Week 16 fantasy QB rankings

If you’re still in the hunt for a fantasy football championship, you’ve likely had a stable signal-caller to rely on throughout the season. If not, our Week 16 fantasy QB rankings can help keep your championship aspirations alive by pointing out some intriguing sleepers, streamers, and injury fill-ins.

Starting with injuries, we didn’t see Lamar Jackson (knee), Mike White (ribs), Russell Wilson (concussion), or Kenny Pickett (concussion) suit up this week, but all four could return next week. Jackson’s the biggest concern of the bunch, as his knee strain could sideline him for a third consecutive week. We’ll be monitoring each team’s injury reports throughout the week and adjusting our rankings accordingly.

In terms of streamers, Pickett (vs. Raiders), Zach Wilson (vs. Jaguars), Brock Purdy (vs. Commanders), and Sam Darnold (vs. Lions) could be utilized as injury-fill-ins in deeper/two-QB leagues. Obviously, none are overly reliable, but they all have favorable matchups and could produce a lot of points for owners brave enough to trust them.

If Pickett’s good to go, he draws a juicy matchup against a Raiders defense allowing the second-highest EPA/dropback (+0.172) and most fantasy points to QBs. Purdy is sporting an impressive 6:1 TD-to-INT rate through three games and could very well toss two-plus TDs against a middling Commanders’ pass defense. While the Lions’ defense has improved the past couple of weeks, they’re still allowing the third-highest EPA/dropback (+0.167), making Darnold a semi-appealing matchup-based start. Wilson, who just posted 317 yards and two TDs against Detroit, is also in play against Jacksonville’s No. 28 pass defense.

Derek Carr (@ Steelers), Daniel Jones (@ Vikings), and Aaron Rodgers (@ Dolphins) could also make their way into a high percentage of starting lineups, as all three QBs have an opportunity to post a QB1-caliber performance in favorable matchups. The Steelers, Dolphins, and Vikings all rank in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points allowed to QBs and EPA/dropback. While the Raiders, Giants, and Vikings all have elite RBs that could result in run-heavy approaches, these QBs shouldn’t be ignored.

Conversely, Deshaun Watson (vs. Saints) sees his ranking drop, while Dak Prescott (vs. Eagles) and Trevor Lawrence (@ Jets) could have tough times replicating their big Week 15 performances. The Saints, Eagles, and Jets all rank in the top half of the league in the fewest fantasy points allowed to QBs, and all three have been somewhat inconsistent this year. It’s still tough to bench Prescott and Lawrence given the lack of reliable options on the waiver wire, but be wary of potential rocky outings.

Additionally, Joe Burrow (@ Patriots), Justin Fields (vs. Bills), Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Packers), and Kirk Cousins (vs. Giants) aren’t in great spots either, but all four are virtual must-starts at this juncture.

Note: We’ll be updating these QB rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest changes.

Week 16 fantasy QB Rankings

These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring