5 Start, 5 Sit for Week 16 of the 2024 NFL Season
The playoffs are here! Every decision now carries the weight of the season, and one wrong move could be the end of a year’s worth of work. The knowledge I’m bringing you this week will keep you in the game just long enough to taste victory at the end of December. Just like always: 5 good, 5 bad.
Start:
Jared Goff vs CHI – Start
The injury bug continues to infest Detroit with them now losing David Montgomery for the season. While this is brutal for Montgomery owners, it provides a good opportunity for Goff. Without half of their running back duo, the Lions may be forced into a more pass heavy offense. Goff has been efficient in games with under 25 attempts and been explosive when he’s had to throw 30+. The offensive shift should be good for his scoring in the last two weeks.
Bucky Irving vs DAL – Start
Irving didn’t play up to his potential last week since he’s since tending to a hip injury. He was still able to tally 117 ground yards on only 15 carries. The same number of carries as Rachaad White but almost twice the yards. With another week of rest, and a much softer Dallas defense, expect Irving to put up his third 100-yard game of the season.
Courtland Sutton vs LAC – Start
Sutton has been a silent star this year for the Broncos. He isn’t showing up on any top 10 lists for any stat, but he’s consistently putting up low end WR1 performances. He has only scored below 13 points 4 times this year and has done well against good and bad defenses. His consistency this season makes him a very reliable play this week, when the stakes are just about as high as they can get.
Jonnu Smith vs SF – Start
If you only looked at his numbers in the second half of the season, you would think it was Tyreek Hill that did it. Jonnu has been dominant for the Dolphins since November began, putting up 484 yards and 5 touchdowns, and leading his team in both of those stats. As tight ends go, there might not be a better one to have at this point. If you have the option to throw him in a flex spot, it might be worth entertaining the thought.
Chase Brown vs CLE – Start
Speaking of second half of the season dominance, let me introduce you to Chase Brown. Brown hasn’t scored below 19 points (PPR) since week 8 and has been consistently used in both the run and pass game. When the Bengals last played the Browns, Chase Brown hadn’t yet won the bell cow role, so don’t take that performance into account. Brown has been top 3 since he took over and should not be on your bench until he retires.
Sit:
Dorian Thompson-Robinson vs CIN – Sit
On the other side of the CIN-CLE game, things look very different. Jameis Winston was benched earlier this week for second year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR). The bad news is that DTR has never once looked good in any game he’s played. The Browns don’t really have much to play for this year and this move all but confirms that the team is heading in the wrong direction. I would avoid pretty much any Brown for the rest of this year.
Isiah Pacheco vs HOU – Sit
I had high expectations that Pacheco would get back to scoring 15+ points per game once he was healthy. Sadly, it’s been nothing but mediocrity from him (and the Chiefs overall honestly). Based on the current state of the offense, I’m not expecting Pacheco to do much of anything. Houston’s run defense is pretty good and are going to be playing tough to upset the Chiefs. See if you can find someone else to start this week.
Terry McLaurin vs PHI – Sit
The last time the Commanders played the Eagles, I recommended to sit McLaurin…and he got 2 points. I’m repeating my recommendation this week and fully expecting the same result. The Eagles’ defense has only gotten better since the last matchup, so expect a down day from Terry. The rest of his season has been great, but the Eagles might be his Achilles Heel.
Jake Ferguson vs TB – Sit
Ferguson has also been disappointing since returning from injury. The offense wasn’t great when the year started, but losing Dak Prescott was more or less the nail in the coffin for the Cowboys. Ferguson is a pretty low end tight end in most weeks but facing the Bucs while they’re on a hot streak should spell further letdown.
Marvin Harrison vs CAR – Sit
Harrison has shown flashes this season. In a year or two, I think he’s going to take a huge step and become a top talent. For now though, his numbers are too inconsistent and he’s not reliable for the semi-finals. He’s been very boom or bust, so unless you’re holding onto a prayer to make the finals, I’d leave him out.
If you want more offensive start/sit advice, follow me on X @TFFGRobbie. If you need IDP start/sit advice, give @ThePPRShow a follow as well.