Sit/Start Week 15: Reviewing All the Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Jaguars at Raiders

 

Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, December 15th at 4:05 pm ET

Location: RingCentral Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Betting Odds: OAK -6.5, 45.5 Total via Oddsshark

Network: CBS

Sleeper Spotlight:  Dede Westbrook

 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

 

Quarterback: 

• Gardner Minshew (Start/SuperFlex only)

 

Since taking over as the starter in Week 13 Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew has struggled mightily. All told, Minshew has not been a top-12 fantasy performer since he was named the starter. However this week he faces the Raiders again, a team defense that is surrendering the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. It’s an excellent matchup for Minshew, and while I cannot pound the table for a QB1 performance, owners looking for a fill-in for a SuperFlex or 2-QB league can feel good starting Minshew. But look elsewhere if you only can start one, he has a high of a risk of a dud. 

 

Running Backs: 

• Leonard Fournette (Start/RB1)

 

It’s been a disappointing two week stretch for Leonard Fournette owners but if you managed to stay alive in your fantasy championship hunt you should be rewarded this week. Fournette faces a team that has been lackluster defending opposing running backs out of the backfield and in the red-zone. Oakland is allowing more than 88 yards on the ground and 50 more out of the backfield and has given up multiple rushing touchdowns over the last two weeks. Fournette should see an all-around productive day, with hopes of getting into the endzone, something he’s struggled with all season.  

 

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends: 

• D.J. Chark (Sit/Injury Related)
• Dede Westbrook (Start/Flex)
• Chris Conley (Sit)

 

The Jags have struggled the most at the receiver these last two weeks. Receiver D.J. Chark did manage nine catches last week but finished with just 75 before exiting with an ankle injury. Chark has been boom or bust this season, finishing as a WR3 or worse in half of his games. Chark’s value this week will depend on his injury. He is expected to make the trip but he could be shut-down when inactives are announced. Even if he plays, Chark may be limited and owners should start looking for a backup plan now. 

 

If Chark cannot go then Dede Westbrook becomes a nice flex option, especially for owners looking for a late-season boost. Westbrook has shown flashes this year but nothing consistent. With the expected increase in volume, Westbrook can help owners in a pinch. The same could be said for Chris Conley but his role will likely remain unchanged should Chark not go. He’s just a bit riskier.  

 

Oakland Raiders

 

Quarterback:

• Derek Carr (Start/QB2)

 

If the season has taught us anything it’s that Derek Carr is who we thought he was, a conservative passer who doesn’t take many shots downfield. Despite that Carr has been a solid SuperFlex QB all season and that will continue this weekend.  Jacksonville is regressing in the secondary, allowing two or more passing touchdowns three times in the past five weeks. Carr should have no trouble moving the ball in his fashion, with short to intermediate quick passes. He’s a rock-solid 2-QB play but should not be trusted as a top-12 quarterback this week.  

 

Running Backs: 

• Josh Jacobs (Start/RB1 – Watch injury status)
• DeAndre Washington (Start/RB1, if Jacobs is out)

 

Keep a close eye on the Raiders practice report this Friday for the status of Josh Jacobs, who reportedly is nursing a fractured shoulder. How he can play through that is anyone’s guess but reports are it is possible. If he cannot go then DeAndre Washington will again shoulder the load on Sunday. Washington had a decent effort last week but the primary ball carrier will be leaned on heavily. Whoever winds up as the primary running back this weekend will be walking into a prime matchup. The Jaguars have been torched on the ground, allowing more than a touchdown a game and nearly 120 yards per. It is a great matchup for the Raiders and owners looking to hedge their bets should be all in on Washington this week. 

 

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends:

• Tyrell Williams (Sit)
• Darren Waller (Start/TE1)

 

Currently, the Raiders wide receiver corps is almost non-existent. Tyrell Williams is not cut out to be a number one receiver and has topped four catches or 80 yards just once in four weeks. Owners cannot depend on that sort of inconsistency this late in the season, especially form a team like Oakland that hasn’t shown it can be explosive.

 

The Raiders’ primary pass-catcher has been Darren Waller, leading the team in targets, receptions, and touchdowns. Waller should find plenty of room to work this weekend, the Jags have given up 60 yards or multiple touchdowns to the position in half of their games. A huge game from Waller is not out of the question.       

-Marc Salazar (@dingwog)