NFL Week 16 Fantasy Studs & Duds
Each week Studs & Duds will take a look at the best and worst match-ups from around the NFL and choose 4 players that could mean the difference between fantasy success or failure.
Based on the scoring system established by Yahoo!'s Flames and Lames, Studs and Duds is limping into the finish. After going 4-4 in last week's picks, S&D's season record now stands at 62-58. Do you have some of your own Studs and Duds in mind? If so, put your picks and predictions (no explanation for picks necessary) in the comment section below and see if you can beat us at our own game.
Studs
Kurt Warner / QB / Arizona Cardinals- (vs. Rams) Unfortunately for many of you out there, Warner has really cooled off the last two weeks. Of course his slump needed to come right as the fantasy playoffs were starting, and against two of his easier match-ups of the year. However, if you were lucky enough to advance despite his poor play, then you're going to want to make sure you have the Arizona QB in your week 16 lineup. Public leagues are in their championship weeks and if you want to win the coveted championship Warner will be the guy to lead you there. His match-up against the Rams will yield a solid amount of fantasy points. The Rams are in the bottom third of the league in pass defense, and it's likely the Cards will want Warner and his receivers to get on the same page again as they begin to prepare for the playoffs. That means plenty of chances for the veteran QB to rack up points.
Prediction: 28-39, 310 passing yards, 3 total touchdowns, 1 interception, 4 rushing yards
Donald Driver / WR / Green Bay Packers- (vs. Seahawks) Driver needs just 37 yards to post his sixth straight season with at least 1,000 receiving yards. You can be sure that he'll hit that mark and then some in week 16. The Packers passing game looked very solid last week against the Steelers, and they'll carry that success over into this week. Driver should see plenty of looks over the middle on short passes. The biggest downfall of all the Packers receivers this year has been the emergence of impressive rookie TE Jermichael Finley, but expect Finley to take a back seat against the Seahawks. Look for Driver and the Packers to take advantage of Seattle's 29th ranked pass D, and provide plenty of fantasy points for those of you hoping to take home the trophy.
Prediction: 8 receptions, 84 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
Jerome Harrison / RB / Cleveland Browns- (vs. Raiders) Harrison locked up his place in NFL history by coming out of nowhere and posting the third best rushing game in NFL history. He won't post that many rushing yards against Oakland, but he will find the end zone at least once. The Raiders allow the fifth most rushing yards per game, and have allowed 20 touchdowns (the most in the NFL) in 2009. Add in the facts of Browns Coach Eric Mangini wants to keep his job, Brady Quinn being placed on the IR, and cold weather in Cleveland; and it's not crazy to imagine Harrison garnering plenty of touches.
Prediction: 31 carries, 143 rushing yards, 3 reception, 19 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns
Visanthe Shiancoe / TE / Minnesota Vikings- (vs. Bears) Shiancoe has also cooled off the last two weeks, but he'll pick it up against the Bears. Since this is a divisional game, it's unlikely the Vikings will take it easy despite the fact that they've already won the division. Favre has a lot to prove after an apparent disharmony between him and Coach Brad Childress. That means that Favre will take his fair share of plays. The Bears have been up and down all year on defense, but with so much turmoil surrounding their team in recent weeks, it's likely that this will be one of their down weeks; which is good news for Shiancoe and the rest of the Vikings.
Prediction: 5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 touchdown
Duds
Peyton Manning / QB / Indianapolis Colts- (vs. Jets) Even though the Colts probably want to have a perfect season on their resumes, it's unlikely they risk the health of many of their star players. That means guys like Peyton and Reggie Wayne will likely make an early exit from a game that means nothing in the standings to Indy. Add in the fact that the Jets have top ranked pass D in the NFL, and you should be able to see that starting Peyton in week 16 would be a big mistake.
Prediction: 11-17, 164 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, 9 rushing yards
Miles Austin / WR / Dallas Cowboys- (vs. Redskins) Austin has likely carried many of you to a fantasy championship match-up, but get ready for a big letdown in week 16. Dallas is likely to choke their way out of the playoff race, and the Redskins' fifth ranked pass D will be a big part of that. The Redskins will be playing for pride in this one, and Dallas will have to win this one with their defense. That shouldn't be too tough considering Washington's ofense is pretty bad. Expect plenty of punts and a rather boring game for both teams from an offensive standpoint.
Prediction: 6 receptions, 35 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns
Jamaal Charles / RB / Kansas City Chiefs - (vs. Bengals) It's crazy to imagine, but despite playing for the Chiefs, Charles has managed to post six stud-worthy games in a row. That streak will come to a halt in week 16 as Kansas City faces off against Cincy's third ranked rush D. The Bengals are fighting to lock up the AFC North, and strong play by their defense will help them claim the division. That's bad news for Charles owner's as he's unlikely to get very much going on the ground. His only hope is to be involved heavily in the passing game, but with that unlikely you shouldn't count on Charles to help you win your leagues title.
Prediction: 21 carries, 42 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 19 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns
Heath Miller / TE / Pittsburgh Steelers- (vs. Ravens) Despite going over the 100 yard mark last week against the Packers, Miller is still not that great of a fantasy option. With the Ravens still trying to secure a playoff spot, you can expect their tough defense to show up on Sunday. They'll be very physical which will likely lead to Miller having to stay on the line as a blocker more often than not. You can expect this to be a hard fought divisional game, but not a very strong offensive one for Miller and Steelers.
Prediction: 1 reception, 17 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns


