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

Colts @ Saints 

 

Game Info

Kickoff: Monday, December 16th at 8:15 PM EST

Location: Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

Betting Odds: NO -8.5, 46 total via Oddsshark

Network: ESPN

Sleeper Spotlight: Josh Hill

 

Indianapolis Colts

 

Quarterback:

• Jacoby Brissett (Sit)

 

Jacoby hasn’t been the same guy since his injury in Week 9 which is unfortunate since he looked like he was growing into a solid young QB. He had a nice game against Tampa Bay last week but who doesn’t? New Orleans was gutted by another member of the wolf pack, Jimmy Garoppolo, last week and is vulnerable through the air. However, Jimmy G had more healthy weapons in his arsenal than Brissett will this week so his ceiling is limited. He’s shown a rapport with Zach Pascal and Jack Doyle in recent weeks which is encouraging, so there is a chance he can have a decent day. Just don’t count on it. 

 

Running Backs:

• Marlon Mack (FLEX)
• Nyheim Hines (Sit)

 

Marlon Mack returned last week and had an inefficient showing on the ground against one of the stoutest run defenses in the league. He did salvage his day with a TD but the 2.92 YPC was not what Mack owners were hoping for. The matchup only gets a little better this week as the Saints have given up the third-fewest yards on the ground this season, but Mack has the talent to overcome the matchup. You’re hoping for a score here and “hoping for a score” isn’t what you want in your starting lineup this week. Play Mack if you must, but only as a flex at best.

 

Nyheim Hines had five targets last week and I wish I could recommend him this week. He’s quick and shifty and can make guys miss but his hands aren’t always dependable, and I just don’t think he has the trust of his coaches or quarterback to be given a larger workload in this offense. If he did it would have happened by now. I can see a scenario where he has a similar game to last week but 6.5 points aren’t what you’re looking for.

 

Wide Receivers/Tight End:

• Zach Pascal (Start/WR2)
• Jack Doyle (Start/TE1/TE2)
• Marcus Johnson (Sit)
• Parris Campbell (Sit)

 

Zach Pascal has gotten the lion’s share of the targets in recent weeks and that shouldn’t change with T.Y. Hilton still out. The Saints have given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing WRs this year so Pascal should be able to find some space to work with. It’s all about targets with these Colts receivers and Pascal will continue to get them, especially if the Saints jump out to an early lead and the Colts need to play catch up.

 

As I mentioned above, Brissett has enjoyed some success when targeting Jack Doyle in recent weeks and that should continue again against the Saints. Doyle has 8 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets in the last two weeks. Expect 10-15 points against the Saints with potential for more if he can find the end zone, making him a borderline TE1/TE2.

 

Marcus Johnson and Parris Campbell haven’t shown enough consistency to be relied upon in a playoff matchup.

 

New Orleans Saints

 

Quarterback:

• Drew Brees (Start)

 

Drew Brees has been Mr. Reliable for years and that doesn’t change this week. The Colts defense has given some QBs trouble this year but we just saw Brees torch the second-best defense in football last week. Start Brees if you’ve got him.

 

Running Backs:

• Alvin Kamara (Start/RB2)
• Latavius Murray (Sit)

 

Man, what a disappointing season it’s been for Kamara. He hasn’t looked like the same guy since his injury but are you going to bench him in the playoffs? I can see two scenarios playing out here: The Saints feed him the ball trying to get his rhythm back in time for the playoffs, or they split the carries with Murray to rest Kamara for the playoffs. Luckily the Saints are still playing for a first-round bye so the former could still be in play here. The Colts have been pretty stout against the run this year but the Saints need to unleash all their weapons to secure a win this week. Start Kamara and cross your fingers that the Kamara of old returns.

 

If you’re a Latavius Murray owner you may be wishing that Kamara was hurt and missing this week’s game. Murray has been effective whenever he’s had a chance to play this year and he rushed for 69 yards on 7 carries against a stout San Francisco defense last week. Unfortunately, we can’t bank on him getting the touches he deserves this week so he’s best left on your bench.

 

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends:

• Michael Thomas (WR1)
• Ted Ginn (Sit)
• Jared Cook (Sit)
• Josh Hill (Sleeper)

 

This is easy. Start Michael Thomas. Did you need me to tell you that? Moving on.

 

Jared Cook was injured on his second touchdown catch last week and is in the concussion protocol headed into the game this week. Since it’s a Monday night game you should be looking into any other options just in case. Even if he plays he may be limited so plan accordingly.

 

In the two weeks Cook missed earlier in the year, Josh Hill stepped in and was able to produce. He was targeted 8 times and hauled in 6 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in those two games. If you’re a Cook owner and have no other options at TE, add Hill and slot him on Monday night as he has the potential for 10-15 points in this matchup.

-Ben Brown (@FelixTheDog23 Twitter, iamatechnician Reddit)