NFL Fantasy Start and Sit Week 16

Oh, the joys of fantasy football.

Big Ben’s performance last week made my QB sit a bad choice, but with fantasy football you never know what can happen.

There is no magic formula to figure out a great lineup, as is evidenced here.

Here’s my best picks this week for who should have success in Week 16 and who to keep on the bench.

Start

QB Alex Smith, SF vs. DET

If the Niners watched how the Cardinals beat the Lions last week, they will pound the ball with Gore. While this may mean fewer passing attempts for Smith, he should still get some good Red Zone looks for potential TD points.

Projected stats: 17/21, 222 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

WR Derrick Mason, BAL @ PIT

A huge game to determine playoff hopes for both of these teams. Mason will be called upon early and often in the passing game if Baltimore wants to take this one and solidify their playoff positioning.

Projected stats: 9 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD

RB Beanie Wells, ARZ vs. STL

After watching Beanie run all over the Lions last weekend, fantasy owners should have gotten a shot of confidence from the rookie. Don’t expect a disappointment this weekend against the hapless Rams.

Projected stats: 19 rushes, 126 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 31 yards

TE Jermichael Finley, GB vs. SEA

Truly becoming a rising star, Finley has developed great “go-to-guy” chemistry with A-Rod on 3rd down. The Packers should move the ball very well on this day, and Finley should be able to find the end zone a few times.

Projected stats: 7 catches, 72 yards, 2 TD

Sit

QB David Garrard, JAX @ NE

The conditions in Foxboro might be ugly (rain/snow) for this game, and the Jags passing game has been anything but stellar in recent weeks.  Expect a lot from MJD, but nothing else from any other Jaguar.

Projected stats: 14/26, 157 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

WR Reggie Wayne, IND vs. NYJ

The Colts number one receiver will be covered by Revis all game, plus the Colts may be interested in resting Wayne on some plays he normally would play, if not for a good chunk of the game.

Projected stats: 5 catches, 49 yards, 0 TD

RB Jerome Harrison, CLE vs. OAK

I know what a lot of you are saying…he’s playing the Raiders!  He has to have another crazy rushing game!  But you are wrong. With Brady Quinn on IR and lethargic Derek Anderson starting, the Browns offense will struggle all day to move the ball, limiting Harrison’s touches.

Projected stats: 17 carries, 53 yards, 0 TD, 1 catches, 6 yards

TE John Carlson, SEA @ GB

While Finley should have a field day, Carlson will struggle to find opening’s in the Packer’s 3-4 defense. Don’t expect 500 yards from Hasselbeck against the Green Bay secondary this week.

Projected stats: 4 catches, 47 yards, 0 TD