Sunday Six Pack: Week Sixteen

Jarrett Behar

We’re with you every Sunday to provide the Sunday Six Pack, an article featuring six of the biggest story lines heading into each and every week of the season. Keeping tabs on these events will keep you prepared and informed throughout the season – just don’t drive within six hours of reading this.

Can #1)  Ballard’s Ballad

With Donald Brown on IR, Delone Carter likely inactive and Mewelde Moore predictably ineffective as the goal line back, Vick Ballard should get the chance to be a workhorse back for this week’s matchup against the Chief’s 27th ranked rushing defense.  Ballard put up a respectable 105 yards on 18 carries against the Texans last week, and is an underrated pass catcher.  He is firmly in RB2 territory for Championship Week.  .

Can #2) What Will Be Of The Knee of RG3?

Robert Griffin III is listed as probable and is likely to start in the Week 16 division matchup against the grounded Eagles.  Last time those two met up in Week 11, Grifffin torched the Birds for four touchdowns and ran for 84 yards on 12 carries.  While his knee injury does give cause for concern, Griffin and the Redskins also have visibly improved each week.  I think you have to start Griffin as a borderline Top 5 option this week.

Can #3) Brady’s Revenge

Tom Brady almost orchestrated a comeback not seen since the 2003 Monday Night Football matchup between the Colts and Buccaneers that still haunts Jon Gruden’s dreams.  Now Brady can take out his frustrations against the Jaguars and their 24th ranked passing defense.  Anyone worried the Patriots will get up early and start running the ball obviously doesn’t know Bill Belichick. Brady may very well be the top quarterback option this week.

Can #4) Peterson’s Pursuit

Adrian Peterson needs to average 147 yards in his final two games to break Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing yards record.  While the matchup against the Texans and their 5th ranked rushing defense looks formidable, I wouldn’t bet against Peterson against any defense at this point, and the Texans have shown weakness in allowing backs to get to the edge lately.  Since no one is benching Peterson this week, this key matchup between two strengths will likely go a long way towards deciding many fantasy championships.

Can #5) Is Trent Spent?

Since Week 8, Trent Richardson’s total rushing yards have decreased every week: 122, 105, 95, 85, 72, 42, 28.  He has kept his owner’s afloat with seven total touchdowns in that span, but this week’s matchup against the Broncos and their second ranking rushing defense may prove to be the tipping point.  The general advice for the fantasy playoffs is not to sit your studs, but I certainly can’t blame anyone for parking Richardson on their benches for better RB2 options this week.

Can #6) NFC Showdown 

I’m not sure anyone anticipated before the season that the Week 16 49ers-Seahawks battle might just feature two future Top-10 dynasty quarterbacks  Now this face-off between Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson has the the potential to be the next generation of Brady and Manning, only this time with an inter-divisional element.  Both quarterbacks have steadily improved, but are obviously facing the other team’s top three defense in terms of average yards per game allowed.  It looks like Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman will be available for this, which should live up to its billing.

Have a great Sunday!