Fantasy football advice, Week 16: Who to start/sit for Patriots vs. Jets

The best record in the AFC belongs to the 12-2 New England Patriots. The hottest team in the conference, though, is the eight-wins-in-a-row Kansas City Chiefs, followed by the New York Jets, who have won four in a row to jump to 9-5 and hold a spot in the AFC playoffs. Sunday, the Jets put their winning streak on the line against those Patriots.

The Patriots' entire complement of pass-catchers appeared on the weekly injury report, with varying degrees of concern. Tight end Rob Gronkowski was there apparently just for maintenance; he'll play. Wide receiver Brandon LaFell is dealing with a foot issue but should be fine for the game. Tight end Scott Chandler is working through a knee injury, and either won't play Sunday or won't be a factor. Wide receiver Danny Amendola suffered a knee injury himself in Week 15 and appears on the doubtful side of questionable. And wide receiver Julian Edelman still has a foot injury and likely won't play Sunday, but he could make a Week 17 appearance. For the Jets, the regular injury report appearances are there (quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker), but all three should be fine for the game.

Start ‘em: Even with every last one of his wide receivers and tight ends banged up, Tom Brady needs to be in all lineups. He's been strong basically all year. ... Rob Gronkowski has 10 games of double-digit fantasy points in 13 games played this year. ... Steven Gostkowski bounced back from a little three-game lull with 27 fantasy points in his last two games. ... The Jets' offense is much improved this year, but the Patriots' defense has been strong enough that it's still a low-end No. 1 fantasy defense.

Start ‘em?: In a PPR league, James White is pretty much a must-start. In standard, he's more of a flex option, though he's averaged 13 fantasy points a game in his last three and 11 in his last five. ... Brandon LaFell started the season hurt, but hasn't missed time since coming back. He's averaged less than four fantasy points a game, though. He's only in flex consideration because of all the Patriots' injuries.

Sit ‘em: The team hasn't gone heavily in on Brandon Bolden even with the injuries to the other running backs. You're using him over the likes of Joey Iosefa and Steven Jackson, but you can probably do better either way.

Start ‘em: The upside for Brandon Marshall might not be as high as normal, given that his worst game of the season came in the Jets' other game vs. New England, but he and Eric Decker have both done more than enough to be must-starts in all matchups.

Start ‘em?: The Patriots' defense hasn't allowed more than 12 fantasy points to an opposing quarterback in five games, and has only allowed 20-plus three times all season. Still, with his strong weapons, Ryan Fitzpatrick is a strong QB2 with an argument for QB1 status. ... If Chris Ivory were out, Bilal Powell would be a must-start. If Powell were out, Ivory would be. With both healthy, they're flex plays who will battle for touches. ... Randy Bullock has been above-average with the Jets, but he's not a top-flight kicker by any means. ... The Jets' defense has been decent of late, with back-to-back games of 11-plus fantasy points, but playing against New England is probably enough to shy away.

Sit ‘em: The best tight end on the Jets, Jeff Cumberland, has six fantasy points on the season. This is not a tight end-friendly offense.

Start in every league: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Stephen Gostkowski, New England defense, Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker
Start if you're desperate: James White, Brandon LaFell, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Randy Bullock, New York defense
Bench: Brandon Bolden, Joey Iosefa, Steven Jackson, Jeff Cumberland