The 2024 NFL Season is here, and with it comes some lineup questions. Which moves should you make to maximize your points? Let this weekly post be your guide as I offer one start and one sit suggestion at QB, RB, WR, and TE. These suggestions are based on my rankings against consensus each week. Because we want to measure our success, we check back each week for a recap of how we did.
For this project, a start is a player I think will finish Top 12 at QB or TE and Top 24 at RB or WR. A sit is a player I think will finish outside those metrics. Before we dive into this week’s suggestions, let’s review how we did last week. All scoring is courtesy of Fantasy Pros.
Week 15 Starts
QB: Bo Nix, QB14 Miss. Nix tossed three TDs, but the three INTs did him in.
RB: Rico Dowdle, RB9 Hit. Dowdle stayed hot.
WR: Zay Flowers, WR47 Miss. Everyone got a touchdown in Baltimore…except Flowers.
TE: Jonnu Smith, TE2 Hit. Smith is becoming the Dolphins’ most consistent pass-catcher.
Start Record: 2-2
Week 15 Sits
QB: Aaron Rodgers, QB4 Miss. Rodgers had one of his best games of the year.
RB: Broncos RBs, RB46, 51, and 59 Hit. The Broncos continue to split the load, helping no one in fantasy.
WR: Michael Pittman, Jr., WR56 Hit. Pittman isn’t getting volume this year.
TE: Jake Ferguson, TE30 Hit. Ferguson isn’t getting enough volume, either.
Sit Record: 3-1
Now, on to the Week 16 picks!
Quarterbacks
Start: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
About: Mayfield has found a home in Tampa Bay, and he continues to thrive. He’s QB5 on the season and has the Buccaneers on a hot streak. That figures to continue Sunday night in Dallas. Baker should be in your lineup.
Sit: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
About: Stroud was one of the hottest quarterbacks in 2023, getting the Texans into the playoffs and winning Rookie of the Year. While the Texans are a solid 9-5 and have already repeated as AFC South champions, it hasn’t been the same offensive output. This year, he’s just QB19 on the season. He’s a fine Superflex option, but he doesn’t give you Top 12 upside, especially against the Chiefs.
Running Backs
Start: James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
About: The Cardinals drafted Trey Benson this off-season. He was supposed to be the future. But Conner continues to dominate on the field and dominate backfield touches. He’s RB10 on the season, with the Cardinals chasing a playoff spot and in Carolina this week. Emari Demaracado is on IR, and Benson is ailing, meaning Conner has less competition for touches. Fire him up.
Sit: Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
About: Warren was a great story and a great play in 2023. It hasn’t been the same in 2024. He’s missed time with injuries, and his output hasn’t been consistent even when he’s been out there. He’s just RB40 on the season. This week, the Steelers are on the road against the Ravens. He’s not getting enough volume and production to believe in him as a Top 24 option.
Wide Receivers
Start: Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
About: When it comes to the Commanders, McLaurin is the best and only consistent receiver. And he’s developed quite a connection with Jayden Daniels. He’s WR5 on the season, averaging more than 16 points per game. This week, the Commanders face a stiff test against the Eagles, meaning they’ll need McLaurin to come through. I’m firing him up.
Sit: Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
About: On paper, Deebo should be an every-week start. In reality, you haven’t gotten much out of him this season. He’s only WR50 on the season, two spots behind Stefon Diggs, who hasn’t played since Week 8. He’s averaging less than 10 points per game. He’s not a reliable option if you’re chasing a fantasy title.
Tight Ends
Start: Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: Strange was elevated to a starting role with Evan Engram out for the season. He stepped up big in Week 15, seeing 12 targets and catching 11 passes for 73 yards. Will he see that kind of volume again? The Jaguars lack receivers and are facing a soft Las Vegas Raiders squad. I like Strange to put up another Top 12 week at tight end.
Sit: Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
About: When the season began, Likely took off. It looked like Likely had taken over a prime spot in the Ravens’ passing offense, surpassing Mark Andrews. Since Week 1, he has just two games with double-digit points and has two games with zero points. He’s TE19 overall, averaging 7.5 points per game. With Andrews back going strong and the Ravens facing the Steelers, he’s not trustworthy in a crucial week in fantasy.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
