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Welcome to our Week 15 matchups analysis and starts/sits column for fantasy football. We'll be covering every matchup from every Sunday game to help you make the best decisions for your fantasy lineups. We'll also be updating this as injury reports come in so check back often.
For the vast majority of leagues it is playoff time! That means starting or sitting the wrong guy could end your season. When in doubt, go with the player with the better matchup. But don't sit your studs, that's just stupid.
Don't forget there are two Saturday games this week so get those lineups set early! I'll be on Reddit each Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to answer all your start/sit questions as well. You can also reach me directly on Twitter @ChrisMangano if you can't wait.
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Week 15 NFL Matchups - Saturday Games
Important note and credits about data used in this article:
- All snap counts taken from Football Outsiders. Adjusted line yards also taken from Football outsiders. You can read more here.
- Success rate is taken from Sharp Football Stats (Warren Sharp). You can read more about it here.
- Wide receiver snap percentages and corner grades/stats are taken from Pro Football Focus.
Bears at Lions
Matchups We Love:
Jordan Howard (RB, CHI)
After seeing just 21 carries in the previous two games, Howard handled 23 as the Bears pounded the Bengals on Sunday. The Lions defense can be attacked on the ground as they rank 28th in adjusted line yards and 21st in yards per attempt, and have allowed seven top-12 scoring weeks. The concern for Howard is the Bears falling behind in this one and abandoning the run. If that doesn't happen, however, Howard is a safe RB1 start.
Adam Shaheen (TE, CHI)
Shaheen is coming off a five target game, and gets a Lions defense that has allowed five straight top-15 scoring weeks and four straight top-12 weeks. There is obviously plenty of risk in starting Shaheen, but he has upside in this one as a low-end TE2. Note: Shaheen is now looking doubtful to play for Saturday, so he should be pulled from lineups.
Matchups We Hate:
Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)
Stafford has been great this year, even in tough matchups, and will have to do so again facing a Bears defense that ranks ninth in yards per game and seventh in touchdown percentage. He did post a QB11 finish in Chicago back in Week 11 so this is by no means an avoid matchup. Stafford should be considered a low-end QB1.
Marvin Jones (WR, DET)
After having at least seven targets in three straight, Jones had just four on Sunday. He has now gone five straight games without double-digit targets and gets a tough matchup against the Bears outside corners who have allowed just five touchdowns and give up 1.39 PPR points per target. Jones did have success against this defense in Week 11, but it should be noted they held A.J. Green to just five catches for 64 yards on 12 targets this past Sunday. Despite the tough matchup, Jones is still a solid WR2 play.
Eric Ebron (TE, DET)
Ebron is coming off a huge 11-target game, but had just more than four once in the previous five games. He gets a tough matchup against a Bears defense that has only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks on the year and has held six to finishes of 20th or worse. Ebron can't be considered more than a TE2 in this one.
Other Matchups:
Mitch Trubisky (QB, CHI) is coming off his best game of the season throwing for 271 yards and adding a touchdown through the air and on the ground. He could post similar numbers against a Lions defense that ranks 27th in yards per game but just 13th in touchdown percentage. There is plenty of risk in starting Trubisky but he should be considered a low-end QB2.
No Bears receivers should be played this week, as Dontrelle Inman (WR, CHI) has more than five targets just twice over the last five games, including games of two and zero. Kendall Wright (WR, CHI) had a surprising 11 targets in Week 14, but had just 19 total over the previous four games. The Lions do struggle out of the slot, so if you are forced to start one you're probably better off with Wright.
In two games without Ameer Abdullah (RB, DET), Theo Riddick (RB, DET) has handled 19 carries and seen 15 targets. If Abdullah is scratched again, Riddick should see another hefty workload against a Bears defense that ranks 27th in adjusted line yards and 19th in success rate on throws to running backs. Riddick would be a solid RB2 start.
Golden Tate (WR, DET) has eight or more targets in three straight, and four of the last six. He gets an OK matchup against the Bears slot corners who have given up only two touchdowns but allow 1.52 PPR points per target. Tate is a high-end WR2 play especially in PPR leagues.
Chargers at Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Keenan Allen (WR, LAC)
Allen plays just over half of his snaps from the slot, where the Chiefs have allowed four touchdowns and give up 1.87 PPR points per target. When he moves outside things won't be much tougher, as the Chiefs have allowed 13 touchdowns to outside receivers and have given up 1.75 PPR points per target. Wherever Allen lines up he will have a distinct advantage. He is a locked-in must start.
Kareem Hunt (RB, KC)
After seeing just 20 carries in the previous two games combined, Hunt had 25 in a blowout win over the Raiders. He gets another great matchup against a Chargers defense that ranks 30th in yards per attempt. Despite the great matchup, there is risk with Hunt's usage as he has seen less than 12 carries in three of the last five games. Still, he is a high-end RB2 with upside in this matchup.
Matchups We Hate:
Alex Smith (QB, KC)
Smith has one huge game (37 points against the Jets), surrounded by three duds (9, 14 and 12). This week looks like another dud spot for Smith who faces a Chargers defense that ranks third in yards per game and fifth in touchdown percentage and sack rate. Only Trevor Siemian way back in Week 1, and Tom Brady have posted a top-12 scoring week against this unit. It's unlikely Smith will be the third and he can't be considered more than a QB2 start.
Tyreek Hill (WR, KC)
Hill lines up equally all over the field, which should help him avoid Casey Hayward. Still, the Chargers secondary is one of the best as they have given up just five touchdowns and allow only 1.4 PPR points per target. They are the only team to not allow a 100 yard receiver as well. You can't bench Hill, but owners should temper expectations.
