Most fantasy football seasons are approaching their championship rounds; gear up for week 15 as we break down who starts and who sits.
If you managed to survive your first (or second) round of fantasy football playoffs, pat yourself on the back. Though, don’t get too high because there’s much more work still to be done. Conversely, if you’re in the losers bracket, no one wants to finish last, so pay attention to your lineup.
Looking at last week’s picks, you made out well if you played Tyler Eifert, Dontrelle Inman, and Cameron Meredith. There are several interesting match-ups this week as you continue your drive for that fantasy football crown.
Start ‘Em
Cameron Meredith, WR, Chicago Bears
It’s not often we pick a player two weeks in a row, but Meredith’s strong performance last week was something we called correctly, and can see continuing next week. Although top wideout Alshon Jeffery is expected back, Meredith should still see a decent number of targets. He’s been able to build some type of rapport with Matt Barkley and won’t have to grind through wintry conditions like last week.
Meredith and the Bears will travel to Detroit where they likely will be throwing often to stay in the game. This isn’t a bad thing as the Lions have allowed the twentieth most pass yards per game (252.5).
Ty Montgomery, WR/RB, Green Bay Packers
The versatile Montgomery had one of his best games of the season last Sunday, totaling 86 yards and scoring a touchdown. Whether running, receiving, or on special teams, the Packers will use the Stanford product in multiple scenarios, allowing for many touches and giving him FLEX upside.
Montgomery had his best game of the season against the Bears in Week 7, and could be in line for another productive day.
Eric Ebron, TE, Detroit Lions
Ebron has caught at least four passes in four of his last six games, while eclipsing the 70-yard mark in three of them. Although he hasn’t caught a touchdown since week one, he remains a vital part of the Lions’ offense.
The New York Giants’ defense is playing at a very high level, but has struggled at times to cover the opposing tight end. Ebron is worth the gamble in week fifteen.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Boyd has become one of Andy Dalton‘s top targets in A.J. Green‘s absence, and should see that trend continue for as long as Green remains sidelined. While he hasn’t dazzled, he’s caught at least four passes in every game, and figures to be targeted often next week.
The Bengals will likely be taking to the skies often to keep pace with Pittsburgh’s high-powered offense which bodes well for the rookie receiver, especially in PPR formats.
Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons possess one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, and Coleman has played a significant role in their success. The dual-threat back has finally cemented a solid role in the offense, and while second to Devonta Freeman on the depth chart, has produced six games of double-digit fantasy point production.
The Falcons will host the lowly 49ers in week fifteen who allow the most total yards per game in the NFL (415.3).
Sit ‘Em
Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Enough is enough. It’s playoff time, and Gurley’s mediocrity cannot be tolerated in a big game. The Rams’ ineffective passing attack has allowed defenses to stack the box, giving Gurley little running room all season long. He hasn’t topped 85 yards rushing in any game, and should see that trend continue against a Seattle defense allowing less than 100 rush yards per game.
Gurley was likely a high pick in most leagues, so play him if you have no better options. However, stash him on your bench if you have good running back depth.
Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets
Since week six, Marshall has not recorded more than 70 yards and nabbed six passes or more just once. It’s clear that Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s absence has negatively affected the veteran wideout, while youngster Bryce Petty continues to heavily target Robby Anderson.
Facing an underrated Dolphins secondary (eleventh fewest pass yards per game allowed), Marshall offers little upside in week fifteen.
Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
Other than Odell Beckham Jr., the entire Giant offense is in disarray. The result has been fantasy gloom for Manning. He’s failed to throw for 200 yards three weeks in a row, while throwing for 6 touchdowns and turning it over five times. His offensive line is one of the worst units in the league and his receivers outside of Beckham create little separation.
Regardless of which defense the Giants are facing, Manning and the offense’s inconsistencies cannot be trusted in the fantasy playoffs.
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots
The last month has been Mitchell’s coming out party. Four straight productive games have put him on many fantasy owners’ radar. Any player that Tom Brady builds a rapport with is one to want on your squad, but Mitchell’s success could hit a speed bump opposing Denver’s elite secondary next week.
Allowing just 183.5 pass yards per game, you’ll want to find another option in week 15.
Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Since week 11, Witten hasn’t recorded more than 37 receiving yards and has caught five passes or more just once. Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has struggled over the past several games which obviously hasn’t helped Witten’s stock. Facing a Tampa Bay defense that has seemed to have hit its stride, Witten might not be your best play next week.
