Injuries continue to wreak havoc on the NFL, but the fantasy football playoffs don't stop or slow down for anyone. As lineup decisions get tougher, the more expert analysis, opinions, and projections you can find, the better it will make your Week 16 start 'em, sit 'em choices.
To prove we believe in the "more is better" approach to fantasy football research, we’re pleased to offer SN Fantasy readers an exclusive look at Draft Sharks’ award-winning weekly projections and rankings. We'll also highlight players at each position who stand out in our rankings compared to theirs so you get multiple perspectives on a few of the biggest start-or-sit headaches. To see Draft Sharks' exclusive Week 16 3D floor-to-ceiling projections, become a Draft Sharks member today at the link below!
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Week 16 Fantasy Football Projections, Rankings from Draft Sharks
Week 16 fantasy QB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Cowboys (SN Ranking: 5 | DS Ranking: 11)
Statistically, this is a tough matchup, and Tagovailoa has struggled in tough matchups this year. Thus, Draft Shark's relatively low ranking is more than justified. However, after watching Dallas struggle defensively last week and knowing this game could be a shootout, we're much more optimistic about Tagovailoa's chances. If Tyreek Hill (ankle) is back, Tagovailoa has as high of a ceiling as almost any QB. Consider him the ultimate boom-or-bust option this week.
SN's WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 16 fantasy RB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Ty Chandler, Vikings vs. Lions (SN PPR Ranking: 32 | DS Ranking: 16)
Chandler was great last week, but he gets a much tougher matchup this week against Detroit's No. 8 run defense. Chandler should once again get 15-plus touches, so Draft Sharks' lofty ranking makes sense, but we expect him to be more TD-dependent and ultimately struggle. With a full slate and a lot of solid backs in favorable matchups, Chandler is more of a flex than a safe RB2 to us.
Spotlight Player: D'Onta Foreman, Bears vs. Cardinals (SN PPR Ranking: 48 | DS Ranking: 37)
The Bears have an ideal RB matchup, but it's unclear which of their three RBs will get the most touches. Draft Sharks trusts Foreman a little more than we do, while we're more partial to Roschon Johnson. Foreman struggled the most of the three last week and ultimately got benched for most of the second half, which is why we're not quite as high on him, but Draft Sharks thinks as long as he has even a semi-prominent role, he can post fringe flex numbers.
SN's WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 16 fantasy WR projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Curtis Samuel, Commanders @ Jets (SN PPR Ranking: 40 | DS Ranking: 47)
Samuel has been on a tear over the past three games, but a matchup against the league's best pass defense awaits. Draft Sharks is rightfully worried about the matchup and Washington's offensive woes, but we're a little more optimistic about his ability to get involved in a variety of ways and post WR3/flex-caliber numbers.
Spotlight Player: Josh Palmer, Chargers vs. Bills (SN PPR Ranking: 43 | DS Ranking: 55)
Palmer padded his stats with a 79-yard TD last week, but there's a decent chance he functions as L.A.'s WR1 again with Keenan Allen (heel) hurting. As long as that's the case, we see him as a flex. Draft Sharks doesn't trust Easton Stick, especially against a defense that just shut down Dak Prescott. That's fair, but we think Palmer will make enough plays to pay off as a flex, whether it's one big play or some cheap catches in garbage time.
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Week 16 fantasy TE projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Dallas Goedert, Eagles vs. Giants (SN PPR Ranking: 16 | DS Ranking: 11)
Goedert has back-to-back four-catch, 30-yard outings since returning from injury, but it's worth noting he had nine targets in his last game. Draft Sharks is trusting the targets and pedigree; we're looking more at the relatively tough matchup and recent performance. We also just like some other TEs with better matchups more.
Week 16 fantasy defense projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Chicago Bears vs. Cardinals (SN Ranking: 22 | DS Ranking: 8)
The Cardinals have given up a lot of fantasy points to D/STs, but they've been much better since getting Kyler Murray back save for a pick-six last week against San Francisco. Similarly, the Bears' D/ST has been playing much better lately, but we still think Murray can run around enough to limit sacks and turnovers while scoring just enough points to keep Chicago's fantasy output relatively mediocre.