Albert Wilson (WR, KC)
Wilson has five or more targets in three straight, but draws a tough matchup against the Chargers slot corners who have yet to give up a touchdown and allow just 1.36 PPR points per target. Wilson is little more than a PPR flex in good matchups and should be avoided in this one.
Other Matchups:
Philip Rivers (QB, LAC) has at least 16 fantasy points in five straight and gets a good matchup against a Chiefs defense that ranks 28th in yards per game and 14th in touchdown percentage. They have given up top-three scoring weeks to Carson Wentz, DeShaun Watson, Derek Carr, Dak Prescott and Josh McCown, but did hold Rivers to just six points in Week 3. This defense has regressed considerably since then and Rivers is a fringe QB1 start.
Melvin Gordon (RB, LAC) has at least 19 carries in four straight games, but doesn't have more than four targets over that stretch as he continues to lose passing game work to Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC). Averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, he gets a boost against a Chiefs defense that ranks 20th in yards per attempt. Based on volume Gordon has to remain a low-end RB1, but his ceiling is somewhat limited by his lack of passing game work.
Hunter Henry (TE, LAC) has 15 targets over the last two games, and gets a good matchup against a Chiefs defense that has allowed six top-12 scoring weeks and has only held two tight ends outside the top-24. Henry makes for a solid TE1 start.
Travis Kelce (TE, KC) has eight or more targets in four of the last five, and gets a good matchup against a Chargers defense that has allowed seven top-15 scoring weeks. Kelce is a weekly must start and that should remain this week.
Week 15 NFL Matchups - 1:00 PM ET Games
Texans at Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
Blake Bortles (QB, JAC)
Don't look now but Bortles is becoming not just a viable fantasy quarterback, but a good one. Over his last three games he has scored 23.6, 25.06 and 18.52 fantasy points. He gets a great matchup against a Texans defense that ranks 26th in yards per game and 29th in touchdown percentage. They have allowed seven top-12 scoring weeks as well. Bortles is a top streaming option and a fringe QB1 in this matchup.
Leonard Fournette (RB, JAC)
Fournette has 20 or more carries in three of the last four, and should once again see 20 plus in a matchup the Jaguars are big favorites in. The Texans are allowing a league-high 4.91 yards per carry over the last five weeks, and Fournette looked as healthy as he has looked all year on Sunday against the Seahawks. It should be noted Fournette has not practiced all week and is dealing with a thigh contusion (bruise) and will likely be a game-time decision. If Fournette plays, however, he is a locked-in must start.
Marqise Lee (WR, JAC) / Dede Westbrook (WR, JAC)
It seems like Westbrook may have surpassed Lee as the teams top receiver, as he has 27 targets over the last three while Lee has 18. Still, both are getting enough looks to be fantasy relevant, especially against a Texans secondary that has allowed 10 touchdowns and 1.99 PPR points per target to outside receivers. Lee and Westbrook are both solid WR3 plays with upside for more.
Matchups We Hate:
T.J. Yates (QB, HOU)
Yates entered the Texans Week 14 game after Tom Savage hit his head on the turf and suffered a concussion. Judging by the severity, it seems unlikely Savage will be cleared in time for this one. That means Yates will get the start. Unfortunately he is playing the best pass defense in the league, who despite giving up two long touchdowns to Russell Wilson, still ranks first in yards per game and sack rate, and third in touchdown percentage. Yates has little to no chance in this one and can't be started anywhere.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU)
Hopkins draws the dreaded Jaguars matchup this week, who in spite of giving up two long touchdowns to the Seahawks in Week 14, are still allowing just 1.14 PPR points per target to receivers. Hopkins has been an elite WR1 this year and cannot be benched, but owners should temper expectations.
Stephen Anderson (TE, HOU)
Anderson has 18 targets over the last two games and could be a safety blanket for Yates. Unfortunately he draws a tough matchup with a Jaguars defense that has only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks to tight ends, while holding seven to finishes of 20th or worse. Anderson is still a solid TE2 start but can't be considered more than that.
Other Matchups:
Since D'Onta Foreman's season ending injury, Lamar Miller (RB, HOU) has at least 15 carries in every game. He'll need all the carries he can get against a Jaguars defense that has been much better of late. The Jaguars are big favorites in this one as well, so Miller will likely be facing negative game script. Given the matchup and the fact the Texans will likely be playing from behind makes miller a low-end RB2 play.
Ravens at Browns
Matchups We Love:
Joe Flacco (QB, BAL)
Flacco has posted back-to-back games of 18 and 17 fantasy points, and now gets a Browns defense that ranks 21st in yards per game and 31st in touchdown percentage. They have allowed three straight top-12 scoring weeks to Andy Dalton, Phillip Rivers and Brett Hundley. Flacco has stream appeal and is a high-end QB2 play in this matchup.
Mike Wallace (WR, BAL)
Wallace will likely get a heavy dose of Jason McCourty in this one, but that shouldn't matter has allowed five touchdowns and 1.86 PPR points per target. Wallace had seen 19 targets over a two game stretch before seeing just five against the Steelers. He Should once again be heavily involved in a favorable matchup. Wallace is a solid boom/bust WR3 start.
Jeremy Maclin (WR, BAL)
With Briean Boddy-Calhoun doubtful to play Sunday, Jamar Taylor will likely move into the slot for the Browns. On the season, Taylor has allowed three touchdowns and gives up 1.95 PPR points per target. Maclin is coming off a huge 11 target game and has 19 over the last two. Maclin is a low-end WR3 with upside especially in PPR formats.
Benjamin Watson (TE, BAL)
Watson only has 10 targets over the last four games, but gets a great matchup against a Browns defense that has allowed 11 top-14 scoring weeks on the year. Watson is risky due to his inconsistent usage, but he should be a solid TE2 in this one and even a viable streaming option.
