Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 16. If you're reading this, you have likely made it to the ultimate goal, your league championship. Congrats. Now, make the best moves that will bring that title. Here's a quick look at those who has
favorable
matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week
(LOCK OUT):
QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Cassel vs. Ari
My take: This is one of the best match ups of the week. In one of my leagues (going for the title), I benched Jay Cutler for Cassel. The Cardinals made Tavaris Jackson look great last week, Cassel should shred them all day.
--Shaun Hill @ StL
My take: Here's a bold move. Hill was held without a TD last week, but this week, he'll put up numbers closer to those from his game against Jets where he threw for almost 300 and had a couple of TDs.
--Matt Schaub @ Oak
My take: For a couple weeks here, I've said to use caution with Schaub and I've always touted the Raiders pass defense. Well Schaub has been fantastic, and the Raiders pass defense has disappointed, so Schaub is a good start this week.
Lock Out:
--Phillip Rivers @ TB
My
take: The Chargers have gotten lucky lately and Rivers has benefitted. I think this is a very difficult match up for Rivers and all the Chargers, and I would steer clear this week.
--Eli Manning vs. Car
My take: It will be a marquee game, for sure, but I don't look for Manning to have a big day. Despite what they say, the Giants miss Plaxico Burress' playmaking ability.
--Tony Romo vs. Bal
My take: With their running game a question mark and their offensive line still inconsistent, this match up worries me for Romo. They might squeak out a win, but scoring and fantasy points will be hard to come by.
RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Pierre Thomas @ Det
My take: Reggie Bush is out for the year, Deuce is likely not to play, so the ball is Thomas' and he'll take it to the end zone, over and over this week.
--Kevin Smith vs. NO
My take: Smith has been one of the few bright spots for the Lions and they've finally realized that he needs to touch the ball a lot.
--Brian Westbrook @ Was
My take: Cedric Benson torched the Redskins for over 150 multi-purpose yards, so what do you think a back like Westbrook will do? Exactly.
Lock Out:
--Chris Johnson vs. Pit
My
take: Hey rookie, THIS is the NFL. Johnson has not seen a defense like this all year, so I would stay away, if you have better options.
--Marion Barber/Tashard Choice vs. Bal
My take: Choice was the right choice last week, but neither he nor Barber are good starts this week.
--Tim Hightower @ NE
My take: The Cardinals running game has been non-existent and that won't change this week.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Randy Moss vs. Ari
My take: Big day for Moss and Cassel.
--Calvin Johnson vs. NO
My take: This game could be a high scoring affair and even though the Lions are awful, Johnson is absolutely a stud.
--Antonio Bryant vs. SD
My take: Bryant has been targeted regularly and often should be considered a must start at this point.
Lock Out:
--Terrell Owens vs. Bal
My
take: Ed Reed and the Ravens will give TO something to cry about.
--Desean Jackson @ Was
My take: Too inconsistent to be counted on this week.
--Santonio Holmes @ Ten
My take: He was "given" a TD last week, but he will struggle to find scoring chances this week.
TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--John Carlson vs. NyJ
My take: He's about the only Seahawks worth starting this week.
--Dustin Keller @ Sea
My take: Fantastic match up and a great day for a spot start for this rookie.
--Zach Miller vs. Hou
My take: Especially good in yardage heavy and PPR leagues. May not score, but good for several catches and 60+ yards.
Lock Out:
--Antonio Gates @ TB
My take: Everyone who owns Gates is fed up, show your disgust this week as he has yet another bad match up.
--Chris Cooley vs. Phi
My take: The Redskins offense showed me nothing last week and this week the match up is actually tougher.
--Heath Miller @ Ten
My take: Just an overall tough match up this week. Not enough offense to go around for Miller.
TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--NYJ @ Sea
--Phi @ Was
--Cin @ Bal (yeah, that's right, it's a homer pick from me, but the Bengals defense has been good and Cleveland's offense is awful)
Lock Out:
--NO @ Det
--Ariz @ NE
--Min vs. Atl