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Top 10 Must-Starts In Fantasy Football Week 16

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By @NickCWilder

Must-Starts In Fantasy Football Week 16

NFL Fantasy Football
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 fantasy football season is nearing its conclusion with every league now deep into the playoffs, while many of them have reached the critical championship round. This week’s list features two quarterbacks, four running backs, three wide receivers and one tight end that aren’t clear starters but should be in fantasy lineups as Week 16 begins on Thursday night. All statistical references are based on standard league scoring.

10. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford Detroit Lions
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

10. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford Detroit Lions
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions’ fiery quarterback has been one of the most inconsistent signal-callers all season, but this week he has a great matchup. Detroit will take on the Bears, who are coming off a game in which they allowed 375 yards and three touchdowns to Drew Brees. Chicago is also ranked last in the NFL in points surrendered to opposing quarterbacks.

9. Mark Ingram

Mark Ingram New Orleans Saints
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

9. Mark Ingram

Mark Ingram New Orleans Saints
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The former Alabama running back has been up and down the past few weeks, but he should be starting for his fantasy owners this week when the Saints play the Falcons. Atlanta is ranked 32nd in points allowed to opposing running backs, and they've given up four rushing touchdowns in their last two games.

8. DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins Houston Texans
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

8. DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins Houston Texans
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans receiver has produced a great season overall this year, which should continue in Week 16 against the Ravens. Baltimore is ranked 31st in points allowed to receivers and first in points allowed to running backs. Houston will be throwing the ball all day in this matchup.

7. Fred Jackson

Fred Jackson Buffalo Bills
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

7. Fred Jackson

Fred Jackson Buffalo Bills
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

After C.J. Spiller’s injury earlier this season, Jackson has seen his touches increase dramatically, as he’s rushed the ball 49 times in the last three games for Buffalo. This week the Bills will battle the Raiders, who are ranked 31st in points allowed to opposing running backs this season.

6. Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

6. Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Matty Ice is as close as it gets to a clear starting fantasy player on this list, as he’s put up a total of 73.2 points the last three games combined. The Falcons play division-rival New Orleans in Week 16, and the Saints' defense has struggled all season, ranking 31st in points allowed to quarterbacks.

5. Jason Witten

Jason Witten Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jason Witten

Jason Witten Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys’ veteran tight end hasn’t been one of the top 10 players for his position this season, but Tony Romo consistently throws him the ball. He’s coming off a solid game against Philadelphia last week, and in Week 16 he’ll face the Colts, who are ranked 28th in points allowed to tight ends this year.

4. Marques Colston

Marques Colston New Orleans Saints
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

4. Marques Colston

Marques Colston New Orleans Saints
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

After it initially appeared that Kenny Stills would be the top target for Drew Brees after the injury to Brandin Cooks, Marques Colston has emerged as that option. His total number of receptions is nothing to write home about, but he’s been a consistent red zone target. The Saints play Atlanta this week, and the Falcons are ranked 27th in points allowed to receivers.

3. Lamar Miller

Lamar Miller Miami Dolphins
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lamar Miller

Lamar Miller Miami Dolphins
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins tailback has been solid throughout the year, due in large part to starting running back Knowshon Moreno’s season-ending injury earlier in the campaign. Miami will take on Minnesota this weekend, and the Vikings are ranked 24th in points allowed to opposing running backs this season.

2. Alfred Morris

Alfred Morris Washington Redskins
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

2. Alfred Morris

Alfred Morris Washington Redskins
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Morris is currently questionable for Washington’s game against the Eagles this week, but if he ends up playing, he should be in the starting lineup for his fantasy owners. Philadelphia is ranked 20th in points allowed to running backs and have allowed at least one rushing touchdown in five out of their last six games.

1. Roddy White

Roddy White Atlanta Falcons
RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

1. Roddy White

Roddy White Atlanta Falcons
RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

The matchup between New Orleans and Atlanta this week will likely turn into a shootout with many players putting up solid fantasy numbers, including White. If top receiver Julio Jones is unable to play due to injury, White should have an even bigger day against this defense. The Saints are ranked 25th in points allowed to wide receivers.

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