NFL Schedule 2016

2016 Table of Contents

2016 Weekly Breakdown

Full 2016 NFL Schedule - Every preseason and season long game with some fantasy notes to help you on your way.

Week 1 - A rematch of last year's Super Bowl will kickoff week 1. We also get to view a Patriots team without Tom Brady take on the Arizona Cardinals in the desert.

Week 2 - A battle of two of the worst defenses in 2015 could lead to a high scoring Giants-Saints game. Indianapolis square off against the league's top secondary in Denver.

Week 3 - Packers and the Lions will meet in a divisional showdown. Arizona also heads to Buffalo in an intriguing out of conference battle.

Week 4 - This might be one of the lower scoring weeks of the season, with only a few in ideal matchups. Steelers and the Chiefs headline week 4 as the top game to watch.

Week 5 - Tom Brady will return from suspension and face a weak Cleveland team on the road. Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers square off in Lambeau Field.

Week 6 - Indianapolis played in London last week, and will not have the bye week, as they face Houston on Sunday night. Cincinnati and New England meet in an AFC heavyweight battle.

Week 7 - Giants will take on the Rams in London this week in an early morning game here in American. Ben Roethlisberger faces off against a familiar Tom Brady.

Week 8 - Vikings-Bears will be on Halloween for this week's Monday night game. The Saints will also welcome Seattle to the SuperDome.

Week 9 - The usual Steelers-Ravens slugfest takes place this week. We also have a Colts-Packers showdown as an afternoon primetime game.

Week 10 - Cam Newton will face a tough Kansas City defense at home. Two NFL powerhouses take stage on Sunday night, as New England hosts Seattle.

Week 11 - Jaguars and Lions could surprise viewers with a heavy dose of scoring. The Cardinals and Vikings will look to be the complete opposite with a low scoring affair.

Week 12 - It is Thanksgiving week with your trio of Turkey Day games. Aaron Rodgers should cap the weekend with a strong performance against Philly.

Week 13 - Blake Bortles and company will have a tough task facing Denver. Last year's NFC Championship game will be replayed in Seattle on Sunday night.

Week 14 - Green Bay and Seattle meet yet again, and this time in Lambeau. The typical Giants-Cowboys battle takes place, which could have divisional implications.

Week 15 - New England and Denver will meet, but the Tom Brady - Peyton Manning rivalry is dead. A divisional clash with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati headlines Sunday's games.

Week 16 - There will be two Christmas Day games featuring divisional opponents, in addition to a Lions-Cowboys Monday night game. Teams will make their playoff push.

Week 17 - The last week of the regular season will have a full Sunday slate in which every team will play somebody in their division. Expect some late season fireworks.

Preseason Week 1 Fantasy Forecast

Preseason Week 2 Fantasy Forecast

Position battles, and end of the draft rookies will have the most to gain here in the early weeks of preseason. There are a lot of backup situations up for grabs, and even some starting position. These are the key areas to focus on. Out of the WR battles this week, Washington, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City catch my eye. Washington drafted Josh Doctson out of TCU, and he is looking to implement himself in this Washington offense. Crowder, Garcon, and Jackson are the leading three wideouts, but you can't say their jobs are safe. With Detroit losing Calvin Johnson, they will look towards Marvin Jones to fill his void. TJ Jones could have some preseason value, coming in as an up in the air WR3. Eric Ebron could have an increased role in 2016, and should be watched closely in preseason. Martavis Bryant is suspended, and Antonio Brown won't see a ton of snaps this week. Sammie Coats and Darrius Heyward-Bey will look to see most of the action, competing for the WR3 job in Pittsburgh. Kansas City continues to lack a WR2, and Albert Wilson continues to battle with Chris Conley for the job. This will be a continuous battle across the preseason, and one I am looking to exploit.

As mentioned above with the Colts, their running back battle is one to watch on a weekly basis. Houston will also be holding a position battle for the backup running back role, behind Lamar Miller. Alfred Blue, Tyler Ervin, and Jonathan Grimes all are the backs that will receive the most carries. Ervin seems to be the biggest mystery, yet does have some buzz. Fantasy owners would like to get some clearness out of Cleveland, with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson competing for lead-back duties. Johnson is the more explosive player, and I will be keeping tabs on him. Derrick Henry will get his first snaps as an NFL running back this week, and should receive a hefty amount of snaps.

You are going to see most starting quarterbacks play limited snaps, and maybe you will see the rookie quarterbacks see more snaps. Look for second stringers to pick up the bulk work. Situations like the Jets, Broncos, Rams, and 49ers draw the most interest for the workload to be split in preseason weeks.

