Fantasy QB Rankings Week 16: Who to start, sit at quarterback in fantasy football

Nick Musial

Fantasy QB Rankings Week 16: Who to start, sit at quarterback in fantasy football image

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

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Nick Musial

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Nick Musial is a Content Producer at The Sporting News. He recently joined the team after studying sport management and journalism at the University of Kansas. Nick’s an avid sports bettor who’s always looking for value.