It’s
undeniable the importance and the magnitude of this week’s contests as we enter
the semifinals. Last week we went against our better judgement with a couple
evaluations, but rest assured it’s all part of the process.
Finding
ways to gain that edge will be the difference in winning and losing, so always
playing it safe could get you watching from the sidelines. Heading into week
15, we have a great mix of players that can be used and should be the staple.
We ride with you all the way to the finals to hoist that championship trophy!
LET’S GET THOSE WINS!
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START - GET THEM IN YOUR LINEUP
Quarterbacks:
Baker Mayfield (CLE)
While it’s
clear that Baker Mayfield hasn’t hit levels most expected him to this season,
he may save the day in week 15 for the fantasy semifinals. Having a glorious
matchup verse the Cardinals who can’t stop a cold on defense, we should see
ample opportunity for Mayfield to open this offense up. Spreading the ball
around should be a common sight with a floor of 18-20 points.
Ryan Tannehill (TEN)
Until
further notice, we will not get off the Ryan Tannehill train. Since taking over
as the Titians starting quarterback, he has been nothing short of fantastic and
it should continue this week verse Houston. Everything in this offense is
predicated through the run game and Derrick Henry, which appropriately sets up
the pass game. Averaging a whopping 24-plus points per game over the last seven
weeks, fire up Tannehill with great confidence.
Running Backs:
Chris Carson (SEA)
While Chris
Carson has been a very steady earner this season, with news that Rashaad Penny
has been lost, all the uptick goes right back to Carson. Having a very
favorable matchup this week verse the Panthers, there is no question that the
Hawks will reestablish the run in bunches after what transpired last week. We
couldn’t trust his services more.
Austin Ekeler (LAC)
Even as the
Chargers will miss the postseason, Austin Ekeler continues to be that massive
force on the offense being the true safety blanket for Philip Rivers. While
most would still preach the play of Melvin Gordon first, the PPR potential is
far too great to think about sitting Ekeler. Facing a tougher defense in week
15 shouldn’t scare you off as Ekeler will be used a lot.
Duke Johnson (HOU)
Some may
suggest starting Carlos Hyde this week against the Titans who have had some
issue stopping the run of late, we still stand firm with the potential of Duke
Johnson in PPR formats. Johnson has seen his role increase these past few
weeks, and rightfully so. The major mismatch appeal he holds for the Texans
offense is undeniable. In a contest that means everything for playoff seeding,
Johnson should be huge.
Wide Receivers:
Marcus Johnson (IND)
This start
recommendation is contingent on the Colts TY Hilton not finding his way to the
field this week. With news that Hilton could still miss, we’ll jump forward.
Marcus Johnson had a very sound day last week as the Colts look to all the
potential talent they have at the position. Some may believe that Zach Pascal
will have another strong day limiting Johnson, but in our eyes this will be the
better play. Pascal will see boatloads of Marshon Lattimore leaving lesser
coverage to Johnson’s side. Some risk, but we love the gamble.
Jarvis Landry (CLE)
While it
appears we suggest Jarvis Landry on a weekly basis, this will be no different.
With Odell Beckham basically turning off the switch and playing decoy, Landry
has found ample room to roam and should again verse the spotty Cardinals
secondary. The past several weeks have been nice for Landry and his floor is
extremely safe. Locked and loaded for yet another great day here.
Robert Woods (LAR)
How can
anyone argue the mass amounts of targets Robert Woods has seen over the past
three weeks? Woods has enjoyed a whopping 36 targets over that span and finally
found the endzone last week with more work thrown his way. With the Rams
holding on for dear life in the NFC wildcard race, there is no question that
Coach McVay has gone back to basics. Woods is your guy heading into this week’s
matches.
Tight-Ends:
Tyler Higbee (LAR)
Much of the
same can be said for the Rams Tyler HIgbee and what he’s been able to
accomplish over the past few weeks. With a new look of sorts on this Rams
offense, the pass game has employed a heavier dose of the tight end position.
Higbee is a clear mismatch on the field and holds a good level of skill to make
defenses pay. Facing the Cowboys who struggle at the best of times to cover the
position, Higbee should again be a sound earner.
David Njoku (CLE)
We have
never been large supporters of the Browns David Njoku in the past, but we feel
we must jump on the train this week. Simply put, the Cardinals have no way in
covering the tight end position and have been gashed all season. For all those
needing a stream tight end, Njoku will be that guy to give you what you need.
SIT - LEAVE THEM ON THE BENCH
Quarterbacks:
Carson Wentz (PHI)
At this
point, we find it difficult to throw support to many Eagles players and that
includes Carson Wentz. This sit recommendation comes with more caution then
certainty simply because of all the injuries on this team. The game plan will
obviously be dictated to Zach Ertz in hopes to generate stats, but the fear
that no receiving threat will get open will be our pause. Better options will
be had this week.
Matt Ryan (ATL)
Yet another
quarterback we took a long look at is the Falcons Matt Ryan. While he has been
a very sound point earner this season, facing the 49ers and that incredible
pass rush could be regrettable. We will not place any bearing on the fact the
Drew Brees torched this defense a week prior, and we’ll stick with how good the
defensive line really is. Ryan should underwhelm this week.
Running Backs:
Devanta Freeman (ATL)
Holding firm
with the recommendation to sit another Atlanta Falcon, we have no choice but to
leave Devanta Freeman on the bench beside his quarterback. Freeman has been a
giant disappointment this season as well, and outside of PPR points, nothing
tangible will materialize to help you gain heavy point production. Don’t be
sucked into this bad play.
Sony Michel (NE)
While yes we
understand the matchup on paper looks great, the history of poor play is our
deciding factor here. Sony Michel has been a complete afterthought in this
offense and will continue to be in this contest. There is a chance that he
could see more work against the lowly Bengals, but our money is on James White
again being the feature player from the backfield. The risk is far too high to
gamble on Michel in the semifinals.
Joe Mixon (CIN)
The other
half of the same contest between the Pats and the Bengals - is Joe Mixon. While
he has improved his play these past several weeks, this showdown verse the
mighty Pats defense will bring it all back down to earth. Games like these act
as tune-up events for New England and they should bring out heavy pressure to
stop all action from the Bengals offense. He may squeeze in a late garbage time
touchdown, but the stress will be too real to trust.
Wide Receivers:
Brandin Cooks (LAR)
One of the
biggest busts this season has been the Rams Brandin Cooks. Having dealt with
massive amounts of injury and basically being removed from the offensive game
plan, Cooks can’t be trusted in any form to help your fantasy roster. Cooks
will continue to be the deep shot decoy and may get a few chances per game.
Outside of that, nothing more will come.
Michael Gallup (DAL)
Yes we
understand it’s becoming very hard to bench players like Michael Gallup, but
this week we really don’t see the start as a sound option. The Rams defense has
turned up the heat since the blowout from the Ravens, and Dallas can’t seem to
get out of their own way. Gallup has been very steady for most of the season,
but Dallas should try and run more and spread the ball through the air. We
shall leave him on the bench.
Diontae Johnson (PIT)
With recent
news that Juju Smith-Schuster will again be sidelined for this massive contest
verse the Bills, thoughts that target share could lift Diontae Johnson’s
outlook. However, with how good the Bills secondary truly is, we are hard
pressed to promote any such play. Devlin Hodges should have a difficult time
finding any room on this stout defensive unit, making for an easy bench here.
Tight-Ends:
Jason Witten (DAL)
While tight
end has become a massive issue for fantasy football, Jason Witten has been
rather safe for most weeks. However, facing the extreme pass rush of the Rams,
Witten should be held on the line much more to help ease the pressure. He
should see a few targets, but not near enough to support a solid day.
POTENTIAL BIG DAY – ALL ABOUT THE RISK/REWARD
Quarterbacks:
Jimmy Garoppolo (SF)
After
witnessing the intense showing from the 49ers and the Saints last week, we are
more than confident that Jimmy Garoppolo is for real. Looking sharp, poised,
and electric - Jimmy G has been and is now more than ever a main reason for the
success. Facing the Falcons who have issues beyond on the defensive side, we
should see another explosion of sorts from this offense. Another huge day could
be on the docket.
Tom Brady (NE)
With how
poorly the Patriots have played over the second half of the season, this is the
perfect tune-up contest to get some things ironed out. Tom Brady has been
nothing short of difficult to trust, but we love the prospects of facing the
Bengals and tearing them apart. The Pats defense should have a field day which
will provide more opportunity for Brady to find the endzone. You won’t get many
more games like this from Brady this season.
Running Backs:
Raheem Mostert (SF)
It’s always
a great positive to get the gleaming endorsement from your head coach, but when
Kyle Shanahan has said Raheem Mostert has earned the starting role, we are
listening. Granted, the 49ers backfield is a three-headed monster that can be
difficult to decipher, we do like the odds of Mostert being the guy. One thing
to keep your eye on is the revenge game for Tevin Coleman verse his old club.
There is great potential Coleman steals the show. Either way, both could have a
sound day.
Boston Scott (PHI)
If you know
our work and how we evaluate, Boston Scott is a perfect fit into what we covet
in PPR leagues at the position. Scott is very fast and holds a great level of
juke, which will keep him in the lineup for the rest of the season. Looking a
lot like Darren Sproles in how he was used last week, there is no question
Scott will have a giant role on Sunday.
James White (NE)
Highlighting
a similar skillset of pass catching runners, James White has again found life
in this Patriots offense amidst the struggles in the pass game. For the first
time in a while, New England finds themselves in a situation where they need to
keep winning to hold onto the division. White will be used a great deal in this
contest verse a weaker Bengals club. Fire him up and don’t look back.
Wide Receivers:
Adam Thielen (MIN)
Adam Thielen
and his injured hamstring has crippled his owners over the past several weeks,
but is poised to return to action in week 15. Some may question whether he’ll
have a big role or if he’ll be nursed back to action, either way, we drafted
him for a reason and will ride with him in the semifinals. Kirk Cousins will
target his favorite pass catcher this week and we could be smiling when all is
said and done. There is risk here, but we’ll fight the fear and trust for week
15.
Justin Watson (TB)
With news
that the Buccaneers have lost Mike Evans for the remainder of the season, one
player will have to help in the form of targets and making plays. Some want to
believe it will be Breshard Perriman, but we aren’t buying that hype
whatsoever. The next man up will be Justin Watson as the Bucs will want to see
what they have in the man. Seeing eight targets last week when Evans departed,
and knowing Chris Godwin will receive all the attention – load up Watson for a
potential massive day.
Terry McLaurin (WAS)
It’s been
clear that we’ve been off the Terry McLaurin wagon these past few weeks, but I
believe it’s time to jump back on. Dwayne Haskins has been improving weekly and
the playbook has opened up to find this talented rookie. There is always the
risk of a bust simply because of Washington’s offense, but verse the Eagles
soft secondary, we like the odds.
Tight End:
Austin Hooper (ATL)
With all the
injury for the Falcons offense, Austin Hooper should find his way back to a
regular workload of targets after completing last week’s contest without a
reoccurring injury. Also, in facing the tough 49ers defense, we fully expect a
number of check downs to Hooper from Matt Ryan. We like the odds of garbage
time production lifting his value this week.
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