Nat Coombs NFL Fantasy: Miami could be magic in Week 16

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STACK
Ryan Fitzpatrick (£7,400) & DeVante Parker (£6,900) – CIN @ MIA

What looked to be the game to decide the No. 1 overall pick earlier in the season, this match-up no longer carries quite as much meaning. The Cincinnati Bengals (1-13) allowed few surprises and will now likely take the first pick in the 2020 draft. But Miami (3-11) brought a few surprises, with two men firmly in the spotlight: quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receiver DeVante Parker.

The pair connected for 72 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Giants, meaning that they have now connected for two or more touchdowns in three consecutive games.

The Bengals could still lose this year’s top draft pick if they win their remaining two games, with the Dolphins still capable of taking it, but Sunday should end all such uncertainty.

In the final NFL game at the Hard Rock Stadium before the Super Bowl parade rolls into town in the new year, Fitzmagic will be showing once again why he belongs in the league. The Dolphins QB has averaged 21.18 FPPG over the last three games, while Parker has averaged 18.8 FPPG over that period.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 11: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins tries to avoid the tackle of Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 11, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

GOING BIG: THE TOP PLAYER
Joe Mixon (£7,800, 12.1 FPPG) – CIN @ MIA

The highly talented Bengals running back has seen fewer end zones, and fewer snaps, than he may have wished for this year. But his season has picked up recently, with over half of Mixon’s 2019 rushing yards coming in his previous five games.

Mixon carried the ball 25 times for 136 yards last time out against the New England Patriots , as well as catching three passes for 20 yards. The Bengals running back’s recent form — 19.4 FPPG over the past three matches – should be enough to worry a poor Dolphins run defence.

As good as Fitzpatrick and Parker have been in the back end of this season, Miami’s run defence has failed to improve, now ranking as the 31st rushing defence in the league. It may sound strange to hear that you should go big on a Bengals player, but Mixon shows considerable upside in Week 16.

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Atlanta Falcons helmets on the field during the Super Bowl LI practice on February 2, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

BARGAIN PICK
Austin Hooper (£6,000, 12.22 FPPG) – JAX @ ATL

Atlanta tight end Austin Hooper showed in Week 15 that he can be a bargain pick as we go down the stretch in the regular season. He was given multiple red zone looks on his way to racking up six targets against San Francisco, and finished with three receptions for 20 yards.

With solid value picks so vital to putting together a great daily fantasy week, Hooper could offer significant upside should those red zone targets turn into touchdowns. So, with the 24th ranked Jaguars defence coming into town, Week 16 could be a great time to take a punt on Hooper.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 22: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

AVOID
Carson Wentz (£7,700, 17.6 FPPG) — PHI Vs. DAL

It’s easy to get drawn into picking Eagles QB Carson Wentz in Week 16. He has thrown eight touchdowns and one interception in the past three weeks. But a keener eye will notice that they were all against bottom half defences (Washington Redskins, New York Giants and Miami Dolphins).

This week, Wentz will be up against a strong Dallas Cowboys defence that ranks eighth against the pass and seventh overall.

The Cowboys have also recorded takeaways in consecutive games, as well as going four games without a turnover.

Wentz could still have a good week, but on the balance of probabilities, there looks to be better alternatives under centre.

DEFENCE
Denver Broncos (£5,000, 6.64 FPPG) – DET @ DEN

Matt Stafford’s absence has been noticeable in Detroit, with their replacement QB David Blough throwing five interceptions in his last three games. The Lions’ 13th offence is markedly different without their usual quarterback, and against a Broncos defence that averages less than 20 points allowed per game, it will be a tough week to launch a turn around in their form.