RADIO
It’s playoff time and if you’re still left standing, there’s no looking back now. None of these players are worth adding to your lineup unless you were hit by a Week 14 injury or have a player who has turned into a total bust. Here are the rookies that could be solid sleeper fill-ins heading into Week 15.
NFL Rookie Sleepers for Week 15
EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills
Mike Glennon has been the strongest rookie quarterback this year by a long shot, but if you've been benefiting from his surprise success thus far, you’re in for a rude awakening. He’ll be taking on the San Francisco defense this week, which would make even the most veteran quarterback a questionable play at best. Instead, the best rookie quarterback option this week is EJ Manuel, (I know you’re shocked I didn’t say Geno Smith,) who will be taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars. If you’re looking at last weekend’s performance and thinking I’m crazy, I’d understand why. He threw four interceptions and no touchdowns in what was his worst performance of the year. That’s exactly why a home matchup with the Jaguars is the perfect opportunity for a bounceback game. Manuel had only thrown a total of four interceptions all season long prior to Week 14, and he’ll be looking to get back on track before the year closes out. He’s certainly a desperation play at this point, but there’s optimism. The Jaguars have allowed five of the past six opposing quarterbacks to achieve multiple-touchdown games, and after Manuel’s performance last week, he's got nowhere to go but up.
Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee Titans
After a 4-reception, 114-yard, 1-touchdown performance against the Broncos in Week 14, there is plenty to be excited about when watching Justin Hunter. If you’re the kind of fantasy player that loves a boom-or-bust player with tremendous upside, this is your guy going into Week 15. The name Patrick Peterson is a scary one when considering facing off against the Arizona Cardinals defense. If Peterson is focused on Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing the ball, this is as risky a pick as any, but against a Cardinals defense that will be without free safety Tyrann Mathieu, Hunter could be the flier you need to win big in Week 15.
Luke Wilson, TE, Seattle Seahawks
When we talk about the Seattle offense and you hear the name Wilson, I’d bet the first person who comes to mind would not be back-up tight end Luke Wilson. If you saw his performance against the 49ers in Week 14, however, then you know that he’s worth noticing. Wilson finished the day with 70 yards and a touchdown, his first of the year, against a staunch San Francisco defense. In Week 15 he’ll get to see the shaky New York Giants, a team that has given up two touchdowns to tight ends over the past three games. Without Percy Harvin as a serious threat in the passing game, Wilson could be a viable target once again and is worth a look, especially if you lost Rob Gronkowski and are desperate to find a deep waiver-wire replacement.
