Last week’s recommended daily fantasy didn’t work out overall after putting too many eggs in one basket for the low-scoring Patriots-Steelers game, but the running back trio of Joe Mixon, Chris Carson, and Derrick Henry all put up over 100 yards with a score, while Atlanta’s defense dominated against Arizona. Week 16 daily fantasy recommendations are more spread out while selecting players that might not be as highly owned.
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QB: Nick Foles vs. HOU
DraftKings: $4,700 | FanDuel: $6,000
When Nick Foles is on, he’s really on, and this week against the Texans could be one of those games as Doug Pederson and the Eagles look to pull out all the stops in a game that could put them in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot in the NFC wild-card race with a win. With Alshon Jeffery’s emergence, there are too many weapons to focus on for Houston in a game that has sneaky shootout potential. Foles threw for three-plus touchdowns in half of his starts last season, so he might be due.
RB: Marlon Mack vs. NYG
DraftKings: $5,500 | FanDuel: $7,000
The return of center Ryan Kelly and tight end Mo Alie-Cox helped spark the Colts run game last week against the Cowboys, with Marlon Mack putting up 139 yards and two scores on 27 touches. The Giants have given up over 100 yards to running backs in six of the last seven games, so Mack is as good of a bet as anyone to hit that mark in Week 16. He’s a good value that offers both a solid floor and big upside.
RB: Jamaal Williams @ NYJ
DraftKings: $5,400 | FanDuel: $5,800
The run defense of the other New York team has been much better, and they get to play at home instead of on the road, but Jamaal Williams is set for a heavy workload with Aaron Jones (knee) done for the season. The Packers simply haven’t been able to get the ball into the end zone through the air as successfully as years past, so Williams could be tasked with punching it in a couple of times.
WR: Julio Jones @ CAR
DraftKings: $8,700 | FanDuel: $8,700
Julio Jones has at least five receptions in every game but one this season, and he’s hit the century-mark eight times. The All-Pro is also in middle of a nice touchdown streak, with all six of his scores this season coming in the last seven games. Jones has 1,205 yards (including a 300-yard performance) in 12 career games versus Carolina, a team that might not be as locked-in after their playoff hopes were crushed.
WR: JuJu Smith-Schuster @ NO
DraftKings: $8,000 | FanDuel: $8,000
The matchup isn’t quite as good as it looks on paper against a Saints secondary that’s been playing well lately, but JuJu Smith-Schuster always seems to make plays in big games, and this classifies as that. Also, the second-year receiver doesn’t have trouble making plays in tight, contested coverage, and Ben Roethlisberger isn’t afraid to give him chances to do so. As a Pro Bowl snub, JuJu could be determined to prove people wrong this Sunday.
WR: Robert Woods @ ARI
DraftKings: $6,600 | FanDuel: $7,500
Robert Woods is also arguably a Pro Bowl snub, as he’s been one of the most consistent players in the league this season, so he could have more of a chip on his shoulder than usual this weekend. Woods has at least four receptions and 61 yards in every game since Week 1, a run that started when he had six receptions for 81 yards in his first matchup against the Cardinals in Week 2. Patrick Peterson isn’t likely to shadow him with Brandin Cooks on the other side, so Woods has a great floor, as usual, for Week 16.
TE: David Njoku vs. CIN
DraftKings: $3,800 | FanDuel: $5,300
The usage of David Njoku has been a concern for season-long fantasy owners, but this is a good spot to use him in daily fantasy formats. The second-year tight end had a 5/63/1 line versus the Bengals a few weeks ago, and this week’s matchup is now at home. Like Njoku’s own scoring output, Cincinnati has been hit-or-miss while defending opposing tight ends, so there’s definite upside. Just keep in mind Njoku has a low floor of just a couple of points.
FLEX: Sony Michel vs. BUF (DraftKings) | Joe Mixon @ CLE (FanDuel)
Michel: $4,900 | Mixon: $8,200
For DraftKings, Sony Michel is a decent play that keeps the roster below budget. The hope is that the Patriots come out angry and destroy the Bills, with Michel scoring once or twice to cap off drives. For FanDuel, there’s enough salary left to play Joe Mixon, who has been extremely consistent while offering both floor and upside. Mixon had seven receptions and 155 total yards against the Browns a few weeks ago.
D/ST: Falcons @ CAR
DraftKings: $2,300 | FanDuel: $3,400
Going on the road to face a quarterback making his first career start is a tougher task than facing a struggling rookie quarterback at home, but the Falcons remain a good play coming off their big outing against the Cardinals in Week 15. They’re cheap but again offer 20+ point upside.
Jamaal Williams or Damien Williams?
Julio isn’t gonna do that good.
I like the QB and RBs but all injured WRs.
Big week for Mack like his back to back before.