As the 2025 Fantasy Football season nears its final stretch, Week 16 presents crucial decisions for teams vying for championships and those in the hunt for the playoffs.
This is the time to make bold moves, secure valuable waiver wire pickups, and set lineups with precision.
Whether you're in a must-win situation or fine-tuning for a playoff run, this primer will help guide you through key matchups, players to target, and potential sleepers for the week.
Quarterback Watch: Key Starts & Streamers
Start: Justin Herbert (LAC) vs. Denver
Herbert has been on fire over the past few weeks, consistently putting up top-tier fantasy points.
Against a Denver defense that’s been struggling to contain high-powered offenses, Herbert is poised for a big Week 16 performance.
Look for him to air it out to Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston for plenty of yardage and touchdowns.
Stream: Jordan Love (GB) vs. Chicago
Jordan Love’s development has taken a solid turn, and in Week 16, he faces a Chicago Bears defense that’s allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
With Love showing confidence in his arm and solid playmaking, he’s a sneaky QB1 play this week.
Running Back Spotlight: Must-Haves & Potential Busts
Start: Christian McCaffrey (SF) vs. Washington
McCaffrey is a locked-in top performer, especially in a Week 16 matchup against Washington.
The Commanders’ defense has been leaky against versatile backs like McCaffrey, and with his dual-threat ability, he’s a must-start in every format. Expect 100+ total yards and a touchdown.
Avoid: James Conner (ARI) vs. Kansas City
While Conner has been a steady fantasy option for Arizona, facing a stout Kansas City defense in Week 16 could be a tough matchup.
Conner’s ability to rack up points through volume might be limited, especially if the Cardinals fall behind early.
Wide Receiver Focus: Big Names & Sleeper Picks
Start: A.J. Brown (PHI) vs. Dallas
Brown is a matchup nightmare for any defense, and against a Dallas secondary that’s been vulnerable in recent weeks, he should feast.
Expect him to dominate targets, making him a top-5 wide receiver option this week.
Sleeper: Michael Gallup (DAL) vs. Philadelphia
Gallup has been a bit inconsistent but gets a shot at redemption in a high-scoring affair against Philly.
With Dak Prescott likely targeting Gallup more in Week 16, he could be in line for a surprise breakout game.
Tight End Strategy: Targets & Bargain Buys
Start: Travis Kelce (KC) vs. Arizona
Travis Kelce continues to be an automatic start, especially against Arizona’s defense, which has struggled to contain elite tight ends.
Kelce should dominate over the middle of the field and rack up both receptions and yards, with a strong chance for a touchdown.
Stream: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) vs. Jacksonville
With Derrick Henry nursing injuries and Tennessee looking to mix things up, Okonkwo could see more opportunities.
Jacksonville's defense hasn’t been stellar against tight ends this season, making Okonkwo a solid streaming option.
Defense/Special Teams: Key Matchups & Sleepers
Start: San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington
The 49ers' defense has been one of the best in fantasy this year, and they have a favorable matchup against a Washington offense that struggles to protect the quarterback.
San Francisco’s pass rush could feast, making them a strong defensive play in Week 16.
Sleeper: New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina
While the Saints’ defense has been inconsistent, they get a juicy matchup against Carolina, a team that’s been turnover-prone and has struggled to move the ball.
New Orleans has the potential to rack up sacks and interceptions, making them a sneaky DST play this week.
Waiver Wire Targets: Week 16 Pickups
1. Zay Flowers (WR - BAL): If you’re in need of wide receiver depth, Flowers has been a consistent target for Lamar Jackson.
With matchups that favor his skill set, he could be a low-cost, high-reward option for the final weeks.
2. Tyler Allgeier (RB - ATL): With Bijan Robinson dealing with injuries, Allgeier has stepped in and been productive. If Robinson is out or limited, Allgeier could be a solid RB2/flex play.
3. Cole Kmet (TE - CHI): Kmet has quietly emerged as one of Justin Fields’ top red zone targets. He’s a strong waiver wire addition for anyone in need of tight end help this late in the season.
Injury Updates: Players to Monitor
Bijan Robinson (RB - ATL): Monitor Robinson’s status as he’s dealing with an injury. If he misses time, Tyler Allgeier becomes a must-add.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR - DET): St. Brown has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury, so keep an eye on practice reports leading up to Sunday.
Derrick Henry (RB - TEN): Henry’s injury status has been in flux, and if he’s limited or out, expect a bump in touches for Tyjae Spears.
Final Thoughts for Week 16
With fantasy championships on the line, every move counts in Week 16.
Be sure to make strategic decisions, monitor injury reports, and stay active on the waiver wire.
Whether you're contending for a title or fighting for your playoff spot, these key player recommendations and insights can help you make the right calls for the most important week of the season.
Good luck, and may your fantasy team thrive in Week 16!
