It might be the most wonderful time of year, but injuries are bringing out our inner Scrooge in Week 16. The second round of the fantasy football playoffs could be without Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud, leaving some of us scrambling for replacements if the injury bug doesn't find another hobby. Bah humbug!
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key QBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 16 fantasy landscape.
For injury updates on ailing RBs Jonathan Taylor, AJ Dillon, Alexander Mattison, Josh Jacobs, Brian Robinson Jr., and Rhamondre Stevenson, click here. For news on banged-up WRs Michael Pittman Jr., Tyreek Hill, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Nico Collins, and Hollywood Brown, go here.
WEEK 16 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start-sit
Trevor Lawrence injury update, Week 16 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Lawrence didn't practice again on Thursday.
Lawrence (ankle, concussion) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. According to HC Doug Pederson, he remains in concussion protocol, but he's progressing. The QB won't be able to play until he is cleared, casting doubt on his Week 16 availability. Positive updates on Thursday and Friday will be pivotal as it relates to this week, but Lawrence's current status suggests that we should be preparing to see C.J. Beathard start against the Buccaneers on Sunday.
WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
While Lawrence hasn't been the prince that was promised since being a slam dunk No. 1 overall pick in 2021, losing him would still be a big hit with Beathard looming as the starter behind him. The backup did play fairly well in helping the Jags force OT in a loss to the Bengals on Monday Night Football a few weeks ago, but the offense's outlook does suffer. For a team that's already still trying to figure things out with the absence of Christian Kirk (core), they also might be without WR Zay Jones (knee, hamstring), leaving them with a beaten-up offense. Regardless, we're still starting Jacksonville players against a generous Tampa defense. If Lawrence pulls another rabbit out of his hat, then he warrants starting status in a much better matchup.
WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
C.J. Stroud injury update, Week 16 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Stroud didn't practice again on Thursday.
Stroud (concussion) was a DNP at Texans' practice on Wednesday, which doesn't bode well for his chances of playing in Week 16. To make matters even worse, ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime reported that Stroud is likely to miss this week's contest against the Browns. The rookie is still in concussion protocol and would have to clear it before having a chance to return, meaning that it will be the Case Keenum show in Houston until further notice.
WEEK 16 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
While Keenum is a fine starter and has shown flashes throughout his career, he is never going to be mistaken for Stroud. The rookie has been a sensation in year one, checking in with a top 10 fantasy season to this point, but it remains to be seen how the concussion will take its toll on him. The injuries have mounted in a big way for the Texans down the stretch, losing players left and right. Nico Collins (calf) and Noah Brown (knee) both practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday, giving some hope for Keenum if he's forced into action against a stout Browns defense. Keenum is good enough to keep this offense functioning, but represents a lower fantasy ceiling regardless. Find another QB option if Stroud can't go, and downgrade both Collins (WR3/flex) and Brown (low-end flex) given the matchup.
