Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)

by Optimus Staff

Published On: December 20th, 2025

You are witnessing four fantasy football teams begin an adventure that will forever change their lives. No, this isn’t Survivor, this is the fantasy football semifinals! You’ve managed to outwit and outplay all comers thus far. Will your alliances with your players last another week, or will they splinter in the face of pressure and leave you betrayed by former allies?

Now is not the time to go dumpster diving. It’s time to evaluate which allies can be relied upon and which it’s time to cast aside in favor of new alliances. We approached this week with our eye on startable options for you. We either wanted to highlight usually reliable players who we think fall outside the startable range, or players who are normally on the bench that we believe deserve a promotion in Week 16.

All that’s left is to outlast your competition. It’s time to steel your resolve and make it happen.

REMINDER: Our analysts’ rankings are available by clicking their names below!

Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 16

Players We Are Higher On:

Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Consensus Rank: WR32

Lou’s Rank: WR24 (+8)

I know it feels weird (maybe even icky), but like it or not, J.J. McCarthy has been lighting up bad defenses the past two weeks. And make no mistake: the Giants are another bad defense. In fact, they’re tied for the eighth-most fantasy points/game allowed to wide receivers over the past month. While 29.2 fantasy points doesn’t sound like a ton when you split it up, Minnesota does such a good job of funneling its offense to its two best receivers; it really helps concentrate that production. 

Now, I get it if you’re nervous about McCarthy’s production. Especially since Dallas’ defense is largely in a league of its own when it comes to ineptitude this year. What’s easy to miss, though, is how middle-of-the-pack Washington is against passing games. So it’s not like McCarthy is only feasting on the truly inept. As odd as it is to say, his matchup this week against the Giants is actually more favorable than his matchup against the Commanders. 

As we know, the question isn’t about Minnesota’s pass-catchers; it’s about Minnesota’s pass-thrower. So if he continues this trend like he should be able to, there’s no reason Addison can’t return WR2 value for Week 16.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Consensus Rank: RB38

Lou’s Rank: RB25 (+13)

Ok, first off — don’t get too excited about this ranking. There’s a whole lotta ‘ick’ out there in Week 16, and I would rather recommend a player with a good floor and decent upside in a favorable matchup than most of the guys behind him. 

While the Cowboys’ poor performance against running backs over the last month is influenced mainly by Jahmyr Gibbs, their other opponents weren’t exactly luminaries. After all, the Cowboys are 10th-worst at limiting opposing RBs in that time frame. However, they faced both the Kansas City and Minnesota running games, so we have to take their “success” with a rather large grain of salt.

Ultimately, Kimani Vidal is usable. No, I’m not telling you to rush out and force him into lineups. If you look at a few of the backs I have ranked behind Vidal, you’ll find a gaggle of guys (a guyggle, if you will) carrying lots of questions and dubious matchups. Vidal gets a decent amount of opportunities in both the rushing and passing game, so he’s matchup resistant, and he has the speed to turn a mundane play into a big play if the opportunity arises. If you need some upside in your lineup in Week 16, Vidal is a decent play.

Kimani Vidal takes it 60 yards up the sideline!

PHIvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App

[image or embed]

— NFL (@nflbot.bsky.social) December 8, 2025 at 8:32 PM

Michael Pittman, WR,  Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: WR34

Nate’s Rank: WR26 (+8)

The return of QB Philip Rivers (old) appears to be more than just a one-week thing, folks. While this isn’t good news for Indy, WR Michael Pittman should benefit from having the veteran signal caller behind center for another week.

If you watched Rivers last weekend, you know he looks like a 44-year-old who has been retired for five seasons trying to throw a football. Luckily for Indy and you, Pittman thrives on the short-to-intermediate routes that are still within Old Man Rivers wheelhouse. Of his 98 targets this season, 91 have been 19 or fewer yards, with a 76 percent catch rate. On those targets, Pittman has logged 677 yards and five TDs.

This likely won’t be a high-volume passing game for the Colts, but if San Francisco gets ahead early, they could force the Colts’ hand. Either way, Pittman will be valuable as a back-end WR2/Flex as a likely prime target for Rivers in Week 16.

