Welcome back to Week 16 of Keeping it Real With Fantasy! Week one of the fantasy playoffs has finally come to an end., and we saw some great performances across the league. Chiefs’ receiver Tyreek Hill went off for 12 catches, 148 yards, and a touchdown, while his teammate Travis Kelce tallied 10 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Rams WR Cooper Kupp continues to add onto his historic season as he hauled in nine passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. As we head into Week 17, there are many interesting matchups that are sure to produce quality numbers for your fantasy team. The Indianapolis Colts head to Arizona to take on the Cardinals, which is a great game to watch as running back Johnathan Taylor continues to cement himself as one of the most valuable players in today’s game. Besides this, The Baltimore Ravens head to Cincinnati to play the Bengals. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot sitting at 8-6. This game could make a huge difference in the way the playoff race unfolds. We wish you the best of luck heading into the second week of the first round, where there are many more matchups that could make or break your fantasy team this holiday season. 

News/Injuries:

Leonard Fournette (RB) – The Buccaneers star running back Leonard Fournette was placed on IR after his last game against the Saints. After being seen with crutches on the sideline, it’s likely that Fournette will be out for the rest of the season as he is nursing a hamstring injury. The Buccaneers have signed former Pro-Bowl Running Back Le’veon Bell to back up Ronald Jones.  

Tyreek Hill (WR) – The Chiefs WR was placed on the COVID-19/IR list this past week. It’s unclear whether he caught the virus or was just deemed as having had close contact. Hill is ranked as the second highest scoring fantasy receiver and by far one of the biggest game changers the league has seen. His vertical threat is unparalleled and his absence could be the difference between a win and a loss. 

Cole Beasley (WR) – The Bills WR was one of the most outspoken anti vax players before the season started. This past week he tested positive for the virus, and due to his unvaccinated status, he is forced to be isolated for 10 days before returning to testing protocols. The Bills will not have him against the Patriots this coming week  

Starts:

Ronald Jones (RB) – Following the unfortunate news that Leonard Fournette will be missing the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury, fantasy owners quickly turned to Jones. Keep an eye out for Jones because this 24 year old running back will get the majority of Fournette’s carries this week inflating his numbers, and making him a key starter for your team this week.  Keep tabs on Jones, his touches are bound to go up. 

Joe Burrow (QB) –  Burrow’s already lit the Ravens defense up this season during their Week 7 matchup. He threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns. Since then, the Ravens defense has only gotten weaker while Burrows’ weapons still remain healthy. You should be expecting big numbers from Joey B., who in our opinion is a must start 

Sits: 

A.J. Dillon (RB) – Although the running back was able to score last week against the Ravens, he saw a decline in touches. The Packers seem to be leaning more towards Aaron Jones as of right now, which isn’t the best news for Dillon’s owners. Jones leads Dillon in touches, snaps, and fantasy points. We believe it’s best for your team to keep Dillon on the sidelines this coming week. 

Jakobi Meyers (WR) –  Unfortunately for fantasy owners of his, Jakobi Meyers has just not produced at the level we thought he would at the beginning of the season. The Patriots utilize a very run-heavy offense, so Meyers is limited in his opportunities to get the ball. This week, the Pats play the Bills, who have one of the best defenses against receivers in the NFL. For these reasons, we are benching Meyers this week. 

Waiver Wires:

Ronald Jones (RB) – As already mentioned, Fournette is missing the remainder of the season, giving Jones a great role in the eyes of fantasy owners. The Buccs offense is one of the strongest in the leagye, add a young running back like Jones into the mix and it’s clear as to why you’d want him on your roster. We think he’s an excellent waiver add to your team this week. 

Duke Johnson (RB) – With starting running back dealing with an injury still, Duke Johnson saw the bulk of the carries last week with 22. He had a monster game with a total of 25.7 ppr fantasy points. After recently getting signed to the active roster, Johnson will be a great add in Week 2 of the fantasy playoffs.