We will be ranking the top five players likely to be available in your league at each of the four major positions. Some weeks there might not be five good options available, but we’ll scour for the best we can find. Additionally, throughout the week, we will update each of these articles as ownership percentages change and news arrives. The following ownership percentages come via CBS Sportsline entering Week 16.
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Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions (44 percent ownership)
No one was a bigger non-injury bust at the tight end position in the season’s first half than Ebron. But since the Lions’ Week 7 bye, Ebron has slowly but surely upped his game and made himself relevant again. The past two weeks, he has thrust himself into must-start consideration, posting 14 points in Week 14 with a 10-catch game, then 17 points on Saturday against the Bears, including his third touchdown of the season. This week, Ebron draws the totally tanking Bengals in a game the Lions have to win. He’s poised and ready to break out.
Watson put up a 4-74-1 line, his second 17-point fantasy game against the Browns this season, both his season best. Sadly, the Ravens don’t get a third crack at Cleveland in Week 16. But they do play the Colts, who are 22nd in the league in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. He’s worth a look.
Oh, the humanity. My deepest condolences to any owner out there who lost his game by 6-8 points and had James in the lineup. What a stunning turn of events, in real world and fantasy. But we need to dust ourselves off and realize the Steelers are now without Antonio Brown this week and the Texans are 29th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. The drop aside, James is an excellent option this week.
Even with Zach Ertz back on the field, Burton was still a factor for the Eagles, catching two passes for 15 yards and his third touchdown in the past two games. The Eagles draw the Raiders this week, who possess one of the worst pass defenses in the league and are ranked 26th in points allowed to tight ends, so Burton should still remain a touchdown-or-bust option.
The Jimmy G-Celek show played for a second straight week, as Celek scored once again and posted a spiffy 3-63-1 line that included a 41-yard reception. The unstoppable 49ers, winners of three in a row, have their hands full with the Jaguars in Week 16, but that might actually play to Celek’s advantage as a checkdown target.
