Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. For the majority of the league, Tuesday morning brings a whole new week of football and preparing for their next game. However, a handful of players might not want to leave Week 16 so soon. Here’s a look at who impressed and who underachieved in fantasy football this week.
All point totals are based on PPR scoring.
Quarterback
Winner: Joe Burrow (46.1 FPTS)
Uh, wow. Burrow accrued a whopping 525 yards and four touchdowns against a horrible Ravens secondary. This was the best quarterback performance of 2021 and certainly had an impact on fantasy playoff matchups across the world. He’ll take on the Chiefs in Week 17.
Loser: Matthew Stafford (8.68 FPTS)
Although the Rams won this week, Stafford didn’t have a great day, racking up 197 yards, one touchdown, and a woeful three interceptions. Between Sony Michel emerging as a strong running back option and Cam Akers returning from injured reserve, there is less pressure on Stafford to carry the Los Angeles offense. With that said, he still ranks as a mid-range QB1 in Week 17 against a poor Ravens secondary.
Running Back
Winner: Justin Jackson (34.2 FPTS)
Heading into this week, there were questions about what Jackson’s role would look like. As it turns out, fantasy managers who started him were rewarded. Jackson finished with 64 rushing yards, 98 receiving yards, and two touchdowns during the loss to Houston. With Austin Ekeler returning in Week 17, Jackson falls off the fantasy radar once again.
Loser: Saquon Barkley (3.8 FPTS)
Barkley had another disappointing fantasy showing this past week. Despite rushing 15 times, he managed just 32 yards on the ground. The former first-round pick also lost four yards on his lone reception. Barkley has just 13.2 fantasy points over his last two games and continues to cede work to Devontae Booker. As such, he should be viewed as an RB3 when the struggling Giants oppose the Bears in Week 17.
Wide Receiver
Winner: Tee Higgins (43.4 FPTS)
Many Bengals benefitted from Burrow’s big day, but Higgins emerged among the rest. The second-year wideout ultimately finished with 12 catches, 194 yards, and two touchdowns. He’s a solid WR2 play against the Chiefs next week.
Loser: Tyreek Hill (3.9 FPTS)
Despite the Chiefs’ slaughter of the Steelers, Hill didn’t get very involved on Sunday. When all was said and done, he hauled in both of his targets for just 19 yards. One would hope that he could get back on track for Week 17, but he’ll deal with a tricky matchup against the Bengals.
Tight End
Winner: Mark Andrews (26.5 FPTS)
Andrews has thrived all season regardless of who is at quarterback. This week, with Josh Johnson under center, the star tight end totaled 125 yards and one touchdown. He is now averaging a whopping 30.2 fantasy points per game over the last three weeks. That’s absurd.
Loser: Rob Gronkowski (3.3 FPTS)
Gronkowski had a disappointing Week 16 performance considering the Buccaneers didn’t have Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, or Leonard Fournette. Tom Brady‘s longtime weapon finished with just one catch for 23 yards against the Panthers. He ranks as a mid-to-high TE1 against the Jets next week.
Defense
Winner: Dallas Cowboys (26.0 FPTS)
The Cowboys obliterated the Football Team on Sunday night and their defense was a main reason why. The unit finished with two interceptions, five sacks, and two touchdowns along the way. Dallas’ defense looks like one of the best in the NFL and can be started in Week 17 despite taking on a strong Cardinals offense.
Loser: Los Angeles Chargers (-5.0 FPTS)
The Chargers were decimated by the Texans this week as they gave up 35 points and lost. Los Angeles tallied just one sack and was unable to force a turnover in the process.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Andersen Pickard on Twitter @AndersenPickard
Main Image Credit:
