Fantasy Football Week 16: Inconsistent Performers That Will Come Up Clutch

Inconsistent performers contribute to poor fantasy seasons and the hair loss of their respective owners. There are a few on-off players who will come up clutch for your team in Week 16, however, so you should be prepared to get them active.

At this point, Week 16 is crunch time. You're likely one of four owners remaining in your league, and every point matters against some of the best constructed squads in your league.

Starting inconsistent performers is always risky business, but history and matchups would suggest that the following volatile players are in line for big games.

In the end, starting the players you are most confident in is the safest bet. I'm just here to tell you that there's plenty reason to be confident in these guys.

Fred Jackson

Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller have traded production in recent weeks, as guessing who will perform each game has become more of a game than an actual science.

The Buffalo Bills will play the Miami Dolphins in Week 16, and both backs stand to post decent numbers. Jackson is the guy you want to start here, though, as his numbers against Miami in Week 7 were quite good.

He rushed 11 times for 36 yards and a touchdown but also hauled in four receptions for 49 yards. Jackson is more valuable than Spiller in PPR (points per reception) leagues because of his value in the flat, and he was useful as a receiver in Week 7.

Jackson offers more upside because of his propensity to get in the end zone. Overall, he has eight touchdowns on the season.

Against Miami in Week 16, Jackson stands a good chance of posting 100 total yards and a touchdown.

Riley Cooper

Riley Cooper looked to be the next breakout wide receiver after a two-week span (Weeks 9 and 10) that saw him haul in eight catches for 241 yards and five touchdowns.

Since then, Cooper has just nine catches for 159 yards.

Quarterback Nick Foles has paid more attention to Cooper in the passing game than Michael Vick did earlier in the season, and starting one of Foles' top receivers is usually a good idea given how well he has performed this season.

Despite his volatility, Cooper should be started against the Chicago Bears in Week 16. The Bears may be 10th in the NFL in passing defense, but they allow 7.7 yards per attempt. Cooper has done well with gaining yards after the catch, and the Bears may give him the opportunity to show it off.

Get Cooper active and watch him put up strong numbers next week.

Danny Woodhead

If you play in a PPR league, then Danny Woodhead is a great option as a No. 2 running back or flex option. Ryan Mathews is clearly the go-to back in San Diego, but Woodhead is great at picking up receptions and yards after the catch.

San Diego will take on the Oakland Raiders in Week 16, and Woodhead had a great game against their divisional foe in Week 5.

Despite just nine carries for 17 yards, Woodhead compiled 58 receiving yards and a touchdown on nine catches. The Raiders have played soft defense of late, and Rivers loves going to Woodhead out of the backfield. This makes for a favorable matchup.

Running the ball might not be Woodhead's forte, but his 66 receptions this season show that he is an asset in the passing game.

Get him active for Week 16.