Fansided

Fantasy Football Week 16: 5 Sleeper QB’s to Start in the Playoffs

By Zachary Thompson

facebooktwitterreddit
Dec 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) is pressured by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95) in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) is pressured by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95) in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

If you have made it to this point in the playoffs without an elite quarterback, you’ve done a great job managing your fantasy team. Coming into the closing weeks of the season, there are still some nice options that you can grab off waivers or insert off your bench to close the season strong. Here are five options that aren’t locked in as every week starters that are lined up for success based on matchup and current form headed into week 16.

Kirk Cousins-Washington Redskins

No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season than Cousins opponent this Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys. In their last two games, Dallas has allowed eight passing touchdowns to Matt Flynn and Josh McCown. Cousins looks to follow their success coming off a solid outing last week in his first start of the season. He threw for 381 yards and three touchdowns in Washington’s one-point loss to Atlanta, and now will return home to this inviting matchup. If you need a streaming QB, Cousins is probably the best one available.

Jay Cutler-Chicago Bears

Dec 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) celebrates with center Roberto Garza (63) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) celebrates with center Roberto Garza (63) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Cutler is actually floating around on waiver wires in some leagues and makes a good play on Sunday Night Football as the Bears head to Phily for what should be shootout. The Eagles have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing QB’s this season. Cutler has elite weapons and is in a pass-heavy system which should lead to a top-ten performance this weekend in Phily.

Joe Flacco-Baltimore Ravens

Flacco and the Ravens couldn’t find the endzone last week on Monday Night Football against the Lions, but he should be able to get the offense in gear this week against the Patriots. New England has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in six of their last seven games including three in each of their last two games. He’s definitely worth a start in dual-QB leagues, and he should be able to have a solid Sunday at home.

Ryan Fitzpatrick-Tennessee Titans

Dec 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4) calls a play at the line against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4) calls a play at the line against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports /

Fitzpatrick had a huge week last week throwing for 402 yards and four touchdowns against the usually-solid Cardinals secondary. This week he’s in a much better matchup as the Titans head to Florida to face the Jaguars. He played against the Jags earlier this season although he did not get the start in that game. He finished that game 22/33 for 264 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns while adding a rushing TD as well. He’s a solid play and a good bet to continue his success from last week as Tennessee tries to avenge their earlier loss to the Jags.

Jason Campbell-Cleveland Browns

Campbell has played well since returning from his concussion although he did throw a pair of picks last week against the Bears. This week, Campbell heads to the Big Apple to take on the Jets. New York’s secondary has been suspect all season, but their run defense has been solid. Since Campbell will have to throw to move the ball, I think he’ll have another solid Sunday. He’s a high-risk QB2, but there is surely upside in the matchup.

Home/Baltimore Ravens