Week 15 was a wild one in the NFL. The next two weeks are shaping up to be no different. Although it’s been excruciating with all the injuries this season, it has still been an exciting one, and it will be interesting to see who will fill the final playoff spots, and where they will be seeded.
Before we get started on this week’s Draftkings GPP plays, let me begin by congratulating those of you who are playing for your fantasy championships this week. There are a lot of favorable matchups this week so it should be very exciting for you. Let’s take a look now at who we think is in prime position for strong fantasy production.
The Gamefly DraftKings GPP Plays for Week 16
Quarterbacks
Cam Newton (CAR) vs. TB $6,800Â
I said last week that I thought Cam would come through against Green Bay, and he delivered with four touchdown passes. My instincts tell me that he can do it again for a second consecutive week. The Bucs defense has been a disappointment this season, alongside the rest of their team. Tampa Bay is ready to wash this season away, while Carolina is anxious to get back in the playoffs.
Cam struggled when these teams met earlier this season, but these teams have gone separate ways since then. The Panthers have their focus right where it should be, and I predict the offense will run much more smoothly at home. My projection for Cam is at least three touchdowns, and combined with how active he his with his legs, it should give him a very solid fantasy day.
Alex Smith (KC) vs. MIA $6,600
Smith has been, arguably, the most up and down fantasy quarterback of the season, making him an every week boom-or-bust player. Most of those are bust, however, which always makes him a risky play. His two best games though came against AFC East opponents, and now they host the Dolphins.
It may appear after these last two weeks that the Chiefs are back on track, and ready to show again that they are the team they were to start the season. A win against Miami would clinch the AFC West for the Chiefs so I’m expecting Smith and company to be sharp on Sunday. The Dolphins defense has been better in recent weeks, but Kansas City’s offense is rolling again, and will likely be too much for Miami in the cold.
Other Notables: Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) @ HOU $6,700, Philip Rivers (LAC) @ NYJ $6,400
Running Backs
Melvin Gordon (LAC) @ NYJ $7,200
Austin Ekeler had been vulturing a lot of Gordon’s production this season, but it appears that the Chargers are almost ready to shut Ekeler down for the rest of the season with a broken hand. Branden Oliver would likely take over as the Chargers #2, but Gordon should be able to take full advantage with a larger workload. This includes being more involved on passing downs as Gordon is very accustomed to doing. With 11 touchdowns already on the season, Gordon will look to add to that as the Chargers fight for their spot in the postseason.
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Dion Lewis (NE) vs. BUF $6,000
With Rex Burkhead out with a knee injury, odds are that Lewis will see an extended amount of touches for the rest of the regular season. Lewis responded strongly in relief against Pittsburgh, scoring the game-winning touchdown. Teams are expected to depend on their run game more in cold conditions, and Buffalo is already dead last against opposing backs. Lewis is also very capable as a receiver, and should have no problem putting in a very fine performance for fantasy owners.
Other Notables:Â Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) vs. SEA $8,400, Leonard Fournette (JAX) @ SF $7,500
Wide Receivers
Sterling Shepard (NYG) @ ARI $6,600
Excluding a Week 14 dud against Dallas where he returned from a hamstring injury, Shepard has been targeted 38 times in the three previous games where Eli Manning was quarterback. The Giants season may be over, but this is a perfect opportunity for them to continue to grow Shepard while Odell Beckham Jr. is out for the season. As their current #1 receiver, look for Manning to again target Shepard constantly against the Cardinals.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (PIT) @ HOU $6,400
Losing Antonio Brown is a huge blow for the Steelers, but his injury gives guys like JuJu Smith-Schuster the opportunity to step up for his team. Smith-Schuster was almost the hero last week after gaining a 69-yarder to setup first-and-goal for the Steelers late. He’s expected to go in against Houston as Ben Roethlisberger‘s top target. The Jaguars passing attack just brutalized the Texans defense, which has been the theme for Houston this season. Big Ben will likely move the ball around, but JuJu should have no issues producing big numbers.
Jarvis Landry (MIA) @ KC $6,300
The Dolphins playoff hopes are starting to fade, but that’s not going to stop Jarvis Landry from giving it all he’s got. Landry has had a career season thus far, and he’s in a very favorable position against Kansas City’s 32nd-ranked pass defense against receivers. The Dolphins will lean heavy on their top target as they always do, and even more so should they fall behind early, which is a likely possibility.
Other Notables: Michael Crabtree (OAK) @ PHI $6,300, Keelan Cole (Jax) @ SF $4,700
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce (KC) vs. MIA $6,900
Kelce has been one of the most consistent tight ends of the season, and arguably the best, while the Dolphins defense has struggled all season against tight ends. It looks ugly on paper for the Dolphins as they will surely have their hands full trying to cover him. I’m expecting Kelce to erupt in this one with a pair of scores, and is a fine combo play with Alex Smith in tournament play.
Other Notables:Â Rob Gronkowski (NE) vs. BUF $7,400, Delanie Walker (TEN) vs. LAR $4,900
Defense
Chicago vs. CLE $3,500
The Bears defense has been a nice surprise for them this year, and they have turned themselves into a respectable fantasy option. They have averaged over nine fantasy points per game in the last three weeks. Now they get to play host to the only team left without a win, Cleveland. The Browns defense has improved this season, but the offense continues to prove that they still have a long way to go. The Bears should be able to capitalize on Cleveland’s mistakes, making them a solid fantasy play this week.
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