Week 15 will be full of drama and excitement as the fantasy playoffs commence or continue in just about every fantasy league. For this round of the playoffs, the following players are either must starts or definite sits. The best starts come from the hottest offenses or the most favorable matchups. The sits of the week, either face tough opponents or injuries to them or their team will stop them from having a big game.
Start of the Week Quarterback –Blake Bortles vs Houston Texans
After watching Blake Bortles play two of the best games of his career, the time has finally come to get him into your fantasy lineup. The Houston Texans are one of the worst team at stopping quarterbacks in fantasy. The Texans gave up over 300 yards to Jimmy Garoppolo in just his second start with the 49ers. Bortles can also contribute with his legs, rushing for 87 yards in his last three games. Bortles is a great start against the Texans in Week 15.
Sit of the Week Quarterback – Ben Roethlisberger vs New England Patriots
After throwing 66 passes in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens, it is best to leave Roethlisberger on the bench in Week 15. Arm fatigue could set in for Big Ben, limiting his effectiveness on a cold, Pittsburgh evening. Roethlisberger has also struggled against the Patriots in his last four starts. He puts up good yardage but has thrown five interceptions and, the Steelers are 0-4. The Steelers will need to employ a more balanced offensive attack, utilizing Le’Veon Bell more if they want to win.
Start of the Week Running Back – Latavius Murray vs Cincinnati Bengals
After a few games of split duty at running back, Latavius Murray has emerged as the Minnesota Vikings primary ball carrier. He gets a great matchup in Week 15 against the Bengals who allowed Jordan Howard to gash them for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, the Vikings could blowout the Bengals, leading to more rushing attempts for Murray.
Sit of the Week Running Back – Joe Mixon vs Minnesota Vikings
Joe Mixon is expected to return from injury in Week 15. However, against the Vikings, he is not expected to have a good game. In Week 14 the Vikings defense struggled against Jonathan Stewart. Prior to Week 14, the Vikings were the best defense in fantasy against running backs. Week 14 is more of an anomaly than a trend. Expect the Vikings to get back on track in Week 15 and shutdown Mixon.
Start of the Week Wide Receiver – Dez Bryant vs Oakland Raiders
With the Cowboys offensive line finally back to normal, Dez Bryant’s value in fantasy is expected to rise over the last few weeks of the season. Bryant is coming off back-to-back games with over 60 yards and a touchdown. He has a great matchup in Week 15 against the Raiders. The Raiders have given up eight touchdowns in their last seven games. The Raiders also have the fewest interceptions in the NFL at two. Both Bryant and Dak Prescott should have good games in primetime in Week 15.
Sit of the Week Wide Receiver – Robby Anderson vs New Orleans Saints
With Bryce Petty likely starting at quarterback in Week 15, the New York Jets offense will struggle against New Orleans. Since Robby Anderson is the most owned Jet in fantasy, he is the Jets player who should sit in the most fantasy leagues, in the absence of Josh McCown. Anderson caught just three passes for 27 yards in the Jets loss in Week 14. It was his worst fantasy performance since Week 5. Avoid Anderson this week.
Start of the Week Tight End – Hunter Henry vs Kansas City Chiefs
A huge division showdown headlines Saturday football in Week 15. The Chargers are rolling, which part of their hot streak stemming from strong offensive performances from Hunter Henry. Hunter Henry is one of the hottest tight ends in the NFL, posting 16 receptions for 207 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games. The Chiefs are average against the tight end, but had a poor showing in Week 14 against the Raiders. Look for Rivers to exploit mismatches and find Henry often in this huge divisional showdown.
Sit of the Week Tight End – Delanie Walker vs San Francisco 49ers
Through 14 games, the 49ers are one of the top teams in the NFL against tight ends. Their defense allows 38.9 yards to the position, third fewest in the NFL. Outside of Week 6 against Washington, when Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed combined for 101 yards, no team has managed to top 100 yards on the 49ers. Teams are focusing in on Delanie Walker as he remains the only constant on the Titans offense. Look for San Fran to hone in on Walker and slow him down.
Start of the Week Defense – New Orleans Saints vs New York Jets
With Bryce Petty at quarterbacks for the Jets, the New Orleans Saints are a must start on defense in Week 15. The Saints have forced 16 turnovers on quarterbacks this season, which ranks in the top-ten in the NFL this season. With “Defensive Player of the Year” candidate Cameron Jordan leading the pass rush and home-field advantage for the Saints, the Jets should be knocked around all day.
Sit of the Week Defense – Los Angeles Rams vs Seattle Seahawks
A road game in Seattle, against an angry Seahawks team, is not what the Rams defense need to rebound after giving up 43 points to the Eagles in Week 14. The Rams did salvage their fantasy day with a blocked punt return for a touchdown. However, expecting plays like that on a weekly basis is highly risky. The Seahawks are one of the best home offenses in the NFL, topping 30 points in three of their last six home games. Do not start the Rams this week.
Start of the Week Kicker – Dan Bailey vs Oakland Raiders
A game against the Oakland Raiders is just what Dan Bailey needs to get his mojo back. The Raiders allow the second most points to kickers this season, allowing eight points or more to the position in nine games. Get Bailey onto your starting roster.
Sit of the Week Kicker –Cody Parkey vs Buffalo Bills
After the weather in Buffalo last weekend, starting any kicker in a Buffalo home game is a hard pass. Parkey gets the edge (or sit of the week) over Hauschka, due to the majority of his games this season coming in Miami.
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