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Fantasy Football Week 15: Start and Sit

U-T fantasy guru Eddie Brown has the latest on who to start and sit this week.

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Whether you missed the playoffs or were eliminated last weekend, you can still finish the season strong. Not only does it help competitive balance in your league, but you can begin scouting for next season now.

There are several NFL teams already eliminated from the playoffs, and every week going forward will add to that total. They don’t fold up shop.

In fact, most players are essentially playing for a job next season. Indeed, a lot of younger players are getting an opportunity to play for the first time this season.

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My point is there’s still work to be done and it might help you go even further next year.

Here’s my best bets for Week 15:

DENVER AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Demaryius Thomas (Broncos), Frank Gore (Colts), Jack Doyle (Colts).

Who to start: Running back C.J. Anderson (Broncos) is receiving enough usage to warrant flex consideration with such a premium matchup. The Broncos D/ST seemed revitalized last week against the Jets. This matchup is even better.

Who to sit: I simply wouldn’t trust Trevor Siemian (Broncos) to deliver in my semifinal matchup. Don’t blame Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos) entirely. He’s been playing through an ankle injury and awful quarterbacking, but he only has eight receptions for 54 yards over the past four games. Jacoby Brissett (Colts) hasn’t passed for multiple touchdowns or surpassed 200 passing yards since Indy’s Week 11 bye. T.Y. Hilton (Colts) has two-or-fewer receptions in six of the last eight games.

Sleeper: With nothing of significance to play for, Indianapolis could decide to feature rookie running back Marlon Mack (Colts) more than usual, especially after Gore’s epic 36 carries in a Buffalo blizzard last weekend.

CHICAGO AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Jordan Howard (Bears), Marvin Jones (Lions), Golden Tate (Lions).

Who to start: Scatback Tarik Cohen (Bears) deserves flex consideration in the deepest PPR leagues. Matthew Stafford (Lions) has averaged 339 passing yards in his last three games at home against Chicago. He has eight total TDs and only three interceptions over that span. With higher usage totals, Theo Riddick (Lions) remains a solid flex option in PPR with RB2 upside.

Who to sit: Dontrelle Inman (Bears) is a risky PPR play opposite shutdown cornerback Darius Slay this week.

Sleeper: Tight end Eric Ebron (Lions) could play a significant role in the short passing game if Stafford’s hand forces him to forgo deep passes again.

L.A. CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Melvin Gordon (Chargers), Keenan Allen (Chargers), Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Kareem Hunt (Chiefs), Tyreek Hill (Chiefs).

Who to start: Hunter Henry (Chargers) is a borderline TE1 this week. He has caught at least four balls for 50 yards or a touchdown in three straight games. Alex Smith (Chiefs) has three straight games against the Chargers where he has completed at least 70-percent of his passes and tossed multiple touchdowns. The Chargers D/ST sacked Smith a season-high five times Week 3.

Who to sit: Philip Rivers (Chargers) hasn’t been great against KC since 2013. He has only one TD pass (three interceptions) in last three appearances at Arrowhead.

Sleeper: Speedy wideout Travis Benjamin (Chargers) had his best game of the season Week 3 against the Chiefs — five receptions for 105 yards.

MIAMI AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Kenyan Drake (Dolphins), Jarvis Landry (Dolphins), LeSean McCoy (Bills).

Who to start: Tyrod Taylor (Bills) has averaged 252 yards passing and two TDs in four starts against Miami, making him a decent stream if you’re desperate.

Who to sit: You can’t trust Jay Cutler (Dolphins) against a defense that has allowed one-or-fewer touchdown passes in six of the last seven games. Tight end Julius Thomas (Dolphins) remains a touchdown-or-bust option. Both DeVante Parker (Dolphins) and Kenny Stills (Dolphins) are risky investments at flex considering the matchup. Even if he plays, Kelvin Benjamin (Bills) is still dealing with a torn right meniscus. Tight end Charles Clay (Bills) has been limited since returning from a knee injury as well.

Sleeper: The Bills D/ST have only allowed 40 points the past three games.

BALTIMORE AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: Alex Collins (Ravens), Ravens D/ST, Josh Gordon (Browns).

Who to start: Danny Woodhead (Ravens) isn’t a factor in the run game, but still holds value as a receiver out of the backfield. Consider him a flex option in the deepest PPR leagues. Isaiah Crowell (Browns) deserves flex consideration due to his continued high usage. Duke Johnson (Browns) remains a solid flex option in PPR with RB2 upside. Corey Coleman (Browns) has 62 receiving yards in three of the last four games, while all the attention is gravitating towards Gordon.

