Friday, December 25, 2020

Tennessee Titans Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tennessee Titans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 7.6 (T6-th)
  • Best ranking: 5th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 11th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Titans in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

Wish: Something, anything, from their defense and special teams. The Titans have the best offense in the league, according to EPA per play. They've scored 30-plus in five straight games and blew the Lions out in Week 15. The Titans deserve a mention when discussing which AFC teams can knock off the Chiefs because Tennessee can score on anyone. Its defense and special teams don't need to be great. They just need to be good enough. But for the most part, they haven't been this season. The playoffs are all about opponent-specific matchups. Perhaps Mike Vrabel can get the Titans' defense to rise above its talent level.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 11

They continue to lead the AFC South, winning with their offense again against the Lions. That bad defense will be tested against the Packers.

USA Today -- Rank: 5

If there was an award for MUP (Most Underrated Player), QB Ryan Tannehill would probably have it on lockdown.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

Most underrated star: QB Ryan Tannehill

Tannehill is quietly having one of the best seasons by a quarterback since the franchise moved to Tennessee. His 31 touchdown passes are the most by a quarterback in Tennessee, and with two games left in the season, he's 89 yards short of Matt Hasselbeck's 2011 total of 3,571. Tannehill's passing brings balance to the Titans' offense and makes teams pay for focusing exclusively on running back Derrick Henry. The offense is averaging more than 30 points per game this season and has scored 436 points through 14 games, the second-highest total in franchise history. -- Turron Davenport

NFL.com -- Rank: 8

Derrick Henry rushed for 147 more yards on Sunday, moving him ever closer to the hallowed 2,000-yard rushing club. But the real star against the Lions? Ryan Tannehill, who accounted for five touchdowns in a 46-25 win for the AFC South leaders. Tannehill threw for three scores and rushed for two more, the latest money performance by a guy who went from odd rman out in Miami to one of the most productive QBs in football. Reminder: The Titans gave up fourth- and seventh-round picks to acquire Tannehill (and a sixth-rounder) from the Dolphins in March 2019. The change of scenery was a huge help, as is -- of course -- the presence of a transcendent talent like Henry, but Tannehill deserves more acknowledgement for his role in turning the Titans into a Super Bowl contender.

+ Previous update: Tennessee Titans Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Denver Broncos Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Denver Broncos rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 24.4 (25th)
  • Best ranking: 22nd (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 26th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Broncos in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 26

Wish: A smarter roster-building approach at quarterback. This year, John Elway put all his eggs in the Drew Lock basket. That was a mistake and one he can't afford to make again next season. It's not easy to get a Mahomes or a Wilson, but Elway's approach should be to take a bunch of swings and hope one connects. That might mean the draft, the trade market and/or free agency. There's actually a lot to like about the Broncos. The offensive line has improved. The pass catchers are exciting. And the defense can be good with better injury luck. But Denver needs to give itself a chance with better quarterback options.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

The defense has regressed in a big way. But there is a lot to like for next season.

USA Today -- Rank: 25

His turnover streak extended to a league-worst 10 consecutive games, QB Drew Lock may be playing himself out of a starting job in 2021.

ESPN -- Rank: 24

Most underrated star: DE Shelby Harris

In a season in which the Broncos have four defensive starters on injured reserve, including Pro Bowl players such as Von Miller and Jurrell Casey, and a fifth defensive starter who has been suspended for the remainder of the season in A.J. Bouye, Harris has had to be a little of everything for the Broncos. He is tied for fourth among the league's defensive linemen in batted passes, with five, he is fourth on the team in sacks, with 2.5, and he is third in quarterback hits. That's all despite his missing three games because of COVID-19. Harris signed a one-year deal last offseason to return to the team and will be an unrestricted free agent in March. -- Jeff Legwold

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

The hope was that Drew Lock would build off his four-touchdown explosion in Week 14 against the Panthers and roll into the offseason with a strong finish to his second NFL campaign. Those hopes were deflated some in a 48-19 blowout by the Bills, who had their way with Lock for most of the afternoon. Lock lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown and fired two passes into the hands of Buffalo defenders that were dropped. His final numbers were OK, but Lock was far from good. Of course, quarterback isn't the only issue facing Broncos GM John Elway this offseason: Denver's defense allowed more than 500 yards to the Bills. Another disappointing day in a disappointing season.

