Start’Em Sit’Em Week 15
Start’Em Sit’Em Week 15
Isn’t it mind-boggling how quickly the first 14 weeks of the 2017 season have transpired? If you are reading this, then it is very likely that your team sits upon the threshold of an appearance in your league’s championship game. If you can prevail during your Week 15 matchup. Congratulations to those of you who are now being rewarded for your extensive preparation through both the draft process and the regular season. As you have managed to thrive despite the numerous hurdles that can occur as the year progresses, and the players that you have entrusted in your weekly lineups, have now performed sufficiently for your team to progress into this week’s critical postseason matchup.
Before we begin examining the Start’Em Week Sit’Em recommendations for Week 15, it is important to include this reminder. Even though you already know how critical it is for you to invest time toward examining the individual matchups for each of the players on your rosters, make sure that you do not underestimate the situation if you have multiple players that will be confronted with daunting matchups. It is important that you remember there is no guarantee that all of the players that have performed effectively during most weeks of the regular season, will automatically deliver the level of fantasy points that you have become accustomed too when they are contending with their difficult matchups. This is not a recommendation for you to overreact to the point of thoughtlessly benching your proven starters that are facing formidable defensive units. But you should analyze the matchups, and strongly consider avoiding lineups that consist of too many players who are dealing with these unfavorable situations.
We will now shift focus to the more immediate goal of making roster decisions that are specific to Week 15. This Gridiron Experts Start’Em Sit’Em Week 15 column is designed to provide a strategic approach toward recommending your best starts, along with the players that should be excluded. Since you are already depending upon the performers that you selected at the onset of your drafts, along with the consistent leaders in fantasy points, this column will not confiscate your precious time by discussing them here. Unless the recommendation is that you need to sit any off those players.
Remember that the enhanced level of importance to this week’s planning process, and the various emotions that you might experience along the way, provide some of the most compelling aspects to being involved in fantasy football. Kickoffs are approaching, so let’s examine the players that are featured in this Start’em Sit’em Week 15 column. Remember to enjoy the games, and good luck to everyone in Week 15.
Start’em Sit’em Quarterbacks Week 15
- Cam Newton vs. Packers
Quarterback Start
Newton was included in the recommended Week 14 sits. Partially due to the frequency of his uncomfortable ceiling as a passer (215 YPG/16:11 touchdown to interception ratio), which had partially been a byproduct of his depleted receiving options. However, his daunting Week 14 matchup versus Minnesota provided the most significant concern, and the stout Viking defense ultimately limited Newton to 137 yards and one touchdown through the air. But this week’s opponent resides on the opposite end of the spectrum. As an opportunity to exploit Green Bay’s burnable defensive backs vaults Newton into starting consideration for his owners. He should overcome any challenges regarding his receiving weaponry to dissect a pass defense that currently ranks 24th, has allowed 22 touchdowns, and has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing signal callers since Week 9.
The Packers have yielded multiple touchdowns and significant yardage to Matthew Stafford (361/2), Ben Roethlisberger (351/4), Jameis Winston (270/2), and DeShone Kizer (214 yards/3 touchdowns), during that span, while also permitting noteworthy yardage to Drew Brees (331) and Mitchell Trubisky (297) since Week 7. This unit has also allowed three different quarterbacks to attain at least 25 rushing yards, while also allowing five different running backs to accrue 40+ receiving yards since Week 7. This bodes well for the likelihood that Newton – who just rumbled for 70 rushing yards against the Vikings – will accumulate yardage on the ground, while assembling additional fantasy points by targeting Christian McCaffrey. All of which should compel Newton owners to start him with conviction this week.
Also Start: Dak Prescott at Raiders, Philip Rivers at Chiefs
- Jared Goff at Seahawks
Quarterback Sit
During a week in which most quarterbacks who will be confronted with imposing matchups are either sufficiently trustworthy that sitting them is not a genuine option (Tom Brady/Russell Wilson/Ben Roethlisberger), or are among the signal callers that should not be included in this week’s starting lineup regardless of the opponent (Andy Dalton/DeShone Kizer/Jay Cutler), the discussion will pivot to Goff. Whose development and overall production under the exceptional tutelage of Sean McVay has been pleasantly surprising and unquestionably impressive. However, the games in which he has generated multiple touchdowns on the road this season occurred versus the 49ers, Cowboys, Giants, and Cardinals. Goff has also averaged 238 YPG during his six road matchups, and that average dips to 219 YPG If you eliminate his 311-yard effort against a Giant defense that largely lost the willingness to compete to during the game. It will be difficult for the second-year signal-caller to attain the level of output that owners will need this week. When the Rams journey to the Northwest for their encounter with division rival Seattle.
