Fantasy football advice, Week 16: Who to start/sit for Panthers vs. Falcons
Carolina puts its undefeated record on the line again.
The Carolina Panthers continue to be the best story of the NFL season, entering Week 16 still undefeated. Sunday, they put it on the line against the Atlanta Falcons, who finally won another game a week ago after a long losing streak.
The Panthers will be without running back Jonathan Stewart for a second straight week Sunday. Quarterback Cam Newton and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. should both play despite their appearances on the injury report. The Falcons, meanwhile, will be without running back Tevin Coleman after he suffered a concussion.
The Falcons host the Panthers Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy considerations:
PANTHERS
Start ‘em: At this point, there's no possible reason to shy away from Cam Newton in fantasy. ... It's been such a hot stretch for Ted Ginn Jr. that he's become a definite must-start. ... Still always starting Greg Olsen. ... Graham Gano has been maybe the league's best fantasy kicker this year. ... The Panthers' defense has earned trust, even with one or fewer fantasy points in two of its last three.
Start ‘em?: With Jonathan Stewart out again, Cameron Artis-Payne will lead the way for the team's running backs. He's a high-end flex option.
Sit ‘em: Artis-Payne will get enough touches that it's hard to imagine trusting Mike Tolbert or Fozzy Whittaker for anything. ... If you could play "whichever wide receiver scores higher between Philly Brown and Devin Funchess," you'd probably do well. But there's no way to know which will do better in a given week.
FALCONS
Start ‘em: In the last four games he's played, Devonta Freeman has averaged only eight fantasy points a game. He's still a must-start, but his ceiling appears to be lower. ... Julio Jones has a tough matchup but is still a top-tier wide receiver.
Start ‘em?: Since taking over the Atlanta kicking role, Shayne Graham has been really strong, but against the Carolina defense, he might struggle.
Sit ‘em: Remember when Matt Ryan was a good fantasy option? It was so long ago. ... Jacob Tamme spent a few weeks as a near-starter at tight end, but he's done almost nothing the last few weeks. ... The Falcons' defense hasn't been great, and should struggle against Carolina.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Cam Newton, Ted Ginn Jr., Greg Olsen, Graham Gano, Carolina defense, Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones
Start if you're desperate: Cameron Artis-Payne, Shayne Graham
Bench: Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker, Philly Brown, Devin Funchess, Matt Ryan, Jacob Tamme, Atlanta defense
