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December 16, 2025

Week 16

All the week 16 names you need to know. Let’s keep it short and sweet!

Quarterbacks

Kirk Cousins, 25% rostered, Falcons

Its been a rough season for the Falcons offense but Kirko chains has filled in admirably. Despite the low overall ownership, chances are he’s owned in most leagues, but still worth a look. I wouldn’t buy a whole bunch into the Kyle Pitts show but it’s certainly not the worst thing for Atlanta to incorporate one of their better athletes into the offense. I’m most interested in the matchup against Arizona who just let CJ Stroud carve them up for scores through the air.

Honorable mention: 

Gardner Minshew, Chiefs

The opportunity will obviously be there but I’m not sure I’d buy in. This offense has been a mess but I’d feel like I missed something if I didn’t point this one out.

Running Backs

Jawhar Jordan, 1% rostered, Texans

Woody Marks was on his way to a big game against Arizona before exiting with an ankle injury. Jordan took over and had himself a 100 yard day while averaging 6.7 yards per carry. What’s most interesting is how Jordan dominated the backfield despite a healthy Ogunbowale ready to go. The Marks injury will be one to follow through the week as we’ll want to closely monitor the situation.

Michael Carter, 14% rostered, Cardinals

He had his shot earlier in the season but lost out on the role to Bam Knight. That’s largely remained true until Knight exited the contest with an ankle issue, giving way to Carter once again. Carter went 14 for 56 yards with 4 for 38 through the air. Demercado is still present but only claimed 1 carry. Should the injury keep Knight out, Carter will be the clear lead in Arizona.

Malik Davis, 4% rostered, Cowboys

Davis has been on the radar for a few weeks now with electrifying plays. The issue has been the workload as Javonte Williams has dominated the backfield for a majority of the season. It was looking to be that way again until Javonte left the game early on Sunday Night with a shoulder injury. Davis took over and had himself a decent night until Javonte returned and resumed the lead role. With Dallas nearly eliminated, the running back room will be one to watch to see how Javonte practices throughout the week.

Honorable mention:

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders

Little Bill took over for the injured Chris Rordriguez and showed once again why he had so many believers going into the season. If he’s given the lead role again then he’s absolutely worth the look in round 2 of your playoff. He’ll get the volume and that’s what we’re looking for this late in the season.

Wide Receivers

Adonai Mitchell, 35% rostered, Jets

Mitchell is still on most free agent wires despite the uptick in volume over the last several weeks. There’s been a QB carousel going on with Fields, Taylor and now Brady Cook, but Mitchell didn’t see a drop in production. He’s been solid working with Taylor and Cook so I’m not too worried which one of them lines up under center for New York next week.

Jalen Coker, 10% rostered, Panthers

Targets may be low but he’s been making the most of them the last few weeks. He’s turned his 10 targets  into 8 receptions, 134 yards and two scores. This was a tough matchup on paper as Bryce Young typically struggles vs the Saints, but the Panthers offense came through and nearly pulled off the win. Perhaps indicating that we can finally believe in what’s going on here. McMillan is still present but Coker can make plays as well.

Ryan Flournoy, 11% rostered, Cowboys

The Dallas wide receiver makes his second trip to the list as he earned 5 targets and turned that into 4 grabs and 40 yards. That helps a lot more if you’re in any sort of ppr but it’s nice to see him still get a few looks with both Pickens and Lamb on the field this week. Pickens did have a quiet week but still earned 6 targets himself, suggesting there may be plenty to go around.

Luther Burden, 33% rostered, Bears

Burden is still surprisingly under owned in most leagues with a 33% availability. Odunze was ruled out during pregame warm ups after aggravating his foot and Burden stepped into a much larger role on the offense. He took a larger target share than DJ Moore but Moore was the one that ended up with the two touchdown day. Burden did leave the game with an ankle injury and is questionable/day to day. However, if he’s good to go, expect more production from the rookie receiver who’s been steadily improving each week.

Devaughn Vele, 30% rostered, Saints

Vele had another productive game but exited with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter and was spotted in a sling afterwards. His injury status will be one to watch as he’s been coming alive over the last few weeks. It sounds early on in the week that’ll it may be a long shot to play next week, but keep your eye on it.

Tight Ends

Gunnar Helm, 2% rostered, Titans

Helm got back in the action against San Fran securing 4 receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. It’s worth noting that he came down with a toe injury but he did not end up missing any of the action. He’ll draw a typically tough Chiefs defense in week 16 but may be a nice desperation play due to the Titan giving their young guys some late season reps.

Colby Parkinson, 21% rostered, Rams

Parkinson seemed to be the big winner on the day but he’s been quietly stringing good weeks together. The Davonte Adams injury will be one to watch as Stafford turned to the tight end quite a bit against Detroit after Adams exited, feeding him two scores on the day. A juicy matchup against a Seahawks defense who has had a tendency to give up points to tight ends awaits in week 16.

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.