Joe Mixon or Jerome Ford: Who should I start in Week 16 Fantasy Football?

Joe Mixon and Jerome Ford are expected to have big days as the Houston Texans visit the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday while the Cleveland Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The two running backs are expected to help their teams get another win this season – or at least make things hard for opposing defenses.

They are intriguing options for fantasy managers given their potential upside against teams that have been hurt by running backs. As plenty of fantasy leagues are coming to an end, managers want to make the right decision.

Is Joe Mixon a good pick in Week 16?

Joe Mixon is off the Week 16 injury report for the Texans. He's good to go against the Chiefs in a duel that could be a turning point for Houston. Mixon is a solid option at RB2 with the upside of an RB1 depending on who else is on your team. However, it's worth noting that the Chiefs have been a ruthless defense against fantasy running backs.

Mixon has become a key member of the Houston offense, and despite going against a strong defense, his 32 catches in 11 games make him a solid option for managers.

Is Jerome Ford a good pick in Week 16?

Jerome Ford could benefit from Dorian Thompson-Robinson's first start of the season. The second-year quarterback played three games last season, and Ford was a focal point of his game.

With Nick Chubb out with an injury, Ford is poised to be the Browns' RB1, meaning his numbers are likely going up against a Bengals defense that can't stop anybody this season.

On 87 carries this season, Jerome Ford has posted 451 yards and two touchdowns.

Joe Mixon or Jerome Ford: Who should I start?

Both players are solid options for fantasy managers, but according to Sportskeeda's Start/Sit optimizer, Joe Mixon is the right choice in Week 16. The former Bengals running back is projected to tally 16.1 fantasy points this week, nearly four points more than Ford (12.2).

Pick Mixon over Ford this week

Projected fantasy stats

Mixon's superiority is clear, especially when it comes to rushing yards, projected to get 65.7 against 57 from Ford. His 2.7 projected receptions also surpass Jerome Ford's 1.5, but the Browns' star is expected to rack up 22.0 receiving yards, 1.5 more than Mixon.