Fantasy Football Guide: Must Starts, Sits During Week 15

Start

Quarterbacks 

Andy Dalton – The Eagles continue to play poor defense against the pass. Over the last 10 weeks they’ve given up 22 touchdown passes and had only 2 interceptions. They also have given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks during that stretch. Get the Ginger General in your lineups.

Josh Freeman – Earlier in the season Freeman threw for 420 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Saints. He may not reach quite those numbers this week, but it’s always nice to play in a dome in December, even if it’s on the opponents home turf. He’s a safe play for your fantasy playoffs.

Running Backs

Jamaal Charles – Over the last 5 weeks JC Superstar is averaging 117 yards rushing per game. If Adrian Peterson wasn’t on such a torrid streak we would most likely be hearing much more about Charles. This week he faces the Raiders, who, lately, have been about as bad against the run as a team can get.  Over the last 8 weeks they have given up the most fantasy points and touchdowns to opposing running backs.

Mikel LeShoure – He isn’t the greatest running back in the league, but he is the Lions early down back and should get plenty of work against a reeling Cardinals team. The Cardinals lack of offense has put their defense on the field for long periods of time and they are showing the effects. Over the last 8 games they are giving up 148 yards rushing and 5 yards per carry. LeShoure won’t have to come out as often this week, since they won’t need to pass as much to win this game.

Doug Martin – Teams have recently been keying in on Doug Martin, but he still is managing to get the job done and this week he faces the New Orleans Saints who are giving up 133 yards rushing per game and 5.2 yards per carry. He had a nice game against the Saints earlier in the season, totaling over 100 yards and a touchdown, but he’s more of a focal point in this offense now. He’ll see plenty of work.

Wide Receivers

Vincent Jackson – And to keep our Tampa Bay theme going, Vincent Jackson is in line for yet another big week. The last time they met he caught 7 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown.

Lance Moore – On the other side of the ball, you can start most of your Saints receivers as well. The Buccaneers have given up the most receptions and receiving yards to opposing wide receivers for the season. This game should be a shootout, so stack players on top of players for this one.

Sit

Quarterbacks 

Nick Foles – After putting up one of the best games ever by a rookie quarterback, Foles should come back to earth against a hot Bengals defense. They have given up just two passing touchdowns in the last 5 games.

Joe Flacco – Joe Flacco had a great matchup last week against the Redskins and threw 3 quick touchdowns, but still finished as the 12th fantasy quarterback for the week and the Ravens also lost the game. Maybe firing Cam Cameron will turn things around, but I think it means more work for their best player, Ray Rice. The Broncos defense has also been playing very well and Von Miller is destroying opposing quarterbacks. I’m steering clear this week.

Running Backs

Demarco Murray – The Steelers pass defense took a hit with Ike Taylor getting injured, but their rush defense is still strong. They’ve given up a paltry 3.8 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season.

Steven Ridley – The 49ers will be hard pressed to stop the Patriots passing offense, but they should be able to contain their run game. The 49ers are still the best defense against the run, giving up the least amount of fantasy points to opposing running backs as well as a only two touchdowns and 3.4 yards per carry.

Wide Receivers

Kenny Britt – The Jets have been shutting down opposing wide receivers early and often this season.  They are the only team to have not given up 100 yards receiving to a wide receiver, in fact, Reggie Wayne had the most yards against them with 87.

Torrey Smith – Champ Bailey isn’t a guy you want to mess with, especially when your quarterback is getting harassed by Von Miller.

Chet Gresham writes for Rotoworld.com and is the founder of The Fake Football, where you can get all your start/sit questions answered in the comments.

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