Oronde Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers

Consensus Rank: TE14

Nate’s Rank: TE10 (+4)

If you hadn’t noticed, rookie TE Oronde Gadsden has been good. While not every game has been a boon for fantasy managers who have him rostered, he’s made the most of the opportunities he’s been given this season. This week is shaping up to be one of those opportunity games for the rookie bookend.

This weekend, the 10-4 Chargers faceoff against the Cowboys in Dallas in a must-win game for Los Angeles. The Chargers’ passing offense has been sputtering as of late, and getting Gadsden involved against a suspect Dallas defense will be one of the keys to giving it a kickstart. With WR Quentin Johnston (groin) questionable for Sunday’s game, Gadsden should see an uptick in volume. Unlike the last few weeks, Gadsden should see north of 8 targets and a chance at relevant red zone work as well. 

It’s not a sure thing, of course. Nothing is. However, Gadsden is a solid bet to blow up in Week 16 and help you win your fantasy football semifinal matchup.

Oronde Gadsden II had a 64% route share against the Chiefs, his lowest mark in a completed game since Week 5. He did see a 19% target share, his highest in four weeks, and 10.1 PPR points, highest since Week 9.

— JJ Zachariason (@lateroundqb.bsky.social) December 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM

Players We Are Lower On:

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Consensus Rank: QB6

Lou’s Rank: QB14 (-8)

Embed from Getty Images

I want to believe in Dak Prescott for the fantasy playoffs. The guy can’t get it done in the real playoffs, so maybe the fantasy playoffs, instead? Ducks, as a brick is thrown at me Ok, yeah, I deserved that. By the way, you throw like Dak in the playoffs.

At any rate, shade at Dak aside, the Dallas passing attack isn’t infallible. In fact, they ‘falled’ – failed – just last week against Minnesota. While Minnesota ranked first over the last month in limiting QB scoring against them, allowing only 6.3 PPG, the Chargers are third in the same period, allowing only 10.4. Just in case you think it’s all about substandard competition, two of the Chargers’ three opponents in that time were Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. So even with Prescott’s outstanding season, you need to understand he’s looking at a sub-par finish today.

When it comes to the semifinals of the fantasy playoffs, now is no time to purposely lean into limiting your upside, and that’s precisely what you’re doing with Dak Prescott.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

Consensus Rank: WR17

Lou’s Rank: WR26 (-9)

Embed from Getty Images

The big problem with ranking Tetairoa McMillan as a high WR2 is that’s simply not where he ‘lives.’ In fact, there are only three weeks in which McMillan finished as WR20 or better. 

And his overall WR1 performance? That was the result of Bryce Young morphing into the Incredible Hulk when he plays Atlanta. Compared to, you know, his version of Bruce Banner, the rest of the time. I hate saying that we should exclude a game, because they all matter, but Carolina’s Week 11 game against Atlanta is clearly an outlier. So I’m purposely throwing it out, and you can’t stop me. 

While there’s no one thing to point at, the simple answer might simply be “the rookie wall.” Since that game, McMillan hasn’t exceeded two receptions regardless of the number of targets, which are down 11% over this three-game stretch compared to his full-season pace, by the way. In addition, his receptions are down 5%, and his yards are down 19% over the same time frame. This is the profile of a WR who needs TD(s) to return WR2 production.  

Even though he’s fully cleared from his ankle injury, there are so many reasons to leave Tetairoa McMillan out of your lineup this week if you have more solid options. He simply doesn’t have the upside you want to see out of that spot.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Consensus Rank: QB5

Nate’s Rank: QB13 (-8)

Before you yell at me, understand this comes from a place of concern. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, isn’t right, folks.

Since returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, the once mobile Jackson has looked less than mobile. In the seven games since his return, Jackson has exceeded 30 rushing yards only one time and has a lone rushing TD in Week 14 against Pittsburgh. He also has surpassed 200 passing yards just three times, hasn’t had a game with over 250 passing yards and has three games without a TD since his Week 9 return.

Jackson has had a few solid performances since the injury, but they appear to be more of a fluke. His bad games have mostly all been against bad defenses – the Jets, the Browns and the Bengals – which is not the case this week. The New England Patriots defense, in typical Mike Vrabel fashion, is stout against the run and the QB position. You likely don’t have a better option than Lamar, but understand his limitations this week, chase some ceiling plays in your lineups and hope for the best.

The sack by Myles Murphy on Lamar Jackson that ended Baltimore’s opening possession.