Preseason Week 3 Fantasy Forecast

Things should start to open up a bit more here for offenses and leaning on first and second stringers a little more. Teams tend to stretch them out each preseason week. Jimmy Garoppolo is going to see some time this preseason getting prepared for the first four weeks of the season, as Tom Brady's replacement. I do expect him to play longer than other week 1 starters, which is an advantage to using him. Rams, Jets, Broncos, and Houston still all catch my eye for quarterbacks, due to new systems, players, and/or rookies. This will be the last week before sort of breaking into the starting quarterbacks playing close to a half.

Mike Gillislee for Buffalo is an intriguing preseason option, and a potential early season backup to LeSean McCoy. He will draw a favorable matchup against a New York Giants defense, that was bottom five last season. His teammates, Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin are interesting wideout options given the need for a receiver behind Sammy Watkins. They will also serve time as the WR1's in preseason. Kamar Aiken really came on strong last season, with Steve Smith going down with an achilles injury. Breshad Perriman and Aiken are both competing for the WR2 spot, and Perriman is going to need to come out strong in preseason. You also have Corey Coleman in Cleveland, who will be looking to secure WR1, which is about already done. Give a look to those rookie wideouts looking to make a difference, like a Sterling Shepard for a second example.

Jacksonville probably has the most to offer in terms of preseason fantasy potential. They two backs, in Chris Ivory and TJ Yeldon battling for touches, and a WR3 spot up for grabs. Rashad Greene and Marqise Lee are both trying to gain snaps and touches behind Robinson and Hurns. In face, the entire AFC South will have wide receivers competing for reps. Will Fuller in Houston, Phillip Dorsett in Indy, and the entire Tennessee core.

Preseason Week 4 Fantasy Forecast

The third full week of preseason is where things start to pickup for main guys, and secondary pieces will still be there in the second half. While Andrew Luck missed most of 2015, things should start to pick up in playing time. The RB2 spot behind Frank Gore, who might have a lighter workload, is expected to be between Jordan Todman, Robert Turbin, and Josh Ferguson. The rookie, Ferguson, has gained the most buzz as a versatile back, and could be a name to keep an eye on. Phillip Dorsett will also be looking to make an impact as the Colts WR3, with Andre Johnson gone. The Packers also are noteworthy team in week 4. Jordy Nelson is back knocking everyone from last year down a peg on the depth chart. DeVante Adams had a poor 2015 season, and is looking to rebound for a chance to be the WR3. Jeff Janis, Ty Montgomery, and Jared Abbrederis are the three additional wideouts who will see some hefty time.

The teams touched on above will continue the trend of working out those battles, and in a heavier snap count. With Adrian Peterson's age in Minnesota, expect a lot of work from the backups. Peterson is a seasoned vet, and his body will be saved for the regular season. Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata will take the workload for this week and next. Seattle is in a similar situation, likely not wanting to give Thomas Rawls a full preseason workload. Christine Michael, Alex Collins, and CJ Prosice are three backs that should see steady touches during the preseason.

Wide receivers will start to be cut from here on out, and you can start grabbing those WR3 and WR4 from teams to gain second half reps, and even towards the latter half of the first. Buffalo without Watkins will draw my interest, as well as Miami's situation behind Jarvis Landry. DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, and Leonte Carroo will be the names to snag from this team. Miami will also have the possibility of using Arian Foster and Jay Ajayi.

Preseason Week 5 Fantasy Forecast

The last week of preseason before the big dance, and starting offenses (outside of some veterans) will see mainly the first half of play as their tuneup. I am really going to key in on unexperienced quarterbacks this week, who should see the bulk of the volume. Jared Goff, Mark Sanchez, Marcus Mariota, Brock Osweiler, and Geno Smith to name a few guys who are in new situations and need the workload. You will also be able to land starting quarterbacks, who will likely toss a full half and rack up some fantasy points in a final tuneup before week 1.

With that being said, you can either pair up top wide receivers, or still go after those wide receivers mentioned above in position battles, or are rookies. Tight ends like Eric Ebron, Ladarius Green, Dwayne Allen, Julius Thomas, and Coby Fleener are worth taking a look at given the volume, or change of scenery. Fleener is a tight end expected to take a big fantasy bump with his new team the Saints. With starting quarterbacks likely playing the full first half, these are the names I have keyed in on for the last week.

This will be the last week to make an impression if players are in a battle for a position. Backup running back spots are an important job, and still is the priority of the preseason. I will likely skip out on the solid running backs, and land the ones fighting for a job, or are unexperienced. Atlanta, New York Giants, Cleveland, New Orleans, and Baltimore are the five defenses I would look to target against in the last week. You can still gain an edge with matchups, even though personnel shakes up a little more in preseason.

Week 1 Fantasy Forecast

Tony Romo returns to the Dallas huddle after playing only four games and is an elite fantasy option against a Giants team that allowed the most passing yards per game last season. Tom Brady's suspension opens the door for Jimmy Garoppolo to make his first start. Look for the Patriots to lean on their two headed running back attack of Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount against the tough Cardinals defense.

