Fantasy football: Flex of gold at wide receiver in Week 16

I thought running backs couldn’t frustrate fantasy owners more than they have this season. But after Week 15, a playoff week, I was proved wrong.

Only two running backs had more than 16 basic-scoring points. The Chargers’ Danny Woodhead pulled 30 points out of his hat with the help of three touchdown catches, benefitting the mere 30 percent of ESPN owners who were somehow forced to start him. The Cardinals’ David Johnson topped all running backs with 40 points, tallying a more conventional 187 rushing yards and three touchdown runs.

Running backs have been as reliable as NFL officials. Wide receivers (and a handful of tight ends) have given owners the stability they crave. Fifteen pass catchers scored more than 16 points in Week 15. If you’re deciding between a runner and a receiver for a flex spot, you’re probably better off with the latter.

With that in mind, here are some top wide receiver flex plays for Week 16, aka championship week.

Kamar Aiken, Ravens: In the six games the team has been without Steve Smith (season-ending torn Achilles tendon), Aiken has averaged 10.5 points. He has had double-digit targets in four of those games (62 total). He could flourish against the Steelers, who have allowed the third-most points to wideouts.

Stefon Diggs, Vikings: He had fallen off the map after a three-game run with 43 points from Week 6 to 8. He’s back on the map after scoring 17 points against the Bears, and he figures to produce against the Giants’ league-worst pass defense.

Ted Ginn, Panthers: Despite his recent explosion, Ginn is still available in about 40 percent of ESPN leagues. He has scored at least 20 points in each of the last three games, and one of those came against the Falcons, whom he’ll face Sunday.

T.Y. Hilton, Colts: If Matt Hasselbeck plays, Hilton is a strong start against the Dolphins, who rank 27th in pass defense and have allowed the second-most touchdown passes. If it’s Charlie Whitehurst, well, you know the answer if you caught his relief appearance Sunday.

DeSean Jackson, Redskins: He has scored in double figures in four of the last five games, including a vintage 153-yard performance Sunday. He’ll face an Eagles defense that has allowed the second-most points to wide receivers.

Tyler Lockett, Seahawks: Doug Baldwin hasn’t been the only beneficiary of Russell Wilson’s play. In the last five games, Lockett has averaged 12.2 points and scored five touchdowns. The Rams have allowed an average of 24.6 points to wide receivers in the last five games.

Markus Wheaton, Steelers: Even with Antonio Brown scoring 29 and 30 points in Weeks 13 and 15, Wheaton still reached double figures (11 and 12). That’s more than acceptable from a flex play, and he could duplicate that against the Ravens, who have allowed the most points to wide receivers.

STOCK MARKET

RISING

RB Cameron Artis-Payne, Panthers: There’s no reason for the team to rush back Jonathan Stewart (foot). That could give Artis-Payne, who totaled 93 yards Sunday, more action down the stretch.

RB Mike Gillislee, Bills: He led the team with 81 rushing yards Sunday, and he has a touchdown in the last two games. Karlos Williams had been the understudy to LeSean McCoy (knee), but he could have company.

FALLING

RB Chris Ivory, Jets: In the last three games, he has been outscored by backup Bilal Powell 42-17. Ivory still will get his touches, but Powell is doing more with his.

Broncos running backs: Since combining for 38 points against the Patriots in Week 12, C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman have totaled 19 points. It’s hard to trust either against a tough Bengals run defense.

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Email: jagrest@suntimes.com