Fantasy QB Rankings Week 16: Who to start, sit at quarterback in fantasy football

If you’ve made it to the second round of the fantasy football playoffs, you probably already have a must-start quarterback, but we’ve seen plenty of players end up for the reserve/COVID list the past couple weeks, so having an overall view of the position will help you prepare for the worst. Our Week 16 fantasy QB rankings are here to help you do just that and aid your decision on who to start at fantasy’s highest-scoring position.

Even with the bye weeks over, it’s worth mentioning Josh Allen (vs. Patriots), Tom Brady (@ Panthers), and Lamar Jackson (@ Bengals) take a hit in our rankings this week, but as always, you’re likely going to start them anyway if they’re active. Jackson is obviously the most worrisome between his recent slump and his ankle injury, but we all know his high ceiling. The same goes for Brady, who likely killed most of his owners with his complete dud last week. He is much more borderline if both Chris Godwin (knee) and Mike Evans (hamstring) is out. 

WEEK 16 PPR RANKINGS:
Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Again, you’re likely just fine at QB if you’ve made it this far, but if you find yourself in a pinch, Tua Tagovailoa (@ Saints), Jimmy Garoppolo (@ Titans), Matt Ryan (vs. Lions), Ben Roethlisberger (@ Chiefs), and Justin Fields (@ Seahawks) are all available in more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and have upside for different reasons.

WEEK 16 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Tua and Big Ben can get it done with volume in favorable matchups Ryan and Garoppolo can take advantage of some of the worst secondaries in the league; and Fields is starting to develop a solid rushing floor and play-making upside. You’ll see how we have them ranked below, but any can be a one-week fill-in. Even if you don’t plan on playing one of these QBs this week, you might want to grab one as insurance sooner rather than later. If you’re desperate, you can even give Jared Goff (@ Falcons) a try.

On the other side of the start-or-sit bubble, Carson Wentz (@ Cardinals), Derek Carr (vs. Broncos), and Ryan Tannehill (vs. 49ers) are once again best suited for the bench. They’ve all had their bright spots — and all three can be considered better “real life” QBs than some of the guys we listed above — but their fantasy floors have proven to be too low, especially in tough matchups. We highlighted the reason we like all of the streamers listed, and these guys don’t have the same outlook.

We’re fully aware there are fewer owners needing to check out QB rankings, so waivers/free agency should have less competition, but always make sure to cover yourself. And seriously, don’t panic about Allen’s or Brady’s matchups. The last thing you want to do is bench one and lose right before the championship round. As a weekly reminder — don’t overthink it…unless you have to.

Note: We’ll be updating these QB rankings throughout the week, so check back for the latest player movement and analysis.

Fantasy QB Rankings Week 16: Who to start at quarterback

Rankings are based on standard, four-point passing TD formats.