by The NFL landscape just shifted on its axis. As we head into the heart of the Week 16 schedule, the “Frozen Tundra” isn’t the only thing heating up. Between a historic comeback in Seattle and a massive rivalry game at Soldier Field, the playoff picture is finally coming into focus. For fantasy managers, this is the semi-final round, where Fantasy playoff start sit picks become the difference between a trophy and a “better luck next year” text.
The NFC North Battle: Packers vs. Bears
The road to the North title officially runs through Chicago this Saturday. The Chicago Bears (10-4) currently hold the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) are breathing down their necks. A Packers win would not only catapult them back into the divisional lead but also secure a head-to-head tiebreaker that could decide the home-field advantage.
For your rosters, this matchup is a “run-heavy” trap. Both teams have shown a negative pass rate over expected (PROE) recently. When looking for Fantasy playoff start sit picks, you might want to temper expectations for Jordan Love in the cold, while leaning into the volume of the backfields.
The Seahawks’ Statement: Taking the NFC Throne
While the North is in a deadlock, the Seattle Seahawks (12-3) have officially taken over the conference. On Thursday night, Mike Macdonald’s squad pulled off a miracle, overcoming a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime. This win didn’t just clinch a playoff berth; it vaulted Seattle to the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The “New Look” Seahawks are led by a revitalized Sam Darnold and a defense that creates turnovers when it matters most. However, from a fantasy perspective, Darnold’s interception-heavy playstyle makes him one of the riskier Fantasy playoff start sit picks for the upcoming weeks. If you own Cooper Kupp or Rashid Shaheed, you’re riding the wave, but be cautious with the signal-caller against elite pass rushes.
Week 16 Fantasy Playoff Start Sit Picks
Navigating the semi-finals requires precision. We are seeing major shifts in backfield workloads and quarterback efficiency that could ruin a perfect season. Here are the essential Fantasy playoff start sit picks you need to lock in before kickoff.
Quarterbacks: The Purdy Factor
- Start: Brock Purdy (SF) @ Colts: Vegas loves the 49ers this week with a high implied team total. Purdy is top-two in EPA per play and faces a Colts defense that has struggled against efficient, high-volume passers. He is one of the safest Fantasy playoff start sit picks on the board.
- Sit: Marcus Mariota (WAS) vs. Eagles: Mariota has been a solid floor play, but he’s facing an Eagles pass rush that ranks top-10 in pressure rate. Without his star left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, Mariota is likely to see a collapse in production.
Running Backs: Workhorse vs. Committee
- Start: Michael Carter (ARI) @ Falcons: With Trey Benson on IR, Carter has emerged as a true workhorse. He saw 14 carries to just one for his backup last week and is a focal point in the passing game. He’s an elite flex among this week’s Fantasy playoff start sit picks.
- Sit: Breece Hall (NYJ) vs. Saints: It’s hard to bench a star, but Hall has posted back-to-back “duds” to start December. The Jets’ offense is stalling, and the Saints’ defense remains stout against the run, making Hall one of the most dangerous Fantasy playoff start sit picks to trust right now.
Looking Ahead: The Path to the Super Bowl
The Seahawks now control their own destiny for a first-round bye, but the 49ers and Eagles are still mathematically in the hunt if Seattle stumbles against Carolina or San Francisco in the final two weeks. As the playoff bracket solidifies, your strategy should shift toward players on teams still fighting for seeding.
Check your waiver wires for high-upside handcuffs and keep a close eye on weather reports for the late-December games. Making the right Fantasy playoff start sit picks today is about more than just talent—it’s about opportunity and momentum.