With a healthy Andrew Luck back, this Indianapolis offense should be back to their usual ways. Detroit ranked 19th in pass defense last season, and given both secondaries, this one could be a shootout. We definitely should see a similar outing in New Orleans, as two pass heavy offense take on two bottom half pass defenses. Green Bay - Jacksonville possesses a chance to be a high scoring game, while yes the defenses are above average, both QB's have WR cores that make for above average fantasy production. The return of Jordy Nelson should help everyone in this Green Bay offense, and also a slimmed down Eddie Lacy. I would look to jump on Green Bay before they start to show off that in-form offense.

Week 2 Fantasy Forecast

Rex Ryan and the Bills will try to make life hectic for the Jets new star running back Matt Forte. Look for the Jets to get Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall involved early as both had huge games against the Bills last season. Golden Tate should make everyone forget about Calvin Johnson against a Titans defense that ranked in the bottom third in fantasy points allowed per game to wide receivers.

Giants-Saints has potential to be the top combined score on the slate. Both featured bottom ten offenses last season, but also high-volume passing attacks. This is going to be a focal point of week 2. Atlanta ranked 20th against WR2 in 2015, and Michael Crabtree was a great target in matchups where Amari Cooper had tough matchups. Look for him to thrive yet again in the WR2 role. San Diego ranked 21st in pass defense last season, and 31st in rush defense. Jacksonville's passing game will look to have another big outing, but don't be surprised if Chris Ivory gets things going either.

Week 3 Fantasy Forecast

Blake Bortles and the Jaguars offense are a team to target this week against the Ravens. The Ravens allowed the 9th most points per game last season at 25.1. Julio Jones looks to continue his success against the Saints after averaging 121 receiving yards per game. Jordan Reed should be in store for a huge game against a Giants defense that allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends.

We will see the first of two matchups of Odell Beckham Jr. and Josh Norman. Get your popcorn ready. New York had the 28th ranked pass defense last season, and Kirk Cousins and company could be a solid target. With Chicago's 32nd ranked rush defense last season, Ezekiel Elliot will be in line for a big week. Eagles-Steelers is my favorite offensive matchup of the week here. Pittsburgh's offense should put on a clinic, while Philly chases the game from behind.

Week 4 Fantasy Forecast

Robert Griffin 3rd faces Washington for the first time since joining the Browns and he could be in for some success. The Redskins allowed the 10th most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks last season. Lamar Miller should be in store for a lot of carries against a Titans team that constantly plays from behind. Phillip Rivers should dominate his quarterback duel with Drew Brees as the Saints allowed the most passing touchdowns and fantasy points to quarterbacks.

There are a few struggle games this week, as Seattle takes on New York, New England takes on Buffalo, and Pittsburgh takes on Kansas City. All four teams ranked inside the top 12 for defenses last season. These games don't offer much more than a single player or two from each game, so stay focused on other games. Adrian Peterson my headline the selection of runningbacks this week, going up against the Giants on Monday night. New York ranked 21st in rushing last season, and Minnesota at home is a team that will stifle the Giants offense, while feeding Peterson.

Week 5 Fantasy Forecast

Week 6 Fantasy Forecast

Blake Bortles will take on a poor secondary in Week 6, as Chicago ranked in the bottom ten in pass defense. Jacksonville is looking like the real deal on offense, and I will be taking Bortles and Allen Robinson quite a bit. Seattle could be in for an offensive explosion against Atlanta, who was a league average defense all season. Baltimore and New York both ranked in the bottom ten in points allowed per game, a lot of value and top end options should surface here this week. With Dallas struggling against the run, Eddie Lacy should be in the midst of a rebound season, and racking up rushing yards against this defense.

Week 7 Fantasy Outlook

Oakland versus Jacksonville is a battle of young passing attacks with big upside. There is plenty of firepower for this to turn into a back and forth passing affair. New England against Pittsburgh has always been a fun game to target, as the stars usually show up. Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown should abuse their opposing defenses. The primetime games do not interest me for offense, and this could be a week to focus on the afternoon games. All four defenses ranked in the top ten last season, and should beat up on each other. Seattle and Arizona could have some small value, but it is best to limit yourself.

Week 8 Fantasy Forecast

Matt Forte should be in for a heavy volume week taking on the Browns. Cleveland ranked 26th in rush defense, and game-flow should allow Forte to run the clock in the latter part of the games. Another big running back is Ezekiel Elliot, who will face a bad Philadelphia defense at home. They ranked 28th in rush defense last season. Russell Wilson will have my eye come week 8, as New Orleans ranked dead last in pass defense last season. You will also have a Jimmy Graham narrative week, where you can pair the two up. New Orleans also ranked dead last against tight ends last season.