The Seahawks have remained challenging to opposing signal callers, despite enduring multiple injuries as the season has progressed. Since Week 9, they have also permitted the seventh most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Plus, this unit has only permitted two signal-callers to generate multiple touchdowns, and only one to exceed 273 yards during that span. While also limiting the output of Kirk Cousins (247 yards/0 touchdowns), and Matt Ryan (195 yards). Seattle has also yielded the sixth fewest touchdowns throughout the season (16), and has also accumulated 32 sacks. Owners simply need to find another option.
Also Sit: Jameis Winston vs. Falcons, Marcus Mariota at 49ers
Start’em Sit’em Running Backs Week 15
- Alex Collins at Browns
Running Back Start
If you entrusted Collins as your starter in Week 14, then you undoubtedly were ecstatic with the 120-yard performance that he delivered in Pittsburgh. It was the sixth time that he has registered 70+ yards this season, and his 18-yard touchdown was the fifth for Collins since Week 11. It also extended his streak to four consecutive games with a touchdown, and that could easily continue when he lines up for what has now become a favorable matchup with NFC North rival Cleveland. The Browns had not allowed an opposing back to rush for 60 yards between Weeks 2-10, but their run defense has been gashed for significant yardage during their last four contests by Leonard Fournette (111 rushing yards), Joe Mixon (165 total yards), Melvin Gordon (96 total yards). and Jamaal Williams (118 yards/2 touchdowns). Collins accrued 42 yards on seven attempts when he faced the Browns in Week 2, while Javorius Allen (20 touches), and Terrance West (10 touches) commandeered more opportunities. However, he will be functioning as Baltimore’s lead back during this matchup, which will enable him to assemble output that far exceeds what he supplied during that early season encounter. This should compel owners to start him with confidence this week.
- Mike Davis vs. Rams
Running Back Start
While the general concept of relying upon a Seattle running back this season has been ill-advised, the ability of Davis to seize control of the Seahawk backfield’s workload distribution, and to produce sufficiently while operating as the team’s primary runner, have elevated him into legitimate consideration as a viable starter during the fantasy postseason. He has now rushed for 60+ yards in two consecutive games, while averaging 4.2 YPC in the process. That includes the 66 yards, and 4.4 YPC that he assembled last Sunday in Jacksonville. This week, he will be the beneficiary of an outstanding matchup, when he lines up against a Ram defense that remains sturdy overall, but has been vulnerable in their attempts to contain opposing rushers. Los Angeles ranks just 28th against the run, has yielded 12 touchdowns on the ground, and has surrendered the second most fantasy points to opposing backs.
10 different runners have generated 75+ yards on the ground, while a collection of backs have produced notable yardage totals or touchdowns – Chris Thompson (106 total yards/2 touchdowns) Carlos Hyde (94 total yards/2 touchdowns), Ezekiel Elliott (139 total yards/2 touchdowns) Leonard Fournette (138 rushing yards/1 touchdown), Latavius Murray (95 rushing yards/2 touchdowns), Alvin Kamara (188 total yards/2 touchdowns), Kerwin Williams 97 rushing yards, and Jay Ajayi (80 total yards). Davis is taking full advantage of his opportunity to thrive in his role with Seattle while providing his owners with an enticing starting option this week.
Also Start: Kenyan Drake at Bills, Jay Ajayi at Giants
- DeMarco Murray at 49ers
Running Back Sit
Since Murray bolted for 115 yards in Week 3, he has averaged 52.5 YPG, while failing to exceed 44 yards in seven different contests, and rushing for less than 35 in three of his last four games. That includes his 34-yard outing last Sunday in Arizona, which he manufactured on 11 attempts (3.1 YPC). It was also the seventh time in the last eight games that he has averaged 3.3 YPC or less while operating in a largely frustrating timeshare with Derrick Henry.
None of this presents owners with an incentive to trust him this week when he faces a San Francisco unit that ranks 29th against the run, however, this matchup will be more challenging than it may initially appear. In their last five contests, the 49ers have surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs, while most notably limiting the production of Jordan Howard (38 yards/2.9 YPC), and Lamar Miller (53 yards/3.1 YPC). Even though the Niners are performing more effectively in their efforts to contain opposing runners, the primary concern is the overall ineptitude of Tennessee’s attack, which includes the largely forgettable production that Murray has delivered far too often in recent weeks. This offense will remain stagnant while it is being piloted by the current coaching staff, and owners should not expect a sudden statistical rebound from Murray this week.