Closing speed.

[image or embed]

— Josh Kirkendall (@joshkirkendall.bsky.social) December 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM

D.J. Moore, WR, Chicago Bears

Consensus Rank: WR25

Nate’s Rank: WR32 (-7)

Embed from Getty Images

I know this seems crazy, given that both WR Luther Burden and WR Rome Odunze have been officially ruled out ahead of the Bears’ matchup with Green Bay this weekend. It’s even crazier given that Moore is fresh off a two-TD performance last week against Cleveland. 

But let me explain.

The veteran WR has been streaky at best this season, with one fewer sub-five-point fantasy output (4) than double-digit scores (5) this season. In the Bears’ last matchup against the Packers in Week 14, Moore had one catch for -4 yards despite an 83 percent snap share and Rome Odunze being inactive. Yes, it was a decent Burden game (four catches for 67 yards), putting the rookie at WR27 overall on the week. However, unlike the Week 14 matchup, Green Bay is sans EDGE rusher Micah Parsons (ACL).

The injury to Parsons matters because now the entire unit is working to replace an MVP-level talent on their line. And while Parsons is an elite pass rusher by trade, he is also an effective run stopper. This week seems primed for Chicago to load up on carries for RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who are seeing nearly 30 or more carries in each of the Bears’ last three games. You can still start Moore as a Flex on a wing and a prayer this week, but temper your expectations and pivot if you have better options on your bench.

For more advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

You are witnessing four fantasy football teams begin an adventure that will forever change their lives. No, this isn’t Survivor, this is the fantasy football semifinals! You’ve managed to outwit and outplay all comers thus far. Will your alliances with your players last another week, or will they splinter in the face of pressure and leave you betrayed by former allies?

Now is not the time to go dumpster diving. It’s time to evaluate which allies can be relied upon and which it’s time to cast aside in favor of new alliances. We approached this week with our eye on startable options for you. We either wanted to highlight usually reliable players who we think fall outside the startable range, or players who are normally on the bench that we believe deserve a promotion in Week 16.

All that’s left is to outlast your competition. It’s time to steel your resolve and make it happen.

REMINDER: Our analysts’ rankings are available by clicking their names below!

Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 16

Players We Are Higher On:

Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Consensus Rank: WR32

Lou’s Rank: WR24 (+8)

I know it feels weird (maybe even icky), but like it or not, J.J. McCarthy has been lighting up bad defenses the past two weeks. And make no mistake: the Giants are another bad defense. In fact, they’re tied for the eighth-most fantasy points/game allowed to wide receivers over the past month. While 29.2 fantasy points doesn’t sound like a ton when you split it up, Minnesota does such a good job of funneling its offense to its two best receivers; it really helps concentrate that production. 

Now, I get it if you’re nervous about McCarthy’s production. Especially since Dallas’ defense is largely in a league of its own when it comes to ineptitude this year. What’s easy to miss, though, is how middle-of-the-pack Washington is against passing games. So it’s not like McCarthy is only feasting on the truly inept. As odd as it is to say, his matchup this week against the Giants is actually more favorable than his matchup against the Commanders. 

As we know, the question isn’t about Minnesota’s pass-catchers; it’s about Minnesota’s pass-thrower. So if he continues this trend like he should be able to, there’s no reason Addison can’t return WR2 value for Week 16.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Consensus Rank: RB38

Lou’s Rank: RB25 (+13)

Ok, first off — don’t get too excited about this ranking. There’s a whole lotta ‘ick’ out there in Week 16, and I would rather recommend a player with a good floor and decent upside in a favorable matchup than most of the guys behind him. 

While the Cowboys’ poor performance against running backs over the last month is influenced mainly by Jahmyr Gibbs, their other opponents weren’t exactly luminaries. After all, the Cowboys are 10th-worst at limiting opposing RBs in that time frame. However, they faced both the Kansas City and Minnesota running games, so we have to take their “success” with a rather large grain of salt.

Ultimately, Kimani Vidal is usable. No, I’m not telling you to rush out and force him into lineups. If you look at a few of the backs I have ranked behind Vidal, you’ll find a gaggle of guys (a guyggle, if you will) carrying lots of questions and dubious matchups. Vidal gets a decent amount of opportunities in both the rushing and passing game, so he’s matchup resistant, and he has the speed to turn a mundane play into a big play if the opportunity arises. If you need some upside in your lineup in Week 16, Vidal is a decent play.

