Fantasy Flex: The Championship Round

You’ve worked all year, and now you’re here: the championship round of the fantasy football playoffs. Congratulations. As you attempt to win it all, there are several factors to keep in mind. Just as you have all season, trust your gut, have faith in your starters and play the match-ups. Other than that, here are a few of the best streaming options for Week Sixteen, as well as some match-ups to watch out for.

Start:

Quarterback

Philip Rivers (QB - SD) vs Browns: Rivers has struggled over the past two games, but both came against solid defenses. This week, he takes on the floundering Browns’ defensive unit and should be in line for a high-scoring performance. If you don’t have a Tom Brady or Drew Brees on your roster, Rivers is a nice streaming option.

Running Back

Latavius Murray (RB - OAK) vs Colts: After struggling in Week Fifteen, Murray gets a great draw in Week Sixteen against Indianapolis. The Colts’ defense has struggled against the run and should give Murray plenty of opportunities to find the end zone. He’s one of the top options this week at the running back position.

Rob Kelley (RB - WAS) vs Bears: Kelley has scored in each of his last two performances and has a great opponent in the Bears’ defense this week. His workload has been consistent, and he’s a good streaming option at the flex position. Expect him to find the end zone for the third week in a row against Chicago.

Wide Receiver

Rishard Matthews (WR - TEN) vs Jaguars: Matthews has proven himself a reliable fantasy option at the wide receiver position, scoring a touchdown or eclipsing 100 yards in six of his last seven games. A divisional match-up against Jacksonville should spell a big game for the wideout, who also found the end zone earlier this year against the Jaguars.

Ted Ginn Jr. (WR - CAR) vs Falcons: The Panthers’ wideout has scored in four of his last five games and seems to have found his rhythm with quarterback Cam Newton. A game against the Falcons should allow Ginn plenty of opportunities to find the end zone, and put up some big fantasy numbers. Get him in your lineup if you have him!

Tight End

Zach Ertz (TE - PHI) vs Giants: Ertz appears to have found his stride just when fantasy owners needed him the most. Over the past three weeks, Ertz has scored once and managed at least 79 yards in each game. He’s seen a rise in targets and should continue that success on Thursday night against his division rival. It’s worth noting that the last time Ertz played the Giants, he hauled in eight receptions for 97 yards. Get him in your lineup.

Hunter Henry (TE - SD) vs Browns: Henry made our waiver recommendation column this week because of his exceptional match-up against Cleveland. He has also found the end zone in four of his last five outings. Henry still sits behind veteran Antonio Gates in the passing game, but he should have a solid outing against the Browns. He’s a solid option at tight end this week.

Sit:

Quarterback

Blake Bortles (QB - JAX) vs Titans: Bortles had an awful outing last week against Houston, and now he faces the Titans in another divisional battle. The Jaguars’ quarterback has been hot and cold all season; there are safer bets for the championship round of your fantasy playoffs. Get a more reliable quarterback in your lineup if you can.

Running Back

Devontae Booker (RB - DEN) vs Chiefs: Denver running back Justin Forsett made our waiver column this week, as he looked like the stronger Broncos’ back in Week Fifteen. Booker has been largely disappointing since taking over for C.J. Anderson, and now that he’s sharing the backfield with Forsett, his fantasy value has dropped even further. He’s a weak option at his position and should be benched in favor of other options.

Wide Receiver

Brandon LaFell (WR - CIN) vs Texans: LaFell has been hit or miss this season and will likely have a mediocre outing against the dangerous Houston defense. With the return of A.J. Green likely, LaFell looses a big percentage of his fantasy relevance. There are better players to use for Week Sixteen, so steer clear of the league’s top defense if you can.

Tight End

Tyler Eifert (TE - CIN) vs Texans: This is a tough call to recommend sitting Eifert at a thin position, but his match-up against the Texans is a bad one. Houston has a shutdown secondary and currently boasts the best defense in the league. With Eifert on the injury report and not practicing this week, his status for Saturday is already in doubt. There are superior options than an injured Eifert battling the Texans’ secondary.

Alright fantasy owners, it’s time for a championship! You can use the comments section to discuss your lineup, ask questions and give advice. Happy holidays, and best of luck!