- Lamar Miller at Jaguars
Running Back Sit
If you have been a Miller owner throughout the entire regular season, then you are already aware that his production has not fluctuated amid the massive highs and devastating lows that have occurred during the overall changes in proficiency of the Houston offense. As the transition from Tom Savage to Deshaun Watson and disappointing return to Savage did not prohibit Miller from functioning as an acceptable but uninspiring RB2 during the majority of his matchups. As he has failed to surpass 75 yards on the ground all season while accumulating 61 or less a whopping 10 times. Miller’s unexceptional production will not improve this week, when he must contend with a resurgent Jacksonville run defense that has surrendered the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs since Week 11.
Since the well-chronicled trade that has enabled Marcell Dareus to bolster this formidable unit’s efforts against the run, the Jaguars have most notably limited the production of Joe Mixon (31 rushing yards), Melvin Gordon (27 rushing yards), and Isaiah Crowell (18 rushing yards). Miller amassed 96 total yards against the Jaguars in Week 1, but will be confronted with a more daunting task on Sunday. Owners should not victimize themselves by deploying him when that occurs.
Also Sit: Samaje Perine vs. Cardinals, Orleans Darkwa / Wayne Gallman vs. Eagles
Start’em Sit’em Wide Receivers Week 15
- Devin Funchess vs. Packers
Wide Receiver Start
While it was mentioned previously that Cam Newton is operating with a depleted number of receiving options, that is not a suggestion that Funchess has not produced respectable numbers in recent weeks. He has led the Panthers in receiving yards for five consecutive games, while averaging 81 YPG, collecting 24 receptions, and scoring four times during that sequence of games. That includes the 59 yards and 18-yard touchdown that he accrued last Sunday, and his matchup will be significantly more appealing this week. As he will run routes against the aforementioned Green Bay pass defense that has also surrendered the third most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and has yielded the fourth most yards to the position (2,172). They have also permitted 15 touchdowns, while being systematically shredded on the perimeter throughout the year – Julio Jones (108 yards), A.J. Green (111 yards/1 touchdown), Adam Thielen (97 yards), Ted Ginn (141 yards), Marvin Jones (107 yards/2 touchdowns), Dontrelle Inman (88 yards), Antonio Brown (169 yards/2 touchdowns), and Josh Gordon (69 yards/1 touchdown), are among the more notable receivers that have tortured the Packer secondary. The 6’4″ Funchess should prevail frequently in his personal matchups with Green Bay’s boundary corners, and is definitely a viable WR2 this week.
- Mohamed Sanu at Buccaneers
Wide Receiver Start
Sanu has now been allotted at least six targets in seven different games, including eight during his Week 14 matchup with New Orleans. That enabled him to exceed 80 for the second time this season. He remains an integral component within Atlanta’s passing attack, as only Julio Jones has garnered more targets (75), receptions (54), and receiving yards (578). Sanu should sustain his recent level of usage this week, as the Falcons can be expected to attack one of several glaring weaknesses within Tampa Bay’s burnable defense. The Buccaneers currently rank dead last against the pass, and have also allowed 20 touchdowns. They have also surrendered the most fantasy points, and the most yardage to opposing wide receivers (2,536), while being torched with regularity throughout the year. While this unit has certainly struggled when attempting to contain receivers on the perimeter, Tampa Bay’s slot coverage has been equally deficient, as the collection of receivers that have flourished while operating inside includes Kendall Wright (7 receptions/69 yards), Sterling Shepard (5 receptions/54 yards), Danny Amendola (8 receptions/77 yards), Larry Fitzgerald (10 receptions/138 yards/1 touchdown), and Jarvis Landry (6 receptions/95 yards/1 touchdown). Sanu also collected eight receptions for 64 yards after receiving a season-high 10 targets when he lined up against this unit in Week 12 and should provide owners with favorable numbers again this week.
Also Start: Marqise Lee / Dede Westbrook vs. Texans, Josh Gordon vs. Ravens
- Alshon Jeffery at Giants
Wide Receiver Sit
Since a sizable number of owners are now asking whether to start the receivers that have been negatively impacted by the season-ending injuries to Carson Wentz and Josh McCown, I will devote time and space to helping those of you who are contending with these issues at this most inopportune time. The unfortunate loss of Wentz (torn ACL), who was not only Philadelphia’s primary offensive component but was also a legitimate MVP candidate, is clearly a devastating development for an Eagle team that could realistically envision a trip to the Super Bowl. It is also calamitous for anyone who has been utilizing Jeffrey as their weekly starter. There is no need to regurgitate Nick Foles’ numbers from 2013. This is a different year, and the Eagle offense is comprised of different players and coaches. It is difficult to project how effective Foles will be during his first extensive action since November 2016. But even though Foles is not going to spearhead the offense with the same proficiency as Wentz, the Giants have surrendered the fifth most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers since Week 9. However, they have also yielded the seventh most points to running backs, which could induce the Eagles to relieve pressure on Foles by becoming more reliant upon their ground game. As a result, even though Jeffery has garnered at least targets in 13 of his 14 games this season, his opportunities may be reduced. While owners do not necessarily need to bench him – considering his talent and role as Philly’s WR1 – it would be wise to only deploy him as a WR3.
