Sat Dec 21 20:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Fantasy Football Week 16: Sleeper Picks and Must-Starts, According to Sal Vetri

**New York, NY** – With Week 16 of the fantasy football season upon us, Yahoo Fantasy Forecast expert Sal Vetri has revealed his top picks and players to avoid. Several players, due to injuries and favorable matchups, stand out as potential game-changers.

**Top Plays:**

* **Evan Engram’s absence boosts Jaguars TE, Luke Strange:** Strange’s performance since Engram’s season-ending injury has been impressive, culminating in a career-high 11 receptions in Week 15. Facing a Raiders defense vulnerable to tight ends, Strange is a strong pickup for Week 16.

* **James Conner remains a top RB despite age:** Conner continues to defy expectations, showcasing exceptional broken tackle rates and breakaway runs. His recent performances, including an RB1 finish in Week 15, and a favorable matchup against the Panthers’ weak run defense solidify him as a top-five RB option.

* **Rachaad White is a strong RB1 option:** White put up a stellar Week 15 despite injuries, exceeding 100 rushing yards. Facing the Cowboys, who allow many rushing touchdowns, White is a must-start.

* **Chuba Hubbard poised for a bounce-back:** With an increased workload in Week 15 due to a lack of RB depth, Hubbard is set for a potentially strong Week 16 against the Cardinals, whose run defense is weak.

**Players to Avoid:**

* **Najee Harris is a sit:** Harris’s recent struggles, including limited snaps and a fumble in Week 15, coupled with a tough matchup against a stingy Ravens defense, make him a risky play this week.

**Risky, But Potentially Rewarding:**

* **Ameer Abdullah is a FLEX option:** With the Raiders’ Sincere McCormick on IR, Abdullah is projected to start and faces a Jaguars defense allowing many rushing yards. While the Raiders’ offense isn’t potent, Abdullah presents a potential flex play in a pinch.

* **Tyjae Spears is a top stash:** Spears’ increased role in the Titans’ offense in Week 15, especially as a receiver, makes him a valuable stash option for the final weeks, especially if Tony Pollard’s ankle injury keeps him sidelined.

Vetri’s analysis emphasizes the importance of considering player matchups and recent performance trends when making fantasy football lineup decisions. He encourages fantasy players to check the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast podcast for more in-depth analysis.

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