Duke Johnson (RB, CLE)
If there's an area this Ravens defense can be attacked it's in the passing game with running backs. On the season they rank 31st in success rate on throws to running backs and 22nd in yards per attempt. Over the last two weeks they allowed five catches for 41 yards to Theo Riddick and nine catches for 77 yards to Le'Veon Bell. Johnson has at least four targets in five straight games and makes a solid flex start in PPR formats.
Matchups We Hate:
Isaiah Crowell (RB, CLE)
Over the last five games, Crowell has three games with 16 or more carries and two with 11 or less. The Ravens are a good defense against the run, ranking eighth in adjusted line yards and ninth in yards per attempt, and held Le'Veon Bell to just 3.7 yards per carry in Week 14. Crowell will need plenty of volume in this one to have value and can't be considered more than a low-end flex.
Other Matchups:
Alex Collins (RB, BAL) has been a monster for the Ravens, running through and around defenders, and has at least 16 carries in four straight games. He'll need all the work he can handle in this one as the Browns rank second in both adjusted line yards and yards per attempt, but have allowed four of their last five opponents a top-14 scoring week. Despite a tough matchup Collins is a solid RB2 play.
DeShone Kizer (QB, CLE) now has 19 or more fantasy points in three of the last five but is in a tough spot against a Ravens team that ranks 12th in yards per game and fourth in touchdown percentage. The loss of corner Jimmy Smith is a huge blow, and Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers just torched them for 506 yards and two touchdowns. Still, Kizer is a big downgrade from Roethlisberger and can't be considered more than a QB2 start.
Since returning from suspension, Josh Gordon (WR, CLE) has 17 targets over two games and leads the team with a 28% target share. Gordon lines up all over and should be able to take advantage of a Ravens secondary missing Jimmy Smith. Still, even without Smith they have only allowed three touchdowns and 1.48 PPR points per target. Gordon has immense upside and is a solid WR2 start. Corey Coleman (WR, CLE) has just 10 targets since Gordon returned and can't be considered more than a flex start in this one.
Just when you think David Njoku (TE, CLE) is running away with the passing game work, Seth DeValve (TE, CLE) out-targets him three to two. The Ravens have allowed six top-15 scoring weeks and are by no means a tough matchup, but with Njoku and DeValve both staying involved neither can be trusted as more than a low-end TE2.
Packers at Panthers
Matchups We Love:
Cam Newton (QB, CAR)
Newton now has 20 or more fantasy points in three of the last five, and at least 15 in each of those. He should continue that streak against a Packers defense that ranks 24th in yards per game and 23rd in touchdown percentage. They've allowed three straight top-12 scoring weeks as well. Newton is a solid QB1 start.
Jonathan Stewart (RB, CAR)
Stewart is coming off a huge 103 yard, three touchdown performance, but has seen 15 or more carries just three times over the last five games. He gets a great matchup against a Packers defense that has allowed four straight top-11 scoring weeks. Isaiah Crowell just gashed this defense for 121 yards on 19 carries. Still, there is risk in his usage and he can't be considered more than a flex start.
Christian McCaffrey (RB, CAR)
McCaffrey has seen his target share dip since the team's bye and has just 15 over the last three games. The Packers do struggle against pass catching backs, ranking 26th in success rate on throws to running backs and 21st in yards per attempt. Despite the good matchup, McCaffrey can't be considered more than a high-end flex play in PPR formats.
Devin Funchess (WR, CAR)
Funchess has at least seven targets in three straight games, and should be heavily involved against a struggling Packers secondary. On the year they have allowed 11 touchdowns and 1.86 PPR points per target to outside receivers. Funchess is a fringe WR1 in this matchup.
Randall Cobb (WR, GB)
In his four healthy games with Rodgers, Cobb averaged 7.75 targets and had three games with at least 13 PPR points. He draws the best matchup against the Panthers slot corners who have given up three touchdowns and allow 2.09 PPR points per target. Still, there is risk in his usage and he can't be considered more than a high-end flex with upside.
Matchups We Hate:
Greg Olsen (TE, CAR)
If there's one area the Packers do a good job defending, it's the tight end. They've only allowed two top-12 scoring weeks. Olsen is a risky start anyways, but in this tight end landscape he is probably the best option for many of you. Owners should, however, temper expectations.
Other Matchups:
Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB) has been cleared to return from his shoulder injury and will be making his first start since Week 6. He draws a bit of a tough matchup as the Panthers rank seventh in yards per game but 21st in touchdown percentage. They've only allowed five top-12 scoring quarterbacks on the season. Regardless, this is Aaron Rodgers and there is a short list of quarterbacks you should even consider starting over him.
Jamaal Williams (RB, GB) now has 20 or more touches in five straight games, and even with the return of Aaron Jones (RB, GB) continued to operate as the Packers primary back. He'll have a bit of a tough matchup against a Panthers team that ranks 15th in yards per attempt and has only allowed four top-12 scoring weeks. He also may not be leaned on as heavily with Rodgers back under center, but he's still a solid RB2 start.
Jordy Nelson (WR, GB) gets the biggest boost with the return of Rodgers. In the four games he played with a healthy Rodgers he scored 20.9, 23.2, 23.5 and 10.4 PPR points. The Panthers are a good matchup, as they have allowed eight touchdowns and 1.66 PPR points per target. There is still risk with Nelson as we haven't seen him relevant in weeks, but he is a solid WR2 play who could push into WR1 territory. Davante Adams (WR, GB) takes a bit of a hit with Rodgers back as he was by far Brett Hundley's favorite target. With Rodgers he was more of a boom/bust play, as he had two games of 20 or more PPR points and three games under 10. The matchup is good, however, and Adams is a solid WR2 play.
