Fantasy football tips for Week 16
A few additional fantasy nuggets to help owners set their Week 16 lineups, including injuries, a key sit/start matchup and the stat of the week.
Injury report
Be sure to check the USA TODAY Fantasy Sports player notes for the latest updates prior to kickoff.
RB Frank Gore, 49ers (questionable)
A short week will hamper his chances of being cleared after his concussion. Backup Carlos Hyde (ankle, back) ailing as well.
QB Cam Newton, Panthers (questionable)
Splitting practice reps with Derek Anderson despite two broken bones in his back. Decision on a starter expected Friday.
RB Ryan Mathews, Chargers (questionable)
Has shown little improvement from the ankle injury that kept him out in Week 15. A tough 49ers defense makes decision easier for fantasy owners.
WR Keenan Allen, Chargers (doubtful)
Not officially out just yet, but a fractured collarbone likely ends his season. QB Philip Rivers is dealing with chest, back injuries as well.
RB DeMarco Murray, Cowboys (questionable)
Encouraging to see him on the practice field two days after hand surgery. If he can play, he's a must start, even at less than 100%.
WR Julio Jones, Falcons (questionable)
Missed Week 15 with a hip injury and will be a game-time decision on Sunday. Harry Douglas worth a flex start either way.
RB C.J. Spiller, Bills (questionable)
Out since Week 8 with a broken collarbone, he's set to be activated just in time for a favorable matchup vs. the Raiders.
WR T.Y. Hilton, Colts (questionable)
Hamstring injuries are always tricky and taking a chance on him in a late afternoon game could backfire if he has a setback.
-- Cory Bonini and Steve Gardner, USA TODAY Sports
Key matchup
START: QB Joe Flacco, Ravens
Flacco has nine total touchdowns and one turnover in his last five games. He should have no problem keeping up this production against the Houston Texans, who have allowed 25 touchdown passes. He should be good for multiple scores on Sunday. At $5,500 in FantasyScore contests Flacco is a steal.
SIT: QB Philip Rivers, Chargers
Now is not the time to take a risk on the slumping Rivers. He has thrown one or no touchdown passes in five of his last six games. The San Francisco 49ers rank third against the pass and have allowed just seven touchdown passes at home all season. At a $6,600 salary, Rivers is definitely overvalued.
— Marc Caviglia, BrunoBoys.net
Stat of the week
55
League-leading number of red-zone opportunities for Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown. He's cashed in on nine of those (and has 11 total TDs) on the way to becoming fantasy's No. 1 receiver.
-- Tony Holm, FantasySharks.com
Play the game
Daily fantasy games represent the fastest growing segment of the fantasy sports industry. This NFL season, USA TODAY has introduced its own daily game, FantasyScore, where fantasy owners can draft a new lineup each week and win cash prizes. For more information and to sign up, go to www.FantasyScore.com.
