It’s the time of the fantasy season where you cannot afford to make mistakes – it’s playoff time. Before making those final decisions be sure to check out our Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 15 of the 2017 season.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Ben Roethlisberger – Big Ben is on fire. He’s had five-straight games of 20+ fantasy points. The Patriots’ defense is reeling after last week and Roethlisberger could take advantage. He’s thrown at least two touchdowns in five of his last six matchups.
Dud: Aaron Rodgers – Rodgers is back this week, but he has a tough matchup. The Panthers have limited quarterbacks to the 11th fewest fantasy points this season. Rodgers is still one of the best in the game and you may have to play him in season-long leagues, but I wouldn’t risk it in daily formats.
Sleeper: Jimmy Garoppolo – Garoppolo is thriving with the 49ers and has a chance to be a legitimate fantasy asset this week. The Titans have allowed three quarterbacks to throw for four touchdowns against them this season. Garoppolo is a QB2 with upside and worth a look in deeper leagues.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Kenyan Drake – Drake has a great matchup against the Bills, who are allowing the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Drake has had back-to-back 100 yard rushing games and could make it a third this week.
Dud: Giovani Bernard – Bernard took advantage of his opportunity last week with 130 yards from scrimmage. Joe Mixon could return to the lineup this week, but it’s hard to imagine Bernard having a big week. The Vikings haven’t allowed an opposing running back to rush for more than 94 yards this season.
Sleeper: Marshawn Lynch – Lynch has scored in three-straight games and 60+ yards rushing in four-straight contests. He’s a RB2 with a favorable matchup against Dallas.
WEEK 15 ADVICE
- GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
- Week 15 Fantasy Stock Market Report (via Pro Football Focus)
- ESPN 1530: Week 15 Fantasy Football Preview
- Week 15 Podcast – Fantasy Stocking Stuffers
- Office Pool Picks: Week 15
WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud: Julio Jones – Jones only has seven receptions in the two games following his 253-yard outburst in Week 12. He has a great matchup against Tampa Bay this week. The Buccaneers have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Jones is the top wide receiver in my rankings for Week 15.
Dud: A.J. Green – Green is coming off of one of his worst games of the season and is stuck going up against Xavier Rhodes this week. The Vikings’ defense is great and could limit Green’s numbers. He’s still a low-end WR1, but I’m avoiding him in daily leagues.
Sleeper: Chris Hogan – Hogan returned last week, but he only had one reception. I expect the Patriots’ offense to get going and Hogan should be a big part of it. He’s a WR3 with high upside in Week 15.
TIGHT END
Stud: Zach Ertz – Ertz won’t have Carson Wentz throwing him the ball, but the Giants’ defense is horrible against tight ends. They’ve allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this season. The Giants have allowed a touchdown to a tight end in 10 of their 14 games. Ertz is a top three tight end for Week 15.
Dud: Evan Engram – Engram has been steady this season, but Philadelphia’s defense has played well against opposing tight ends this season. They’ve allowed less than 20 yards-per-game and only one touchdown in the past five weeks to opposing tight ends.
Sleeper: David Njoku – Njoku could have a breakout game this week. The Ravens will focus on stopping Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman. That could open things up for the rookie tight end who has nine receptions over the past three weeks.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Minnesota – The Vikings are one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Bengals’ offense has been dreadful. Minnesota hasn’t been a great fantasy defense, but they’re poised for a big Week 15 performance.
Dud: Atlanta – On paper, this looks like a solid matchup for the Falcons. I expect this to be a high-scoring game. That means Atlanta’s defense could give up points to Jameis Winston and company.
Sleeper: Arizona – The Cardinals take on the Redskins this week. Washington is allowing the sixth most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Arizona could have a big fantasy output this week.