Week 9 Fantasy Forecast

Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson are very interesting as a stackable option in this week's matchup against the Colts. The Packers are at home and the Colts are still lacking in terms of a true, top corner to cover Nelson on his deep routes. Randall Cobb is a nice secondary option and hedge off of Nelson, he's used more in the red zone and has tons of point per reception upside. If you're looking for a tournament swerve for cheap value, Jared Cook is a strong option. This game should be high paced with the Colts offense involved.

Week 10 Fantasy Forecast

Week 11 Fantasy Forecast

Week 12 Fantasy Forecast

Corey Coleman has been streaking of late, and has established himself as the top option in the passing game. While Gary Barnige still rules the close to the line of scrimmage targets, Coleman is the deep threat with perfect upside in a week like this. The Giants are a solid defense, but they don't have anyone to shut down Coleman. He's a game breaking tournament play with 100 yards and a touchdown upside.

Week 13 Fantasy Forecast

Matthew Stafford looks to repeat last year's performance as he threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns against the Saints. The Chiefs should be in for a huge game on the ground against a Falcons team that allowed 20 rushing touchdowns. Greg Olsen should see plenty of targets from Cam Newton against a Seahawks defense that struggles to defend tight ends.

The Chiefs and Jamal Charles head into this weeks Matchup with the Falcons on a roll, and this should be another exploitable matchup. While the Falcons defense is much improved in 2016, they still struggle against the run. Charles is still uber efficient and should provide a solid floor in cash games. The Falcons have also struggled against guarding tight ends this year, which could be another issue against Travis Kelce. Kelce is in play in all formats.

Week 14 Fantasy Forecast

The Cowboys big three of Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and Ezekiel Elliot are in great position to succeed against the Giants who have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Travis Kelce should have better success against the Raiders after being held in check against them last season. Tom Brady and Joe Flacco should end the week with a bang in a game that looks to be high scoring on Monday Night.

Cam Newton and the Panthers welcome the Chargers to North Carolina this week, in what should be a lopsided matchup. The Chargers have shown signs defensively with Joey Bosa getting in a groove as the season has gone along, but they simply don't have enough personnel to handle what the Panthers are going to throw at them. Between Kelvin Benjamin, Greg Olsen and Devin Funchess, Newton has a solidified floor that is worthy of cash game consideration, even at his price. Olsen is also solid in cash, whereas Kelvin is the better tournament fit.

Week 15 Fantasy Forecast

Doug Martin should see plenty of action as the Buccaneers look to take advantage of the Cowboys porous run defense. Chris Ivory will be in for a long day against his former Jets teammates as they allowed the second least rushing yards and only four rushing touchdowns last season.

The Cardinals face off against the Saints this week at home. Once again, Carson Palmer is in cash consideration, and John Brown and Larry Fitzgerald become appealing stack options. David Johnson is very expensive this week, but he should be able to reach value once again against a really weak front seven for the saints. Michael Floyd is also a tournament option.

Week 16 Fantasy Forecast

In what may be a do or die game look for Jordan Matthews and Zach Ertz to have big games against the Giants awful pass defense. Sammy Watkins looks to continue his dominance over the Dolphins after having 9 catches for 207 yards against them last season. Duke Johnson should be in store for a huge performance against a Chargers team that allowed the 5th most fantasy points to running backs last season.

The Redskins are once against in a position to succeed as they face off agains the Chicago Bears this week. Kirk Cousins is a solid bet to hit value this week, along with Jordan Reed. They're both reasonably priced and should be in contention for top QB/TE combination. Also, the emergence of Josh Doctson is something to keep in mind. He's a tremendous deep threat and could break a big play at any moment. He's very worthy of a tournament play. DeSean Jackson rounds out this group, he's also a solid tournament play, but Doctson is a better point per dollar value.

Week 17 Fantasy Forecast

Antonio Brown looks to continue his brilliant play over the Browns after averaging 11.5 catches, 163 yards and 1.5 scores against them last season. In a game that could have major playoff implications look for the Jets to rely on Matt Forte against an aggressive Bills defense. LeGarrett Blount is a great option against a Dolphins defense that allowed the most fantasy points to running backs.

The Steelers finish off the regular season with a cupcake matchup against the Browns. This is a must win for the Pittsburgh, so they wont be sitting their starters. Le'Veon Bell is once again the top running back of the week, and should be viewed that way. There is tons of potential for him both as a runner and as a receiver this week, it's tough to argue a floor lower than 100 total yards and a touchdown. Antonio Brown, like Bell, is the top receiving option this week, and while expensive, is in play for cash games. Markus Wheaton and Ladarius Green are solid punt plays.