If you’re still in the hunt for a fantasy football championship, you've likely had a stable signal-caller to rely on throughout the season. If not, our Week 16 fantasy QB rankings can help keep your championship aspirations alive by pointing out some intriguing sleepers, streamers, and injury fill-ins.
Starting with injuries, we didn’t see Lamar Jackson (knee), Mike White (ribs), Russell Wilson (concussion), or Kenny Pickett (concussion) suit up this week, but all four could return next week. Jackson’s the biggest concern of the bunch, as his knee strain could sideline him for a third consecutive week. We’ll be monitoring each team’s injury reports throughout the week and adjusting our rankings accordingly. (Update: It was announced Monday that Jalen Hurts is in danger of missing Sunday's game because of a right shoulder injury. Gardner Minshew would start against Dallas and be a low-ceiling streamer candidate.)
In terms of streamers, Pickett (vs. Raiders), Zach Wilson (vs. Jaguars), Brock Purdy (vs. Commanders), and Sam Darnold (vs. Lions) could be utilized as injury-fill-ins in deeper/two-QB leagues. Obviously, none are overly reliable, but they all have favorable matchups and could produce a lot of points for owners brave enough to trust them. (Update: Because of steady rain and winds in the forecast for New York on Thursday night, we've dropped Wilson in our rankings.)
WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
If Pickett's good to go, he draws a juicy matchup against a Raiders defense allowing the second-highest EPA/dropback (+0.172) and most fantasy points to QBs. Purdy is sporting an impressive 6:1 TD-to-INT rate through three games and could very well toss two-plus TDs against a middling Commanders' pass defense. While the Lions' defense has improved the past couple of weeks, they’re still allowing the third-highest EPA/dropback (+0.167), making Darnold a semi-appealing matchup-based start.
WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Derek Carr (@ Steelers), Daniel Jones (@ Vikings), and Aaron Rodgers (@ Dolphins) could also make their way into a high percentage of starting lineups, as all three QBs have an opportunity to post a QB1-caliber performance in favorable matchups. The Steelers, Dolphins, and Vikings all rank in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points allowed to QBs and EPA/dropback. While the Raiders, Giants, and Vikings all have elite RBs that could result in run-heavy approaches, these QBs shouldn't be ignored.
WEEK 16 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Conversely, Deshaun Watson (vs. Saints) sees his ranking drop, while Dak Prescott (vs. Eagles) and Trevor Lawrence (@ Jets) could have tough times replicating their big Week 15 performances. The Saints, Eagles, and Jets all rank in the top half of the league in the fewest fantasy points allowed to QBs, and all three have been somewhat inconsistent this year. It’s still tough to bench Prescott and Lawrence given the lack of reliable options on the waiver wire, but be wary of potential rocky outings. (Update: Because of snow and heavy winds in the forecast for Cleveland, we've dropped Watson even further in our rankings. Lawrence has also dropped because of steady rain and winds in the forecast for New York on Thursday.)
WEEK 16 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
Additionally, Joe Burrow (@ Patriots), Justin Fields (vs. Bills), Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Packers), and Kirk Cousins (vs. Giants) aren’t in great spots either, but all four are virtual must-starts at this juncture.
WEEK 16 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Note: We'll be updating these QB rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest changes.
Week 16 fantasy QB Rankings
These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring
Rank Player
1 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Seahawks
2 Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Colts
3 Geno Smith, Seahawks @ Chiefs
4 Josh Allen, Bills @ Bears
5 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Packers
6 Joe Burrow, Bengals @ Patriots
7 Derek Carr, Raiders @ Steelers
8 Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. Giants
9 Daniel Jones, Giants @ Vikings
10 Justin Fields, Bears vs. Bills
11 Jared Goff, Lions @ Panthers
12 Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Eagles
13 Aaron Rodgers, Packers @ Dolphins
14 Tom Brady, Buccaneers @ Cardinals
15 Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ Jets
16 Kenny Pickett, Steelers vs. Raiders
17 Gardner Minshew, Eagles @ Cowboys
18 Tyler Huntley, Ravens vs. Falcons
19 Brock Purdy, 49ers vs. Commanders
20 Sam Darnold, Panthers vs. Lions
21 Russell Wilson, Broncos @ Rams
22 Davis Mills, Texans @ Titans
23 Zach Wilson, Jets vs. Jaguars
24 Deshaun Watson, Browns vs. Saints
25 Nick Foles, Colts vs. Chargers
26 Mac Jones, Patriots vs. Bengals
27 Taylor Heinicke, Commanders @ 49ers
28 Desmond Ridder, Falcons @ Ravens
29 Malik Willis, Titans vs. Texans
30 Baker Mayfield, Rams vs. Broncos
31 Andy Dalton, Saints @ Browns
32 Trace McSorley, Cardinals vs. Buccaneers
Week 16 QB fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks
We're proud to offer SN Fantasy readers an exclusive look at Draft Sharks’ award-winning projections and rankings every week. To see Draft Sharks' Week 16 3D floor-to-ceiling projections for quarterbacks -- plus get access to all of Draft Sharks' industry-leading tools -- become a Draft Sharks' member today at the link below!
TRY DRAFT SHARKS FREE: Dominate with exclusive tools, including Free-Agent Finder & Trade Navigator!
