | 21.0 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
| 11 | 5 | Cole Kmet | CHI | TE | ARI | 23.5 | -4.0 | 9.0 |
| 12 | 5 | Dallas Goedert | PHI | TE | NYG | 27.3 | -12.0 | 7.5 |
| 13 | 5 | Dalton Schultz | HOU | TE | CLE | 18.8 | 2.5 | 8.6 |
| 14 | 6 | Darren Waller | NYG | TE | PHI | 15.3 | 12.0 | 7.6 |
| 15 | 6 | Taysom Hill | NO | TE | LAR | 21.0 | 4.0 | 8.3 |
| 16 | 6 | Kyle Pitts | ATL | TE | IND | 22.8 | -1.0 | 6.7 |
| 17 | 6 | Hunter Henry | NE | TE | DEN | 14.0 | 6.5 | 7.1 |
| 18 | 6 | Pat Freiermuth | PIT | TE | CIN | 17.5 | 2.0 | 5.5 |
| 19 | 7 | Tucker Kraft | GB | TE | CAR | 20.8 | -5.0 | 3.0 |
| 20 | 7 | Tyler Conklin | NYJ | TE | WAS | 20.0 | -3.0 | 5.5 |
| 21 | 7 | Cade Otton | TB | TE | JAX | 21.8 | -1.0 | 6.1 |
| 22 | 7 | Gerald Everett | LAC | TE | BUF | 16.3 | 11.5 | 5.9 |
| 23 | 7 | Chigoziem Okonkwo | TEN | TE | SEA | 19.8 | 2.5 | 4.4 |
| 24 | 8 | Tanner Hudson | CIN | TE | PIT | 19.5 | -2.0 | 5.8 |
| 25 | 8 | Logan Thomas | WAS | TE | NYJ | 17.0 | 3.0 | 6.5 |
| 26 | 8 | Juwan Johnson | NO | TE | LAR | 21.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| 27 | 8 | Tyler Higbee | LAR | TE | NO | 25.0 | -4.0 | 5.5 |
| 28 | 8 | Noah Fant | SEA | TE | TEN | 22.3 | -2.5 | 3.5 |
| 29 | 8 | Jonnu Smith | ATL | TE | IND | 22.8 | -1.0 | 6.1 |
| 30 | 8 | Michael Mayer | LV | TE | KC | 15.5 | 10.0 | 4.0 |
| 31 | 9 | Noah Gray | KC | TE | LV | 25.5 | -10.0 | 3.7 |
| 32 | 9 | Tommy Tremble | CAR | TE | GB | 15.8 | 5.0 | 2.9 |
| 33 | 9 | Donald Parham Jr. | LAC | TE | BUF | 16.3 | 11.5 | 4.2 |
| 34 | 9 | Dawson Knox | BUF | TE | LAC | 27.8 | -11.5 | 3.2 |
| 35 | 9 | Durham Smythe | MIA | TE | DAL | 25.8 | -1.5 | 2.7 |
| 36 | 9 | Lucas Krull | DEN | TE | NE | 20.5 | -6.5 | 1.6 |
| 37 | 9 | Daniel Bellinger | NYG | TE | PHI | 15.3 | 12.0 | 1.9 |
Reminder: I have leveled my tiers across RB, WR and TE to help with flex lineup decisions. So, getting to Tier 1 is hard — often, Tier 2 is where you will find my highest-ranked TE.
Tier 4 – T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson has been two different players this season — the version with and without Justin Jefferson in the lineup. The veteran TE has a substantial 21% target share with Jefferson, but it is astronomical without him at 28%. Of course, targets are enormous in fantasy, and Hockenson averages 17.3 points in games without Jefferson. That drops to 12.9 in contests with Jefferson.
In Week 15, with Jefferson back, Hockenson stayed true to those numbers.
Despite the return of Jefferson, Hockenson ($5,800) has allure in DFS tournaments this weekend, with many players likely going with names like David Njoku and Evan Engram at lower prices. But ultimately, Hockenson is still the No. 2 target in an offense fighting for a playoff position — just like those options. That makes Hockenson an intriguing way to get in on the Vikings-Lions matchup with pricey WR1s and chalky RB options.
Hockenson is my TE4 and a borderline to-50 flex option.
