RADIO
The fantasy playoffs are finally upon us which means it is time for fantasy managers to pull out all the stops to try and secure a championship. Injuries continued to play a major role in games last week, including some very significant losses in the trenches across the league.
Several teams with playoff aspirations will be missing key pieces of their offensive line going forward. The Falcons lost another starter (left tackle Jake Matthews), Jacksonville lost their starting left guard who was playing left tackle (Ezra Cleveland) and the Browns lost another key piece in center Ethan Pocic.
Finding edges to exploit upside is the key to winning a fantasy championship. Utilizing the matchups in the trenches can be key to unlocking that upside. Check out the offensive line matchups to target and avoid in Week 15 below.
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Champ of the Week
Denver Broncos
The Broncos come in as this week’s top offensive line after an excellent performance against an underwhelming Chargers defensive front.
Denver’s five starting offensive linemen averaged a 77.9 PFF grade thanks to both starting guards finishing with a grade above 89.0. Three different offensive linemen had run blocking grades above 76.0, which played right into the game plan against a weak run defense. In total, the Broncos allowed just seven pressures in the game.
This unit could face its first significant challenge of the year if right guard Quinn Meinerz is forced to miss an extended period due to an ankle injury. But for now, we can celebrate the fact that this unit’s free-agent acquisitions have paid off in a big way with the Broncos in playoff contention.
Chump of the Week
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars offensive line continues to struggle as they work their way through injuries and ineffective play. Jacksonville was already down starting left tackle Cam Robinson coming into the game, but then lost backup left tackle (and usual starting left guard) Ezra Cleveland after just 26 snaps. That led to collective struggles up front.
Jacksonville allowed just one sack against Cleveland but gave up 17 pressures. Four of the team’s five offensive linemen finished with PFF grades below 55.0 in a very difficult matchup. This, combined with Trevor Lawrence’s ankle injury, led to a four-point loss in a crucial game for Jacksonville’s playoff hopes.
Matchups to Target in Week 15
Detroit Lions vs Denver Broncos
The Lions' offensive line continues to dominate up front despite being forced into different configurations due to injuries. Detroit entered Week 14’s game against the Bears missing their starting center (Frank Ragnow) and right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai. The team still put together a spirited performance up front despite a decisive loss.
Detroit will need more stability from the left side of their line after the combination of Taylor Decker and Jonah Jackson surrendered four sacks and six pressures, but they will be facing off against a Denver defensive front that is still trying to find contributors after a series of midseason trades and cuts jettisoned expensive veterans.
Denver has several players generating consistent pressure, led by Zach Allen (50 pressures), Nik Bonitto (44 pressures), and Jonathon Cooper (40 pressures). However, the team has converted their collective 239 pressures into just 38 sacks.
If the Lions play to their ability, then it could be a long day for the Broncos in the trenches.
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
Atlanta’s offensive line was tested in a big way in Week 14 against the Buccaneers. The team entered the week missing their starting center (Drew Dalman) and right tackle (Kaleb McGary). Then they lost starting left tackle Jake Matthews after just 15 plays. The Falcons' questionable depth was up to the challenge for at least one week despite a four-point loss.
Atlanta’s offensive linemen escaped the matchup against the Buccaneers allowing just one pressure and with a PFF pass-blocking grade of 68.4. They struggled in the run game (56.4 run-blocking grade), which can be expected from a bunch of players who aren’t familiar with each other.
The Panthers have just two players with over 30 pressures this season (Derrick Brown and Brian Burns) and just one defensive lineman with over three sacks (Burns). Atlanta should have a distinct advantage in the trenches, especially if they get some of their injured players back in Week 15.
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco’s offense continues to click despite underwhelming play from their offensive line. The 49ers enter Week 15 as PFF’s 19th-ranked offensive line and 30th-ranked pass-blocking unit. This team is truly Trent Williams and a bunch of secondary pieces.
Thankfully, that won’t matter much against the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona comes into this game featuring a collection of pass rushers who have failed to crest 30 pressures or five sacks. Arizona isn’t especially adept at slowing down the run either, so this game should be a blowout for the 49ers in a hurry.
The 49ers' fantasy-relevant players will still score points in a blowout situation, so there isn’t much risk to playing any of them in a game the team should dominate. At worst, you may miss some fourth-quarter production if the game gets out of hand in a hurry.
Matchups to Avoid in Week 15
Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers
On the flip side, the Cardinals' offensive line could be in a lot of trouble coming out of the bye week. Arizona comes out of the bye as PFF’s 24th-ranked pass-blocking unit (59.2), 30th-ranked run-blocking unit (57.0), and 29th overall graded offensive line (57.7).
They will come into Week 15 rested and will be tested against a 49ers defensive line that has a variety of pass rushers that generate consistent pressure. The team is led by Nick Bosa (82 pressures and 13 sacks) but has gotten solid contributions from Javon Hargrave (43 pressures and six sacks), Arik Armstead (42 pressures and seven sacks), and Javon Kinlaw (27 pressures and three sacks). The rich also got richer with Chase Young (18 pressures and two sacks) providing solid play since joining the team.
Expect the 49ers to disrupt the Cardinals' offense and force Kyler Murray to make plays out of the pocket.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
The Jets' offensive line continues to lose key members, leading to a makeshift group searching for a shred of consistency. Zach Wilson was able to overcome that in Week 14 against the Houston Texans, but the team may not fare as well in Week 15.
The Jets' offensive line will face off against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. The Dolphins suffered a significant loss weeks ago with young edge rusher Jaelen Phillips going down with an Achilles injury, but they still have plenty of talent to attack a Jets offensive line consisting of backups.
Miami features four different players with at least 34 pressures and five sacks, led by Bradley Chubb. Losing Phillips is significant, but the team still has plenty of defensive firepower to rush Zach Wilson into questionable decisions against a very good secondary.
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns
The Bears offense has started to find some consistency thanks to the return of Justin Fields and a fully healthy offensive line.
That health will be tested against Cleveland’s ferocious defense in Week 15. Myles Garrett (58 pressures and 14 sacks) gets all the media love, but the Browns also have consistent pressure from Za’Darius Smith (42 pressures and four sacks), Ogbo Okoronkwo (33 pressures and five sacks), and Dalvin Tomlinson (28 pressures and four sacks).
The Bears will truly be tested this week against a defensive line that can give them headaches.
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