There's great value to projecting ownership for daily fantasy football tournaments ahead of the Thursday night DFS slate. We followed a near bulls-eye in Week 14 projections with a mixed bag for Week 15. Hit two of the top three at quarterback and running back, but not as strong at receiver and tight end.
I march forth undeterred with my high-owned picks for FanDuel tournament games in Week 16.
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Who will be the highest owned QBs in Week 16?
After leading the field in ownership by a massive amount heading into last Thursday, Russell Wilson ($8,800/QB4) probably won't lap second place, but is still a good bet for highest owned. Another quarterback who continues to reward high ownership, Blake Bortles ($8,200/QB7) hasn't burned as many hands in fantasy as those placing bets on Jaguars spreads. It's not always pretty, but those points keep rolling in and further driving shares of Bortles.
Projected DFS ownership, Week 16 RBs
David Johnson ($7,300/RB8) took out a megaphone on Sunday night football. Considering that the top-five price tier includes multiple running backs mired in what are essentially committees, FanDuelers won't shy to the risk of Andre Ellington potentially returning to siphon backfield share. DeAngelo Williams ($7,400/RB7) similarly provides workload confidence and savings, but also game-script projection as Vegas values Pittsburgh as two-score favorites.
MORE: Week 16 fantasy football rankings:
Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Defenses | Kickers
Who will be the highest owned WRs in Week 16?
Doug Baldwin ($7,700/WR12) should ride that high-ownership wave from Week 15 after rewarding faith yet again with two more touchdowns. The Jerry Rice stat comps don't hurt. Rising in price but still sub-8K, the market will be all over Baldwin. Allen Robinson ($8,400) should get plenty of tournament run with his high ceiling and a tasty matchup in New Orleans. Expect a big week ahead for Bortles-ARob stacks.
Projected DFS ownership, Week 15 TEs
This seems like a popular week for paying up at TE. While Rob Gronkowski ($8,200/TE1) has quelled knee concerns, Jordan Reed ($6,900/TE2) has likewise been virtually un-guardable and provides $1,300 in savings. Gronk's a good bet for No. 2 but don't be surprised if Benjamin Watson ($5,600/TE9) sneaks into that spot as the frugal option after high usage Monday night. Dec. 23 update: Reports that Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola are likey out strengthen Gronk's bid for highest ownership at TE.