Dolphins at Bills
Matchups We Love:
Kenyan Drake (RB, MIA)
Drake has 48 carries and 11 targets over the last two games, and gets a great matchup with a Bills defense that ranks 26th in yards per attempt. Other than the Kareem Hunt debacle in Week 11, they have allowed a top-18 scorer in four straight and a top-eight finish in three of those. Drake is a fringe RB1 in this matchup.
Julius Thomas (TE, MIA)
Thomas has four or more targets in five of the last six, and draws a great matchup against a Bills defense that has allowed seven top-15 scoring weeks to the position. Thomas has been a mostly solid start lately and should be so once again as a high-end TE2.
LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF)
McCoy had another huge game in the snow, rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. He now has 20 or more carries in two of the last three games and should once again handle a heavy workload against a Dolphins defense that ranks 27th in yards per attempt. They've allowed five top-12 scoring weeks in the last seven games as well. McCoy is a locked-in must start.
Matchups We Hate:
Other Matchups:
Jay Cutler (QB, MIA) looked like Tom Brady on Monday night as he torched the Patriots for 263 yards and three touchdowns. It was only his second game of more than 16 fantasy points all year, and he'll be hard presses to match it against a Bills defense that ranks 17th in yards per game and first in touchdown percentage. They've only allowed two top-12 scoring weeks all year as well. Cutler is a low-end QB2.
Jarvis Landry (WR, MIA) has eight or more targets in four of the last six, and at least six targets in each. He draws a good matchup against the Bills slot corners who have only given up two touchdowns, but do allow 1.63 PPR points per target. Landry is a weekly low-end WR1 especially in PPR formats and that should remain against the Bills. Kenny Stills (WR, MIA) has emerged as Cutler's number two option, and has eight or more targets in three of the last five. Stills lines up all over the field, and will get chances against a Bills secondary that has allowed seven touchdowns and gives up 1.52 PPR points per target. There is always risk in starting Stills, but he can be considered a low-end WR3. DeVante Parker (WR, MIA) has been a disappointment this season and has just 13 targets over the last three games. He is not someone who should be trusted in fantasy lineups at this point.
Tyrod Taylor (QB, BUF) was close to suiting up Sunday, but given the weather it's probably best for his owners that he didn't. He should be ready to go this week and gets a good matchup against a Dolphins team that ranks 14th in yards per game and 26th in touchdown percentage. They've given up seven top-14 scoring weeks as well. Taylor is a high-end QB2 in this one.
Kelvin Benjamin (WR, BUF) saw half of his team's 16 passing attempts in the snow bowl, but is dealing with a knee injury that he re-aggravated. If he plays, he is in a good spot against a Dolphins secondary that has given up eight touchdowns to outside receivers and allows 1.57 PPR points per target. He can be considered a WR3 in this one. Zay Jones (WR, BUF) had seen at least seven targets in four straight before being completely ignored in the blizzard. With Jordan Matthews on IR, Jones has moved back into the slot and gets an OK matchup as the Bills slot corners allow 1.45 PPR points per target. Jones is little more than a risky flex start.
Charles Clay (TE, BUF) has yet to see more than five targets over the last five games, but is a solid TE2 option against a Dolphins defense that has allowed eight top-12 scoring weeks. Clay is also a viable streaming option for teams in need.
Bengals at Vikings
Matchups We Love:
Latavius Murray (RB, MIN)
For the first time since Dalvin Cook's injury, Murray saw less than 15 carries getting just nine as the Vikings abandoned the run against a tough Panthers defense. He should be back in line for 15 plus against a Bengals defense that ranks 29th in adjusted line yards and has allowed eight straight top-12 scoring weeks to running backs. Murray is a solid RB2 start.
Matchups We Hate:
Andy Dalton (QB, CIN)
Dalton is coming off a disappointing performance against an underrated Bears secondary, and gets another tough test against a Vikings defense that ranks fifth in yards per game and second in touchdown percentage. They have only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks and have held eight quarterbacks to finishes of 20th or worse. Dalton is nothing more than a QB2 in this one.
A.J. Green (WR, CIN)
Green was held in check against an underrated Bears secondary, and may once again struggle as he will face shadow coverage from Xavier Rhodes. On the season Rhodes has given up just two touchdowns and allows 1.37 PPR points per target. Green is too good to bench, but owners should temper expectations.
Brandon LaFell (WR, CIN)
LaFell has six or more targets in three straight, but is hard to trust in a matchup against the Vikings slot corners who have allowed just one touchdown all year and give up only 1.24 PPR points per target. LaFell should be left on benches this week.
Jerick McKinnon (RB, MIN)
While Murray has a great matchup, McKinnon has a tougher one as the Bengals are a good defense against pass catching backs. On the season they rank seventh in success rate on throws to the position and 13th in yards per attempt. McKinnon only has 16 carries and eight targets over the last two games and can't be trusted as more than a flex.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN)
Thielen has double-digit targets in three of the last five, and only less than nine in one of those games. He's also been playing less in the slot in recent weeks, and will need all the targets he can get against the Bengals outside corners who have given up seven touchdowns but allow just 1.39 PPR points per target. Thielen is in every week must start territory, but owners should temper expectations.
Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN)
Diggs saw double-digit targets for the first time since Week 3, and will be hard to trust in a tough matchup against the Bengals outside corners. Diggs can't be considered more than a flex start at this point.
Other Matchups:
Before suffering a concussion in the Bengals Week 13 game, Joe Mixon (RB, CIN) had seen 20 and 23 in his previous two games. He should once again run as the Bengals number one back and gets an OK matchup against a Vikings defense that ranks 18th in adjusted line yards but seventh in yards per attempt. They've only allowed two top-12 scoring weeks but have allowed eight top-19 weeks. Mixon should be a low-end RB2 start in this matchup. Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN) handled 11 carries and eight targets in Mixon's absence, and looked good doing it, but will likely need to be left on benches. He hasn't seen more than three carries or three tragets in the last three healthy games Mixon has played.
