Three games are scheduled on Saturday as the league heads toward the final stretch. Houston at Tampa, which is the first game of the day, leads the slate from a Vegas standpoint with a projected overall score of 53 points. Expect that game to be a shootout, even with the Buccaneers banged up on the offensive side of the ball. Buffalo will head to New England in a crucial matchup that could determine the AFC East winner. Though weather doesn't appear to be an issue at the moment, don't expect much scoring, regardless, as both of these teams are sporting some of the best defensive statistics in the league. In the final game of the day, the Rams will visit the 49ers, with Los Angeles clawing the remain in the playoff picture.
In this article, I will be providing you with daily fantasy football picks in FanDuel for Satuday, December 21, 2019 (Week 16). These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. Be sure to also consult the NFL Depth Charts and Snap Counts for more critical information this week.
Follow me on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Good luck.
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FanDuel Quarterbacks - Week 16 Picks
Deshaun Watson - QB, @ TB ($8,600)
The Buccaneers Defense hasn't been able to stop the pass all season, allowing opposing quarterbacks to rack up a total 4,111 passing yards on the year, good for third-worst in the league, while also giving up a sixth-worst 20.35 fantasy points per game. With Jameis Winston dealing with a thumb issue, and Tom Brady and Josh Allen each likely limited on Saturday as a result of their defensive matchups, Watson is the best choice, at least, it appears.
Also Consider: None
FanDuel Running Backs - Week 16 Picks
Todd Gurley - RB, @ SF ($7,400)
Gurley has been on a roll ever since head coach Sean McVay indicated a few weeks back that he would have a more prominent role moving forward. He only had 20 yards on 11 carries in the blowout loss to the Cowboys in Week 15, but he was able to make amends by scoring twice on the day. The 49ers Defense is posting some of the best numbers throughout the league this season, but with Gurley hitting at least 18 points in four of his last five outings, you can't afford to not have him in your lineup, especially at that price.
Raheem Mostert - RB, vs. LAR ($7,100)
San Francisco has plenty of options out of the backfield, with it being typical for the trio of Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert, and Matt Breida to all be involved in some capacity on a week-to-week basis. This scenario has been a nightmare for fantasy owners throughout the year, and while it appears that Mostert is the lead man in the Bay Area, it is still hard to trust anything when it comes to Kyle Shanahan's offensive schemes. Nonetheless, despite being nestled behind Coleman on the depth chart, Mostert has been the most productive as of late by logging 314 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 49 carries--to go along with a few receptions here and there--over the last month. The Rams have also been a mess at stopping the run, particularly in the previous two weeks, by allowing a fourth-worst 34.10 fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Also Consider: Devin Singletary ($6,400)
FanDuel Wide Receivers - Week 16 Picks
DeAndre Hopkins - WR, @ TB ($8,600)
Hopkins hasn't been targeted less than seven times this season and has also recorded double-digit receptions in half of his games on the year. He has a favorable matchup against the Bucs, as mentioned previously, and should be a lock for everyone's lineup on Saturday. He missed practice on Wednesday with an illness, but with the Texans looking to lock up the AFC South, you can bet that he likely will be in uniform on Saturday and ready to roll.
Breshad Perriman - WR, vs. HOU ($7,400)
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are both out with hamstring ailments, with Evans being placed on injured reserve a few days ago. Godwin will likely sit for the remainder of the season as well, opening the door for Perriman to serve as the No. 1 option in Tampa Bay. He has been consistent, getting at least five targets in each of his last three games, and has racked up 13 catches for 270 yards and four scores during that same span. Both of these teams will likely air it out on Saturday, so expect him to get plenty of chances to produce in Week 16.
Also Consider: Cooper Kupp ($7,400), Robert Woods ($7,200), Cole Beasley ($5,800), Justin Watson ($5,700), Kenny Stills ($5,500)
FanDuel Tight Ends - Week 16 Picks
George Kittle - TE, vs. LAR ($7,400)
Kittle had an absurd 17 targets against Atlanta in Week 15, bringing in 13 of them for 134 yards. While it is safe to assume that he may not see that same amount of love from Jimmy Garoppolo against the Rams, that type of performance is hard to forget. Tyler Higbee, who has 26 catches (33 targets) for 229 yards and a touchdown over the last three games, may see his honeymoon phase come to an end with the return of Gerald Everett, making Kittle the closest to a "sure thing" as you can get out of the tight end position on Saturday.
O.J. Howard - TE, vs. HOU ($5,500)
Howard has been a colossal disappointment this season for those who were expecting big things out of him. However, he could shine over the next two games with Chris Godwin (potentially) and Mike Evans out of the mix as there will be plenty of targets up for grabs. He was targeted a season-high seven times against the Lions in Week 15, and though he only had four catches for 46 yards, at least he is getting some looks. There is definitely some risk here, but if you are looking to save some dough, this may be the place to do it as the upside is undoubtedly there.
Also Consider: Tyler Higbee ($6,300), Cameron Brate ($5,000)
FanDuel Defenses - Week 16 Picks
Bills Defense - DEF, @ NE ($4,300)
The Patriots Defense leads the way from a price perspective at $4,800, but you could see the same level of production from Buffalo while saving a few dollars in the process. After having a receiving corps that included Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon, offensively, New England is miles away from where they once were. The Bills Defense was a nightmare for the Steelers last Sunday night by recording four sacks and coming away with four interceptions. Of course, Tom Brady is still the best quarterback that we may ever see, but with limitations on the offensive end, the Bills Defense may be out for blood as the Bills look to win the AFC East this season.
Also Consider: Patriots Defense ($4,800)