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Week 16 FanDuel Picks

Top Plays for FanDuel Cash Games and Tournaments

Here are the guys I’m considering for FanDuel Week 16:

Cash Game Quarterback

Michael Penix Jr., Falcons ($6,000) vs. Giants

I’m not expecting a huge performance from Penix in his NFL debut. Frankly, he’s a bit of a wildcard.

But here’s what we know: The rookie is at the minimum price on FanDuel. So you don’t need a huge game here, while rostering him allows for a loaded lineup elsewhere.

The matchup with the Giants also looks favorable. They sit 21st in pressure rate, 26th in PFF coverage grade, and 29th in pass defense DVOA.

Also in my player pool: Brock Purdy, Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Tournament Quarterback

Anthony Richardson, Colts ($7,200) vs. Titans

Richardson’s delivered on the ground, scoring four TDs over his past four games. He’s averaging nearly 47 yards per game over that stretch.

The Titans project as a neutral passing matchup. They slot just 22nd in pressure rate. And note: Opposing offenses have combined for the fifth-highest pass rate over expected against Tennessee.

Also in my player pool: Josh Allen, Brock Purdy

Cash Game Running Back

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions ($8,300) at Bears

With David Montgomery out, Gibbs projects for a hefty workload. He tallied 71 touches in three games without Montgomery in 2023.

He draws a Bears defense that’s tied for the most rushing TDs allowed to RBs.

Patrick Taylor, 49ers ($4,800) at Dolphins

Taylor’s the 49ers’ lead back following the latest injury to Isaac Guerendo.

And, you know … he’s $4.8K. It’s not often you can get bankable volume at that price. He checks in fifth in our RB dollar per point rankings.

Also in my player pool: Saquon Barkley, Chuba Hubbard

Tournament Running Back

James Conner, Cardinals ($8,400) at Panthers

The Cardinals will play without Trey Benson and Emari Demercado on Sunday. That’ll leave former Seahawk DeeJay Dallas as Conner’s backup.

So, expect another busy day for the former Steeler. Conner’s posted 20+ touches in three straight, a stretch that includes outings of 20 and 28 FD points.

Carolina remains a positive matchup, too. They’ve allowed over 100 rush yards to three straight lead backs.

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers ($7,800) at Cowboys

Dallas remains a beatable run D, especially without LB DeMarvion Overshown. On the year, they slot bottom-eight in FD points allowed, rush defense DVOA, and PFF rush defense grade.

Irving continues to play through injuries, but it didn’t appear to hobble him against the Chargers in Week 15. That one turned up several explosive plays en route to 117 yards on 15 carries.

Also in my player pool: Saquon Barkley, Tyjae Spears (if Tony Pollard sits)

Cash Game Wide Receivers

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($9,500) vs. Browns

If you went cheap at QB and one RB spot, you’ll have no problem fitting in Chase. 

He’s scored 17+ FD points in four of his past five – with games of 41 and 53 points sprinkled in. He should remain featured as Cincy pushes for a playoff spot. 

D.J. Moore, Bears ($6,300) vs. Lions

Despite struggles from Caleb Williams, Moore’s racked up 6+ catches in five straight outings. 

Now facing the league’s most injury-riddled defense, Moore has both a matchup advantage and projected game script that should be favorable. Chicago is installed as 6.5-point home underdogs.

Also in my player pool: Mike Evans, Jauan Jennings

Tournament Wide Receivers

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins ($7,700) vs. 49ers

I know it’s been a rough year. Hill’s sitting on 67 catches, 805 yards, and only five TDs.

But look past his Week 15 dud – in a tough matchup vs. CB Derek Stingley Jr. – and you see some hope. Hill totaled 16-198-2 across Week 13 and Week 14. Now, he’ll be in position for a volume boost with Jaylen Waddle (knee) listed as doubtful.

San Francisco certainly isn’t a great matchup, but I think Hill can overcome their personnel on double digit targets.

Calvin Ridley, Titans ($5,900) at Colts

The Titans named QB Mason Rudolph the Week 16 starter. He’s clearly not a guy to get excited about, but you have to like his brief history with Ridley.

In three starts (Week 7-9), Rudolph fed Ridley target shares of 24%, 38%, and 32%. The former Falcon finished as a top-five fantasy play in two of those games.

The Colts provide a neutral matchup in terms of adjusted fantasy points allowed.

Also in my player pool: CeeDee Lamb, Davante Adams, Jauan Jennings, Brian Thomas Jr., Michael Pittman, Jalen McMillan

Cash Game Tight End

Hunter Henry, Patriots ($5,000) at Bills

Henry disappointed last week, but note that Drake Maye attempted only 23 passes. Look at the underlying numbers, and you'll see no cause for concern:

• 83% route rate
• 18% target share
• 17% targets per route run

Each figure is right in line with his season average.

Well, Maye’s volume should tick up as big road underdogs vs. Buffalo. And note that Henry hit 8 targets in three straight prior to last Sunday’s down game.

Also in my player pool: Trey McBride

Tournament Tight End

Dalton Kincaid, Bills ($5,600) vs. Patriots

He’s cheap. He’s attached to the league’s hottest QB. And the Bills have a slate-high team total of 29.5.

Not bad, right?

Kincaid’s also hit a 23% target share in three of his past four matchups. The last two have turned up huge targets per route run figures (40% and 32%). 

Consider him one of the better TD bets at the position.

Also in my player pool: Trey McBride, George Kittle

Defense

Atlanta Falcons ($4,000) vs. New York Giants

Atlanta sits atop our defensive dollar per point ranks. They draw a Giants unit that’s bottom-12 in pressure and sack rate allowed.

Here’s the kicker: QB Drew Lock, set to start on Sunday, owns the league’s highest turnover-worthy play rate at 6%, per PFF (min. 100 dropbacks). That turnover potential supplies the meat of Atlanta's fantasy appeal.

Also in my player pool: Raiders, Bills