Arizona rookie Kyler Murray and Tampa Bay’s Jameis Winston aren’t quarterbacks that will be starting in the real-life Super Bowl. But we’re talking fantasy football here and that’s a whole different story.
If you’ve got Winston or Murray on your roster, start them. They just might be good enough to win you a championship. That may sound strange about two of the league’s more inconsistent quarterbacks. But it’s the truth.
With everything on the line in Week 16, you have to look for guys on hot streaks and guys with favorable matchups. Winston is on the hottest streak of any quarterback in the league right now and, although Murray has struggle recently, he’s got a favorable matchup against a Seattle defense that hasn’t been good against the past.
Winston and Murray headline Touchdown Wire’s Week 16 fantasy sleepers. Here’s the complete list:
9. Tarik Cohen, RB, Chicago Bears
The Bears probably will be playing catch-up ball against Kansas City. That means Cohen, who has emerged as a receiving threat out of the backfield, could put up some serious fantasy numbers. He’s averaged 5.5 catches per game over the last six games.
8. Breshad Perriman, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Start Perriman if you’ve got him. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Scotty Miller all injured, Perriman suddenly is the No. 1 receiver. He’s coming off a 113-receiving yard and three-touchdown game against Detroit. Jameis Winston is the hottest quarterback in the league right now. Despite the injuries at receiver, coach Bruce Arians and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich won’t stop throwing the ball.
7. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
The rookie emerged as the focal point of the Philadelphia offense last week against Washington. That’s likely to continue in this week’s game with Dallas, which is the most important of the season for the Eagles. Sanders had 122 rushing yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins. He’s likely to get somewhere around 25 touches against the Cowboys.
6. Curtis Samuel, WR, Carolina Panthers
Don’t be scared off by the fact that the Panthers are giving rookie quarterback Will Grier his first career start. After watching Drew Brees shred the Indianapolis defense Monday night, Carolina won’t be afraid to throw the ball against the Colts. And Samuel figures to be the main beneficiary.
5. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Redskins
McLaurin has nine catches and two touchdowns over the last two games. It appears as if he’s developing a strong chemistry with former college teammate Dwayne Haskins. That pay off big against a weak New York Giants pass defense.
4. Jacob Hollister, TE, Seattle Seahawks
So what if Hollister had only three catches for 23 yards against Carolina last week. Hollister is a great tight end to play this week even if he’s not a great tight end. That’s due to his matchup. He’s playing against an Arizona defense that has allowed 15 touchdown passes to tight ends this season.
3. Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Yes, I’m recommending starting a member of the lowly Bengals in your Super Bowl. Boyd quietly has put together a nice season with 76 catches for 859 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he’s got a great matchup against Miami’s secondary.
2. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Don’t overlook Murray just because he’s passed for only 726 yards over the last four games. You have to keep in mind all four of those games were against top-10 passing defenses. This week’s opponent, Seattle, ranks No. 29 against the pass and this game has the potential for a shootout with Murray putting up big numbers.
1. Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No quarterback has been hotter than Jameis Winston over the last two weeks. He’s made history. He became the first player in NFL history to throw for 450 yards in consecutive games. Don’t let the fact that receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Scotty Miller are injured scare you off. The Bucs still will come out throwing a lot against Houston and Winston has the hottest hand in the league right now.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
