Fantasy Football Week 15: Start ’em, Sit ’em

Week 14 resulted in a handful of surprising outcomes that made these last few weeks of the regular season all the more critical for multiple teams. The Chargers upset the Dolphins on SNF, the Lions shocked their division rival Vikings, and the Patriots shut out the Cardinals in the second half and now sit in the seven seed in the AFC.

With injuries still plaguing some teams (Lamar Jackson, Deebo Samuel, Kyler Murray, Tee Higgins/Tyler Boyd, etc.), let’s take a look at who can replace them now that bye weeks are done for the season.

Ian’s Record: 77-39

Start ’em

Dak Prescott (QB, Cowboys) vs. Jaguars

While fantasy owners may seem a bit wary of starting Prescott after his mediocre performance against the Texans, it’s worth noting that the Texans have allowed the least amount of fantasy points to opposing QBs this season, and his game-winning drive was impressive.

His upside should be much higher this week, as the Jags are allowing the eighth most points to QBs this season. Expect more red zone visits as he competes with Trevor Lawrence, who seems to be hitting his stride.

J.K. Dobbins (RB, Ravens) vs. Browns

Dobbins saw a season-high 15 attempts for 120 yards and a score in his first game back since week 6. This is coming against a Steelers run defense who, while haven’t been super effective, have been much better than the Browns’ this season.

With all the injury craze surrounding Baltimore’s quarterbacks, expect the Ravens to rely heavily on the run since the craze not only surrounds Lamar Jackson, but Tyler Huntley as well.

Keenan Allen (WR, Chargers) vs. Titans

Since finally returning from his lingering hamstring injury, Allen almost seems back to his old self after catching 12 passes for 94 yards against the Dolphins. His size and route-running paired with Justin Herbert still pegs him as a top receiving threat in the league.

Allen should be back in every starting lineup for a couple of reasons. First, the Chargers’ win on SNF revived their playoff chances which will reflect well on the offense in coming games. Second, the Titans are now dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. Cha-ching.

Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots) vs. Raiders

If you need to fill a flex spot this week or own Hayden Hurst and need a replacement, consider Henry for this week. He didn’t score against the Cardinals but was involved and got to 70 yards, a season-high.

With all of New England’s wide receiver injuries right now, Henry should remain involved in a favorable matchup against Las Vegas. The Raiders have allowed the seventh most fantasy points to tight ends this year, so I’m expecting more big plays in a must-win for New England.

Sit ’em

Geno Smith (QB, Seahawks) vs. 49ers

The increasing trend across fantasy leagues, at least in my eyes, is don’t start skill positions against the 49ers. That defense is just too scary.

Those stats were against Tom Brady. Three interceptions in back-to-back games seems unlikely, but it’s tough to visualize Geno Smith producing a much better performance.

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, Jaguars) vs. Cowboys

While he’s obviously the featured back in Jacksonville, Etienne failed to produce real fantasy value against the Ravens, Lions, and Titans in the past three weeks – all of who are top 12 in fantasy points surrendered to running backs.

Against the Cowboys this week, I’m expecting more of the same. Dallas is right behind the Titans in fantasy points allowed to running backs, and as I said earlier about Trevor Lawrence – he’ll be continuing his steps forward against Dak Prescott.

Marquise Brown (WR, Cardinals) vs. Broncos

There are a couple reasons why Brown should be on your bench this week. A simple one is DeAndre Hopkins takes a lot of his targets away, since it’s DeAndre Hopkins.

A couple others – the Broncos have upheld a top defense in the league, allowing the second least amount of fantasy points to wide receivers in PPR leagues. Also, Colt McCoy starting instead of Kyler Murray hurts his fantasy value a lot. Pass.

Pat Freiermuth (TE, Steelers) vs. Panthers

I’m not chasing Freiermuth’s touchdown against the Ravens (his first since week two), and you shouldn’t either. Kenny Pickett’s concussion scare and Freiermuth’s foot should also provide reasoning to not start him as well.

Finally, the Panthers have surrendered the fifth least amount of fantasy points to tight ends in the last six weeks. Pass.

BYES: NONE