Kimani Vidal takes it 60 yards up the sideline!

PHIvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App

[image or embed]

— NFL (@nflbot.bsky.social) December 8, 2025 at 8:32 PM

Michael Pittman, WR,  Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: WR34

Nate’s Rank: WR26 (+8)

The return of QB Philip Rivers (old) appears to be more than just a one-week thing, folks. While this isn’t good news for Indy, WR Michael Pittman should benefit from having the veteran signal caller behind center for another week.

If you watched Rivers last weekend, you know he looks like a 44-year-old who has been retired for five seasons trying to throw a football. Luckily for Indy and you, Pittman thrives on the short-to-intermediate routes that are still within Old Man Rivers wheelhouse. Of his 98 targets this season, 91 have been 19 or fewer yards, with a 76 percent catch rate. On those targets, Pittman has logged 677 yards and five TDs.

This likely won’t be a high-volume passing game for the Colts, but if San Francisco gets ahead early, they could force the Colts’ hand. Either way, Pittman will be valuable as a back-end WR2/Flex as a likely prime target for Rivers in Week 16.

Oronde Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers

Consensus Rank: TE14

Nate’s Rank: TE10 (+4)

If you hadn’t noticed, rookie TE Oronde Gadsden has been good. While not every game has been a boon for fantasy managers who have him rostered, he’s made the most of the opportunities he’s been given this season. This week is shaping up to be one of those opportunity games for the rookie bookend.

This weekend, the 10-4 Chargers faceoff against the Cowboys in Dallas in a must-win game for Los Angeles. The Chargers’ passing offense has been sputtering as of late, and getting Gadsden involved against a suspect Dallas defense will be one of the keys to giving it a kickstart. With WR Quentin Johnston (groin) questionable for Sunday’s game, Gadsden should see an uptick in volume. Unlike the last few weeks, Gadsden should see north of 8 targets and a chance at relevant red zone work as well. 

It’s not a sure thing, of course. Nothing is. However, Gadsden is a solid bet to blow up in Week 16 and help you win your fantasy football semifinal matchup.

Oronde Gadsden II had a 64% route share against the Chiefs, his lowest mark in a completed game since Week 5. He did see a 19% target share, his highest in four weeks, and 10.1 PPR points, highest since Week 9.

— JJ Zachariason (@lateroundqb.bsky.social) December 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM

Players We Are Lower On:

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Consensus Rank: QB6

Lou’s Rank: QB14 (-8)

Embed from Getty Images

I want to believe in Dak Prescott for the fantasy playoffs. The guy can’t get it done in the real playoffs, so maybe the fantasy playoffs, instead? Ducks, as a brick is thrown at me Ok, yeah, I deserved that. By the way, you throw like Dak in the playoffs.

At any rate, shade at Dak aside, the Dallas passing attack isn’t infallible. In fact, they ‘falled’ – failed – just last week against Minnesota. While Minnesota ranked first over the last month in limiting QB scoring against them, allowing only 6.3 PPG, the Chargers are third in the same period, allowing only 10.4. Just in case you think it’s all about substandard competition, two of the Chargers’ three opponents in that time were Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. So even with Prescott’s outstanding season, you need to understand he’s looking at a sub-par finish today.

When it comes to the semifinals of the fantasy playoffs, now is no time to purposely lean into limiting your upside, and that’s precisely what you’re doing with Dak Prescott.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

Consensus Rank: WR17

Lou’s Rank: WR26 (-9)

Embed from Getty Images

The big problem with ranking Tetairoa McMillan as a high WR2 is that’s simply not where he ‘lives.’ In fact, there are only three weeks in which McMillan finished as WR20 or better. 

And his overall WR1 performance? That was the result of Bryce Young morphing into the Incredible Hulk when he plays Atlanta. Compared to, you know, his version of Bruce Banner, the rest of the time. I hate saying that we should exclude a game, because they all matter, but Carolina’s Week 11 game against Atlanta is clearly an outlier. So I’m purposely throwing it out, and you can’t stop me. 

