Sports
NFL Fantasy Week 16 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
It’s crunch time in NFL Fantasy Football, with most leagues hosting their semifinal matchups this week.
There’s more pressure in each decision fantasy owners make, hoping to nail a few of their picks and make their league’s final. Or maybe you’re trying to avoid finishing last with a win in your consolation matchups.
Either way, check out GIVEMESPORT’s top picks to start and sit in Week 16 of the 2025 
NFL season.
Quarterbacks
Start: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (vs Raiders)
C.J. Stroud has been on fire after returning from a concussion, averaging 246.3 passing yards per game in his last three starts. The 
Houston Texans gunslinger threw for three touchdowns against a struggling Cardinals defense last week, and now turns his attention to another bad defensive unit in the 
Las Vegas Raiders.
Sit: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (vs Chargers)
Dak Prescott failed to throw a single touchdown pass in the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Vikings last week, and there’s little chance he’ll have more success against the Chargers this week.
Los Angeles has allowed a league-best 12 passing touchdowns so far this season, so don’t expect Prescott to put up big numbers through the air.
Running Backs
Start: Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (at Giants)
The 
Minnesota Vikings are riding a two-game win streak, and while a lot of that has come off the back of J.J. McCarthy’s inspired play, their running game has carried a big load recently as well.
The Vikings like to use Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason evenly, but the advantage to having Jones in your lineup right now is his role in Minny’s passing game. Jones has caught seven passes in his last three games, and if he manages to turn one of those into a touchdown against the Giants on Sunday, there’s a good chance he puts up big points for you.
Sit: RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos (vs Jaguars)
RJ Harvey is undoubtedly the 
Denver Broncos‘ No. 1 running back after J.K. Dobbins went down with a season-ending foot injury, but the rookie has failed to make an impression as the first option in recent weeks.
Harvey is only averaging 3.4 yards per carry despite getting 18 touches per game since Dobbins’ injury, and is facing the best run defense in the league this week in the Jaguars.
Wide Receivers
Start: Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at Cowboys)
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Ladd McConkey struggled in Week 15, with just two catches for 20 yards. But a trip to Dallas should be a great opportunity for McConkey to bounce back, as the Cowboys give up the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in the NFL this season.
The Cowboys are good against the run, meaning that Justin Herbert will be looking for McConkey early and often this weekend.
Sit: Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (vs 49ers)
While the Philip Rivers story is wholesome, it doesn’t bode well for fantasy owners carrying 
Indianapolis Colts receivers.
Rivers averaged just 4.4 yards per attempt in an inspired performance against the Seahawks last week, but his inability to throw the ball deep limits one of his biggest weapons in Alec Pierce, who averages 20.1 yards per reception and is one of the top deep threats in football.
Tight Ends
Start: Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins (vs Bengals)
Darren Waller has managed an impressive six touchdowns in seven games, including two against the Steelers in Week 15.
Cincinnati has allowed the most receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns to tight ends this season, so look for Waller to run it up on the Bengals in Week 16.
Sit: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts (vs 49ers)
Tyler Warren has not been at his best of late, and he won’t be helped by the introduction of Rivers under center for the Colts. He’s combined for just 8.6 fantasy points over the last two weeks, and has failed to score double-digits in three of his last four outings.
The 49ers will be a tough matchup for Indy’s offense, so you should avoid Warren and his pass-catching teammates this week.
Defenses
Start: Houston Texans (vs Raiders)
The Texans host the Raiders this week, and all signs point to the Houston defense giving Las Vegas a rough ride. Over their last eight games, the Texans have given up a league-low 13.3 points per game and 211.9 yards per game.
The Raiders also struggle to protect their quarterback, giving up 35 sacks over that same span.
Sit: Pittsburgh Steelers (at Lions)
The 
Pittsburgh Steelers have a tall task ahead of them in Week 16, hoping to somehow slow down the league’s top home offense in the Detroit Lions.
The Lions average 35.3 points and 422 yards per game at Ford Field, and have turned the ball over just eight times no matter where they’ve played. To add insult to injury, T.J. Watt is a doubt to make the trip after being treated for a collapsed lung earlier this week.
