NFL Fantasy Football Pitfalls: Week 16

Before we get started, check out my Week 16 NFL picks.

I’m going to look at the matchups each week and pick some fantasy starters that could be in for a tough week.

Here’s a look at players who could struggle this week.

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Tony Romo is breathing a little easier now that he got the December monkey off his back. Meanwhile, Favre’s got a little heavier with the loss to the Panthers.

Despite the Saints’ loss, they are off in the distance for home field advantage. Meanwhile, the Eagles are charging hard. Brad Childress is starting to panic a bit, as Favre admits he was almost pulled last week.

All of this does not make me comfortable when choosing a starting QB for the fantasy football championship game.

For you numbers hounds (like myself), Favre is averaging 199.8 yards in his last 11 December games with 11 TDs to 17 INTS. When it’s been below 40 degrees, he averages 197.6 yards with five TDs and nine INTs. The game is at Chicago this week.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

On the flip side for the Vikings, their run defense allowed their first 100-yard rusher since 2007 when Jonathan Stewart torched them on Sunday night football. Their defense responded in a big way after the Cardinals loss, shutting down Cincinnati.

The Bears offense is so dysfunctional. I see a long day for Forte, who had just 61 total yards when he faced the Vikings in Week 12.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Charles has looked like Chris Johnson Lite the past six weeks. This week he’ll face a stiffer test when he takes on the emotional Cincinnati Bengals, who did a nice job limiting LT last week. The Bengals rank third in the league with 85.2 rushing yards allowed per game and have allowed just eight rushing TDs.

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

I was premature calling for the Colts to rest up some of their players. We’re a week closer to the season wrapping up, and the likelihood improves. Even if Wayne plays the whole game, he’ll have to face Darrelle Revis. Peyton Manning is more than comfortable going to Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, and Pierre Garcon if Wayne can’t get any separation.

Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Mason had seven catches for 62 yards and a score the last time he faced Pittsburgh (Week 12). The Steelers managed to escape their slug-fest against Green Bay with a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. This time they tangle in Pittsburgh. I’m expecting a knock 'em down, drag 'em out affair where the weather could play a key role.

Other guys I don’t love this week

QB: Jay Cutler, Kyle Orton, Joe Flacco

RB: LT, Marion Barber III, Maurice Morris, Knowshon Moreno, LeSean McCoy

WR: DeSean Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Jerricho Cotchery

TE: Todd Heap, John Carlson, Kevin Boss

Also check out:
- LestersLegends Week 15 NFL Power Rankings - Get 'em or Don't Sweat 'em Waiver Wire Advice
- Fantasy Football Forum
- Week 16 Fantasy Fill-ins

Originally published at LestersLegends.com