- Robby Anderson at Saints
Wide Receiver Sit
After eclipsing 100 yards in three of his previous six contests, and generating a touchdown in five of his last six, Anderson’s ongoing compilation of favorable production arrived at an unceremonious conclusion last Sunday in Denver. As the second-year receiver was limited to just 27 yards, while also failing to discover the end zone. It was his lowest yardage total since Week 5, as he also failed to garner at least four receptions for the first time since Week 7. The Jet offense was unable to generate anything of significance even before 38-year old Josh McCown’s commendable run as the Jets’ 2017 starter ended due to a break on his non-throwing hand. Now, Bryce Petty’s forgettable performance after entering the matchup (2-9 passes for 14 yards), should create uneasiness for Anderson owners regarding the possibility of starting what had been their WR2 this week.
While Anderson was Petty’s favorite receiver during a four-game stretch of the 2016 regular season, there would be an extreme risk for owners to depend upon that brief display of chemistry during this week’s matchup. Particularly since Petty will be contending with a New Orleans pass defense that currently ranks 11th, and can now confront opponents with sturdy play at the cornerback position. The Jets could opt to have Anderson run routes in the slot, where the Saints have surrendered production to Cooper Kupp (8 receptions/116 yards), and Mohamed Sanu (6 receptions/83 yards/1 touchdown) since Week 12. But sadly for owners, the desirable numbers that Anderson constructed from Weeks 6-13 will not be attainable this week.
Also Sit: Josh Doctson vs. Cardinals, Sterling Shepard vs. Eagles
Start’em Sit’em Tight Ends Week 15
- Jason Witten at Raiders
Tight End Start
Witten was among last week’s recommended starters, although he largely failed to justify that belief by manufacturing just 20 yards. Although he did generate a touchdown for the second consecutive week. His production remains wildly inconsistent, as his five games with at least 50 yards have been blended with a disconcerting six contests during which he has failed to exceed 20. However, highly productive, dependable options are exceedingly difficult to locate this season, at a position that is virtually everyone’s most problematic roster position. Plus, he will have an outstanding opportunity to assemble highly favorable numbers this week. When he faces an Oakland pass defense that ranks 23rd, has allowed 20 touchdowns, and has surrendered the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in their last five games.
While the Raiders have been burned repeatedly throughout the season during their ill-fated efforts in coverage against the position, the results of their matchups since Week 9 alone are noteworthy. As Julius Thomas (84 yards/1 touchdown), Evan Engram (99 yards/ 1 touchdown), Travis Kelce (74 yards), and a combination of Denver’s Virgil Green and Austin Traylor (50 yards), have all amassed at least 50 yards against this unit. Witten owners can start him without hesitation, as he should deliver one of his most productive outings of the season.
Also Start: Hunter Henry at Chiefs, Marcedes Lewis vs. Texans
- Stephen Anderson at Jaguars
Tight End Sit
For anyone who does not own a tight end that is among the exclusive group of unquestioned weekly starters, the process of uncovering a viable starting option that results in any semblance of a reasonable comfort level, has created an experience that resides anywhere from frustrating to agonizing. Even when a feasible alternative to what has been a dearth of disappointing options finally emerges, that player has not been able to sustain a desirable level of production due to injury, diminished target totals, or ineffective play. Anderson provides just the latest example of this unwanted process. As anyone who started him in the aftermath of his encouraging Week 13 performance (6 targets/4 receptions) can now attest. Because what appeared to be a positive narrative, dissipated as swiftly as it emerged. As Anderson could only manage 16 yards against the 49ers last Sunday. During a forgettable performance in which he accumulated as many drops as receptions (2). In addition to decimating the concept that he functions as a reliable option, Anderson must now contend with the NFL’s premier pass defense this week. After holding Jimmy Graham without a reception in Week 14, the Jaguars have only permitted two tight ends to reach 50 yards since Week 2, and have only allowed one touchdown to the position since Week 6. What appeared to be a positive narrative regarding Anderson, dissipated as swiftly as it emerged, and his owners will need to locate a better option this week.
Also Sit: Tyler Kroft at Vikings, Cameron Brate / O.J. Howard vs. Falcons
Thanks for Reading
Phil Clark | Start’Em Sit’Em Week 15 - Gridiron Experts
Full Article from Gridiron Experts via http://ift.tt/2APMlnd
0 comments: