Get some insider tips on who to start or sit this week from our fantasy expert Jason Feiner!
Quarterbacks
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
It is always a bonus when your quarterback has a safe floor due to their running ability and Cam Newton is one of the best running QBs in the game. Add that to a showdown with a division rival and we are in for a treat. Although Cam has had two down weeks in a row, I expect him to pick it back up in a game against the Saints who give up 21.2 ppg to opposing signal callers. Start Cam and let him bring you to the fantasy championships. Don’t fear the Saints defense who has looked decent in recent weeks.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Proceed with major caution. Aaron Rodgers is undergoing one of his worst seasons in recent memory, and now he will be playing a lethal Bears defense that just stopped the high powered rams offense in their tracks. After awarding Jared Goff a frightening -0.3 fantasy points, Rodgers isn't going into a friendly matchup. Avoid the Packers signal caller if you can afford it.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Running Backs
Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers
With both Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler expected to miss their week 15 matchup against the Chiefs, Justin Jackson looks primed to seize the role. The Chargers are a high powered offense and will be playing KC’s Swiss-Cheese like defense. The Chiefs allow an astounding 31.7 points per game to the running back position and in a contest expected to be a clash of titans on offense, jackson is primed to put up quality numbers.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Peyton Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Barber has been a surprise over the past few weeks garnering numbers worthy of RB2 recognition, but he should get stuffed against the Ravens stout defense who has only allowed 3.8 yards per attempt and just 9 touchdowns in 13 games. Baltimore gives up a league low of 18.7 points per game to opposing runners. They are not a kind defense and should be avoided when possible.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Chubb is getting fed early and often and has an excellent opportunity to excel as a top 10 fantasy back in week 15. The Broncos allow 23.8 points per game to opposing running backs, and they could leave the door open for Cleveland’s rookie back to continue his touchdown streak. Chubb is averaging 20.5 touches per game, and volume in fantasy is a gold mine.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Wide Receivers
DJ Moore, Carolina Panthers
The Saints are abysmal at covering receivers, and DJ Moore is primed for a solid outing against the Panthers division rival. The Saints currently allow a league leading 45 points per game to opposing receivers. Stick with Moore, as the rookie will help guide you to championship week.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Josh Reynolds, Los Angeles Rams
Reynolds is in line for a massive workload against a porous Philadelphia secondary. Expect the Rams to bounce back after a terrible performance on Sunday Night Football. The Eagles have struggled all year to defend receivers and have lost big pieces of their secondary down the stretch. Reynolds should see plenty of opportunity, as the rams need to win out to have any chance to take home field advantage back from the Saints.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Adam Humphries, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are playing the Ravens in a week 15 matchup, and they have not been a friendly defense in 2018. They continually prevent teams from getting into the endzone and diminish opportunity. The Ravens allow just 29 points to opposing receivers, which ranks as the 4th lowest mark in the league. Steer clear of Humphries in a tough matchup.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Tight Ends
Vance Mcdonald, Pittsburgh Steelers
It is no secret New England has struggled to contain tight ends this year, and history has continuously showed us that Big ben likes to target his tight ends in critical situations. Expect the Patriots-Steelers matchup to be explosive and high scoring with plenty of opportunity going towards McDonald. I would be shocked if he didn’t get in the endzone. He is my TE7 entering this high-profile contest.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Trey Burton, Chicago Bears
Trey Burton has been one of the most disappointing players in fantasy this season. He has been extremely inconsistent and hasn't found the endzone in five weeks. He hasn’t accrued more than 4 receptions in the last seven weeks and that shouldn't change now against a Packers defense that allows just 8.7 points per game to the tight end position. The third lowest mark in the NFL.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Defense/Special Teams
Buffalo Bills D/ST
The Bills have shined on the defensive side of the ball all year and now will be playing a Detroit team that has struggled mightily throughout 2018. Detroit gives up a league leading 11.8 points per game to opposing D/STs. The Bills will end up as a top-10 D/ST this week with top-5 upside.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Seattle Seahawks D/ST
The Seahawks are playing at a high level on both sides of the ball and should be looked at as a lock to enter the top 10 D/STs again this week in a juicy matchup against the turnover prone 49ers led by rookie Nick Mullens. The Seahawks have 5 total turnovers over the past 3 games with two TDs. Pick up Seattle, who is only owned in 37% of leagues, and plug them into your playoff lineup. You won’t regret it.
Verdict: START ‘EM