2020 GAME CAPSULES WEEK 16 SUNDAY – MONDAY MATCHUPS By Matt Wilson FantasySharks.com Senior Writer

This is the final edition of our VIP Report Game Capsules for 2020. Thank you for reading. Have a safe and Happy New Year! -- Matt Wilson (10-4) (11-3)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 1 :0 0 P.M. ET HEINZ FIELD  PITTSBURGH, PA LINE: PICK ’ EM OVER/UNDER: 4 3 .0

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Philip Rivers (toe), Marcus Johnson (quad), Mo Alie-Cox (knee), Jack Doyle (quad)

BYE: Week 7

The Indianapolis Colts are 10-4 but still haven’t clinched a playoff berth. If the Baltimore Ravens lose, a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers will punch the Colts’ ticket to the postseason. If the lose to the , Indianapolis will win the AFC South.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP Philip Rivers continues to play his best football of the season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have permitted the second-fewest passing yards and the ninth-fewest strikes. A moderate from Rivers is the best you can expect.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP Jonathan Taylor has received heavy workloads in recent weeks, but you should dial back your expectations for him since the Steelers defense has yielded the seventh-fewest rushing yards and the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Because of the tough rushing matchup, will see more action than usual in a pass-catching role. I like his chances for a score.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP The Steelers defense has permitted the ninth-fewest wideout fantasy points, and Pittsburgh is usually stingier versus the pass at home. T.Y. Hilton lines up on both sides of the formation and will battle Joe Haden and Steven Nelson, who are both playing well. Hilton has been playing well lately, too. also will battle Haden and Nelson. Pittsburgh has been softer against slot guys, but Michael Pittman has gone stone cold.

TIGHT END MATCHUP The Colts' three-person tight end rotation that’s made up of Trey Burton, Jack Doyle and Mo Alie-Cox remains unpredictable. Here’s what is predictable: The Steelers defense has permitted the fewest tight end fantasy points and one score to the position. There are better streaming options out there.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Philip Rivers 240 2 0 0 RB Jonathan Taylor 67 0 4 24 0 RB Nyheim Hines 25 0 5 30 1 RB 10 0 0 0 0 WR T.Y. Hilton 5 64 1 WR Michael Pittman 3 30 0 WR Zach Pascal 5 40 0 WR Marcus Johnson ------WR 0 0 0 TE Trey Burton 3 20 0 TE Jack Doyle 2 12 0 TE Mo Alie-Cox 3 20 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK 3 3 2 2 14

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Colts 20 5 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2019 Regular Season – Week 9  Indianapolis lost to Pittsburgh 26-24 at Heinz Field.  Brian Hoyer passed for 168-3-1 and rushed for 1-6-0.  threw for 59-0-0 and rushed for 2-4-0.  compiled a 21-89-0 rushing line and a 0-0-0 receiving line (0 targets).  Nyheim Hines amassed a 1-7-0 rushing line and a 1-21-0 receiving line (3 targets).  Jordan Wilkins rolled up a 1-6-0 rushing line and a 1-6-0 receiving line (6 targets).  T.Y. Hilton missed the game because of a calf injury.  Zach Pascal caught five passes for 76 yards and one touchdown (6 targets).  Chester Rogers (FA) made three grabs for 22 yards and one touchdown (5 targets).  Jack Doyle hauled in three passes for 22 yards and one touchdown (4 targets).

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Ben Roethlisberger (knee), James Conner (quad), Eric Ebron (back), Chris Boswell (groin), Anthony McFarland (illness)

BYE: Week 4

Even though the 11-3 Pittsburgh Steelers have lost three in a row, they’ve alrealy clinched a playoff berth. A victory over the Indianapolis Colts would give Pittsburgh the AFC North crown. The Steelers desperately need their struggling offense to get back on track.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP Pittsburgh is desperate for a win, and Ben Roethlisberger usually plays his best at home. Can he and the Steelers offense get turn things around? During the last four weeks, the Indianapolis Colts defense has coughed up the most passing yards and the 12th-most quarterback fantasy points. Roethlisberger could have a huge game, but I’m expecting another moderate outing from a passing attack that’s just not clicking. Big Ben comes with upside…and downside, too.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP James Conner (quad) was expected to return, but he hasn’t been playing well when healthy. Last week Benny Snell rushed for 18-84-1 versus the . If Conner struggles, we could see more of Snell than expected. Indianapolis has limited the last seven tailbacks not named Derrick Henry to 70 or fewer yards. Conner is a risky fantasy RB3 play while Snell is a risky fantasy RB4 play with upside if Conner struggles. Be careful here.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP The Colts defense has yielded the 10th-fewest wideout fantasy points. Diontae Johnson probably won’t have a big game against while JuJu Smith-Schuster has the best matchup versus slot Kenny Moore. Chase Claypool hasn’t done much lately, but I like his chances for a touchdown grab against Rock Ya-Sin. (7-7) (1-13)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 1 :0 0 P.M. ET TIAA BANK FIELD  JACKSONVILLE, FL LINE: C H I – 7 . 5 OVER/UNDER: 4 7 .0

CHICAGO BEARS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: (hamstring), Cordarrelle Patterson (knee)

BYE: Week 11 The ’ shocking loss to the Saturday afternoon left the door open for the Chicago Bears to sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card. Chicago needs to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars and a Green Bay Packers team that could be resting its starters in Week 17. The red-hot Bears offense has scored at least 30 points in three straight contests.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP In ’s last four games, he passed for moderate yardage and either one or three touchdown strikes per contest depending on the success of the ground game. The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has coughed up the sixth-most passing yards and the most touchdown strikes. Since David Montgomery should run well, expect a moderate outing from Trubisky despite the very favorable matchup.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP During Chicago’s last four games, David Montgomery racked up six and rushed for 100-plus yards three times. He’s also coming off a season-best 32-146-2 outing versus the Minnesota Vikings. Montgomery is a strong play versus a Jacksonville defense that has permitted the fifth-most rushing yards and the sixth-most rushing scores to opposing tailbacks.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP Averaging 9.5 targets per game with Trubisky slinging the rock during the last month, Allen Robinson has compiled a combined 27 catches for 356 yards and three scoring grabs. Robinson has either scored or cleared 70 receiving yards in four straight. Jacksonville’s defense has allowed the ninth-most wideout fantasy points, and this is a revenge game for Robinson.

TIGHT END MATCHUP Although Cole Kmet drew just two targets during the Bears’ win over the Minnesota Vikings last week, he played 100 percent of the offensive snaps as Chicago continues to phase out of the offense. If you’re desperate for a streamer, Kmet has appeal against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most touchdown grabs to tight ends.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Mitch Trubisky 255 2 20 0 RB David Montgomery 125 2 4 33 0 RB Cordarrelle Patterson 25 0 1 10 0 RB 0 0 0 0 0 WR Allen Robinson 8 85 1 WR 3 37 0 WR Anthony Miller 4 30 0 WR 1 10 0 TE Cole Kmet 5 40 1 TE Jimmy Graham 2 10 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK 1 1 4 4 7

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Bears 24 5 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2016 Regular Season  Chicago was outdueled by Jacksonville 17-16 at Soldier Field.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: James Robinson (knee), (hamstring)

BYE: Week 8

The 1-13 Jacksonville Jaguars have lost a franchise-record 13 straight games. With remaining contests versus the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts left on the schedule, the Jaguars probably won’t win another one this season, unless the Colts are in a position to rest their starters in Week 17. Jackonville has switched from back to , and only head coach Doug Marrone knows the real reason why.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP In the two of three starts that Mike Glennon finished, he passed for 235-2-0 versus the and 280-1-2 against the Minnesota Vikings. While he could make some noise against a Chicago Bears offense that has allowed the seventh-most passing yards and the fifth- most touchdown passes during the last month, he’s not a safe streaming option.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP With James Robinson ruled out, pass-catching specialist and early-down grinder will split the backfield duties. The Bears have allowed the ninth-most rushing yards during the last four weeks, but trusting Ogunbowale or Ozigbo in fantasy bowl lineups isn’t a smart decision.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP Collin Johnson (hamstring) is Glennon’s favorite wideout, but Johnson has been ruled out. Since Week 12, Chicago has yielded the ninth-most wideout fantasy points, but the Jaguars have been using their wideouts in unpredictable rotations. I suspect D.J. Chark will struggle against Kyle Fuller. The Bears won’t have No. 2 cornerback Jaylen Johnson, but Chris Conley has been unreliable. With slot cornerback Buster Skrine still out, I think Keelan Cole will have a nice game, but it takes a leap of faith to start him.

TIGHT END MATCHUP Glennon loves to throw to his tight ends, and either scored or cleared 45 receiving yards in two of Glennon’s three starts. The Chicago defense has permitted the fourth-most touchdown grabs and the second-most fantasy points to tight ends. Consider Eifert a boom-or- bust play.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Mike Glennon 275 2 0 0 RB James Robinson ------RB Chris Thompson ------RB Dare Ogunbowale 50 0 3 20 0 RB Devine Ozigbo 40 0 1 11 0 WR D.J. Chark 4 42 0 WR Keelan Cole 6 62 1 WR 4 46 0 WR Chris Conley 3 40 0 WR Collin Johnson ------TE Tyler Eifert 5 44 1 TE James O’Shaughnessy 1 10 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK 1 1 3 3 6

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Jaguars 34 3 1 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2016 Regular Season  Jacksonville slipped past Chicago 17-16 at Soldier Field. CINCINNATI BENGALS (3-10-1) (4-10)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 1 :0 0 P.M. ET NRG STADIUM  HOUSTON, TX LINE: H O U – 7 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 4 4 .5

CINCINNATI BENGALS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Tyler Boyd (concussion), (foot – IR) BYE: Week 9

The 3-10-1 Cincinnati Bengals pulled off one of the biggest surprise wins of the season last week, downing the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in what was undoubtedly their “Super Bowl” during a lost season. Cincinnati will close out a lost season with this matchup against the Houston Texans and a home finale versus the Baltimore Ravens. It’s hard to see them winning either game.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP As I was writing this up, the Bengals hadn’t announced whether Brandon Allen or Ryan Finley would get the start. You certainly didn’t make your fantasy bowl with either one of these guys, but one of them could make a little fantasy noise versus a Houston Texans defense that has permitted the ninth-most passing yards and the seventh-most touchdown strikes.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP This past Sunday, Giovani Bernard erupted versus the Pittsburgh Steelers with a season-best outing that included 25 carries for 83 yards and one touchdown, and one catch for 14 yards and one touchdown on one target. Bernard is back in the fantasy RB2/RB3 conversation in a matchup versus a Houston defense that has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards and the second-most fantasy points to the running back position.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP Tyler Boyd (concussion) is a no-go, so and A.J. Green are the only two targets who matter. Houston’s defense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to the wideout position. Higgins deserves fantasy WR3 or flex consideration, but Green is too risky to trust.

TIGHT END MATCHUP Drew Sample hasn’t scored his season and hasn’t cleared 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 7. The Texans are ranked just 15th in fantasy points allowed to enemy tight ends, but you’re not going to start Sample in your fantasy bowl, right?

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Brandon Allen/Ryan Finley 199 1 20 0 RB Joe Mixon ------RB Giovani Bernard 70 1 3 20 0 RB 20 0 1 7 0 RB 10 0 0 0 0 WR Tyler Boyd ------WR A.J. Green 4 50 0 WR Tee Higgins 5 78 1 WR 2 14 0 TE Drew Sample 4 30 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Randy Bullock 1 1 2 2 5

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Bengals 34 3 1 0 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2017 Regular Season  Cincinnati lost to Houston 13-9 at Paul Brown Stadium.

HOUSTON TEXANS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Duke Johnson (neck), (foot), Randall Cobb (toe – IR), Will Fuller (suspension)

BYE: Week 8

The 4-10 Houston Texans are riding a three-game winning streak, but two of the three losses were by seven or fewer points. In other words, the Texans, led by , are still putting in some effort during the close of what’s obviously a lost season. This matchup against the lowly Cincinnati Bengals has the words “feel good” and “easy win” written all over it.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP In games played without Will Fuller (suspension), Deshaun Watson has finished as the fantasy QB14, QB18 and QB10, so he still has some value. The Cincinnati Bengals defense is ranked 15th in passing yards allowed, and the Bengals have coughed up the 12th-most touchdown strikes. On top of that, Cincinnati is coming off an emotional win on a short week and likely will have an exhale game. Don’t think twice about starting Watson.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP This past Sunday, David Johnson didn't get on track as a runner during his team's loss to the Indianapolis Colts (eight carries for 27 yards), but he logged 11 receptions for 106 yards on 11 targets, which were all season highs. While Johnson's heavy usage as a receiver was nice to see, it was way overdue. Before the Colts game, Johnson hadn't cleared four receptions in an outing. He has either scored or amassed at least 100 combo yards in three of his last four games. Johnson looks like a solid fantasy play with upside versus a Bengals defense that has permitted the fifth- most rushing yards to the running back position. Cincinnati also has yielded at least one running back touchdown in six of its last eight outings. WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP Will Fuller (league suspension) is done for the season, as you surely know, and don’t expect to see Randall Cobb (toe - injured reserve) again in 2020. Cincinnati’s defense has allowed the 14th-fewest wideout fantasy points, but the Bengals are softer on the road. and Chad Hansen should do well against perimeter William Jackson and . Keke Coutee, however, draws the tougher matchup against slot cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is probably Cincinnati’s best cover guy.

TIGHT END MATCHUP That’s more like it. This past Sunday, compiled five catches for 50 yards on six targets versus the Colts, which was Akins best fantasy outing since Week 11. With Coutee facing a tough matchup, Akins could make some fantasy noise as an underneath target against a Bengals defense that has allowed the 11th-most tight end fantasy points.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Deshaun Watson 319 3 34 1 RB David Johnson 60 0 7 50 1 RB C.J. Prosise 5 0 2 14 0 RB 15 0 0 0 0 RB Duke Johnson ------WR Will Fuller ------WR Brandin Cooks 8 90 1 WR Keke Coutee 5 40 0 WR Chad Hansen 5 67 0 WR Isaiah Coulter 0 0 0 WR Randall Cobb ------TE Jordan Akins 4 46 1 TE Darren Fells 2 12 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Ka’imi Fairbairn 2 2 4 4 10

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Texans 17 5 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2017 Regular Season  Houston slipped past Cincinnati 13-9 at Paul Brown Stadium. GIANTS (5-9) BALTIMORE RAVENS (9-5)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 1 :0 0 P.M. ET M&T BANK STADIUM  BALTIMORE, MD LINE: B AL – 1 0 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 4 4 .0

NEW YORK GIANTS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Daniel Jones (hamstring, ankle), (calf), Golden Tate (calf), Devonta Freeman (hamstring, reserve/COVID-19)

BYE: Week 11

As strange as it sounds, the 5-9 are still in the playoff hunt just one game behind NFC East division leader Washington. The Giants offense can run the ball somewhat effectively, but the passing attack has faded. That’s why New York has scored just 13 points in its last two games. This tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens is the Giants’ final road game of 2020 and likely loss number 10 of 2020.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP Daniel Jones is tentatively expected to return after sitting out last week. His last touchdown pass came back in Week 9. Even though the Baltimore Ravens secondary is banged up and they’ve slipped to 15th in quarterback fantasy points allowed, Jones isn’t starter material right now.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP Since Wayne Gallman emerged as the lead dog in Week 7, he has scored six times and notched a 100-yard game in the last eight weeks. Gallman usually has been good for at least 50 to 60 rushing yards per contest and a few catches per contest. Baltimore’s defense has permitted the 13th-fewest rushing yards and the 13th-fewest fantasy points to running backs, but I still think Gallman will snap his three-game scoreless streak with a touchdown run in garbage time.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP Baltimore’s defense has allowed the 12th-fewest wideout fantasy points. Golden Tate (calf) and not expected to suit up, leaving and . Shepard lines up all over the field, but Marcus Peters, Jimmy Smith and Marlon Humphrey are all good cover guys. Slayton plays the most snaps at left wideout, so he’ll likely battle Jimmy Smith more times than not. Shepard and Slayton are both weak plays.

TIGHT END MATCHUP Like the wideouts, Evan Engram has been struggling, too. He has caught one touchdown pass (Week 9) and cleared 46 yards in a contest since then (it was a 6-129-0 outing versus the Cincinnati Bengals three weeks ago). However, during the last month, the Ravens have allowed the 12th-fewest tight end fantasy points. Trusting Engram in a starting lineup with Jones throwing him the ball isn’t a good idea.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Daniel Jones 200 0 24 0 RB Devonta Freeman ------RB Wayne Gallman 60 1 3 24 0 RB Alfred Morris 17 0 0 0 0 RB Dion Lewis 0 0 3 23 0 WR Sterling Shepard 5 42 0 WR Darius Slayton 4 64 0 WR Golden Tate ------WR C.J. Board 0 0 0 TE Evan Engram 5 42 0 TE 1 5 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK 1 1 1 1 4

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Giants 34 4 1 0 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2016 Regular Season  New York defeated Baltimore 27-23 at MetLife Stadium.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Marquise Brown (knee), Dez Bryant (thigh),

BYE: Week 8

Winners of three straight, the 9-5 Baltimore Ravens remain in the postseason hunt. However, if the playoffs started today, the Ravens would be on the outsdie looking in as the No. 8 seed in an AFC field with seven teams. To make the postseason, Baltimore needs to run the table, which seems likely, and get some help from a couple of other teams.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP The version of Lamar Jackson that many of you thought you had drafted finally showed up during the two weeks. Even though the New York Giants defense has allowed the 10th-fewest quarterback fantasy points, Jackson is a must-start guy and a man on a mission to help the Ravens return to the postseason.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP Last week Mark Ingram was a healthy inactive, which tells us the Ravens are content to move forward with D.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards as the primary runners. Dobbins, averaging 13.3 carries per game in his last four outings, has scored in four straight and amassed at least 70 rushing yards in two of them. Gus Edwards is the primary backup. In his last four games, Edwards has scored three times and notched a 100-yard outing, but he also failed to clear 10 yards in one game. New York has allowed the ninth-fewest rushing yards to the running back position, but keep rolling with Dobbins as a bet-on-volume play.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP The Giants defense is ranked 14th in wideout fantasy points allowed. Baltimore has stepped up efforts to get Marquise Brown more involved. Averaging 7.3 targets per game during the last four weeks, he has hit paydirt three times and in three straight outings and amassed at least 80 receiving yards in two of them. Brown, however, will draw shadow coverage from James Bradberry. Dez Bryant caught an 11-yard touchdown pass against Jacksonville. The scoring grab projected for him this week, howeveer, is done with low confidence.

TIGHT END MATCHUP In Mark Andrews last four games played, he logged one touchdown reception or cleared 70 receiving yards in two straight outings. New York’s defense, during the last month, has coughed up the fifth-most tight end fantasy points.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Lamar Jackson 222 2 56 1 RB J.K. Dobbins 75 1 1 12 0 RB Gus Edwards 45 0 0 0 0 RB Mark Ingram 10 0 0 0 0 WR Marquise Brown 4 55 0 WR Willie Snead 4 32 0 WR Dez Bryant 3 30 1 WR Miles Boykin 1 10 0 TE Mark Andrews 6 75 1 TE Luke Willson 1 8 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Justin Tucker 2 2 4 4 10

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Ravens 10 6 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2016 Regular Season  Baltimore lost to New York 27-23 at MetLife Stadium. CLEVELAND BROWNS (10-4) (1-13)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 1 :0 0 P.M. ET METLIFE STADIUM  EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ LINE: C L E – 9 . 5 OVER/UNDER: 4 7 .5

CLEVELAND BROWNS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: (hip, reserve/COVID-19 List), (reserve/COVID-19 List), Donovan Peoples-Jones (reserve/COVID-19 List), Khadarel Hodge (reserve/COVID-19 List)

BYE: Week 9

Looking at the AFC North standings, the 9-4 Cleveland Browns are two games behind the 11-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and one game ahead of the 8-5 Baltimore Ravens, who defeated them twice. If the Browns go 2-1 in their final three games, they should make the playoffs. If the postseason started right now, the Browns would be the No. 5 seed in the AFC.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP Labeled a “game manager” earlier in the season, has passed for at least 330 yards and multiple touchdowns in two straight outings, and rushed for a touchdown. However, don’t chase Mayfield’s big outing from last week. The New York Giants defense is ranked 16th in passing yards allowed but fifth in touchdown strikes permitted, and the G-Men won’t have No. 1 cornerback James Bradberry. Nevertheless, the Browns will attack with a run-heavy game plan, so expect a moderate outing from Mayfield this time.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP Since Week 10, , averaging 18.8 carries per game, has cleared 110 yards in three games and scored at least one touchdown in four contests. has averaged 16 combo touches per contest on the seeason, but he has scored three times in his last six outings. New York’s defense has permitted the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs. Expect a heavy dose of Chubb, who has a decent chance to score twice. I don’t think game script will favor heavy involvement from passing-down specialist Hunt.