Tyler Kroft (TE, CIN) only has three targets over the last two games and can't be trusted as anything more than a fringe TE2 in a matchup against a Vikings defense that has only allowed four top-12 scoring weeks.
Case Keenum (QB, MIN) has 20 or more points in three of the last five, and at least 16 points in each of those. The Bengals are just an OK matchup ranking eighth in yards per game and sixth in touchdown percentage, but have allowed three straight top-10 scoring weeks and haven't held a quarterback to a finish worse than 17th in the last eight weeks. Keenum should once again be solid and is a high-end QB2.
Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN) is officially out and needs to be taken out of fantasy lineups. None of the Vikings replacement tight ends have enough value to warrant consideration.
Cardinals at Redskins
Matchups We Love:
Blaine Gabbert (QB, ARI)
After posting almost 40 fantasy points in his first two games as Cardinals starter, Gabbert has just 20 points combined in the last two. He could once again post solid numbers against a Redskins defense that ranks 18th in yards per game and 24th in touchdown percentage. They've allowed eight top-12 scoring weeks as well. Gabbert should rebound and can be considered a solid QB2.
Ricky Seals-Jones (TE, ARI)
After seeing five or more targets in three straight, Seals-Jones saw only three in Week 14. He could push for five or more once again as he faces a Redskins defense that has given up nine top-13 scoring weeks. He is a solid TE2 start with potential to be a great sleeper this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Samaje Perine (RB, WAS)
Perine has at least 17 carries in three of the last four games but hasn't topped 50 yards in two straight. He could once again struggle against a Cardinals defense that ranks fourth in adjusted line yards and fifth in yards per attempt. They've held six units to finishes of RB21 or worse on the year. Perine should see the volume but in a tough spot he can't be considered more than a low-end RB2 at best.
Josh Doctson (WR, WAS)
Doctson once again faces a tough matchup against stud corner Patrick Peterson. On the season Peterson has only allowed two touchdowns and gives up just 1.38 PPR points per target. Doctson doesn't have more than seven targets over the last six games and should be benched if possible.
Other Matchups:
Kerwynn Williams (RB, ARI) seems to have cemented his role as the lead back with reports that Adrian Peterson may not return this season. Williams has 16 and 20 carries over his last two and should once again handle plenty of carries against a Redskins defense that ranks 32nd in adjusted line yards and 22nd in yards per attempt. They've only held two units to a finish worse than RB20 on the year as well. Williams is a low-end RB2 start.
Larry Fitzgerald (WR, ARI) has seven or more targets in six straight, and should once again be Gabbert's preffered target. The Redskins are an underrated secondary, though it should be noted Keenan Allen just torched them for 6 catches and 111 yards. Fitzgerald isn't quite on the heater Allen is, but is still a solid WR1 start in this one.
Kirk Cousins (QB, WAS) has been trending in the wrong direction and has disappointed in two great matchups versus the Giants and Cowboys over the last few weeks. The Cardinals are just a middle of the road matchup, ranking 15th in both yards per game and touchdown percentage. They've only allowed six top-12 scoring weeks as well. Based on recent play Cousins is barely on the QB1 radar.
Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS) has only 13 targets over the last two after having 29 over the previous three. He draws an OK matchup against the Cardinals slot corners that have allowed just one touchdown but give up 1.55 PPR points per target. Crowder is a solid WR3 play.
Vernon Davis (TE, WAS) saw seven targets after seeing just three total in his previous two games, and should operate as the team's number one tight end again with Jordan Reed headed to IR. The Cardinals are just an OK matchup for tight ends, having allowed only five top-14 scoring weeks while holding seven tight ends to finishes of 20th or worse. Davis is normally a stud with Reed out but can't be considered more than a fringe TE1 in this matchup.
Eagles at Giants
Matchups We Love:
Nick Foles (QB, PHI)
With Carson Wentz suffering a season-ending ACL injury, the Eagles will turn to backup Foles. Foles is a capable quarterback who threw for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 2013 and has a career 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio. He gets a great defense to make his first start against as the Giants rank 31st in yards per game and 30th in touchdown percentage, and have allowed eight top-12 scoring weeks. No quarterback has finished outside the top-24 against this defense. Foles is a high-end QB2 play and a viable option for those who lost Wentz.
Jay Ajayi (RB, PHI)
Ajayi saw a team high 15 carries in Week 14, marking the first time he had gone over nine carries since joining the team. It appears he has taken over as the lead back, and gets a great matchup against a Giants team that ranks 26th in adjusted line yards and 25th in yards per attempt. They have only held two running backs to finishes outside the top-24 on the season. There is risk in starting Ajayi, but he is a solid flex start with upside for more.
Nelson Agholor (WR, PHI)
Agholor has 23 targets over the last two games, and could be just as involved with Foles. He gets a great matchup against the Giants slot corners who allow 1.72 PPR points per target. Agholor can be considered a solid WR3 play with upside.
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI)
Even with Carson Wentz out, it's hard not to love Ertz this week. The Giants are one of the worst teams at defending tight ends and have allowed 11 top-13 scoring weeks and five top-five scoring weeks. Foles should lean on Ertz and he is an easy must start.
Matchups We Hate:
Orleans Darkwa (RB, NYG)
For the first time since taking over as the starter, Darkwa had less carries than Wayne Gallman (RB, NYG). This now looks like a full blown timeshare and in a brutal matchup against an Eagles defense that ranks first in both adjusted line yards and yards per attempt, neither can be trusted in fantasy lineups.
