Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 16: Smart Matchup Plays, Sleepers and More

Even when you have the best players, fantasy football remains almost completely unpredictable. All you have to do is prepare as well as you can to stay alive when things go poorly.

Aaron Rodgers was the latest superstar to post a dud for fantasy owners in the playoffs, scoring just five points in standard leagues against the Buffalo Bills. The week before it was Peyton Manning who managed just two points.

Unless you have a time-traveling DeLorean, it's unlikely you benched either of these players and instead suffered the consequences. 

Even if it's hard to predict these scenarios, you can still take advantage of smart plays to get the most possible points for your team. Those who made it to their league championship should take a look at this guide for players to start and sit for Week 16.

Smart Matchup Plays

Mark Sanchez, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

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After a good start, Mark Sanchez has been reverting back to the old Mark Sanchez. Lately he looks like the quarterback we knew from the New York Jets who would turn the ball over constantly and fail to get his team points.

Against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, he had no touchdowns and two interceptions, bringing his total for the year to nine picks with just 10 passing touchdowns.

However, he gets some nice relief in Week 16 with a matchup against the Washington Redskins, who can't seem to stop anyone through the air. Eli Manning even threw three touchdown passes in Week 15 (all three to Odell Beckham).

The Redskins have allowed a passer rating of 109.9 to opposing quarterbacks, by far the highest mark in the NFL this season. Sanchez still has a lot of talent around him and should be able to bounce back with a strong game Saturday.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers

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Over the past three weeks, Jonathan Stewart has reminded everyone why he was once considered one of the best young running backs in the NFL.

The Panthers running back totaled 110 yards from scrimmage in Week 13 before exploding for 155 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 14. While he was limited to just 73 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he still got 22 carries.

No matter what happens with Cam Newton or DeAngelo Williams over the next week, it's clear Stewart is once again a featured part of this offense and should get around 20 touches in Week 16.

This could lead to a big day against a struggling Cleveland Browns defense. While the main discussion with that team during the past week has been concerning Johnny Manziel, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports joked about the fact the rookie didn't cure the team's biggest problem:

The Cincinnati Bengals rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns, including a huge day by Jeremy Hill. If Stewart gets the opportunity and runs hard, he should be put up some big numbers.

Sleepers

Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders

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While Latavius Murray has always had the talent to perform, the Oakland Raiders were hesitant to put him on the field until he was comfortable within the offense. Even Murray admitted the struggles of getting started in the NFL, although he knows he can be productive, per the San Jose Mercury News' Marcus Thompson:

"

It's just understanding everything. Obviously, the installations are at an all-time high in the NFL. Knowing the protections, knowing your assignments, knowing what you're supposed to do. It helps me go out there and play faster. [...]

I know if I run the way I can run. I know I'll be fine.

"

The young running back has seemingly earned the trust of the coaching staff because he has become the go-to option in the Raiders system. He only had 12 carries last game, but it was much more than the two each for Darren McFadden or Maurice Jones-Drew.

As he gets more touches, this will only lead to more success. In just 49 carries, Murray has 301 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His 6.1 yards-per-carry average would be the highest among running backs if he had enough attempts to qualify.

Although the upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills is a difficult one, Eddie Lacy showed a good game is possible, totaling 16 fantasy points in Week 15. 

With Murray's ability, he would be a worthwhile risk in Week 16.

Stedman Bailey, WR, St. Louis Rams

Over the past month, Stedman Bailey is quietly becoming a productive receiver in St. Louis.

The former West Virginia star is averaging 77.5 receiving yards over the past four games and clearly has a nice rapport with quarterback Shaun Hill. The backup quarterback has targeted Bailey 25 times in this same stretch.

Although neither team was able to do much offensively in a Thursday night showdown between the Rams and Arizona Cardinals, Bailey came through with a rare bright spot when he secured a 38-yard reception. This was his third catch of 30 yards or more in as many weeks.

Against the New York Giants, Bailey has a chance to keep this recent hot streak going—and hopefully also find the end zone to give fantasy owners a solid showing.

Busts to Avoid

Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

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For much of the year, Philip Rivers was one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football. However, he hasn't been productive enough lately to justify a spot in the starting lineup.

Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus explains why you should take the Chargers quarterback out of your lineups:

The problem has simply been an inability to get the ball to his receivers, as broken down by Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune:

This might make it a smart idea to bench Keenan Allen as well based on the lack of consistency.

Considering the San Francisco 49ers rank third in the NFL against the pass, Rivers should not be in your lineup for the championship game.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

This might be a bit controversial considering Emmanuel Sanders was likely many people's best pick in the draft. He certainly has exceeded even the most generous expectations coming into the year.

Unfortunately, his great numbers from earlier in the year have dwindled lately. He is only averaging 60.7 receiving yards in his last three games and hasn't scored since Week 11.

Peyton Manning has faded a bit and the Broncos are relying more on the rushing attack. This is great for C.J. Anderson's fantasy owners, but those with Sanders have to be disappointed.

At the same time, the Cincinnati Bengals have been a nightmare for opposing receivers. The team has only allowed one touchdown to the position in the last four weeks. 

Demaryius Thomas remains a must-start, but there will certainly be better options than Sanders in Week 16.

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