Happy Holidays, everyone. After Week 15 concluded with two games on Tuesday, Week 16 began with Thursday Night Football, featuring the 49ers taking on the Titans in Nashville. While San Fran held its own, thanks to a superb effort from Deebo Samuel, Tennessee narrowly pulled off the win, with A.J. Brown finishing with 11 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown, a solid showing from a guy who missed over a month because of a chest injury. Nonetheless, while this is usually a joyous time of year, many players throughout the league, unfortunately, aren't feeling so jolly.
As the Coronavirus remains prevalent, notable superstars like Dalvin Cook, Austin Ekeler, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Brandin Cooks likely won't be available on Sunday after landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Additionally, more players won't suit up, although their absences are injury-related. Chris Godwin is in that category, as the wideout will miss the remainder of the year with a torn ACL in his right knee. Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette also are out, so for sure, things will be much for difficult for Tom Brady.
In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 16 daily fantasy football lineup picks for FanDuel. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. Be sure to also check out our weekly DraftKings DFS lineup picks and lots of other great NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you win big! Also, feel free to give me a follow on Twitter @DennisMClausen.
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FanDuel Quarterbacks - Week 16 DFS Lineup Picks
Justin Herbert, QB - @ HOU ($8,400)
Hebert has quietly established himself as one of the best in the league. While the sophomore should always be considered for any fantasy lineup, his chances of making some noise are much higher against Houston. He won't have Austin Ekeler, but he still has plenty of options at his disposal versus the 3-11 Texans. Herbert has also played better on the road this season, and with so many other quarterbacks entering Week 16 without their top weapons, he may be the best option as well.
Joe Burrow, QB - vs. BAL ($7,100)
Burrow is one of the luckier quarterbacks heading into Week 16. He has his top-three receivers in Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, and he will also have Joe Mixon, who injured his ankle in Week 15 against the Broncos. The Ravens are also burdened with injuries on the defensive end, so there is a great chance the former LSU Tiger will capitalize.
Also Consider: Jalen Hurts ($7,700), Kirk Cousins ($7,300), Matt Ryan ($6,800)
FanDuel Running Backs - Week 16 DFS Lineup Picks
Cordarrelle Patterson, RB - vs. DET ($7,200)
Patterson wasn't able to get anything going against San Francisco in Week 15 and had a total of 23 yards to close things out. However, his outlook is more favorable against Detroit, one of the worst teams in the league. The Lions defense is currently allowing a fourth-worst 27.39 fantasy points against opposing rushers this season, and with all major sportsbooks giving Patterson some fantastic odds of finding the end zone at least once, he shouldn't be ignored by any means.
Alexander Mattison, RB - vs. LAR ($5,500)
And once again, Dalvin Cook will miss another game, something that has been the norm over the years. Fortunately, the Vikings have Mattison, arguably the best backup in the league. He's played well when given a chance, racking up 104 carries for 436 yards and four touchdowns throughout five career starts. Though the Rams have one of the best defenses in the league, Mattison's upside compared to his rostering price shouldn't be ignored, despite the fact he will probably be one of the most popular value options on Sunday. His stock will rise even higher if Adam Thielen, who is questionable with an ankle issue, doesn't suit up, increasing his chances of also snagging a few more passes in the process.
Also Consider: James Robinson ($8,200), Joe Mixon ($7,500), David Montgomery ($6,600), Javonte Williams ($6,300), Ronald Jones II ($5,400), Justin Jackson ($5,400)
FanDuel Wide Receivers - Week 16 DFS Lineup Picks
Justin Jefferson, WR - vs. LAR ($8,400)
Jackson should be tasked with some added responsibilities in Week 16. Dalvin Cook won't play, and even if Adam Thielen can take the field, there is a good chance the ankle injury that cost him two games may still be a factor. The Rams' defense is formidable. Yet, with at least nine targets in each of Jefferson's previous six games, the volume should be there and allow him some room to get something going on Sunday.
Ja'Marr Chase, WR - vs. BAL ($7,100)
Chase didn't play the best during the win over Denver in Week 15, finishing with just one catch for three yards, a significant regression from what fantasy managers received during the Week 14 bout against the 49ers. However, there's a good chance the rookie will bounce back on Sunday, especially since the Ravens are dealing with a ton of injuries throughout the secondary. Chase also had his best outing as a professional versus Baltimore at the end of October, a game where he finished with eight catches for over 200 yards and a touchdown.
Also Consider: Cooper Kupp ($9,800), Stefon Diggs ($7,500), Diontae Johnson ($7,400), Antonio Brown ($7,000), Mike Williams ($6,500), Tee Higgins ($6,500), Emmanuel Sanders ($5,600)
FanDuel Tight Ends - Week 16 DFS Lineup Picks
Rob Gronkowski, TE - @ CAR ($6,700)
Gronkowski may be the safest option at tight end in Week 16. With Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Leonard Fournette going down with injuries during the Sunday Night Football loss to New Orleans, the veteran undoubtedly was a beneficiary, ending with a season-high 11 targets. Although he only caught two of them, he should continue to get plenty of attention from his old pal, Tom Brady, against the Panthers.
Dawson Knox, TE - @ NE ($6,100)
Josh Allen will be without Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis against the AFC East rival Patriots. As a result, the door will be open for Knox to produce. Emmanuel Sanders will be back after missing some time because of a knee issue. Yet, Knox should not only remain a threat inside the Red Zone, but he should be a bigger one due to additional targets up for grabs.
Also Consider: Dallas Goedert ($5,900)