Fantasy Football Week 16 Recap: 12 Things You Need To Know

Dec 23, 2024

Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Week 16 hit and with it, the fantasy semifinals. Fantasy managers were left wringing their hands over their players’ performances. The ups and downs were a rollercoaster ridden by the most aggressive of managers. Those who saw the window closing likely saw it being wrenched back open after an unusually late slate of games. The running backs were robust, the kickers were crushing, and the defenses dominated. It was certainly one to remember as we position for the finals. Ride along with me as we recount the day that was.

Top Players

Jerome Ford got the heavy workload with Nick Chubb on injured reserve. Ford soared in Chubb’s absence. He opened the game by ripping off a 68-yard gain on his first carry. After 10 more carries, he had 92 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also factored in the passing game, catching all five of his targets for 39 additional yards.

Jayden Daniels is absolutely magical. On a day that looked dismal for the Commanders, Daniels managed to find a way. Washington turned the ball over five times, including two Daniels’ interceptions. Still, the rookie hung in there and kept clawing back. In the end, he was the first Washington quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in a game since Mark Rypien did it during their 1991 Super Bowl-winning season. Daniels totaled 258 yards passing and used nine rushes to add 81 yards on the ground.

Chuba Hubbard saved the best for last. Despite being the best bargain in fantasy football all season, Hubbard found a way to overachieve in the semifinals. The fourth-year back had his second 150+ rushing game of the year and his second multi-touchdown effort of the season. Hubbard rushed 25 times for 152 and a pair of scores. He also caught four passes for 13 yards.

Jonathan Taylor was a monster on Sunday. Despite sitting out the majority of the fourth quarter, the Colts’ workhorse toted the rock for 218 yards and three rushing scores. While many teams that relied on him this season likely did not make it this far, Taylor delivered for the teams that did.

There he goes again. This time it's a 70-yd TD run for Jonathan Taylor on the first offensive play from scrimmage to start the 2nd half. Sheesh.

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) December 22, 2024

De’Von Achane saved seasons with his late-game heroics. He ran for 120 yards on 17 carries, but it was his 50-yard touchdown as the fourth quarter wound down that made the difference. With six catches on seven targets, Achane collected 70 receiving yards to own the day, particularly in PPR scoring.

Pop Players

Tyjae Spears found the holy grail twice on Sunday. He carried 10 times for just 27 yards, but two of those runs ended in the end zone and he posted 39 yards on three receptions.

Tyjae Spears is like the new garbage time king. It’s so weird, but he has been killing it in games that are completely out of hand lol.

— Mr. Positivity (again) (@jlomas72) December 22, 2024

Keenan Allen was a man on fire. He could not be stopped. Allen snagged 9 passes, converting them into 141 yards and a receiving touchdown. It was Allen’s top performance of the season.

Bryce Young was all smiles on Sunday. He threw for 158 yards and a pair of scores. Young also rushed for a career-high 68 yards adding an additional touchdown on the ground.

Flop Players

Brian Robinson Jr. had two first-half fumbles despite having none all season. The fantasy gods do not care. Robinson flopped hard netting 24 yards rushing. His 17 yards on two receptions were quite negated by the fumbles.

T.J. Hockenson mustered a woeful 27 yards on two receptions. While lacking the punch that fantasy managers had been waiting for while Hockenson was on injured reserve, the veteran has barely offered a slap in his regretful fantasy performances this season.

Drop? Players

Jalen Hurts took a shot to the head in the first quarter. He was seen shortly after holding his helmet, apparently ready to re-enter the contest. Yet, it was not to be. Training staff took him to the locker room, where he was later ruled out with a concussion.

James Conner was on his way to a tremendous day when he sustained a left knee injury and departed the contest in the third quarter. Before his exit, Conner posted team-leading numbers in both rushing and receiving. He ended his game with 15 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 49 yards.