Fantasy football advice, Week 16: Who to start/sit for Texans vs. Titans
Can Houston lock up a playoff spot behind a backup quarterback?
Playing for a shot to lock up the AFC South crown, the 7-7 Houston Texans take on the 3-11 Tennessee Titans Sunday, with Tennessee just looking ahead at its draft placement.
The Texans are likely to be without quarterback Brian Hoyer and wide receiver Cecil Shorts III Sunday as the two deal with injuries. Running backs Alfred Blue and Chris Polk and tight end Ryan Griffin, however, are all expected to be fine for Sunday's game. The Titans, meanwhile, will be without quarterback Marcus Mariota for the game but should have wide receivers Kendall Wright and Harry Douglas and tight end Delanie Walker on the field.
The Titans host the Texans Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET; here’s a look at the fantasy considerations:
TEXANS
Start ‘em: It doesn't matter who Houston runs out there at quarterback, DeAndre Hopkins is an every-week must-start. ... The Texans' defense has turned it around in recent weeks and draws a backup Tennessee quarterback.
Start ‘em?: In a super-pinch, Alfred Blue should get plenty of carries Sunday, but there's no way to call him a safe option. ... Nate Washington has been much better this season when Cecil Shorts III has been out, and Shorts is out Sunday. Washington is high-risk, but decent reward.
Sit ‘em: The Texans move to their fourth starting quarterback of the season with Brandon Weeden under center. It's Brandon Weeden. Avoid. ... The only Texans running back worth any consideration is Blue; Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk are easy stay-aways. ... After a decent return from injury, Ryan Griffin has five combined fantasy points in his last two games and is dealing with an Achilles injury. Tread lightly. ... Nick Novak finally reached 10 fantasy points in Week 15 for the first time all season, but he's impossible to count on.
TITANS
Start ‘em: Even as he deals with injury, Delanie Walker is one of the league’s top three or four fantasy tight ends.
Start ‘em?: In a pinch, the deep-play ability of Dorial Green-Beckham could be worth a look; he's averaged 11 fantasy points a game in his last three. ... The Titans' defense is nothing to speak of, but the benefit of facing a fourth-string quarterback could make them worthwhile in a pinch.
Sit ‘em: There are teams in this league who would kill for a backup quarterback the quality of Zach Mettenberger. He's not terrible; he's just not very good. ... Antonio Andrews continues to be the best of a bad lot of Tennessee running backs that also includes David Cobb and Bishop Sankey; there's nothing for fantasy there. ... Kendall Wright makes his return from injury Sunday, and Harry Douglas continues to toil, but Green-Beckham is the only receiver worth a look. ... Unlike Novak, Ryan Succop still hasn't reached double-digit fantasy points in a game all season.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: DeAndre Hopkins, Houston defense, Delanie Walker
Start if you're desperate: Alfred Blue, Nate Washington, Dorial Green-Beckham, Tennessee defense
Bench: Brandon Weeden, Jonathan Grimes, Chris Polk, Ryan Griffin, Nick Novak, Zach Mettenberger, Antonio Andrews, David Cobb, Bishop Sankey, Kendall Wright, Harry Douglas, Ryan Succop