Who to sit: The matchup is there for Joe Flacco (Ravens) to take advantage of, especially considering his last two performances, but I’m not recommending him because he has burned me this season. Which is probably how most fantasy owners feel about Flacco. Jeremy Maclin (Ravens) has 12 receptions for 108 yards and no touchdowns over the past four games. DeShone Kizer (Browns) had probably his worst game of the season Week 2 at Baltimore.

Sleeper: The Ravens just allowed 14 receptions for 149 yards to Steelers’ tight ends making rookie tight end David Njoku (Browns) an interesting flex possibility if you need a flier at the position.

CINCINNATI AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: A.J. Green (Bengals), Adam Thielen (Vikings), Vikings D/ST, Kyle Rudolph (Vikings).

Who to start: Case Keenum (Vikings) has been one of fantasy’s most trustworthy signal callers over the past two months. After the Bears run game smashed the Bengals in the mouth last week, both Latavius Murray (Vikings) and Jerick McKinnon (Vikings) are elite flex options with RB2 upside. Stefon Diggs (Vikings) remains a decent flex option considering the volume of targets he receives.

Who to sit: Inconsistent Andy Dalton (Bengals) can’t be trust with such a negative matchup. The matchup limits my expectations for Joe Mixon (Bengals) and Giovani Bernard (Bengals) as well, who are both dealing with ailments (a concussion and knee issues, respectively). Tight end Tyler Kroft (Bengals) has become touchdown-dependent.

Sleeper: If Rudolph’s ankle doesn’t improve, Blake Bell (Vikings) could make an intriguing stream option for deeper leagues at tight end.

N.Y. JETS AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Drew Brees (Saints), Mark Ingram (Saints), Michael Thomas (Saints), Saints D/ST.

Who to start: If Alvin Kamara (Saints) passes the NFL’s concussion protocol, he’s an obvious start.

Who to sit: There’s simply no way of knowing how bad New York’s offense will be with Bryce Petty (Jets) under center, so Robby Anderson (Jets), Jermaine Kearse (Jets), Bilal Powell (Jets), Matt Forte (Jets) and Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Jets) are off limits unless you’re absolutely desperate.

Sleeper: Speedy wideout Ted Ginn (Saints) is a touchdown-or-bust flex option if you’re looking for a lottery ticket for your semifinal matchup.

PHILADELPHIA AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Alshon Jeffery (Eagles), Zach Ertz (Eagles), Eagles D/ST, Evan Engram (Giants).

Who to start: Backup QB Nick Foles (Eagles) is top streaming candidate against a Giants defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game and second-most passing yards to quarterbacks. Jay Ajayi (Eagles) deserves flex consideration, but you’re really hoping he gets more touches, allowing him to flex his RB1 muscles. Sterling Shepard (Giants) retains his flex value in PPR leagues.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust secondary weapons Nelson Agholor (Eagles) or LeGarrette Blount (Eagles) until we see how Foles performs. You’re only considering Eli Manning (Giants) if you’re beyond desperate or in a two-QB league. Wayne Gallman (Giants) and Orleans Darkwa (Giants) are officially splitting carries.

Sleeper: Rookie running back Corey Clement (Eagles) scored his first career touchdown Week 3 against New York.

ARIZONA AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals), Samaje Perine (Redskins).

Who to start: Kerwynn Williams (Cardinals) has earned flex status with 36 carries over the past two games. Both the Redskins D/ST and Cardinals D/ST are streaming possibilities this week. Jamison Crowder (Redskins) continues to have flex value in most PPR leagues.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust anyone for Arizona outside of Fitzgerald and Williams. It’s hard to trust Kirk Cousins (Redskins) after five of his last seven performances have been subpar. Vernon Davis (Redskins) only has seven receptions over the past four games. Josh Doctson (Redskins) has become touchdown-or-bust.

Sleeper: Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (Cardinals) is a lottery ticket, but Washington has allowed eight touchdowns to the position over the past 11 games.

GREEN BAY AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jamaal Williams (Packers), Davante Adams (Packers), Cam Newton (Panthers), Christian McCaffrey (Panthers), Devin Funchess (Panthers).

Who to start: Jordy Nelson (Packers) had six touchdowns in the first five weeks with Rodgers under center. You could do worse than rolling out Randall Cobb (Packers) in your PPR league.

Who to sit: Don’t expect Jonathan Stewart (Panthers) to score three touchdowns this week. Greg Olsen (Panthers) has one reception since his return three weeks ago and faces one of the better defenses against tight ends.