Other Matchups:
Alshon Jeffery (WR, PHI) has seven or more targets in four of the last five games and double-digit targets in two of those. It remains to be seen how involved he will be with Foles under center, but he does get a good matchup against a Giants secondary that is allowing 1.6 PPR points per target. Despite the unknown, Jeffery should be a solid WR2 play.
Eli Manning (QB, NYG) returned from his one game benching and threw for 228 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. His matchup this week is just OK as the Eagles rank 13th in yards per game and 11th in touchdown percentage, and just held Jared Goff to a QB19 finish. Manning is barely on the QB2 radar and should be benched if possible.
The Giants receivers are a fantasy nightmare, as Sterling Shepard (WR, NYG) has just nine targets over the last two games and Roger Lewis (WR, NYG) had 11 in Week 14 but only had more than four once in the previous five games. Shepard gets an OK matchup out of the slot as the Eagles have allowed three touchdowns and 1.43 PPR points to slot receivers. Lewis gets the slightly better matchup, as the Eagles have given up 11 touchdowns on the outside. Still, both are hard to trust and are nothing more than desperation plays at this point.
Evan Engram (TE, NYG) now has seven or more targets in five of the last six, and gets an OK matchup against an Eagles defense that has allowed five top-14 scoring weeks but also held six tight ends to outside the top-20. Regardless of matchup, Engram is a solid TE1 start.
Jets at Saints
Matchups We Love:
Drew Brees (QB, NO)
Brees has been solid but unspectacular this season having scored more than 20 fantasy points just four times. He could add to that total against a Jets defense that ranks 19th in yards per game and 28th in touchdown percentage, and has allowed nine top-13 scoring weeks. Brees is a solid QB1 start.
Matchups We Hate:
Mark Ingram (RB, NO)
Ingram has 14 or fewer carries in four straight games and only handled 12 carries despite the Saints losing Alvin Kamara for all but one drive in Week 14. He gets a tough matchup against a Jets defense that ranks seventh in adjusted line yards and sixth in yards per attempt. He always has touchdown upside in an explosive offense, but can't be considered more than a fringe RB1 in this tough matchup.
Bryce Petty (QB, NYJ)
With Josh McCown suffering a broken hand in Week 14, the Jets will turn the reigns over to Petty. In six games in 2016, Petty completed just 56% of his passes and threw three touchdowns versus seven interceptions. He'll immediately be in a tough spot against a Saints defense that ranks 10th in yards per game and 17th in touchdown percentage, and has held six quarterbacks to finishes of 21st or worse. Petty should not be started in any format.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, NYJ)
Jenkins only has more than four targets twice in the last five games, and draws a tough matchup against a Saints defense that has allowed just two top-12 scoring weeks all season. It remains to be seen how involved he will be with Petty, but for now he can't be considered more than a high-end TE2 at best.
Other Matchups:
Matt Forte (RB, NYJ) and Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) continue to split the running back work for the Jets. They get an OK matchup against a Saints defense that ranks 12th in adjusted line yards but 23rd in yards per attempt. Unfortunately with the timeshare neither can be trusted in such a crucial game for fantasy owners.
Robby Anderson (WR, NYJ) should continue to be heavily targeted with Petty, but he has to be considered a downgrade over the way McCown was playing. The matchup is just OK as the Saints have allowed only five touchdowns and 1.49 PPR points per target. Anderson can't be considered more than a WR3 given his matchup and situation. Jermaine Kearse (WR, NYJ) likely takes the biggest hit with Petty, but does have a good matchup out of the slot. On the season, the Saints slot corners have allowed 1.83 PPR points per target. Despite the good matchup, Kearse is a risky flex start.
Despite not even playing a full series, Alvin Kamara (RB, NO) had three catches for 25 yards before leaving Thursday night's game with a concussion. He looks good to go for Sunday, however, and should once again be a great start for his owners against a Jets defense that ranks 13th in success rate on throws to running backs and 25th in yards per attempt. Kamara is a locked-in must start RB1.
Michael Thomas (WR, NO) now has double-digit targets in four of the last six games and no fewer than eight over that stretch. He draws a tough matchup against Morris Claiborne. On the season, Claiborne has allowed just two touchdowns and 1.6 PPR points per target. Thomas is a weekly must start but owners should temper expectations. Ted Ginn (WR, NO) has fallen off the map and has just five targets over the last two games. He can't be trusted in fantasy lineups.
NFL Week 15 Matchups - 4:00 PM ET Games
Rams at Seahawks
Matchups We Love:
Jared Goff (QB, LAR)
Goff underwhelmed against the Eagles throwing for just 199 yards but adding two touchdowns. He gets a chance to rebound against a Seahawks defense that is missing Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor, and has given up QB13 and QB11 finishes to Carson Wentz and Blake Bortles in back-to-back weeks. Goff should be a solid QB1 play.
Mike Davis (RB, SEA)
Davis has 31 carries and six targets over the last two games, and has looked good against two tough defenses in the Eagles and Jaguars. This week he gets a much easier matchup as the Rams rank 31st in yards per attempt and have only held two running backs outside the top-24, while allowing six top-12 weeks. Davis is a low-end RB2 play with upside for more.
Matchups We Hate:
Todd Gurley (RB, LAR)
Gurley has yet to see 20 carries in six straight games, but five or more targets in five of those games. He's in for a tough test against a Seahawks run defense that ranks ninth in adjusted line yards and eighth in yards per attempt. Prior to Leonard Fournette in Week 14, they had not allowed a top-12 rusher since Week 2. Gurley is a weekly must start but owners should temper expectations.
