
It’s been another wild week in the NFL, and it all ends tonight as the 49ers head to Indianapolis to face the Colts. The 49ers are in the playoffs, and the Colts want to get there. To do it, they’ll need a win in support of 44-year-old Philip Rivers. I’ll have a full game preview below, but first let’s look at some takeaways from the rest of Week 16.
The Jaguars make a statement
The Jaguars are a serious contender. They moved to 11-4, but put themselves in position to take a top seed in the AFC with some help. They did it thanks to a huge win over the 12-3 Denver Broncos in Denver. The Broncos had won 11 straight, but the Jaguars outplayed them all over the field on Sunday. It was a big win and a big statement for a team that is peaking at the right time.
The Steelers are in command
While Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers earned a huge win in Detroit, the Baltimore Ravens lost the game—and their quarterback—against the Patriots. The Steelers are now 9-6, locking in at least a winning season and taking a two-game lead in the division over the Ravens. The two teams play in Week 18, but if the Steelers win out that won’t matter. They appear to have reclaimed the AFC North.
The Panthers make a move
The biggest question left in the NFC is the NFC South crown. In a matchup of two contenders, the Panthers hung on for the 23-20 win to give themselves an edge. The Panthers travel to Tampa Bay in Week 18, but for now the Panthers are in the driver’s seat.
Now, on to Monday night.
San Francisco 49ers (10-4) at Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
The 49ers earned a playoff berth thanks to the Lions’ loss on Sunday. The Colts, meanwhile, were once the top of the AFC. Now, they are out of the playoffs looking in. And it’s getting to be desperation time. A loss Monday would likely end the run.
For the 49ers, I like Brock Purdy as a QB2. In the backfield, Christian McCaffrey has been great all year. He’s an RB1. In the passing game, I like George Kittle as a TE1. I also like Jauan Jennings as a WR2.
For the Colts, Rivers is a fun story. He’s not a big fantasy asset. He’s a low-end QB2, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up a QB3. In the run game, I like Jonathan Taylor. He’s a low-end RB1. In the passing game, it’s hard to tell what the opportunities will be. Michael Pittman, Jr., and Josh Downs are WR3s for me, while Tyler Warren is a TE2 with upside.
I’m taking the 49ers here.
Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.



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