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP The only wideout in this group that’s a reasonably safe start is Jarvis Landry. Granted, he disappointed last week with just 6-52-0 against the Baltimore Ravens, but Landry had scored in two previous matchups and notched 100 yards once. James Bradberry (reserve/COVID) doesn’t usually trek into the slot (he’s not going to play). Landry has a plus matchup agianst rookie fourth-rounder .

TIGHT END MATCHUP During the last month, scored once but usually amasses two or three catches per game as Cleveland’s passing attack has flowed mainly through the wideouts. The Giants defense has yielded the eighth-fewest tight end fantasy points.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Baker Mayfield 234 2 15 0 RB Nick Chubb 100 1 1 12 0 RB Kareem Hunt 45 0 8 60 1 WR Jarvis Landry ------WR Rashard Higgins ------WR Donovan Peoples-Jones ------WR Khadarel Hodge ------WR Marvin Hall 3 35 0 WR Ja’Marcus Bradley 3 20 0 WR 1 10 0 TE Austin Hooper 7 72 1 TE 2 20 0 TE 1 5 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK 2 3 3 3 9 1 P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Browns 24 6 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2019 Regular Season – Week 2  Cleveland defeated New York 23-3 at MetLife Stadium.  Baker Mayfield passed for 325-1-1 and rushed for 0-0-0.  Nick Chubb compiled an 18-62-1 rushing line and a 4-36-0 receiving line (4 targets).  Kareem Hunt was serving a league suspension.  Odell Beckham hauled in six passes for 161 yards and one touchdown (10 targets).  Jarvis Landry made three grabs for 32 yards (7 targets).

NEW YORK JETS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Ty Johnson (hip), (calf), Breshad Perriman (shoulder), (foot), Jeff Smith (shoulder), La’Mical Perine (high-ankle sprain – IR)

BYE: Week 10

The New York Jets head into action with an 0-13 record. In their first game played after defensive boss Gregg Williams was fired, Gang Green hemorrhaged a season-high 40 points during a loss to the last week. The are in a dogfight for the NFC West division crown and won’t take New York lightly.

QUARTERBACK MATCHUP On the season, Sam Darnold has amassed a 5:9 TD-to-INT ratio and has thrown for more than 215 yards just once in nine contests played. On the season, the Los Angeles Rams defense has allowed the fewest passing yards and the fewest touchdown strikes. We both know that you’re not starting Darnold on any of your playoff teams.

RUNNING BACK MATCHUP It’s still a three-person timeshare backfield, and it’s still an ineffective three-person timeshare backfield. The touch count during a blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week was Frank Gore 9.0, Ty Johnson 8.0 and Josh Adams 8.0. Los Angeles’ defense has permitted the seventh-fewest rushing yards, the sixth-fewest rushing touchdowns and the fourth-fewest running back fantasy points. Any questions?

WIDE RECEIVER MATCHUP All the Jets wideouts tanked in a plus matchup against the Seattle Seahawks last week, which is a sure sign that the team has quit on Adam Gase or is close to doing so. Jamison Crowder scored twice versus the in Week 13 but failed to score 32 receiving yards in a contest during the last month. Breshad Perriman hasn’t scored or cleared 30 receiving yards in two straight. Denzel Mims cleared 60 receiving yards in three of his last four but didn’t score. Los Angeles has yielded the fewest wideout fantasy points. and Darious Williams should contain Perriman and Mims while Crowder will have his hands full with Troy Hill. I don’t like any of the Jets wideouts this week.

TIGHT END MATCHUP has been targeted 17 times in 13 games played, and has been targeted 12 times in 12 games played. There’s clearly no fantasy value here.

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Sam Darnold 204 1 24 1 RB Frank Gore 50 1 0 0 0 RB Josh Adams 20 0 1 10 0 RB Ty Johnson 25 0 4 30 0 RB La’Mical Perine ------WR Breshad Perriman 3 50 0 WR Denzel Mims 3 30 0 WR Jamison Crowder 5 46 1 WR Jeff Smith 2 20 0 TE Chris Herndon 1 10 0 TE Ryan Griffin 1 8 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Sergio Castillo 1 1 3 3 6 P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Jets 27 3 1 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2019 Regular Season – Week 2  New York lost to Cleveland 23-3 at MetLife Stadium.  Sam Darnold didn’t play (illness).  Luke Falk passed for 198-0-0 and rushed for 0-0-0.  Le’Veon Bell (Chiefs) compiled a 21-68-0 rushing line and a 10-61-0 rec. line (10 targets).  Robby Anderson (Panthers) caught four passes for 81 yards (6 targets).  Jamison Crowder made four grabs for 40 yards (6 targets).

CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-10) WASHINGTON F.T. (6-8)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 4 :0 5 P.M. ET FEDEX FIELD  LANDOVER, MD LINE: W AS – 1 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 4 2 .0

CAROLINA PANTHERS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Christian McCaffrey (thigh), Curtis Samuel (hamstring)

BYE: Week 13 WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Teddy Bridgewater 227 1 27 1 RB Christian McCaffrey ------RB Mike Davis 64 0 5 34 0 RB Rodney Smith 10 0 1 7 0 RB Trenton Cannon 0 0 0 0 0 WR Robby Anderson 5 42 0 WR D.J. Moore 4 67 1 WR Curtis Samuel 15 0 5 40 0 WR 2 20 0 TE Ian Thomas 2 17 0 TE 0 0 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Joey Slye 1 2 2 2 5

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Panthers 24 3 1 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2019 Regular Season – Week 13  Carolina lost to Washington 29-21 at Bank of America Stadium.  (Washington) passed for 278-2-1 and rushed for 4-22-1.  Christian McCaffrey compiled a 14-44-0 rushing line and a 7-58-0 rec. line (12 targets).  D.J. Moore hauled in six passes for 75 yards and one touchdown (12 targets).  Curtis Samuel made four grabs for 65 yards and one touchdown (7 targets).  Greg Olsen (Seahawks) logged three receptions for 22 yards (3 targets).

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Alex Smith (calf), Antonio Gibson (toe), Terry McLaurin (ankle) BYE: Week 8

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Alex Smith 246 1 0 0 RB Antonio Gibson 70 1 0 0 0 RB J.D. McKissic 50 1 8 62 0 RB Peyton Barber 20 0 0 0 0 WR Terry McLaurin ------WR Cam Sims 4 57 0 WR Steven Sims 3 30 0 WR Dontrelle Inman 3 25 0 TE Logan Thomas 7 72 1

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Dustin Hopkins 1 1 3 3 6

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Washington 17 6 1 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2019 Regular Season – Week 13  Dwayne Haskins passed for 147-0-0 and rushed for 4-6-0.  Derrius Guice compiled a 10-129-2 rushing line and a 2-8-0 receiving line (2 targets).  Adrian Peterson (Lions) amassed a 13-99-1 rushing line and a 0-0-0 receiving line (1 target).  Terry McLaurin caught two passes for eight yards (4 targets).  Steven Sims made three grabs for 29 yards (4 targets). DENVER BRONCOS (5-9) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (5-9)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 4 :0 5 P.M. ET SOFI STADIUM  INGLEWOOD, CA LINE: L . A. – 3 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 4 8 .5

DENVER BRONCOS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: (hip, knee – IR), Royce Freeman (hip) BYE: Week 5

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Drew Lock 269 2 10 0 RB Melvin Gordon 78 1 5 34 0 RB Phillip Lindsay ------RB Royce Freeman 20 0 1 5 0 WR Jerry Jeudy 4 40 0 WR Tim Patrick 6 78 1 WR K.J. Hamler 4 36 0 WR DaeSean Hamilton 1 11 0 TE Noah Fant 6 60 1 TE Nick Vannett 1 5 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Brandon McManus 2 2 3 3 9

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Broncos 34 5 0 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 8  Denver outdueled Los Angeles 31-30 at Empower Field at Mile High.  Drew Lock passed for 248-3-1 and rushed for 2-(-1)-0.  Melvin Gordon compiled an 8-26-0 rushing line and a 6-21-0 receiving line (7 targets).  Phillip Lindsay amassed a 6-83-1 rushing line and a 1-3-0 receiving line (3 targets).  Jerry Jeudy made four grabs for 73 yards (10 targets).  Tim Patrick missed the game because of a hamstring injury.  K.J. Hamler logged three receptions for 13 yards and one touchdown (3 targets).  Noah Fant reeled in seven passes for 47 yards (9 targets).

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: (hip, reserve/COVID-19), Keenan Allen (hamstring), Virgil Green (ankle – IR) BYE: Week 6

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Justin Herbert 281 3 15 0 RB Austin Ekeler 85 0 8 67 1 RB Kalen Ballage 35 1 1 6 0 RB Justin Jackson 20 0 1 5 0 WR Keenan Allen ------WR Mike Williams 6 89 1 WR Tyron Johnson 5 60 1 WR Jalen Guyton 2 34 0 WR Joe Reed 1 10 0 TE Hunter Henry ------TE Virgil Green ------TE Donald Parham 1 10 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Michael Badgley 2 2 4 4 10

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Chargers 27 6 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 8  Los Angeles lost to Denver 31-30 at Empower Field at Mile High.  Justin Herbert passed for 278-3-2 and rushed for 3-21-0.  Austin Ekeler missed the game because of a hamstring injury.  Justin Jackson compiled a 17-89-0 rushing line and a 3-53-0 receiving line.  Joshua Kelley amassed a 7-32-0 rushing line and a 1-(-7)-0 receiving line (1 target).  Keenan Allen caught nine passes for 67 yards and one touchdown (12 targets).  Mike Williams hauled in five passes for 99 yards and one touchdown (8 targets).  Hunter Henry made four grabs for 33 yards (4 targets). PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-9-1) DALLAS COWBOYS (5-9)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 4 :2 5 P.M. ET AT&T STADIUM  ARLINGTON, TX LINE: P H I – 3 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 4 9 .5

