Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em for Week 15

Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em for Week 15

Start ‘Em

Rashard Mendenhall goes up against a tough Jets run defense in week 15 but is still a recommended play. The Jets have been struggling as of late and no one is giving them much of a chance when they visit Heinz Field this week. With that said the Steelers are expected to be protecting a lead which means they more than likely will give Mendenhall a heavy workload on Sunday. Keep him in your lineups for the all important week 15.

Jonathan Stewart should run wild on the Arizona Cardinals run defense in week 15. The Cards have been allowing the 2nd most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs and should not be able to stop one of the most talented running backs in the NFL in Stewart. Stewart looks like a lock for 80+ rushing yards and a score and looks like a solid RB2 this week.

Donovan McNabb will be on a short leash vs the Cowboys this weekend but squaring off against a Cowboys defense that has given up the third most fantasy points to opposing QB’s McNabb becomes a strong play. He had an uninspiring game earlier in the year vs the ‘Boys with the Skins protecting a lead but with the Cowboys reinvigorated we can expect more offense from both sides of the ball.

Kenny Britt matches up against a leaky Texans pass defense and as last weeks game showed Britt is back to being the main focus of the Titans aerial attack. Britt will be in better game shape this week and seems primed to take advantage of this tasty match-up against the Texans porous secondary. The Texans have allowed more fantasy points to opposing wide receivers than any team in the NFL.

Tim Hightower is fresh off of a 148 yard and 2 touchdown performance and is a hot pickup for week 15. Hightower squares off against a Panthers squad that has had trouble stopping the run all year and fantasy owners should have him in their lineups with confidence. The Panthers have allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs and Hightower should take advantage of this match-up both on the ground and through the air. Use with confidence as a RB3/Flex.

Sit ‘Em

James Starks flopped the show and ended many fantasy seasons with his lackluster performance in week 14. If Aaron Rodgers is out, Starks is a major no-no. We do not recommend rolling with the risky rookie again in these playoffs despite his upside. The match-up vs the Patriots seems appealing on paper, but Rodgers’ injury coupled with a ineffective RBBC means we should all look elsewhere this week.

Michael Crabtree goes up against a tough Chargers pass defense and needs to be on fantasy benches this week. The Chargers have been on lock-down all year and have given up the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Crabtree has been a disappointment for most of the season but that can be attributed to lackluster quarterback play from the 49ers. Alex Smith looked good last week but neither Crabtree nor Smith should be trusted this week against San Diego.

Pierre Thomas may seem like an attractive play this week with news that Chris Ivory is dinged up, but the Saints have the misfortune of playing the Ravens in week 15. The Saints backfield is murky enough to begin with and PT is only option 2a. Going up against Ray Lewis’ Ravens we recommend that fantasy owners wait another week before seriously considering inserting Thomas into starting lineups. The Ravens have allowed the sixth fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs.

LaDanian Tomlinson squares off against the Steelers and needless to say LT needs to be on fantasy benches this week. Luckily for you, you did not draft LT to be a starter so you should have other options for this weeks important playoff battle. The Steelers are a dominant run D and have allowed the fewest fantasy points and total yards to opposing running backs on the season.

Matt Forte goes up against the tough Vikings run defense and is not a recommended play this week if you have other options. The Vikings are ranked #5 in the league in limiting fantasy points to opposing running backs and are traditionally a defense you sit your running backs against. With that said Forte can still be a factor in the passing game and you have a tougher decision on your hands in PPR leagues.

Alex Smith gets the start against the Chargers this week and is not a recommended play this week even as a QB2. The Chargers are number one in the NFL at limiting fantasy points of opposing QB’s and Smith was a fringe starter to begin with. If he is on your squad you undoubtedly have other options and if you are a reeling Aaron Rodgers owner, you need to look elsewhere.