Doug Baldwin (WR, SEA)
Baldwin came through in a tough matchup against the Jaguars, and will have to do so again facing a Rams defense that has allowed just one touchdown out of the slot and gives up 1.34 PPR points per target. The Rams held Baldwin to just four catches for 37 yards earlier this year, but both he and Wilson are playing much better of late. Despite the tough matchup Baldwin is a fringe WR1.
Jimmy Graham (TE, SEA)
Graham is coming off a goose-egg performance in Week 14 and may struggle once again facing a Rams defense that has only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks all year. It should be noted, however, that the combination of Brent Celek and Trey Burton torched this defense for three touchdowns last Sunday. Despite the tough matchup, Graham remains a solid TE1 start.
Other Matchups:
Robert Woods (WR, LAR) appears set to return from his three game absence. He saw 21 targets in the two games before he got hurt and should once again be Goff's number one target. The matchup against the Seahawks is not as daunting as it once was as they are missing both Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor. Still, this unit has given up just five touchdowns and 1.6 PPR points per target. Woods can't be considered more than a fringe WR2. Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR) had 24 targets while Woods was out, and will likely take a bit of a hit. In the previous three games with Woods he had just 19 total targets. The Seahawks have allowed just one touchdown out of the slot and 1.45 PPR points per target. Kupp is back to flex status. Sammy Watkins (WR, LAR) saw a bit of a resurgence with Woods out, totaling 20 targets in those three games. Unfortunately he had only nine targets in the previous three games with Woods and cannot be trusted in fantasy lineups.
Russell Wilson (QB, SEA) overcame a brutal matchup to post 24 fantasy points and continues to be the best fantasy quarterback. He should once again be in line for a solid day against a Rams defense that ranks 11th in yards per game and 12th in touchdown percentage, but just gave up four touchdowns to Carson Wentz in less than a full game. Wilson is a locked-in must start.
Paul Richardson (WR, SEA) has seven or more targets in three of the last six, but four or less in the others. The Rams do a good job on outside receivers having allowed just two touchdowns and 1.42 PPR points per target. Richardson is a boom/bust flex option. Tyler Lockett (WR, SEA) has more than five targets just once over the last six games and can't be trusted in such a crucial spot. He should be benched if possible.
Titans at 49ers
Matchups We Love:
Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN)
Mariota has been a disappointment this season but has taken advantage of good matchups. The 49ers are a great matchup ranking 20th in yards per game and 27th in touchdown percentage. They've allowed nine top-14 scoring weeks and have only held Mitch Trubisky to a finish worse than QB19. Mariota can be considered a high-end QB2 in this one.
DeMarco Murray (RB, TEN)
Murray has only seen 12, 11, and 11 carries in the last three and has just nine targets over that stretch. Still, he continues to out-touch Derrick Henry (RB, TEN) and operate as the team's lead back. He gets a great matchup this week against a 49ers defense that ranks 20th in adjusted line yards and has allowed eight top-12 scoring weeks to the position. Murray is a risk as his usage is low and his offense is struggling, but he is a solid flex start in this matchup.
Rishard Matthews (WR, TEN)
Matthews returned from injury and had only five targets in Week 14, but could see an increase as he faces a 49ers defense that has given up 12 touchdowns and allows 1.84 PPR points per target. Matthews is a high-end flex start with upside for more.
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, SF)
Garoppolo has at least 290 yards in each of his two starts with the 49ers and should once again rack up the yardage against a Titans defense that ranks 22nd in yards per game. They've allowed six top-15 scoring weeks as well. While Garoppolo offers a nice floor, his ceiling is limited by his teams inability to find the end zone. Still, he's a solid QB2 start and a viable streaming option.
Marquise Goodwin (WR, SF)
Goodwin has 20 targets in the two games with Garoppolo as starter, and should once again operate as the team's number one. He gets a great matchup against a Titans defense that has given up 12 touchdowns and allows 1.64 PPR points per target. Goodwin is trending up and is a fringe WR2 start.
Trent Taylor (WR, SF)
After having six targets in Garoppolo's first start, Taylor saw just three last Sunday. He could be in line for more against the Titans slot corners who have given up five touchdowns and allow 1.93 PPR points per target. Despite the great matchup, Taylor has tons of risk and is little more than a deep-league flex start in PPR formats.
Matchups We Hate:
Carlos Hyde (RB, SF)
Hyde has 14 or more carries in each of the last four games, but has just six targets over the last two games after seeing 27 in the previous three. The Titans are tough against the run, ranking fourth in yards per attempt and having allowed just two top-12 scoring weeks all year. With Hyde losing target share, and in a tough matchup, he can't be considered more than a high-end RB2.
Other Matchups:
Delanie Walker (TE, TEN) has nine targets in three of the last six and at least five in each of them. He gets a good matchup against a 49ers defense that has allowed six top-12 scoring weeks. Walker is an easy TE1 start this week.
Patriots at Steelers
Matchups We Love:
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT)
Just when we think the Patriots defense is improving, they get torched by Jay Cutler. Roethlisberger has been on fire of late, With 19 or more fantasy points in five straight and 28 or more in three of those. He should have little trouble posting another great fantasy line against a Patriots defense that ranks 29th in yards per game and 19th in touchdown percentage, and have allowed seven top-12 scoring weeks. Roethlisberger is an easy QB1 start.
Le'Veon Bell (RB, PIT)
Bell has been his usual studly self, and while his carries have dipped lately, his targets haven't. He's seen double-digit targets in three of the last five and at least six in every game over that stretch. The Patriots are a great matchup as they rank dead last in yards per attempt and 30th in success rate on throws to running backs. Bell is a locked-in must start.
Tom Brady (QB, NE)
Brady is coming off one of his worst games as a pro but is in a prime spot to rebound against a Steelers defense that has allowed five straight top-15 scoring weeks and finishes of QB6 to Marcus Mariota, QB8 to Brett Hundley, QB6 to Andy Dalton and QB14 to Joe Flacco over their last four. Brady is a locked-in must start.
