Fantasy Football: Week 16 Early Game Top PerformersBy Zachary Thompson | Dec 22, 2013Dec 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports / With the first nine games of week 16 in the books, some fantasy owners are well on their way to big wins many of which will lead to a Championship. Whether you secure a trophy, a chunk of cash, or just bragging rights, these are the players who stepped up and put up big numbers to get you well on your way to a big win week 16:Peyton Manning-QB-Denver BroncosThe year of Manning came to a fitting conclusion with Peyton’s strong performance in Houston completing his carrying of his owners to the title in many cases. He finished today with four touchdowns and 400 passing yards even though the Broncos struggled to put away the Texans ultimately getting the win 37-13. Manning set the single-season mark for touchdown passes in a season in this game and led plenty of teams to the fantasy promised land.Andy Dalton-QB-Cincinnati BengalsAt home, Dalton has been unbeatable this season and had a huge game against the Vikings secondary throwing for four TDs. He threw for 366 yards and added 10 yards rushing as the Bengals romped 42-14 over Minnesota.Donald Brown-RB-Indianapolis ColtsBrown was at his dual-threat best in KC today and rewarded those owners who got him off waivers earlier this season. Brown caught 2 passes including one for a touchdown as part of his 31 receiving yards and added a second touchdown as part of his 79 rushing yards on 10 carries.Eric Decker-WR-Denver BroncosDecker caught two of Manning’s TDs finishing with another big game with Wes Welker still sidelined. He finished with 10 catches on his 16 targets while going for 131 yards.A.J. Green-WR-Cincinnati BengalsAs usual, Green was Andy Dalton’s chief target and he turned it into a big game against the Vikings. Green had a pair of touchdowns as part of his seven-catch, 97-yard performance.DeMarco Murray-RB-Dallas CowboysDeMarco Murray saved the Cowboys season with a big day to help Dallas come back to win by a point in Washington. He finished with 96 yards rushing and 15 yards receiving while scoring a touchdown on the ground and the game-winning touchdown on a reception late in the fourth quarter..Geno Smith-QB-New York JetsIt was an up day for Smith’s roller-coaster of a season as he threw for a pair of touchdowns and 214 passing yards and ran for 48 more yards and a third TD. He and the Jets knocked off the Browns at home 24-13 and he rewarded anyone who gambled with him in multi-QB leagues.Pierre Garcon-WR-Washington RedskinsAgainst Dallas’s suspect secondary, Garcon continued to play like a #1 receiver for Washington regardless of who the QB was. This week he connected with Kirk Cousins for a big game finishing with a touchdown and 144 yards on 11 catches.Jamaal Charles-RB-Kansas City ChiefsEven though the Chiefs struggled, Charles completed a solid fantasy season with another multi-threat game against the Colts. Charles ran for 106 yards and the Chiefs only TD of the day and added 38 yards on five catches. Bills D/STThe Bills shut out the Dolphins while forcing a pair of turnovers in their big win at home over the Dolphins. Buffalo added seven sacks as they dominated Miami from start to finish in their 19-0 win.Home/Cincinnati Bengals