Previous update: Denver Broncos Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Baltimore Ravens Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Baltimore Ravens rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 6.6 (5th)
  • Best ranking: 5th (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 9th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Ravens in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 6

Wish: For the Dolphins, Colts or Browns to stumble down the stretch. The Ravens are averaging over 40 points per game during their three-game winning streak. It'd be a mistake to overreact to a blowout win over the Jaguars, but it's not a stretch to say the Ravens are playing their best football of the year and the passing game is improving. Lamar Jackson has jumped up to 11th in QBR, one spot ahead of Kyler Murray and one spot behind Deshaun Watson. But if the season ended today, the Ravens would miss the playoffs. In all likelihood, they need to win their final two games against the Giants and Bengals and then get help from the teams ahead of them. If the Ravens find a way into the playoffs, they could be a tough first-round matchup.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

Here come the Ravens. The schedule is favorable and they will be a dangerous playoff team if they get in.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

Of all of QB Lamar Jackson's outrageous stats, how about this one -- he has 43 TD passes and zero INTs in red zone during his career.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

Most underrated star: FB Patrick Ricard

It sounds strange that a 303-pound player goes unnoticed, but Ricard often goes overlooked as part of the NFL's No. 1 rushing attack. Even after losing the league's best blocking tight end in Nick Boyle, Baltimore has continued to dominate when running the ball because of the lead blocking of Ricard, a defensive lineman at Maine who shifted to offense in the NFL. He puts so many linebackers and defensive linemen on their backs that quarterback Lamar Jackson calls Ricard "Pancake Pat." -- Jamison Hensley

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

After Week 14's epic prime-time win over the Browns, the Ravens could've used a bye. That wasn't possible, so they settled for the next best thing: a home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lamar Jackson accounted for four more touchdowns (he's up to 10 in the past three games since returning from the COVID-19 list) and Baltimore took a 26-point lead into halftime before cruising to a 40-14 win. The Ravens have won three straight games and suddenly look like a major player in the AFC playoffs -- if they get there, of course. The Browns, Colts and Dolphins all also won on Sunday, keeping Baltimore locked into the eighth seed for the time being. Don't let them in, AFC. Consider this your warning.

Previous update: Baltimore Ravens Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Green Bay Packers Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Green Bay Packers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 2.4 (2nd)
  • Best ranking: 2nd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 3rd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Packers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

Wish: A defense that answers the call in the playoffs. Green Bay's win over Carolina wasn't always pretty, but the Packers are currently the top seed in the NFC and are positioned for a first-round bye. Even though they didn't light it up in the second half against the Panthers, the Packers still have the league's second-best offense, according to TruMedia's Expected Points Added (EPA) model. While the defense is talented, it ranks just 19th overall. If it comes down to Mike Pettine against Sean Payton or Sean McVay or Russell Wilson, can the Packers' defense be good enough to get them to the Super Bowl? That's the question Green Bay fans have to be asking themselves with the playoffs approaching.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 2

They weren't on top of their game against the Panthers, but they found a way. That's the sign of a good team. One more victory and they will be the NFC's top seed.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

Home-field advantage may not mean as much in 2020 playoffs largely devoid of fans ... unless you typically play in freezing temperatures in a bracket dominated by warm-weather teams.

ESPN -- Rank: 3

Most underrated star: OL Elgton Jenkins

An NFL All-Rookie Team selection at left guard last season, Jenkins has played everywhere on the line except right guard this season. That's right: He has played left guard, left tackle, right tackle and center. "That kid's special to do that," Packers guard Lucas Patrick said. "I've never been around a player -- high school, college or this level -- to do that." Since Corey Linsley's Week 12 knee injury, Jenkins has started at center, a spot that could become his permanent home if the Packers don't re-sign Linsley after this season. -- Rob Demovsky

NFL.com -- Rank: 3

Aaron Rodgers has been so consistently brilliant this season that it was odd to watch the Packers win without a monster day from the MVP front-runner. Rodgers was held to just 143 passing yards and a touchdown on Saturday (he added a rushing score), so it was the defense that handled the task of closing out the Panthers in a 24-16 victory. Coordinator Mike Pettine's group got it done, forcing a huge goal-line turnover on a Teddy Bridgewater QB sneak that changed the game. Rookie linebacker Krys Barnes poked the ball away from Bridgewater, and Kevin King returned it 48 yards to set up a Packers touchdown. The defense will face a much stiffer test against Derrick Henry and the Titans on Sunday night.

Previous update: Green Bay Packers Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Thursday, December 24, 2020

Week 16 Fantasy Football WR Start'em, Sit'em

The decision on which player to start, or sit, largely comes down to the options on your roster (and/or possibly the players available on your league's waiver wire).

As an example, Corey Davis is listed below as a "start" for Week 16. And I'd certainly be comfortable going into Week 16 with him as one of my starting wide receivers.

Then again, Davis may be a "sit" for your team.

