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It was a strong showing in Week 14 as most of our recommendations came through. New England Patriots running back Sony Michel failed to come through for us, but I’ll sign up for 20 carries any day of the week. Time to focus on a big Week 15.
Running Backs
Cash Game Option:
Los Angeles Rams Todd Gurley ($16,300) – I don’t remember the last time Gurley was this cheap and it certainly hasn’t happened often that Gurley wasn’t the highest priced running back. If we are getting an elite player at a slight discount we need to take advantage. Gurley faces an Eagles defense that is ranked 15th in rush defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders and the Rams are currently 11.5 point favorites. The Rams need to make Gurley the focal point in their offense again and I think that happens this week. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott touched the ball 40 times against this defense in Week 14 and even though Gurley won’t have that type of volume, he should approach 30 touches which should be more than enough to pay off that salary.
Tournament Option:
Baltimore Ravens Kenneth Dixon ($7,000) – The running back returned in Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons and has quickly earned more playing time as he played in 32 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs. I think that number will only rise and this could be the week it pays off. The Ravens face a Buccaneers defense that ranks 30th in rush defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders which works in the Ravens favor as they have become a run heavy team with rookie Lamar Jackson under center. Dixon is a borderline cash game option due to his cheap price, but it’s hard to give a full recommendation as we don’t know for sure that he will become the lead back.
Wide Receivers
Cash Game Option:
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald ($9,200) – If trying to fit the stud running backs in your lineup or only paying up for one elite wide receiver, the veteran Fitzgerald is a strong salary relief option in Week 15. The Falcons have struggled against slot receivers all season which makes this a nice spot for Fitzgerald. I always struggle with how much upside Fitzgerald will have in this bad offense, but I think the price and the match-up negates some of that risk. Another positive for Fitzgerald is that he has been targeted 15 times over the last two games.
Tournament Option:
Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown ($16,000) – Brown hasn’t lived up to the standard he has set over the last few years, but the upside will always be tremendous. It appears most people will gravitate to teammate Juju Smith-Schuster and for good reason as he is performing at a high level and comes with a cheaper price tag. However, if wanting to pivot off the more popular Smith-Schuster, Brown is your guy. The Steelers take on a Patriots defense that is ranked 19th in pass defensive DVOA according to Football Outsiders and this game checks in with a healthy over/under of 52. The Steelers usually perform better at home and this game has the potential to be a late season shootout and we need as much exposure as possible.