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RandBall's Week 16 Fantasy Football Challenge

December 19, 2013 at 4:42AM

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. San Diego won, 27-20. (Kent Nishimura/Colorado Springs Gazette/MCT) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The final week of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker chooses a QB, WR and RB who he or she believes will score big. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker. The guest — reader Jake Wanek, a self-described bogey golfer, marathon runner and pass-first point guard — will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone projected to score in the top 10 at their positions by NFL.com.

jake wanek'S WEEK 16 FANTASY PICKS

QB: Philip Rivers, Chargers

NFL.com QB projection: No. 18

Matchup: Raiders

Never been a huge fan of Phil, but after Oakland was shredded last week by Alex Smith, and with the Chargers clinging to their playoff lives, it's hard to bet against the 2004 Senior Bowl MVP.

RB: Eddie Lacy, Packers

NFL.com RB projection: No. 38

Matchup: Steelers

Slight homer pick on my part, but the fact that the Packers control their own destiny has a lot to do with Lacy. He will be a big part of what they do Sunday at a cold Lambeau Field.

WR: A.J. Green, Bengals

NFL.com WR projection: No. 5

Matchup: Vikings

Green led me to zero playoff appearances in two fantasy leagues this year, but against a Vikings secondary that has been, well, less than stellar, I'm looking for him to have a big game.

MICHAEL RAND's WEEK 16 FANTASY PICKS

QB: Tony Romo, Cowboys

NFL.com QB projection: No. 14

Matchup: Washington

Even after their meltdown against the Packers, the Cowboys will claim their division with wins over Washington and Philly to end the year. Look for a bounce-back game from Romo.

RB: Frank Gore, 49ers

NFL.com RB projection: No. 15

Matchup: Falcons

Atlanta has been woeful this season, and Gore feasts on bad teams. It seems reasonable to expect somewhere close to 100 yards rushing, plus a score on the ground.

WR: Pierre Garcon, Washington

NFL.com WR projection: No. 24

Matchup: Cowboys

He had his second-highest fantasy output of the season last week playing with backup Kirk Cousins. I'm hoping that chemistry stays the same against the awful Dallas pass D.

SCOREBOARD WEEK 15 FANTASY RECAP (USING NFL.COM DEFAULT SCORING METHOD)

Winner: Eric Thompson — Peyton Manning (17.6), Jamaal Charles (51.5), Calvin Johnson (9.8). Total: 78.9.

Loser: Michael Rand — Drew Brees (20.5), Rashad Jennings (22.3), Dez Bryant (21.3). Total: 64.1.

Overall standings: Guest pickers 10-5.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and quarterback Tony Romo (9) after Romo threw a second fourth-quarter interception against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. (Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Jake Wanek for Page 2 Fantasy challenge (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minneapolis Star Tribune sports Michael Rand. ORG XMIT: MIN1210171625110917 ORG XMIT: MIN1306131734546764 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Nick Hayden (96) and defensive end Everette Brown (71) bring down Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) after a short gain in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. (David Kent/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) slips between Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) and strong safety Mark Barron (23) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, in Tampa, Fla. The 49ers won the game 33-14. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 30-20.(AP Photo/Don Wright) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (89) makes the catch against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert McClain (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)