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The Circle of Trust (Week 16)

December 17, 2025

Our Circle of Trust features players failing to meet expectations or those that are inconsistent and making their managers a little uneasy.

Quarterbacks

Bryce Young, Panthers

BY took another loss to New Orleans, but he played the best he ever has against them while doing so. Which, obviously, is most important to us if we’re thinking about putting him in the lineup again. The Panthers get Tampa Bay two of the next three weeks, but we only care about right here and now. Bryce gets them at home in week 16 and this team just got lit up by Kirk Cousins in primetime. While that gives Tampa extra time to prepare for Carolina, I think BY can come away with a respectable line that won’t hurt you.

CJ Stroud, Texans

Stroud has not thrown for over 200 yards in three straight weeks. While his matchup against the Cardinals was only his fourth multi-passing touchdown day of the year, the production couldn’t come at a better time with the fantasy playoffs underway. Stroud gets the Raiders defense at home next week, and I’m all in on that matchup as they just surrendered 31 points to Philly.

Running Backs

Tony Pollard, Titans

I went up against Pollard in my playoff matchup last week and was actually kind of nervous. The way he dismantled the Browns before, he’s been like a sleeping giant this season. Welp, he put up his second hundred yard day of the season in Week 15 and I think you’ve gotta ride the hot hand at running back here. He gets a Chiefs team that, let’s face it, just got a massive kick to the groin with everything going on. He seems to be in another spot to provide good numbers in a big matchup for fantasy owners.

Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

It has been an abysmal season for the Raiders, and probably for you too if you drafted Jeanty high in your draft. Las Vegas has many issues and the talented rookie back just isn’t “good enough” to overcome it. Truthfully, who would be? This has been the story all season long and if you’re still fighting, there’s no way you can trust him in week 16. This is one where I’d be happy to be wrong as reassess for his week 17 matchup against the Giants as that could potentially be a big one. Week 16? I’m out.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

It’s officially the TreVeyon Henderson show which makes complete sense. Stevenson is still involved but you’re going to rely on an explosive play or two to get you the points you need because the volume is gone. This one feels obvious but I’ve seen his name listed quite a bit in multiple threads and the main point of these posts is to help where we can! Henderson exploded for 148 yards and two scores and is the clear top playmaker on one of the hotter offenses this season. You more than likely can find a more reliable option for your flex on the waiver wire.

Tight Ends

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers

He had a nice day in Kansas City, but it’s been rough since about week 9. The matchup against Dallas next week is interesting, but I’m absolutely benching for a better option. We featured Gadsden last week but wanted to include him one more time just in case his performance this week gave you any funny ideas.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons

Pitts has long let both Falcons fans and fantasy players alike down in major ways after failing to live up to a lot of the hype. He’s certainly had his flashes, and the Bucs saw EVERY bit of why people keep falling in love with his skill set last week. Well, he’s actually been very good for three straight weeks now and will get a favorable matchup against Arizona. I’m good with trusting him here, especially if Drake London doesn’t play. The key to Pitts success is a lack of other options. It is worth noting that the Falcons have some hope that London suits up, but if he doesn’t?

Keith, Author

Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.