Fantasy football advice, Week 16: Who to start/sit for Cowboys vs. Bills
Two teams ravaged by injury and bad luck face off.
Injuries have ruined the season for the Dallas Cowboys, who come into Week 16 at 4-10 and in last place in the NFC East. The problems for the 6-8 Buffalo Bills aren't quite so simple, but they're third in the AFC East with no hope for a playoff berth. The two play one another Sunday.
The Cowboys will be without quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver Dez Bryant and tight end Gavin Escobar Sunday. Wide receiver Cole Beasley and tight end Jason Witten both should play, though, despite their injuries. The Bills, meanwhile, will be without running back LeSean McCoy and tight end Charles Clay for Sunday. Running back Karlos Williams should play through his own shoulder issues.
The Bills host the Cowboys Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET scheduled start. Here’s a look at the fantasy considerations:
COWBOYS
Start ‘em: The Cowboys are going to feed Darren McFadden as much as he can carry it. He's a must-start.
Sit ‘em: The Cowboys have moved to Kellen Moore as the starting quarterback, which should push you off of most of the team's offense. ... There's no real upside to Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley or Jason Witten right now. ... Dan Bailey has produced, but with the huge questions around the team's offense, I'm not touching him. ... The Cowboys' defense has had very little upside this year.
BILLS
Start ‘em: The last month, Tyrod Taylor has averaged 24 fantasy points a game. That's a definite fantasy starter. ... Sammy Watkins has been a monster of late, with 20 fantasy points per game. You're starting him.
Start ‘em?: There's a lot of upside to Karlos Williams (just look at his early-season run), but the continued presence of Mike Gillislee makes both a flex sort of option, with Williams more of a high-end choice. ... The Bills' defense has zero combined fantasy points in its last five games. You like any defense facing Kellen Moore, but Buffalo's upside hasn't inspired confidence.
Sit ‘em: The Bills will look to Chris Gragg and Nick O'Leary at tight end, but neither is worth a fantasy look (though I am very intrigued by O'Leary as a dynasty option). ... Dan Carpenter hasn't cracked 10 fantasy points in five straight.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Darren McFadden, Tyrod Taylor, Sammy Watkins
Start if you're desperate: Karlos Williams, Mike Gillislee, Buffalo defense
Bench: Kellen Moore, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Jason Witten, Dan Bailey, Dallas defense, Chris Gragg, Nick O'Leary, Dan Carpenter