While there’s no one thing to point at, the simple answer might simply be “the rookie wall.” Since that game, McMillan hasn’t exceeded two receptions regardless of the number of targets, which are down 11% over this three-game stretch compared to his full-season pace, by the way. In addition, his receptions are down 5%, and his yards are down 19% over the same time frame. This is the profile of a WR who needs TD(s) to return WR2 production.  

Even though he’s fully cleared from his ankle injury, there are so many reasons to leave Tetairoa McMillan out of your lineup this week if you have more solid options. He simply doesn’t have the upside you want to see out of that spot.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Consensus Rank: QB5

Nate’s Rank: QB13 (-8)

Before you yell at me, understand this comes from a place of concern. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, isn’t right, folks.

Since returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, the once mobile Jackson has looked less than mobile. In the seven games since his return, Jackson has exceeded 30 rushing yards only one time and has a lone rushing TD in Week 14 against Pittsburgh. He also has surpassed 200 passing yards just three times, hasn’t had a game with over 250 passing yards and has three games without a TD since his Week 9 return.

Jackson has had a few solid performances since the injury, but they appear to be more of a fluke. His bad games have mostly all been against bad defenses – the Jets, the Browns and the Bengals – which is not the case this week. The New England Patriots defense, in typical Mike Vrabel fashion, is stout against the run and the QB position. You likely don’t have a better option than Lamar, but understand his limitations this week, chase some ceiling plays in your lineups and hope for the best.

The sack by Myles Murphy on Lamar Jackson that ended Baltimore’s opening possession.

Closing speed.

[image or embed]

— Josh Kirkendall (@joshkirkendall.bsky.social) December 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM

D.J. Moore, WR, Chicago Bears

Consensus Rank: WR25

Nate’s Rank: WR32 (-7)

Embed from Getty Images

I know this seems crazy, given that both WR Luther Burden and WR Rome Odunze have been officially ruled out ahead of the Bears’ matchup with Green Bay this weekend. It’s even crazier given that Moore is fresh off a two-TD performance last week against Cleveland. 

But let me explain.

The veteran WR has been streaky at best this season, with one fewer sub-five-point fantasy output (4) than double-digit scores (5) this season. In the Bears’ last matchup against the Packers in Week 14, Moore had one catch for -4 yards despite an 83 percent snap share and Rome Odunze being inactive. Yes, it was a decent Burden game (four catches for 67 yards), putting the rookie at WR27 overall on the week. However, unlike the Week 14 matchup, Green Bay is sans EDGE rusher Micah Parsons (ACL).

The injury to Parsons matters because now the entire unit is working to replace an MVP-level talent on their line. And while Parsons is an elite pass rusher by trade, he is also an effective run stopper. This week seems primed for Chicago to load up on carries for RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who are seeing nearly 30 or more carries in each of the Bears’ last three games. You can still start Moore as a Flex on a wing and a prayer this week, but temper your expectations and pivot if you have better options on your bench.

For more advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

You are witnessing four fantasy football teams begin an adventure that will forever change their lives. No, this isn’t Survivor, this is the fantasy football semifinals! You’ve managed to outwit and outplay all comers thus far. Will your alliances with your players last another week, or will they splinter in the face of pressure and leave you betrayed by former allies?

Now is not the time to go dumpster diving. It’s time to evaluate which allies can be relied upon and which it’s time to cast aside in favor of new alliances. We approached this week with our eye on startable options for you. We either wanted to highlight usually reliable players who we think fall outside the startable range, or players who are normally on the bench that we believe deserve a promotion in Week 16.

All that’s left is to outlast your competition. It’s time to steel your resolve and make it happen.

REMINDER: Our analysts’ rankings are available by clicking their names below!

Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 16

Players We Are Higher On:

Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Consensus Rank: WR32

Lou’s Rank: WR24 (+8)

I know it feels weird (maybe even icky), but like it or not, J.J. McCarthy has been lighting up bad defenses the past two weeks. And make no mistake: the Giants are another bad defense. In fact, they’re tied for the eighth-most fantasy points/game allowed to wide receivers over the past month. While 29.2 fantasy points doesn’t sound like a ton when you split it up, Minnesota does such a good job of funneling its offense to its two best receivers; it really helps concentrate that production. 