Matchups We Hate:
Danny Amendola (WR, NE)
Not only does the return of Gronkowski hurt Amendola's usage, he also draws a tough matchup against Steelers slot corner Mike Hilton. On the season, Hilton has yet to allow a touchdown and gives up just 1.3 PPR points per target. Amendola should be left on benches if possible.
Other Matchups:
After seeing 14 or more carries in three of four games, Dion Lewis (RB, NE) saw just five as the Patriots played catch-up on Monday night. He did add five targets, however. The Steelers are an OK matchup for running backs ranking 28th in yards per attempt. They've given up four big games, while holding nine units to finishes of RB20 or worse. Lewis should be back to double-digit carries and can be considered a solid RB2 in this matchup. Rex Burkhead (RB, NE) also saw just five carries and five targets, and now has double-digit carries in three of the last five, and four or more targets over that stretch as well. The Steelers struggle against pass catching backs, ranking 22nd in success rate and 28th in yards per attempt. Burkhead is a high-end RB2 especially in PPR formats.
Brandin Cooks (WR, NE) only has 10 targets over the last two games but gets a good matchup against a Steelers secondary that has allowed nine touchdowns to outside receivers and 1.68 PPR points per target. His usage is hurt by the return of Gronkowski and Chris Hogan (WR, NE) but he remains a high-upside fringe WR1. Speaking of Hogan, he saw five targets in his return but did next to nothing with them. He should be even more involved in his second game back and is in a good spot. He is a fringe WR2 play in this one.
Rob Gronkowski (TE, NE) returns from his one game suspension and gets a Steelers defense that is somewhat of a tough matchup for tight ends. On the season they have only given up three top-12 scoring weeks and five top-13. Still, Gronkowski is a weekly must start and has historically torched the Steelers.
Antonio Brown (WR, PIT) has been unstoppable the last four weeks, and should have little trouble against a Patriots secondary that has given up 10 touchdowns and 1.58 PPR points per target. Brown is a locked-in must start. JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, PIT) appeared on the injury report with a hamstring injury that has bothered him for weeks and caused him to miss one game already. If he plays he gets a good matchup against the Patriots slot corners who have allowed six touchdowns and 1.74 PPR points per target. If Smith-Schuster can't play, Martavis Bryant (WR, PIT) will once again slot in as the number two, though he has done little with it in his previous two opportunities. Bryant is a risky start regardless if Smith-Schuster suits up or not.
Jesse James (TE, PIT) saw a season high 12 targets, but had just six in the previous two games combined. The Patriots are an OK matchup for tight ends having allowed six top-15 scoring weeks. Still, James will need to see a large target share once again to be considered anything more than a low-end TE2.
NFL Week 15 Matchups - Sunday Night Football
Cowboys at Raiders
Matchups We Love:
Dak Prescott (QB, OAK)
After a rough three game stretch, Prescott now has at least 14 points in his last two games and is coming off a huge 26 point game against the Giants. He gets another great matchup against a Raiders defense that ranks 25th in yards per game and 22nd in touchdown percentage. Prescott is a solid QB1 start this week.
Alfred Morris (RB, DAL)
Morris has 27 and 19 carries over the last two, and should once again get all he can handle as the Cowboys are big favorites in this one. The Raiders are a great matchup as well, ranking 19th in yards per attempt and have given up six top-12 scoring weeks. Morris is a solid RB2 with upside.
Dez Bryant (WR, DAL)
Bryant only has 17 targets over the last three games, but should be a top target for Prescott against a Raiders defense that has given up 10 touchdowns and 1.93 PPR points per target. Bryant is a high-end WR2 play with upside for more in this matchup.
Jason Witten (TE, DAL)
Over the last six games, Witten has three games with five or more targets and three games with two or less. This could be a five plus game as the Raiders struggle against tight ends. On the season they have allowed nine top-12 scoring weeks. Witten is always a risk but has fringe TE1 value in this matchup.
Michael Crabtree (WR, OAK)
With Amari Cooper out in Week 14, Crabtree saw 13 targets but couldn't convert them into much with Carr struggling. Cooper is out once again which means Crabtree should be in line for another monster target day against a Cowboys defense that has given up 18 touchdowns and 2.06 PPR points per target. Crabtree is a fringe WR1 in this one.
Matchups We Hate:
Marshawn Lynch (RB, OAK)
After totaling 43 carries over a two game stretch, Lynch had only seven on Sunday as the Raiders offense couldn't do anything against the Chiefs. He's in a tough spot this week as the Cowboys defense was bolstered by the return of Sean Lee in Week 14. On the season the Cowboys are allowing the second most yards per carry with Lee out of the lineup (4.71) and the 10th fewest with him in the lineup (3.85). Lynch can't be considered more than a flex in this matchup.
Other Matchups:
Despite the big numbers, Rod Smith (RB, DAL) only had six carries and five targets on Sunday. He remains a distant second behind Morris, and despite a good matchup is nothing more than a desperation flex start in PPR formats.
Derek Carr (QB, DAL) hasn't score more than 15 fantasy points in six straight games and has just 27 combined points against the Giants and Chiefs in the last two games. The Cowboys are just a good matchup, ranking 23rd in yards per game and 25th in touchdown percentage. Still, Carr can't be trusted as anything more than a QB2.
Jared Cook (TE, OAK) now has five or six targets in his last four games, and should see similar numbers. The Cowboys are just an OK matchup for tight ends, having allowed just four top-12 scoring weeks but have only held three tight ends outside the top-20. Given the current state of the position, however, Cook has to be considered a low-end TE1.
