Fanspeak Fantasy Football: Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em Week 16

By Ryan Gerrity

@RyanGerrity

The fantasy football championships are this weekend, and if you have made it this far congratulations!  Do not mess with the lineup that got you to the championship game, but still look at the matchups.  Some big fantasy stars are facing tough defenses and may struggle for their fantasy owners.

Start:

1. Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego Chargers

Matthews has had an inconsistent fantasy season, but the past few weeks he has played very well.  Against the Giants and the Broncos, Matthews rushed for over 100 yards and scored a touchdown. The Chargers offensive line could have some trouble against the Raiders defensive line, but Matthews is due to have a big day.

2.  Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears

Cutler worked his way back to a good fantasy game last week and he should continue that success this week.  The Philadelphia Eagles secondary is very vulnerable and inconsistent.  Cutler has Alshonn Jeffery and Brandon Marshall to throw to and they will make things happen.

3.  Kirk Cousins, WB, Washington Redskins

The Dallas Cowboys are arguably the weakest defense in the NFL, and their secondary struggles a lot.  Kirk Cousins could win your fantasy league for you because he is playing for a starting quarterback position in the NFL somewhere next year.  He will get the opportunity to throw the ball a lot and he will put up big numbers.

4.  Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos

The Broncos face the Houston Texans and the Broncos will most likely have the ball and the lead for most of the game.  The Broncos will want to use the running game and they will lean on Moreno and Ball heavily during this game.  Look for Ball to get at least 15-20 touches this week.

5.  Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots

Edelman has slowly become one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets in the passing game.  The Patriots are using Edelman in so many different ways, and he will continue to get the ball this week against the Ravens.  The Ravens have been inconsistent so the matchup favors Edelman greatly.

Sit:

1. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

This is not a good week for Fitzgerald because he will be facing Richard Sherman and the Seahawks secondary this week.  Not to mention he is coming off a concussion last week against the Titans.  Fitzgerald is going to struggle this week against the best defense in the NFL.

2.  Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan has disappointed his fantasy owners this year with his inconsistency.  His struggles are going to continue this week against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.  Especially since the game is in San Francisco, Ryan will not be comfortable all game.

3.  Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints

Against the Carolina Panthers in week 14, Sproles had 1 carry for 38 yards.  The Saints play the Panthers defense again this week, who have let up less than 7 fantasy points a game to opposing running backs.  This matchup does not favor Sproles, I would look for another option.