Now, I get it if you’re nervous about McCarthy’s production. Especially since Dallas’ defense is largely in a league of its own when it comes to ineptitude this year. What’s easy to miss, though, is how middle-of-the-pack Washington is against passing games. So it’s not like McCarthy is only feasting on the truly inept. As odd as it is to say, his matchup this week against the Giants is actually more favorable than his matchup against the Commanders. 

As we know, the question isn’t about Minnesota’s pass-catchers; it’s about Minnesota’s pass-thrower. So if he continues this trend like he should be able to, there’s no reason Addison can’t return WR2 value for Week 16.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Consensus Rank: RB38

Lou’s Rank: RB25 (+13)

Ok, first off — don’t get too excited about this ranking. There’s a whole lotta ‘ick’ out there in Week 16, and I would rather recommend a player with a good floor and decent upside in a favorable matchup than most of the guys behind him. 

While the Cowboys’ poor performance against running backs over the last month is influenced mainly by Jahmyr Gibbs, their other opponents weren’t exactly luminaries. After all, the Cowboys are 10th-worst at limiting opposing RBs in that time frame. However, they faced both the Kansas City and Minnesota running games, so we have to take their “success” with a rather large grain of salt.

Ultimately, Kimani Vidal is usable. No, I’m not telling you to rush out and force him into lineups. If you look at a few of the backs I have ranked behind Vidal, you’ll find a gaggle of guys (a guyggle, if you will) carrying lots of questions and dubious matchups. Vidal gets a decent amount of opportunities in both the rushing and passing game, so he’s matchup resistant, and he has the speed to turn a mundane play into a big play if the opportunity arises. If you need some upside in your lineup in Week 16, Vidal is a decent play.

Kimani Vidal takes it 60 yards up the sideline!

PHIvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App

[image or embed]

— NFL (@nflbot.bsky.social) December 8, 2025 at 8:32 PM

Michael Pittman, WR,  Indianapolis Colts

Consensus Rank: WR34

Nate’s Rank: WR26 (+8)

The return of QB Philip Rivers (old) appears to be more than just a one-week thing, folks. While this isn’t good news for Indy, WR Michael Pittman should benefit from having the veteran signal caller behind center for another week.

If you watched Rivers last weekend, you know he looks like a 44-year-old who has been retired for five seasons trying to throw a football. Luckily for Indy and you, Pittman thrives on the short-to-intermediate routes that are still within Old Man Rivers wheelhouse. Of his 98 targets this season, 91 have been 19 or fewer yards, with a 76 percent catch rate. On those targets, Pittman has logged 677 yards and five TDs.

This likely won’t be a high-volume passing game for the Colts, but if San Francisco gets ahead early, they could force the Colts’ hand. Either way, Pittman will be valuable as a back-end WR2/Flex as a likely prime target for Rivers in Week 16.

Oronde Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers

Consensus Rank: TE14

Nate’s Rank: TE10 (+4)

If you hadn’t noticed, rookie TE Oronde Gadsden has been good. While not every game has been a boon for fantasy managers who have him rostered, he’s made the most of the opportunities he’s been given this season. This week is shaping up to be one of those opportunity games for the rookie bookend.

This weekend, the 10-4 Chargers faceoff against the Cowboys in Dallas in a must-win game for Los Angeles. The Chargers’ passing offense has been sputtering as of late, and getting Gadsden involved against a suspect Dallas defense will be one of the keys to giving it a kickstart. With WR Quentin Johnston (groin) questionable for Sunday’s game, Gadsden should see an uptick in volume. Unlike the last few weeks, Gadsden should see north of 8 targets and a chance at relevant red zone work as well. 

It’s not a sure thing, of course. Nothing is. However, Gadsden is a solid bet to blow up in Week 16 and help you win your fantasy football semifinal matchup.

Oronde Gadsden II had a 64% route share against the Chiefs, his lowest mark in a completed game since Week 5. He did see a 19% target share, his highest in four weeks, and 10.1 PPR points, highest since Week 9.

— JJ Zachariason (@lateroundqb.bsky.social) December 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM

Players We Are Lower On:

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Consensus Rank: QB6

Lou’s Rank: QB14 (-8)

Embed from Getty Images

I want to believe in Dak Prescott for the fantasy playoffs. The guy can’t get it done in the real playoffs, so maybe the fantasy playoffs, instead? Ducks, as a brick is thrown at me Ok, yeah, I deserved that. By the way, you throw like Dak in the playoffs.

