Week 16 Incentives

Here are 5 players with just a little bit extra to play for in Week 16 … in two minutes or less.

RB: Rico Dowdle (CAR)

Dowdle’s role is still strong enough to matter in Week 16, and since he’s playing for an extra million dollars that he can earn with just 113 more scrimmage yards, the volume profile is exactly what you want.

• Week 15: 16 carries and a goal-line score despite a rough YPC day

• He’s been treated like the top back in multiple spots this season (including a 25-carry eruption in Week 9)

• Easily an RB2 or better vs TB in Week 16, which is all you need in the semis

If you’re looking for a playoff RB who can fall into points on workload + touchdown equity, Dowdle fits.

WR: Stefon Diggs (NE)

Diggs has been quiet lately, but the usage history is still there. And “need-to-prove-it” weeks tend to look like target funnels for veteran WR1s. He’s chasing down a $500,000 incentive that he’ll earn with just 3 more catches.

• Even with a down Week 15 (3 catches), he’s still considered the Patriots’ No. 1 wide receiver

• He’s already shown ceiling recently: Week 11 was 9 catches, 105 yards on 11 targets

• Week 15 game script suppressed passing volume, which can flip fast when you’re forced to chase

If New England gets pushed into a real passing script against Baltimore, Diggs is the likeliest bet to soak up the “must-have-it” looks.

TE: Trey McBride (ARI)

McBride can already single-handedly win a playoff week, because his weekly usage is basically WR1 volume from the tight end slot. He’s chasing history… just 11 more catches and he’ll set the single-season record for tight ends.

• Week 15: 12 catches, 134 yards, 2 TDs on 13 targets

• An easy TE1 overall candidate vs ATL in Week 16

• He’s been an absolute target machine in recent weeks (multiple games with 9–13 targets)

When a TE is getting force-fed like this, “motivation” is just a bonus. The role already prints points.

WR: Justin Jefferson (MIN)

Jefferson’s recent box scores have been brutal, especially for him. He’s chasing down another 1,000-yard receiving year, and he’s just 112 yards away from the record for a 6-year stretch. But the schedule screams “stay the course” in the fantasy semis.

• Week 15: 8 targets, but only 2 catches for 22 yards (with multiple high-value chances noted)

• The Vikings’ playoff slate the most favorable WR schedule. Next up is the Giants and Lions.

• Those defenses are listed as allowing Top-5 fantasy points to WRs per game

If you survived the dip, Week 16 is where you lean into the setup, and the “get-right” spot is sitting there.

QB: Sam Darnold (SEA)

Darnold is a classic playoff gamble: the weekly floor exists, but the pressure-driven meltdown risk is also very real, especially in this specific matchup. But Darnold just needs 6 more passing TDs (2 per week), and 567 passing yards (189 per week) to earn an extra million.

• Week 15: 271 passing yards on 37 attempts (volume is alive)

• He’s struggled when pressured and has been volatile recently (big Week 14, ugly Week 13)

• Week 16 situation is tough: he gets the Rams, who have given him problems, including a recent game with 0 TDs and 4 INTs

If you need upside and you’re stuck streaming, Darnold is in play, but you really need to be aware of the risks against the powerful Rams defense. The contract incentives should help push him over the top.

So that’s the list. Players with a little extra motivation in Week 16… as promised, in 2 minutes or less.

And by the way, if you're ready to actually win your league or even if you want to prepare for next year… The Fantasy Accelerator is my year-round fantasy system designed to help sharp players crush waivers, win more trades, and stack championships.

See you tomorrow,

-Joe

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