Fantasy Football: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 16

Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) gestures during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Sit ‘Em

Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

Phillip Rivers red-hot start to the 2014 season has all but grown ice-cold over recent weeks. (And to think, I started this season with Rivers and Cutler as my primary fantasy quarterbacks) Rivers and the Chargers dropped their last two games at home, and in week 16 they face the San Francisco 49ers.

Granted, the 9ers defense isn’t what it once was, but they’re still one of the top 10 defenses in my book. The 49ers D is allowing a low 206 yards per game through the air and have also forced 17 interceptions to boot.

Combine that with the fact that Rivers has thrown five pics in his last four games, and you may find yourself leaning towards another option with the Championship at stake.

Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills

Sammy Watkins is another player who has shown drastic regression over the past few weeks. Since the Bills Week 9 bye, Watkins has only gone over 30 yards three times and has failed to hall in a touchdown.

Some may see the upcoming schedule and think, “Hey, Watkins gets the Oakland Raiders in week 16, time for a turn around.”

Not so fast there. Believe it or not, the Raiders defense is actually playing respectable football. They have controlled their opponents passing attacks decently and have not allowed a passing touchdown since week 11. Not too shabby.

Hurting Watkins fantasy numbers even more is the fact that Buffalo’s defense is playing some stingy football themselves. The Bills tend to play games from the lead, meaning less Kyle Orton passes, and more Fred Jackson handoffs.

Next: Start 'Em - Slide 2