At any rate, shade at Dak aside, the Dallas passing attack isn’t infallible. In fact, they ‘falled’ – failed – just last week against Minnesota. While Minnesota ranked first over the last month in limiting QB scoring against them, allowing only 6.3 PPG, the Chargers are third in the same period, allowing only 10.4. Just in case you think it’s all about substandard competition, two of the Chargers’ three opponents in that time were Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. So even with Prescott’s outstanding season, you need to understand he’s looking at a sub-par finish today.

When it comes to the semifinals of the fantasy playoffs, now is no time to purposely lean into limiting your upside, and that’s precisely what you’re doing with Dak Prescott.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

Consensus Rank: WR17

Lou’s Rank: WR26 (-9)

Embed from Getty Images

The big problem with ranking Tetairoa McMillan as a high WR2 is that’s simply not where he ‘lives.’ In fact, there are only three weeks in which McMillan finished as WR20 or better. 

And his overall WR1 performance? That was the result of Bryce Young morphing into the Incredible Hulk when he plays Atlanta. Compared to, you know, his version of Bruce Banner, the rest of the time. I hate saying that we should exclude a game, because they all matter, but Carolina’s Week 11 game against Atlanta is clearly an outlier. So I’m purposely throwing it out, and you can’t stop me. 

While there’s no one thing to point at, the simple answer might simply be “the rookie wall.” Since that game, McMillan hasn’t exceeded two receptions regardless of the number of targets, which are down 11% over this three-game stretch compared to his full-season pace, by the way. In addition, his receptions are down 5%, and his yards are down 19% over the same time frame. This is the profile of a WR who needs TD(s) to return WR2 production.  

Even though he’s fully cleared from his ankle injury, there are so many reasons to leave Tetairoa McMillan out of your lineup this week if you have more solid options. He simply doesn’t have the upside you want to see out of that spot.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Consensus Rank: QB5

Nate’s Rank: QB13 (-8)

Before you yell at me, understand this comes from a place of concern. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, isn’t right, folks.

Since returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, the once mobile Jackson has looked less than mobile. In the seven games since his return, Jackson has exceeded 30 rushing yards only one time and has a lone rushing TD in Week 14 against Pittsburgh. He also has surpassed 200 passing yards just three times, hasn’t had a game with over 250 passing yards and has three games without a TD since his Week 9 return.

Jackson has had a few solid performances since the injury, but they appear to be more of a fluke. His bad games have mostly all been against bad defenses – the Jets, the Browns and the Bengals – which is not the case this week. The New England Patriots defense, in typical Mike Vrabel fashion, is stout against the run and the QB position. You likely don’t have a better option than Lamar, but understand his limitations this week, chase some ceiling plays in your lineups and hope for the best.

The sack by Myles Murphy on Lamar Jackson that ended Baltimore’s opening possession.

Closing speed.

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— Josh Kirkendall (@joshkirkendall.bsky.social) December 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM

D.J. Moore, WR, Chicago Bears

Consensus Rank: WR25

Nate’s Rank: WR32 (-7)

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I know this seems crazy, given that both WR Luther Burden and WR Rome Odunze have been officially ruled out ahead of the Bears’ matchup with Green Bay this weekend. It’s even crazier given that Moore is fresh off a two-TD performance last week against Cleveland. 

But let me explain.

The veteran WR has been streaky at best this season, with one fewer sub-five-point fantasy output (4) than double-digit scores (5) this season. In the Bears’ last matchup against the Packers in Week 14, Moore had one catch for -4 yards despite an 83 percent snap share and Rome Odunze being inactive. Yes, it was a decent Burden game (four catches for 67 yards), putting the rookie at WR27 overall on the week. However, unlike the Week 14 matchup, Green Bay is sans EDGE rusher Micah Parsons (ACL).

The injury to Parsons matters because now the entire unit is working to replace an MVP-level talent on their line. And while Parsons is an elite pass rusher by trade, he is also an effective run stopper. This week seems primed for Chicago to load up on carries for RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who are seeing nearly 30 or more carries in each of the Bears’ last three games. You can still start Moore as a Flex on a wing and a prayer this week, but temper your expectations and pivot if you have better options on your bench.

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By Published On: December 20th, 2025

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