Sleeper: Damiere Byrd (Panthers) is a lottery ticket in PPR, having replaced Curtis Samuel as the slot option.

HOUSTON AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: DeAndre Hopkins (Texans), Lamar Miller (Texans), Jaguars D/ST, Leonard Fournette (Jaguars).

Who to start: It feels weird to type, but Blake Bortles (Jaguars) is the best streaming option this week if you’re utilizing the strategy. Both Marqise Lee (Jaguars) and Dede Westbrook (Jaguars) are solid flex options with WR2 upside.

Who to sit: Quarterback T.J. Yates (Texans) should be avoided in all formats. The fantasy value of Will Fuller (Texans) is minimal without Deshaun Watson.

Sleeper: Wideout Keelan Cole (Jaguars) has scored a touchdown in two straight games.

L.A. RAMS AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Todd Gurley (Rams), Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Doug Baldwin (Seahawks), Jimmy Graham (Seahawks).

Who to start: Cooper Kupp (Rams) is a WR2 in PPR with at least five receptions in five straight games. If Robert Woods (Rams) plays, he deserves flex consideration. Tyler Lockett (Seahawks) has scored a touchdown in two straight games.

Who to sit: Two teams (Seahawks and Vikings) have kept Jared Goff (Rams) from throwing a passing touchdown this season. Mike Davis (Seahawks) rib injury could limit him significantly if he plays. Big-play receiver Paul Richardson (Seahawks) has been too inconsistent to trust.

Sleeper: Sammy Watkins (Rams) has scored a touchdown in five of the last six games.

NEW ENGLAND AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Tom Brady (Patriots), Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Brandin Cooks (Patriots), Dion Lewis (Patriots), Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Antonio Brown (Steelers), Le’Veon Bell (Steelers).

Who to start: Rex Burkhead (Patriots) is a prototypical flex option after scoring four touchdowns in the last three games. JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers) is a solid flex option with WR2 upside.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust either the Patriots D/ST or Steelers D/ST in a matchup that should feature a lot of offense.

Sleeper: Chris Hogan (Patriots) was a non-factor in his return from injury last week against the Dolphins. He has WR2 upside against a struggling Steelers secondary.

TENNESSEE AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: DeMarco Murray (Titans), Delanie Walker (Titans), Carlos Hyde (49ers), Marquise Goodwin (49ers).

Who to start: Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) is a top streaming option with such a solid matchup at home.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust a hobbled Marcus Mariota (Titans) after he’s tossed four touchdowns against nine interceptions over the past five games. It’s hard to trust Rishard Matthews (Titans) and Corey Davis (Titans) as well. Since their Week 11 bye, the 49ers have been exceptional against the run — allowing only 57 yards per game and three yards per carry — limiting my expectations for Derrick Henry (Titans).

Sleeper: Rookie wide receiver Trent Taylor (49ers) is a flex option in the deepest PPR leagues.

DALLAS AT OAKLAND

Obvious starters: Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Alfred Morris (Cowboys), Dez Bryant (Cowboys), Marshawn Lynch (Raiders), Michael Crabtree (Raiders), Jared Cook (Raiders).

Who to start: Rod Smith (Cowboys) is a solid flex option with four total touchdowns over the past three games. Derek Carr (Raiders) has streaming potential against a Cowboys defense that has allowed 24 passing touchdowns this season.

Who to sit: If Amari Cooper (Raiders) plays, he could be significantly limited by an ankle injury.

Sleeper: Jason Witten (Cowboys) only has two catches the past two weeks, but both were touchdowns. The Raiders have allowed an average of seven receptions and 84 yards to the position over the past five games.

ATLANTA AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Matt Ryan (Falcons), Devonta Freeman (Falcons), Julio Jones (Falcons),

Who to start: Mohamed Sanu (Falcons) has been a solid fantasy asset for most of the season. Tevin Coleman (Falcons) is an elite flex option with RB2 upside if he makes it through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Consider Jameis Winston (Buccaneers) a high-risk, high-reward streaming option at quarterback. DeSean Jackson (Buccaneers) usage levels are high enough to receive flex consideration.

Who to sit: Sophomore tight end Austin Hooper (Falcons) doesn’t have a consistent role in this offense. Mike Evans (Buccaneers) hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 7 and hasn’t surpassed 100 yards once this season. It’s impossible to trust Doug Martin (Buccaneers) or Peyton Barber (Buccaneers) at this point. Cameron Brate (Buccaneers) is a touchdown-or-bust option.

Sleeper: Rookie tight end O.J. Howard (Buccaneers) has at least three receptions and 52 yards in three of the last four games. He also has an impressive five touchdowns this season.

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