Fansided

FanDuel NFL: Week 16 lineup

By Brad Berreman

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Quarterback Jameis Winston /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Mandatory Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images /

Wide Receivers: Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints-$8,200, Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers-$7,000, Sterling Shepard, New York Giants-$6,700

Over his last two games, Thomas has 19 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns on 25 targets. He has a touchdown in three straight games, with at least eight targets in nine straight games now.

In Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons, Thomas set season-highs in catches (10), targets (14) and yards (117) along with a touchdown. Running back Alvin Kamara’s absence for most of that game helped foster more involvement for Thomas, but a broader look says he is clearly Drew Brees’ top target.

The Falcons are in the middle of the pack against wide receivers (ESPN PPR scoring). But they’ve allowed four touchdowns to the position over their last two games, and at 30 fantasy points (ESPN scoring) to an opponent’s wide receiver group as a whole in four of their last five.

The top tier of wide receivers is a little thin on good value this week. So Thomas stands out with a safe floor and a solid measure of upside.

Like his entire team, Evans has had a disappointing season. But he broke his streak without a touchdown in Week 15, and he gets a nice matchup in Week 16.

The Carolina Panthers have been solid overall against the pass this season, ranking 12th in the league. But they have been much more generous lately, and they are in the bottom-10 of the league in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers (ESPN PPR scoring) with a touchdown allowed to the position in six straight games (nine total).

Evans was targeted 10 times in the first game against the Panthers, with five catches for 60 yards. But better health for Jameis Winston this week is good news, and puts the Buccaneers QB-WR stack on my radar.

Shepard had 11 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown (on 16 targets) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, as he appeared to be clear of recent hamstring and migraine issues. He should be heavily involved again on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, who are a middle of the pack pass defense but have struggled mightily against slot receivers all season.

Sunday’s game in Arizona has real shootout potential, with plenty of fantasy points to be tapped into. Shepard is a nice value play at $6,700 on FanDuel this week.