Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions: Week 16

Just hours before the start of Week 16, I know many people have questions running through their heads.  Whom should I start?  Whom should I sit?

Adrian Peterson—Minnesota Vikings—Running Back

 The Vikings and Eagles are scheduled to play Tuesday night following Sunday's snow-out. 

The Eagles offense is too hot to sit, bad weather or not.  However, the Vikings are a completely different story.  Will the team risk Adrian Peterson’s health in the poor weather?  Honestly, it would appear a lot more doubtful than it did 48 hours ago. 

They really have no reason to risk further injury for their franchise player, especially when their season is already over.  Depending on your other options, you seriously may want to consider alternatives (unless you have Toby Gerhart in place as a handcuff).

On a side note, the receivers, most notably Sidney Rice, should probably find their way onto your bench with your title on the line.  With Joe Webb at quarterback, it is hard to imagine a big day throwing the ball given the potential conditions.

Rob Gronkowski—New England Patriots—Tight End

 Last night it was revealed that Aaron Hernandez would miss today’s game against the Buffalo Bills, making Gronkowski a significantly more intriguing option. 

Over the past few weeks we have been forced to downgrade New England tight ends, never knowing whose week it would be to step up and get the bulk of the opportunities.  Now, there is no question.

The Bills may not give up a significant number of yards through the air (202.1 passing yards per game), but they have allowed 23 passing touchdowns.  Plus, we are talking about an offense led by Tom Brady. 

Gronkowski has 32 receptions for 390 yards and seven TDs.  The last time they faced Buffalo, he had three receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown.

Originally, I had him ranked 13th among tight ends (click here to view), but with this news I would consider him a viable TE1 depending on your other options.

Dan Carpenter—Miami Dolphins—Kicker

 Kickers are generally a fantasy afterthought, but the weather in Miami makes Carpenter noteworthy.  It is supposed to be extremely windy, with winds between 20 and 25 mph, clearly not making it ideal conditions. 

Throw in his 0-for-4 day against the Bills in Week 15 and you probably want to consider alternative options.

Mark Sanchez—New York Jets—Quarterback

 He was a tough play to begin with, even before the realization that he would be playing through torn cartilage in his shoulder.

While he’s expected to start, is anyone comfortable that he is going to make it through the entire game?  I certainly don’t think so.  You need to be looking for other options.

As for the Jets receivers, you need to downgrade them significantly.  Santonio Holmes remains usable, as he is the go-to receiver, but Braylon Edwards is much better off being securely on your bench.

Andre Johnson—Houston Texans—Wide Receiver

 It would be nice if we had an idea if he was going to play, but it appears like no decision will be made until after he attempts to warm up with the team. 

While word is that he likely is a no-go, he’s too good of an option to simply bench with your fantasy title hanging in the balance.

With a 4:05 start, however, it’s a little bit tricky.  I’d look to the waiver wire towards Jacoby Jones as a handcuff (as he will start in Johnson’s place), or see if there is another viable option there that you can use as protection.  At this point, there isn’t much else to say but to keep checking the news.

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 What are your thoughts on these players?  Who would you start?  Who would you sit?

Also make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s rankings for Week 16:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em

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