Riding a two-game winning streak, the New York Giants have risen to 5-9, making their season at least something in the realm of respectable. The St. Louis Rams are a game better at 6-8, but have been much more involved in the season, playing the hardest schedule in the NFC en route to their record. Sunday, the two teams play one another, both trying to end the season on a high note.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 16: Giants vs. Rams
Two struggling teams look to finish 2014 on an upswing.
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The teams have four players combined on their injury report, and the only fantasy-relevant name is Giants running back Rashad Jennings, who is looking unlikely to play Sunday as he continues to deal with an ankle injury. The Rams come into Sunday's game healthy.
The Giants will travel to St. Louis for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy considerations:
GIANTS
Start ‘em: There’s no reason at all for Odell Beckham Jr. to be on anyone’s bench. He’s been a superstar.
Start 'em?: The thing the St. Louis defense is most susceptible to is the deep pass, which could help Eli Manning's fantasy prospects. He's a strong QB2. ... Assuming Rashad Jennings is out, Andre Williams is a mid-range flex play, but he's not that good and it's a tough matchup. ... The Giants' defense has improved of late, and now gets a middling-at-best St. Louis offense.
Sit 'em: There hasn't been any real upside to Rueben Randle's production this year. He's not anything like a fantasy option. ... Larry Donnell's hot start to the season is just gone; he has eight combined fantasy points in his last four weeks. ... Josh Brown had that big Week 14, but otherwise hasn't done much all season.
RAMS
Start 'em: I'm willing to forgive Tre Mason for his awful Week 15, considering the opponent, the game flow and the short rest. He's still a No. 2 running back. ... The Rams' defense really has only one premium offensive player to contend with, and it's been an elite unit for several weeks now.
Sit 'em: After a brief hot stretch, Shaun Hill's numbers have fallen off. He's not a reasonable fantasy option. ... It's hard to imagine putting much trust in any St. Louis pass-catcher. If you're using one, it probably needs to be Stedman Bailey over Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin or Jared Cook, but the best route is to avoid them all. ... Greg Zuerlein hasn't been a strong fantasy kicker this year.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Odell Beckham Jr., Tre Mason, St. Louis defense
Start if you’re desperate: Eli Manning, Andre Williams, New York defense
Bench: Rueben Randle, Larry Donnell, Josh Brown, Shaun Hill, Stedman Bailey, Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, Jared Cook, Greg Zuerlein
