Honorable mention Starts: Nico Collins (HOU), Puka Nacua (LAR), Calvin Ridley (TEN)
Honorable mention Sits: Amari Cooper (BUF), DeAndre Hopkins (KC), Garrett Wilson (NYJ)
Start: Terry McLaurin, Washington Redskins
Terry McLaurin is a solid start in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons. McLaurin has been consistent as Washington’s top wide receiver, and the Falcons’ defense has struggled mightily against quality pass catchers this season. Atlanta ranks among the bottom teams in terms of pass defense, particularly in allowing big plays. With McLaurin’s ability to stretch the field, he has the potential to post big numbers. Given the favorable matchup, McLaurin has a big ceiling in this one, and I expect him to be back in the top 10 once again this week.
Start: A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
All it took was a sit reco a few weeks ago, and A.J. is back! If I had only known. Sigh. After a two-week, drama-filled hiatus, Brown has snapped off consecutive top-10 performances (WR9, WR8), and he’s set to do it again against a Dallas defense, allowing 40+ plus points a week to the position over the past four games. An obvious start if Hurts plays, and I don’t hate the matchup if it’s Kenny Pickett. Both carry injury designations into the week, and Tanner McKee is currently the only man standing. If McKee is under center Sunday, ABORT. A.J. Brown has been vocal about his hatred of the Cowboys, and in a bad-blood game, I expect him to be there for us in our fantasy playoffs. In the right space, he may return WR1 numbers this week.
Sit: Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Obviously, we’re starting Jefferson. Silly to recommend him as a sit. And maybe this is less of a sit reco and more of a temper-your-expectations type thing. While Jefferson is an elite talent, the Packers defense has been performing well lately, particularly against wide receivers (-3.8 position vs. opponent). Part of this is written with the expectation that Jaire Alexander – who practiced fully all week but was a scratch Sunday – will play. Consider Two weeks ago when Jefferson squared off against the Bears’ Jaylon Johnson. While covered by Johnson, Jefferson saw seven targets, one catch for one yard (7-6-72 otherwise). Alexander is that type of defender when healthy and active. And with Addison and Hockenson playing at a high level, Darnold doesn’t have to force it to Jefferson for the Vikings to compete. That being said, sitting Jefferson is not a decision to be taken lightly, as he has the potential for explosive performances. A floor game is my expectation here unless Jaire sits.
Sit: Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns
In weeks 11-15, Jeudy was DOMINANT (ahem, Denver), and no doubt carried teams into the postseason on his back. Flowers everywhere. So why the glum? Three names: Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Jeudy in his first game with DTR, you ask? Abysmal – three targets (yikes), two catches, 20 yards. Folks, it was fun while it lasted and you absolutely cannot trust Jerry as long as DTR is under center – which he will be if healthy. I promise you have better options, and if not, hit that wire.
