The fantasy football playoffs are in full swing, as managers prepare for Week 16 of fantasy football. Sometimes, players who are viewed as fringe starters can produce unexpectedly big performances. These can often make or break fantasy football matchups. Below is a list of players, one from each position, who carry upside this week and can be placed in fantasy starting lineups.
Week 16 Fantasy Football – Upside Plays of the Week
Quarterback – Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers had his best game of the season in Week 15, finishing as the QB4 in fantasy. Rodgers threw for 289 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Jaguars, as the Jets snapped their four-game losing skid. Rodgers will face the Rams in Week 16, who have been susceptible to shootouts all season. The Rams’ defense allows the ninth-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks this season. While the Jets are eliminated from playoff contention, Rodgers has QB streaming appeal this week and is set up to have another strong performance.
Running-Back – Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford has been mostly a non-factor for fantasy this season, playing second fiddle to Nick Chubb since his return from injury in Week 7. However, Chubb is back on injured reserve with a season-ending foot injury. This opens the door for Ford to return to lead-back duties, as the Browns face the Bengals in Week 16. The Bengals rank 21st against RBs this season, allowing 18.14 FPPG to the position. While Ford is rostered in most leagues, he should be picked up off waivers wherever available. Managers should view Ford as an upside flex option this week, especially after he averaged 12 yards per carry last week.
Wide Receiver – Christian Watson
Christian Watson is a boom-or-bust fantasy player. However, he has recorded at least 50 receiving yards in 4/5 games and has seen six targets in the last two contests. The explosive wideout is always a big play threat, ranking second in 20+ yard receptions this season. The Packers also face the Saints at home in Week 16, drawing a favorable matchup for Watson. The Saints are allowing the seventh-most FPPG to opposing wideouts this season. They have also conceded at least two touchdowns to receivers in 3/4 games, being particularly vulnerable in the red zone. While the Packers’ receiving room is crowded, Watson carries upside this week and can be viewed as a high-end WR3/4 for fantasy managers.
Tight-End – Sam Laporta
Sam Laporta has been more involved in the Lions’ offense lately. The second-year tight end has seen at least six targets in the last five games, catching ten passes for 111 yards last week. The Lions will face the Bears in Week 16, who have been weak against tight ends this season. The Bears’ defense is allowing over 60 receiving yards per game, along with the ninth-most FPPG to the position. With the Lions losing David Montgomery for the season, expect the Lions to continue with a pass-heavy approach moving forward. Laporta should continue to be a primary target for Jared Goff and is a top TE option for fantasy managers this week.
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