Why DeVonta Smith Remains a Must-Start Option in Fantasy Football Week 16
As we head into Week 16 of the NFL season, a lot of fantasy football managers are once again looking at the Philadelphia Eagles and asking the same question: can they really trust the passing game right now? It’s a fair concern, especially with how uneven things have looked at times this season. Still, when you dig into the matchup and the numbers, DeVonta Smith continues to stand out as a player who belongs in fantasy lineups.
The Eagles are set to face the Washington Commanders, and that alone changes the conversation. Washington’s defense has consistently struggled against wide receivers, and it has been shown by the amount of fantasy points they surrender each week. In fact, they allow the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, which quietly puts this matchup in the “favorable” category for Philadelphia’s receivers.
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Now, it’s true that Smith’s recent production hasn’t jumped off the page. Since Week 11, he has been ranked around WR35 in fantasy scoring, which can make managers nervous, especially during the fantasy playoffs. But context matters here. Even during this stretch, Smith has remained heavily involved in the offense, and his role has not disappeared. Targets have still been there, and his connection with Jalen Hurts hasn’t gone away.
What also works in Smith’s favor is the presence of A.J. Brown on the opposite side. Brown has returned to elite form over the past few weeks, ranking among the top fantasy wide receivers since midseason. Because of that, defensive attention is often pulled in Brown’s direction, creating opportunities for Smith to exploit single coverage. Those opportunities are expected to be there again against Washington.
Jalen Hurts plays a major role in this equation as well. Despite criticism of the Eagles’ passing attack, Hurts is still producing at a high fantasy level and enters Week 16 ranked among the top six quarterbacks. That kind of quarterback play raises the floor for every pass catcher in the offense, especially someone as polished and reliable as Smith.
When all of this is taken together, the conclusion becomes pretty clear. While Smith may not feel like a flashy WR1 right now, he doesn’t need to be. In this matchup, he projects as a solid WR2 with upside, especially in PPR formats. In a week where fantasy seasons can be decided, Smith’s talent, role, and matchup make him a player who should be trusted.
So if DeVonta Smith is sitting in your lineup decision pool this week, the advice is simple. Don’t overthink it. He’s still very much a start in Week 16, and the conditions are lining up for him to deliver when it matters most.
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