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Jalen Reagor (ankle), Richard Rodgers (ankle) BYE: Week 9

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Jalen Hurts 242 2 80 1 RB Miles Sanders 70 0 4 28 0 RB Boston Scott 10 0 2 12 0 RB Jordan Howard 10 0 0 0 0 WR Jalen Reagor 4 40 0 WR Greg Ward 3 20 0 WR Alshon Jeffery 2 25 1 WR Travis Fulgham 1 10 0 WR DeSean Jackson 2 20 0 TE Zach Ertz 3 20 0 TE Dallas Goedert 6 67 1

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Jake Elliott 2 3 3 3 9

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Eagles 23 6 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 8  Philadelphia defeated Dallas 23-9 at Lincoln Financial Field.  passed for 123-2-2 and rushed for 4-17-0.  Miles Sanders missed the contest due to a knee injury.  Boston Scott compiled a 15-70-0 rushing line and a 2-9-0 receiving line (2 targets).  amassed a 5-24-0 rushing line and a 1-4-0 receiving line (2 targets).  Jalen Reagor caught three passes for 16 yards and one touchdown (6 targets).  Travis Fulgham logged six receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown (7 targets).  Greg Ward made three grabs for 10 yards (5 targets).  Dallas Goedert reeled in one pass for 15 yards (1 target).  Zach Ertz missed the game because of a knee injury. DALLAS COWBOYS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Ezekiel Elliott (calf), Michael Gallup (hip)

BYE: Week 10

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB 283 2 20 0 RB Ezekiel Elliott 70 1 3 23 0 RB Tony Pollard 40 0 4 28 0 WR Amari Cooper 8 94 0 WR CeeDee Lamb 4 63 1 WR Michael Gallup 3 30 0 WR Cedrick Wilson 2 17 0 TE Dalton Schultz 3 28 1

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Greg Zuerlein 2 2 3 3 9 1 P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Cowboys 27 5 1 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 8  Dallas lost to Philadelphia 23-9 at Lincoln Financial Field.  Andy Dalton was in concussion protocol and missed the game.  Ben DiNucci passed for 180-0-0 and rushed for 5-22-0.  Ezekiel Elliott compiled a 19-63-0 rushing line and a 1-10-0 receiving line (2 targets).  Tony Pollard amassed a 7-40-0 rushing line and a 2-24-0 receiving line (2 targets).  Amari Cooper caught one pass for five yards (5 targets).  CeeDee Lamb made four grabs for 27 yards (5 targets).  Michael Gallup reeled in seven passes for 61 yards (12 targets).  Dalton Schultz logged six receptions for 53 yards (8 targets). LOS ANGELES RAMS (9-5) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (10-4)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 4 :2 5 P.M. ET LUMEN FIELD  SEATTLE, WA LINE: S E A – 1 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 4 7 .5

LOS ANGELES RAMS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Robert Woods (thigh) BYE: Week 9

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB 280 1 14 0 RB Cam Akers ------RB Darrell Henderson 70 1 3 20 0 RB Malcolm Brown 30 1 1 11 0 WR Robert Woods 0 0 6 62 1 WR 7 76 0 WR Josh Reynolds 5 42 0 WR Van Jefferson 1 10 0 TE 4 35 0 TE Gerald Everett 3 24 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Matt Gay 1 1 3 3 6

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Rams 26 5 1 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 10  Los Angeles defeated Seattle 23-16 at SoFi Stadium.  Jared Goff passed for 302-0-0 and rushed for 5-4-0.  Cam Akers compiled a 10-38-0 rushing line and a 0-0-0 receiving line (0 targets).  Malcolm Brown amassed a 6-33-2 rushing line and a 2-18-0 receiving line (2 targets).  Darrell Henderson rolled up a 7-28-1 rushing line and a 1-5-0 receiving line (1 target).  Robert Woods caught five passes for 33 yards (6 targets).  Cooper Kupp logged five receptions for 50 yards (7 targets).  Josh Reynolds hauled in eight passes for 94 yards (10 targets).  Tyler Higbee made three snags for 60 yards (6 targets).  Gerald Everett caught two passes for 27 yards (3 targets).

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Chris Carson (foot), (hamstring), DeeJay Dallas (ankle), Travis Homer (knee, thumb), Will Dissly (shoulder), Greg Olsen (knee – IR)

BYE: Week 6

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Russell Wilson 252 1 52 0 RB Chris Carson 75 1 4 33 1 RB Carlos Hyde 25 0 1 12 0 RB DeeJay Dallas ------RB Travis Homer ------WR D.K. Metcalf 5 57 0 WR Tyler Lockett 6 60 0 WR David Moore 3 35 0 TE Greg Olsen 2 16 0 TE Will Dissly 3 20 0 TE Jacob Hollister 2 19 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Jason Myers 4 4 2 2 14

