Fansided

5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 16

By Mike Phillips

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 19: Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals goes for the tackle on Craig Reynolds #46 of the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field on December 19, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 19: Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals goes for the tackle on Craig Reynolds #46 of the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field on December 19, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Gabriel Davis #13 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball for fourteen-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Carolina Panthers the game at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Gabriel Davis #13 of the Buffalo Bills carries the ball for fourteen-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Carolina Panthers the game at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

3. Top fantasy football pickups for Week 16 – Buffalo Bills WR Gabriel Davis

Injury creates opportunity in the NFL and fantasy football. Gabriel Davis is a shining example of this principle after having a huge day for the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, catching 5-of-7 targets for 85 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-14 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Normally a tertiary option in the Buffalo passing attack, Davis received more work today with Emmanuel Sanders sidelined due to a knee injury. Davis has been earning the trust of Josh Allen over the past few weeks, recording seven catches on 12 targets for 73 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Bills’ previous two games.

There has never been a question of talent with Davis, who has a unique size/speed combination that makes him difficult to cover, but he has spent most of this year as Buffalo’s WR4 behind Stefon Diggs, Sanders and Cole Beasley. This string of strong performances could earn Davis more reps, which give him a chance to be a home run threat as a flex option for fantasy owners.

Rostered in just 19 percent of Yahoo leagues, Davis should be added as a flex play for owners in need of depth or protection against potential COVID losses. If Sanders is unable to play against the New England Patriots in Week 16 Davis’ outlook is upgraded to a solid WR3 play in this matchup.

Home/Fantasy Football