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Quarterback Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 16
The quarterback position is somewhat loaded with intriguing options both in season-long and daily fantasy football leagues. With some low-priced options worth potentially streaming, the key evaluation will be centered around DFS here. There are still a few big names who deserve to remain on your bench in season-long leagues.
Start: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys vs. Buccaneers
If you were burnt by Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys offense in Week 15, it's understandable to feel bitter. With that said, they get a prime bounce-back spot here against a poor pass defense in a position where winning sends them dancing. For good measure, Dallas also gets to play on their home field which provides a big advantage.
The Buccaneers have allowed 3,839 yards and 30 passing touchdowns (second-most in NFL). For good measure, they've also given up 292 rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks, pointing to another avenue to success for Prescott.
Sit: Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions vs. Vikings
The Detroit Lions are now out of the postseason mix and essentially have nothing to play for. Now they get to face a Minnesota Vikings team who needs to keep winning in order to hold off the teams behind them in the playoff standings. It's a less-than-ideal situation for the Lions as a whole, but it's very bad for Stafford.
Although the Lions are on their home field, the Vikings have been great against opposing quarterbacks. On the year they've allowed just 15 touchdown passes and intercepted 12 passes. There's very little to like about this spot for Stafford.
Start: Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns vs. Bengals
The Browns' playoff chances are still alive, but they need a whole lot of help. Fortunately, the Browns first need to focus on winning in Week 16, which comes against a depleted Bengals team. This is a great spot for Cleveland, but specifically Baker Mayfield, who's flashed tremendous upside in recent weeks.
We all remember the last time Mayfield and the Browns faced the Bengals. It was the infamous "I won't hug you" postgame moment between the quarterback and former coach Hue Jackson. In that game, Baker threw four touchdown passes while completing 73.1 percent of his passes. There's no reason to believe Cincinnati will magically figure Mayfield out.
Additional DraftKings QB Targets Week 16
– Andrew Luck vs. New York Giants ($6,200)
– Deshaun Watson at Philadelphia Eagles ($6,600)
– Taylor Heinicke vs. Atlanta Falcons ($4,000)
The matchups and current playoff push for both Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson are too appealing to ignore. Both players have plenty to play for, and each draws a solid matchup statistically. When it gets to this point in the season, many decisions come down to finding players who have a lot to play for or finding strong value.
And speaking of value, that's where Carolina Panthers new starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke comes into play. The Panthers have opted to sit Cam Newton for the remainder of the season, meaning the third-year pro in Heinicke will draw the start. On the season, the Falcons have allowed 28 touchdowns through the air and four rushing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks. This is an intriguing spot and at $4,000 he's worth playing in big tournaments.
Running backs are up on the slate and we've laid out a few top options and one high-profile name to leave on the bench.