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Seahawks 24 5 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 10  Seattle lost to Los Angeles 23-16 at SoFi Stadium.  Russell Wilson threw for 248-0-2 and rushed for 8-60-0.  Chris Carson missed the contest because of a foot injury.  Carlos Hyde sat out due to a hamstring injury.  Alex Collins amassed an 11-43-1 rushing line and a 1-4-0 receiving line (2 targets).  DeeJay Dallas compiled a 2-8-0 rushing line and a 2-23-0 receiving line (3 targets).  D.K. Metcalf caught two passes for 28 yards (4 targets).  Tyler Lockett made five grabs for 66 yards (9 targets).  David Moore reeled in two passes for 16 yards (3 targets).  Will Dissly caught one pass for 16 yards (2 targets).  Jacob Hollister hauled in one pass for six yards (1 target). TENNESSEE TITANS (10-4) GREEN BAY PACKERS (11-3)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 TH 7 :2 0 P.M. ET LAMBEAU FIELD  GREEN BAY, WI LINE: G . B . – 3 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 5 4 .0

TENNESSEE TITANS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Adam Humphries (concussion – IR) BYE: Week 4

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Ryan Tannehill 229 2 30 0 RB Derrick Henry 135 2 1 11 0 RB Darrynton Evans 15 0 2 14 0 RB Jeremy McNichols 5 0 0 0 0 WR A.J. Brown 6 89 1 WR Corey Davis 4 57 0 WR Adam Humphries ------WR Cameron Batson 1 10 0 TE Jonnu Smith 3 28 1 TE Anthony Firkser 1 12 0 TE Geoff Swaim 1 8 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Stephen Gostkowski 1 2 4 4 7

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Titans 37 4 0 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2016 Regular Season  Tennessee routed Green Bay 47-25 at Nissan Stadium.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: , (core muscle), Equanimeous St. Brown (knee), Marcedes Lewis (knee)

BYE: Week 5

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB 353 3 15 0 RB Aaron Jones 90 1 3 20 0 RB Jamaal Williams ------RB Tyler Ervin 25 0 2 16 0 WR 10 136 1 WR Allen Lazard 3 38 0 WR M. Valdes-Scantling 4 77 1 WR Equanimeous St. Brown 1 10 0 TE 4 45 1 TE Marcedes Lewis 1 11 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK 3 3 4 4 13

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Packers 31 5 1 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2016 Regular Season  Green Bay was blown out by Tennessee 47-25 at Nissan Stadium.

BUFFALO BILLS (11-3) (6-8)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 TH 7 :1 5 P.M. ET GILLETTE STADIUM  FOXBOROUGH, MA LINE: B U F – 7 . 0 OVER/UNDER: 4 6 .0

BUFFALO BILLS

INJURIES TO MONITOR: Josh Allen (knee/ankle), Stefon Diggs (foot), John Brown (ankle – IR)

BYE: Week 11

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Josh Allen 254 1 50 1 RB Zach Moss 70 1 1 11 0 RB Devin Singletary 50 0 3 24 0 WR Stefon Diggs 7 70 1 WR John Brown 2 30 0 WR Cole Beasley 6 58 0 WR Gabriel Davis 2 37 0 WR Isaiah McKenzie 1 10 0 TE Dawson Knox 2 14 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Tyler Bass 3 3 3 3 12

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Bills 23 5 2 1 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 8  Buffalo defeated New England 24-21 at New Era Field.  Josh Allen passed for 154-0-1 and rushed for 10-23-1.  Devin Singletary compiled a 14-86-0 rushing line and a 1-6-0 receiving line (1 target).  Zack Moss amassed a 14-81-2 rushing line and a 0-0-0 receiving line (1 target).  Stefon Diggs caught six passes for 92 yards (9 targets).  John Brown made one grab for 21 yards (2 targets).  Cole Beasley reeled in two passes for 24 yards (2 targets).  Gabriel Davis didn’t catch any passes (2 targets).  hauled in one pass for 11 yards (1 target).  Dawson Knox logged two catches for 11 yards (2 targets).

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Damien Harris (ankle), Julian Edelman (reserve/COVID- 19), Nick Folk (back)

BYE: Week 5

WEEK 16 PLAYER PROJECTIONS

PASS PASS RUSH RUSH REC REC PLAYER REC YDS TD YDS TD YDS TD QB Cam Newton 209 0 56 1 RB Damien Harris ------RB Sony Michel 72 1 1 12 0 RB James White 10 0 3 23 0 WR Julian Edelman ------WR Jakobi Meyers 5 68 0 WR 4 56 0 WR N’Keal Harry 3 20 0 WR Jakob Johnson 2 18 0 TE 1 12 0

FGM FGA XPM XPA PTS PK Nick Folk 3 3 2 2 11

P/A SK INT FUM TD DT Patriots 30 5 1 0 0

PREVIOUS MATCHUP: 2020 Regular Season – Week 8  New England lost to Buffalo 24-21 at New Era Field.  Cam Newton passed for 174-0-0 and rushed for 9-54-1.  Damien Harris compiled a 16-102-1 rushing line and a 0-0-0 receiving line (zero targets).  (ACL) amassed a 6-26-0 rushing line and a 1-5-0 receiving line (1 target).  Sony Michel missed the game because of a quad injury.  James White rolled up a 2-0-0 rushing line and a 2-35-0 receiving line (4 targets).  Julian Edelman missed the contest because of a knee injury.  Jakobi Meyers caught six passes for 58 yards (10 targets).  Damiere Byrd made three grabs for 39 yards (4 targets).  N’Keal Harry sat out the contest (concussion protocol).  Ryan Izzo caught one pass for 13 yards (1 target).