Week 16 Sunday football — there’s nothing quite like it. And there’s nothing quite like winning a fantasy football DFS tournament. If you’re competing in DFS competitions today, our recommended NFL DFS picks for Week 16’s Sunday contests reflect the most likely game scripts. As always, this DFS lineup is based on FanDuel pricing.
Top NFL DFS picks for Sunday Week 16 | QB and RBs
This lineup’s quarterback and running backs assume a breakout performance for a slumping QB and fantastic production from two bell-cow RBs. Our focus is on optimizing elite potential, knowing that landing two exceptional RBs and a dominant QB could set up this lineup to be a big winner.
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals ($7,100)
Joe Burrow has only 6 passing TDs in his last six games. So why recommend him? For starters, he’s managed to exceed 17 fantasy points in three of his last four contests. So, Burrow has been able to produce despite his recent slump.
Additionally, the opposing Ravens are one of the best teams against the run and one of the worst against the pass. I wouldn’t be surprised if Burrow throws for 350+ yards and 3+ TDs.
James Robinson, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars ($8,200)
Last week, James Robinson reminded the fantasy world that he can be a consistent RB1 if he simply gets the touches. He’s 14th in the league in rushing yards and eighth in rushing TDs despite being 20th in carries. He’s doing more with less than most running backs.
Facing a beatable Jets defense and with nothing to play for, Jacksonville likely will keep feeding their No. 1 offensive playmaker.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Minnesota Vikings ($5,500)
I don’t love his matchup against the Rams, but I love his cheap price. Alexander Mattison will be the bell cow with Dalvin Cook out, meaning 20+ touches and a strong shot at top-16 RB numbers.
Mattison’s eclipsed 21 fantasy points in each of his three starts this season. Running in one of the league’s most top-heavy offenses, Mattison will be leaned on regardless of game script, thanks to adept pass-catching skills that have seen him catch 16 of 18 targets in his three starts.
Top NFL DFS picks for Sunday Week 16 | WRs
This lineup’s wide receivers include fantasy’s No. 1 receiver and a WR tandem in line for monster production. How confident are we that these three wideouts will help you win?
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams ($9,800)
The issue is always the same with Cooper Kupp — if you can afford to plug him into your DFS lineup, do it. His ceiling is as consistently high as any other receiver’s. And today, he’ll face the third-worst pass defense (Vikings).
Kupp is on pace to surpass Davante Adams’ recording-breaking per-game WR fantasy points from last year. He has the quarterback and the skill set to do it.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers ($7,700)
With Mike Williams joining Jalen Guyton on the COVID list Saturday, Keenan Allen will be leaned on as much as ever. Allen has earned 8+ targets in all but one game this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he exceeds 12.
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The opposing Texans have actually been pretty good against the pass. That said, their recent QB opponents have included Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Tannehill, Zach Wilson, and Trevor Lawrence. This is where the raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. The Chargers’ offense should be fine today.
Joshua Palmer, WR, Los Angeles Chargers ($4,900)
That last sentiment leads us to include Joshua Palmer, one of the cheapest DFS options among Sunday’s starting WRs. Palmer flashed in Week 14 when given the opportunity, assembling an impressive 5-66-1 receiving line.
A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Palmer should be started in most regular formats as well. In dynasty, we shouldn’t be surprised if he replaces Williams as the Chargers’ No. 2 receiver next year. Today will be yet another audition for the rookie. I believe it will go very well.
Top NFL DFS picks for Sunday football Week 16 | TE, Flex, D/ST
We have only $16,800 remaining in this top-heavy DFS lineup. What’s the optimal combination for these final three slots?
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons ($5,900)
Reasonable people would fade Kyle Pitts. I know I have . . . for many weeks now. Ever since Calvin Ridley stepped away from football, Pitts has been unstartable most weeks and has not exceeded 12 fantasy points. But the talent is there.
In the last four weeks, the Lions have yielded 19.0 points per game to opposing TEs — the fourth-highest mark in the league. With Tim Boyle starting at QB for Detroit, I’m expecting Atlanta to dominate time of possession. Expect 10+ targets in a terrific rebound game for Pitts.
Tee Higgins, Flex, Cincinnati Bengals ($6,500)
Remember what I wrote about Burrow? The same is true for Tee Higgins, his No. 1 receiver in recent weeks. Higgins should capitalize in a favorable matchup.
I’m expecting Baltimore’s defense to lock down Joe Mixon, as well as anything Samaje Perine throws at them. Higgins enjoyed three consecutive 100-yard days before last weekend’s letdown in Denver (2 catches for 23 yards). We should bet on a return to greatness — or at least very goodness.
Kansas City Chiefs, D/ST ($4,300)
How much havoc will the Chiefs wreak on Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers? I believe somewhere between “a lot” and “more than a lot.”
Pittsburgh’s offensive line is a mess. Najee Harris is averaging a paltry 3.6 yards per carry. No QB is averaging less time to throw than Roethlisberger (2.39 seconds), while his average completed air yards (4.8) is higher than only Jared Goff among NFL starters. In other words, expect the Chiefs to box in Pittsburgh’s offense, leading to enough sacks and turnovers to produce a top-five D/ST performance.