In other words, if you own both Allen Robinson, A.J. Brown and Davis and only start two receivers, you should start Robinson and Brown and, in turn, bench Davis.

For a more direct answer on whether we would start Player X over Player Y, check our Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings. Instead of making those direct comparisons, the goal here is to highlight players that we like, or dislike, for the week.

[Note: This will be our final Start'em, Sit'em of 2020, but we will post Week 17 rankings.]

Week 16 Fantasy Football WR Start'em

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (at ARI)

When he's been on the field, Aiyuk has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL. The first-round rookie had nine catches for 73 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. While he's missed a few games, Aiyuk's 73 yards were a six-game low.

In fact, Aiyuk has either surpassed the 100-yard mark or scored a touchdown in each of his past six games. During that stretch, he has averaged 7.5/94.7/0.7 on 11.7 targets per game and he's scored a minimum of 14.5 (half-PPR) fantasy points to finish no worse than WR20 in all six games. Not only does he have a minimum target share of 23.08% over that six-game span, but he has more than a 31.0% target share in back-to-back games and three of his past four.

Even though tight end George Kittle (foot) may return in Week 16, Deebo Samuel (hamstring) is expected to miss another week (or two). The Arizona Cardinals have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season.

Marvin Jones, Detroit Lions (vs. TB)

Assuming Kenny Golladay (hip) misses another game, Jones should be in line for a massive target share in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jones' 12 targets in Week 15 were the third time in his past four games that he's had a dozen targets. In addition, Jones has averaged 10.0 targets over his past six games with a minimum target share of at least 28.57% in four of those six games.

Jones hauled in 10 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans and now has at least 112 yards and a touchdown in two of three games. While there is some boom-or-bust to his game, he has three top-seven fantasy performances since Week 10. Albeit an arbitrary threshold, the only other receivers to have as many top-seven performances during that span are Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams.

The Bucs have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season. In addition, the Buccaneers have allowed four top-seven WR performances since Week 11. Only the Houston Texans have allowed as many.

Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans (at GB)

Davis bounced back from a disappointing 3/34 Week 14 performance with four catches for 110 yards and a touchdown on six targets against the Lions in Week 15.

Having his best season (by a wide margin), Davis is 55 yards shy of the 1,000-yard milestone. The former top-five pick has five of his seven career 100-yard games this season and his per-game average of 78.8 YPG is more than 20 yards better than his previous career high (55.7, 2018).

Setting efficiency career highs with 15.8 Y/R and 75.9% catch rate, Davis is making the most of his opportunities in Tennessee's run-first offense as the No. 2 option in the passing game. Despite a difficult matchup on tap against the Green Bay Packers, there should be more volume than usual as the Titans are road underdogs in the game with the week's highest over-under.

Week 16 Fantasy Football WR Sit'em

D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. CHI)

Chark had a breakout sophomore campaign (73/1,008/8), but things have not gone as well in 2020. On a positive note, Chark's 53 receiving yards and WR50 half-PPR finish in Week 15 were his best numbers in four games. On a negative note, those were his "best" numbers during that span.

Excluding the three games in which he scored this season, Chark has finished as the WR59 on average in those nine games and no better than WR35 (Week 2). Chark remains a TD-or-bust play this week as the Chicago Bears have allowed the third-fewest to opposing wide receivers this season.

Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. IND)

At one point this season, "yes" was the no-brainer response to the question, "should I start [insert Steelers WR here]?"

That's no longer the rule -- and I have Claypool ranked the lowest amongst the team's top three receivers.

Mapletron isn't a must-sit, as he currently slots into my rankings as WR36, but he has three or fewer receptions in three consecutive games and no touchdowns in his past four games. Over the past three weeks, he's finished as fantasy's WR74, WR85 and WR61, respectively.

Not only are the once 11-0 Steelers on a three-game losing streak, but they are home underdogs in Week 16 to the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos (at LAC)

Jeudy's struggles continue. The first-round rookie receiver out of Alabama had one catch for 19 yards on five targets in Week 15.

If you were told that one of his past five games included a game where a practice squad wide receiver was under center, it might not be as obvious as it should by only skimming the game logs. Here are his game logs since Week 11: 3/37 (eight targets), 0/0 (one), 1/5 (four), 2/42 (four) and 1/19 (five). Jeudy has finished no better than WR57 over that stretch.

Over that five-game stretch, Jeudy has a catch rate of 31.8% and a total of seven catches for 103 yards on 22 targets.

Jeudy had four catches for 73 yards on 10 targets in his first matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers (Week 8) and that kicked off a three-game stretch with 68-plus yards. Perhaps this game will start a two-game stretch to allow him to close the season strong, but he's better left on your bench even in leagues where you can start four receivers.

BUST ALERT - Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (vs. LAR)

Along with Tyreek Hill, Lockett is one of two receivers to score at least 45 fantasy points in a game this season. While it feels so long ago, Lockett had 15 catches for 200 yards and three touchdowns on 20 targets in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. In fact, Lockett had the second-most fantasy points among wide receivers from Weeks 1 to 7. (Only Calvin Ridley had more.)

Since Week 8, Lockett has been much less impressive. Over his past eight games, Lockett has 67 yards or less every week and only one total touchdown. In addition, he has finished outside the top 36 fantasy wide receivers in all but two games over that stretch.

Coincidentally, one of the two exceptions was a WR33 performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10. That said, the Rams have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

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Arizona Cardinals Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Arizona Cardinals rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 14.0 (14th)
  • Best ranking: 14th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 14th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Cardinals in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

Wish: A playoff berth. They are a flawed team. So much of the Cardinals' success relies on Murray doing Murray things and Hopkins doing Hopkins things. But you know what? That's been good enough to position the Cardinals as the seven seed in the NFC. If the season ended today, Arizona would take on the Saints in the first round. Would you rather watch that matchup or see the Bears go to New Orleans? That's what I thought. The football-viewing world needs the Cardinals in the postseason.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

They found a way against Arizona, but the defense struggled again. They have to be better if they are to get to the playoffs.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

You'd expert a desert-based pass rush to bring the heat, and Arizona has exploded for 14 sacks over the past two weeks.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Most underrated star: LB Jordan Hicks

While the Cardinals' defense is full of individual stars such as Chandler Jones, Budda Baker, Patrick Peterson, Isaiah Simmons and Dennis Gardeck, it's Hicks who keeps the unit together at inside linebacker. He's the quarterback of the defense, and he hardly comes off the field, playing 901 snaps this season, second most on the team and 22nd in the NFL, while leading the team in tackles. Hicks has been quietly consistent, also leading the team in defensive snaps and tackles last season. Without him, the Cardinals' defense wouldn't rank as a top-10 unit since Week 8. -- Josh Weinfuss

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

The Cardinals have survived their funk. Arizona is back to looking like a dangerous NFC upstart, and Kyler Murray has regained his form as a young superstar who can take out any conference superpower if the stars align. The quarterback set a career high with 406 yards passing, racking up four total touchdowns (three through the air, one on the ground) in a 33-26 win over the Eagles that keeps the Cards in playoff contention with two weeks to play. Murray's favorite target was, of course, DeAndre Hopkins, who finished with 169 yards and a touchdown. Hopkins went over 100 receptions for the third straight year and has eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark seven times this season. Look up No. 1 Receiver in the football dictionary, and you'll see a picture of Nuk.

Previous update: Arizona Cardinals Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Detroit Lions Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Detroit Lions rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 28.6 (29th)
  • Best ranking: 25th (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 30th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Lions in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 30

Wish: A head coach who fans and players actually like. This is never a requirement. If you're a bad-tempered grump who wins, everyone will learn to like you. But coming off the Matt Patricia experience, wouldn't it be nice to go in the other direction and find someone who can connect with players? The Lions are one of three teams that currently have a head coach and a GM opening.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

They are already conducting general manager interviews, and whoever gets the job will be facing a tough task to turn it around. Will Matt Stafford be a part of it?

USA Today -- Rank: 30

Hear the one about the special teams coach who went rogue and decided on his own to call a fake punt? Yep, the latest goings-on from Motown.

ESPN -- Rank: 25

Most underrated star: P Jack Fox

Defensive end Romeo Okwara is another worthy candidate, but Fox has had a phenomenal rookie season. He has averaged 49.5 yards per punt and a net punting average of 45.5 yards. As of now, his gross average yardage is the No. 11 all-time, single-season mark in NFL history, and his net punting average is third all time. He has flipped fields with regularity and been an asset mere months after winning a close battle with Arryn Siposs in training camp. Now he looks like a long-term solution at the position and represents one area the team's new general manager and coach don't have to be concerned with. -- Michael Rothstein

NFL.com -- Rank: 29

Matthew Stafford is one tough dude. The veteran quarterback knew the Lions needed a win on Sunday to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, so he decided to play through a painful rib injury sustained a week earlier against the Packers. Stafford delivered a strong performance despite his physical issues, but it wasn't near enough for a Lions team that was outclassed in a 46-25 loss to the Titans. There will be waves of speculation surrounding Stafford and his future this offseason, but the Lions would be wise to put the lion's share of their focus on how to fix their putrid defense. It was exposed again by an explosive Titans offense, which piled up 463 yards and six touchdowns in Detroit's ninth loss of the season.

Previous update: Detroit Lions Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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San Francisco 49ers Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the San Francisco 49ers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 23.8 (23rd)
  • Best ranking: 20th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 27th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the 49ers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 20

Wish: Better health. Injuries decimated the 49ers this season. Now they'll need to decide whether to stick with Jimmy Garoppolo or look for an upgrade. San Francisco needs a better backup plan, too. Nick Mullens has been a turnover machine, and the lasting image from the 49ers' season will be him taking his helmet off after an interception, walking to the sideline and looking so, so sad. San Francisco has a number of key roster decisions to make and will be one of the offseason's most interesting teams.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 26

The Super Bowl hangover is now complete. They are done. Has any team ever dealt with more than this team did this year?

USA Today -- Rank: 27

Plenty of factors fueled their highly disappointing NFC title defense, but perhaps Niners' 1-3 record against NFC East best sums up what amounts to dreaded Super Bowl hangover.

ESPN -- Rank: 20

Most underrated star: FS Jimmie Ward

Other than middle linebacker Fred Warner, no player on the Niners' defense has more snap-to-snap responsibility than Ward, who has finally settled in as a free safety after years of bouncing among positions in the secondary. Although Ward would like to add more takeaways to his ledger, he's a good tackler who excels in coverage and allows coordinator Robert Saleh to take more chances up front, knowing that Ward will be in the right position on the back end. -- Nick Wagoner

NFL.com -- Rank: 26

"This year was the most disappointing one." That was Kyle Shanahan's take on the 2020 season following a 41-33 loss to the Cowboys that officially eliminated the 49ers from playoff contention. Shanahan has had just one winning season in four years in San Francisco, but this season came on the heels of a near Super Bowl win last February. The Niners were supposed to finish the job in 2020 -- at least until a wave of injuries and COVID-19-related madness ruined everything. The good news? The Niners should have a top-15 pick in the 2021 draft to add to a roster that is excellent when at full health. It's been an ugly year by the Bay, but a return to championship contention in 2021 would not be a surprise.

+ Previous update: San Francisco 49ers Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Las Vegas Raiders Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Las Vegas Raiders rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 17.6 (17th)
  • Best ranking: 16th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 20th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Raiders in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

Wish: Help on defense. Better talent, better coaching, all of it. The Raiders got picked apart by the Chargers on Thursday night, essentially ending their playoff hopes. And once again, the defense failed them. After an offseason that included signing Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski and Maliek Collins, among others, the Raiders have looked a lot like they did last season. Their defense ranks 31st in EPA per snap going into the final two games. Jon Gruden needs to find a defensive coordinator who can do more with less, and he and Mike Mayock need to find players who can be more impactful. If Gruden makes the right hire, the Raiders could easily be a playoff team in 2021.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

They will likely play without Derek Carr, who suffered a groin pull. It's on Marcus Mariota now. With that defense, he has to be good.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

Don't blame this sinking ship on Darren Waller, whose 425 receiving yards since Week 13 are most ever for a tight end in a three-game span.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Most underrated star: K Daniel Carlson

Quietly, Carlson has been a steadying influence on special teams for the Raiders, converting 41 of 42 extra point attempts and 28 of 30 field goals, including all four from 50 yards or longer. Trust? Coach Jon Gruden had Carlson ready to try an NFL-record 65-yarder at the end of regulation Thursday against the Chargers, but a botched hold thwarted that drama. In fact, entering Sunday, Carlson's 125 points scored led the NFL (he's tied for second now). -- Paul Gutierrez

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

The Raiders completed their free fall out of the AFC playoff picture with another terrible loss, this time an overtime setback at home against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football. The Raiders had first-and-goal on the opening possession of OT, but -- true to form over these past two Decembers -- Jon Gruden's team was unable to make the big play when it counted. It's a shame, too, because Marcus Mariota replaced an injured Derek Carr in the first half and was excellent, making big-time plays with his arm and legs. He performed like a guy who was ready to save the season, but the Raiders can't seem to get out of their own way once the holidays roll around. Bah humbug.

Previous update: Las Vegas Raiders Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 9.0 (9th)
  • Best ranking: 7th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 12th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Bucs in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

Wish: Some semblance of consistency. Is this as boring a holiday wish as any team could possibly have? Yes. But it really fits Tampa Bay. In the first half against the Falcons, the Bucs looked like a complete disaster that was on the verge of getting blown out. In the second half, they looked unstoppable. Whether it's week to week or series to series, the Bucs are this year's Jekyll and Hyde team. On their best day, they can beat any team in the NFC. On their worst day, they could get blown out in the first round. Maybe that's just how it's going to be, but it'd be nice to see Tampa Bay find some kind of consistency going into the postseason.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 8

The comeback against the Falcons could be the game that gets them rolling again. That offense is the one we expected to see.

USA Today -- Rank: 7

After all the hype surrounding this club, who would have predicted that OLB Jason Pierre-Paul would be their only Pro Bowl representative in 2020?

ESPN -- Rank: 11

Most underrated star: K Ryan Succop

Succop has converted 92.6% of his field goal attempts, tied for seventh in the league and better than what the team had the past eight seasons. Considering the challenges the Bucs have had in trying to get Tom Brady to jell with the offense and the struggles the Bucs have had with their kickers since Matt Bryant, Succop's consistency has been invaluable. "When you look back at his history before his injuries, he was money inside of 50 [yards]," coach Bruce Arians said. "He's gotten stronger. I'm watching him kick 58-yarders in the wind. ... It's nice to know when you send a guy out there, you're getting points." -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

We got to see both sides of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coin on Sunday. In the first half, there was the ugly, rusted, scuffed-up side of the currency: missed tackles, blown coverages, errant throws and dropped passes as Tampa Bay fell behind 17-0 by halftime. In the second half, we saw the gleaming, freshly circulated, unblemished side of the coin: Tom Brady and the Bucs scored on their first five possessions, including four TDs, to secure a 31-27 comeback win over the eternally tragic Falcons. So, which side of the coin more accurately reflects who the Bucs are? Which side will it land on if Tampa Bay finds its way into the postseason, as expected? What's it going to be, Bruce: Heads or tails?

Previous update: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Week 16 Fantasy Football RB Start'em, Sit'em

The decision on which player to start, or sit, largely comes down to the options on your roster (and/or possibly the players available on your league's waiver wire).

As an example, Leonard Fournette is listed below as a "start" for Week 16. And I'd certainly be comfortable going into Week 16 with him as one of my starting running backs.

Then again, Fournette may be a "sit" for your team.

In other words, if you own both Derrick Henry, Nick Chubb and Fournette and only start two running backs, you should start Henry and Chubb and, in turn, bench Fournette.

For a more direct answer on whether we would start Player X over Player Y, check our Week 16 Fantasy Football Rankings. Instead of making those direct comparisons, the goal here is to highlight players that we like, or dislike, for the week.

[Note: This will be our final Start'em, Sit'em of 2020, but we will post Week 17 rankings.]

Week 16 Fantasy Football RB Start'em

David Montgomery, Chicago Bears (at JAX)

In August, few fantasy managers were excited to draft Montgomery as their RB2. Closing out the (fantasy) season, those same fantasy managers are thrilled to have him on their rosters in December.

Over his past four games, the former Cyclone's worst (yes, worst) game was 22.8 fantasy points (half-PPR scoring). During that four-game span, he has finished as fantasy's weekly RB6, RB1, RB7 and RB1, respectively.

Exceeding 100 scrimmage yards and scoring in each of those games, the second-year back has racked up 571 yards from scrimmage, 13 receptions and six touchdowns. Even though Tennessee's Derrick Henry (102.3) edges him out in fantasy points scored over that stretch, Cleveland's Nick Chubb (RB3, 79.1) has more than 20 points less than Montgomery (99.6).

Facing the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, the matchup couldn't get much better for Montgomery.

The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most fantasy poinst to opposing running backs this season. Game script should work in Montgomery's favor as the Bears are favored by a touchdown (plus) and have one of the week's top-eight implied totals. Not only has Jacksonville allowed three 100-yard rushing games since Week 12, Henry gashed them for 26/215/2 rushing just two weeks ago.

Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET)

Ronald Jones is expected to miss another game this week and the team will (perhaps reluctantly) turn to Fournette again. With RoJo sidelined last week, Fournette had 14 carries for 49 yards (3.5 YPC) and two touchdowns and added three catches for 16 yards (5.3 Y/R).

While Fournette was inefficient last week, this week's matchup sets him up for success.

No team has allowed more fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. Detroit's opposing running backs have averaged 4.66 YPC (seventh-most) and converted 4.84% of their carries (second-most) into touchdowns.

Nearly double-digit favorites, the Buccaneers have the second-highest implied total of the week.

J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens (vs. NYG)

With Mark Ingram a healthy scratch, more was expected from Dobbins in Week 15 against the Jaguars. That said, he delivered a solid performance for his fantasy managers with 14 carries for 64 yards and a score plus a 17-yard reception. Dobbins has now finished as the RB18 (or better) with a minimum of 13.1 fantasy points in four consecutive games.

As double-digit home favorites, positive game script should benefit Dobbins. Even though the New York Giants rank sixth in the NFL in rushing defense, they have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

David Johnson, Houston Texans (vs. CIN)

The last time Johnson reached the 45-yard rushing milestone (ok, I realize that's not a thing) was October 6th when he rushed for 57 yards on a season-high 19 carries. While Johnson has missed some games between then and now, here are his rushing lines since then: 14/42, 2/16, 10/44/1 and 8/27.

So, why is he listed as a start?

With Duke Johnson out, Deshaun Watson relied on (David) Johnson in the passing game to the tune of 11 catches for 106 yards. It's unclear if Duke will miss another week, but he was sidelined at Wednesday's practice. David won't get 11 targets again in Week 16, but it would be reasonable to expect 15-plus touches including three to five catches in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 if Duke is out again.

In his 10 games played, Johnson has finished as a top-25 fantasy running back in all but two games this season.

Week 16 Fantasy Football RB Sit'em

Wayne Gallman, New York Giants (at BAL)

A waiver-wire gem earlier in the season, Gallman had a run of six consecutive top-16 weekly running back performances from Weeks 7 to 13. The Giants either won or were within a field goal of all six of those games.

Since then, the Giants have lost back-to-back games by double digits and enter Week 16 as a double-digit road underdog to the Ravens. Finishing as the RB27 and RB58 over the past two weeks, respectively, Gallman had an eight-game low with nine touches and 29 scrimmage yards in Week 15.

Ito Smith / Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons (at KC)

More than likely, the Falcons will be chasing points early in this game. Regardless of which back gets the largest workload, none of them can be trusted. The last time that an Atlanta running back has finished as a top-40 weekly running back was in November (Smith, RB12 in Week 12).

Even if Gurley is no longer the "lead" back, Smith has been relatively ineffective as well. While he set season highs in touches (17) and yards from scrimmage (75) and scored his only touchdown in Week 12, Smith has failed to exceed 45 scoreless scrimmage yards in three consecutive games.

James Conner / Benny Snell, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. IND)

Before their Week 4 bye, a Steelers running back -- Conner or Snell -- had the team's three highest yards from scrimmage outputs of the season for the backfield. Since their Week 4 bye, a Steelers back has reached 65 YFS in only five of 11 games.

It's possible Conner (quad) will return in Week 16, but if he does, it's difficult to trust either one in a difficult matchup in fantasy championship week. Using only running back carries, the Colts have allowed the eighth-fewest YPC (3.82) this season.

Not only does Pittsburgh operate one of the league's most pass-heavy offenses, but Conner has averaged 3.13 YPC or less in four of his past five games. In the five games he's played since the calendar flipped to November, Conner has averaged only 3.53 YPC.

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Miami Dolphins Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Miami Dolphins rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 12.4 (13th)
  • Best ranking: 12th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 13th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 13

Wish: A playoff berth. Why overcomplicate this one? The Dolphins currently own the seven seed after their win against the Patriots, but the Ravens have the same record so there is little margin for error. Miami finishes the season at the Raiders and at the Bills. In reality, this season should already be considered a success. Brian Flores looks like one of the league's brightest young coaches and Tua Tagovailoa has flashed. But getting to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 would be a nice benchmark to hit for a young team.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 12

They have a real shot to be a playoff team, but they have a big one this week against the Raiders. This could be the game where Tua Tagovailoa gets it going.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

Nice job, Salvon Ahmed, who broke Miami's 31-game streak without a 100-yard rusher after vowing to play well for his ailing grandmother.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

Most underrated star: DE Emmanuel Ogbah

The Dolphins have a top-two scoring defense, and Ogbah has been the team's best front-seven player, helping to dramatically improve what was the NFL's worst pass rush in 2019, when Miami totaled 23 sacks and no player had more than five. Ogbah has a team-high nine sacks, putting him in the top 10 in the league, for an NFL-high 95 yards. Ogbah has consistently won his one-on-one matchups by showing supreme hand usage. His two-year, $15 million deal in March is looking like a steal, and he's a prime candidate for a long-term extension. -- Cameron Wolfe

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

Playing without DeVante Parker or Mike Gesicki, the Dolphins knew it was going to be difficult to attack the Patriots through the air. Enter the run game, which delivered big performances from Salvon Ahmed and Matt Breida in a 22-12 win that knocked the once-mighty Patriots out of the playoff picture while keeping Miami alive and well in the AFC wild-card race. It's hard to deny Brian Flores' credentials in the Coach of the Year conversation; his leadership turned the Dolphins' rebuild into the NFL's version of Operation Warp Speed. His team is always prepared, he finds contributors up and down the roster and he's done expert work nurturing rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Flores is proof that installing the right man on the sidelines is half the battle.

Previous update: Miami Dolphins Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Kansas City Chiefs Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Kansas City Chiefs rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 1.0 (1st)
  • Best ranking: 1st (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 1st (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Chiefs in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 1

Wish: A healthy offensive line for the postseason. The Chiefs took care of business against the Saints, but they had to work for it. Patrick Mahomes averaged just 5.4 yards per attempt (YPA) and was under constant pressure. He was sacked four times and absorbed 11 hits. Left tackle Eric Fisher was playing through a back injury, and backup right tackle Mike Remmers was sidelined. It's unclear when the Chiefs will get their first-team right tackle, Mitchell Schwartz, back from injury. The Chiefs are Super Bowl favorites, but they're not unbeatable in a one-game playoff scenario. Kansas City's last six wins have all been one-possession games. Teams that have the best chance of upsetting them will be able to light it up offensively and pressure Mahomes without blitzing. The Chiefs' offensive line has to play better than it did in Week 15.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 1

They are rolling to the top seed in the conference. They are playing a lot of close games, which is a bit concerning.

USA Today -- Rank: 1

With RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffering a mini-blowout, Kansas City is literally limping to the finish ... and could really use that first-round bye.

ESPN -- Rank: 1

Most underrated star: CB L'Jarius Sneed

The rookie has not only been as dependable as one could expect of a fourth-round draft pick from Louisiana Tech, but he has also been a playmaker. Sneed is third on the Chiefs in interceptions, with three, despite missing six games because of a broken collarbone. He had an interception, a sack and three passes broken up in Sunday's three-point win over Drew Brees and the Saints. -- Adam Teicher

NFL.com -- Rank: 1

The Chiefs can do on an average day what most teams are unable to do at their best. Kansas City accumulated more than 400 yards of offense and 32 points on Sunday, a workmanlike (by their standards) performance in a narrow win over the Saints. K.C. did it playing with a patchwork offensive line that left Patrick Mahomes feeling the heat of the New Orleans pass rush for much of the day. Mahomes threw three touchdown passes anyway, and the Kansas City defense was aided by an extremely rusty version of Drew Brees, playing his first game in a month. A health concern to watch: Clyde Edwards-Helaire exited late in the fourth quarter with ugly-looking hip and ankle injuries. If the talented rookie running back is forced to miss time in the playoffs, Le'Veon Bell will suddenly be front and center in the backfield.

Previous update: Kansas City Chiefs Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Minnesota Vikings Week 16 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Minnesota Vikings rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 18.4 (18th)
  • Best ranking: 16th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 20th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 16 roundup for the Vikings in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

Wish: A path out of mediocrity. After a Week 15 loss to the Bears, the Vikings will finish 6-10, 7-9 or 8-8 (assuming no ties). Barring a miracle, they'll miss the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Since signing Kirk Cousins in 2018, Minnesota has one playoff win. This season was always going to be a soft rebuild, so the final results aren't all that surprising, especially considering Danielle Hunter missed the entire season and the Vikings had other key injuries on defense. But where do they go from here? Is it a matter of just getting guys back on defense and hoping young players improve? Using draft capital to address the offensive line? Changing their run-first approach? Maybe some or all of those things will be enough to make the Vikings legit contenders in the NFC. But it's also fair to question their ceiling as constructed.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 19

So much for the playoffs. All the changes and the moves to more of a younger team have caught up with them.

USA Today -- Rank: 19

They've scored at least 23 points in six of their eight defeats -- just not a stat you'd expect from a team coached by Mike Zimmer.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Most underrated star: RT Brian O'Neill

The interior of the Vikings' offensive line is where most of the team's pass-protection issues lie, not with the tackles. O'Neill has put together a strong season at right tackle and gives the Vikings long-term security at the position, with an extension likely coming up in the offseason. He has improved every year since he was drafted in 2018, ranking 26th of 83 tackles, according to Pro Football Focus, and he has been a bright spot for a group that has gone through an array of ups and downs this season. -- Courtney Cronin

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

The midseason resurgence is ancient history now. In truth, the Viking were running out of juice earlier this month, even as they were still finding ways to win. But this team has been exposed as the middling outfit it is in back-to-back losses to the Bucs and Bears, setbacks that remove any realistic path to the postseason. Sunday's defeat was a microcosm game: The run defense was gashed by David Montgomery, the pass rush failed to make Mitch Trubisky uncomfortable, and Kirk Cousins too often had defenders invading his space. Throw in some curious in-game decision-making by the coaching staff, and it was the perfect stew for more disappointment in Minneapolis.

Previous update: Minnesota Vikings Week 15 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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