I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus, but the timing couldn’t be more right to get back into start/sit decisions this week for the first round of the fantasy playoffs! Let’s jump right to Week 15 matchups.
A reminder that I judge my “start” or “sit” against a full-PPR format.
Start ‘Em
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB – Washington Commanders
Week 15 Matchup: @ New York Giants
Throw away the Week 14 tape. The reality here is that Chris Rodriguez Jr. is more than likely a TD-dependent option to lean on. He’s come on as the Commanders’ lead back in recent weeks over the summer darling that was Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Despite the need-to-score dependency, the matchup on paper is why you’d have Rodriguez in your lineup this week. The Giants are allowing the second most fantasy points to the RB position this season, and most recently allowed Henderson & Stevenson of NE to combine for 107 yards in Week 13.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB – New England Patriots
Week 15 Matchup: vs Buffalo Bills
The 11-2 Patriots are coming out of their BYE to host the 9-4 Buffalo Bills, and TreVeyon Henderson could be poised for a strong Week 15. When Henderson faced Buffalo earlier in the year (WK5), he only had 24 yards off six carries. That said, since Week 10, he’s averaged 22.5 PPG in full-PPR formats. Rhamondre Stevenson is still in the fold, but Henderson is the NE back you can trust fantasy-wise.
Buffalo is averaging an allowance of 26.1 FPTS/G per FantasyData to opposing RBs.
Jameson Williams, WR – Detroit Lions
Week 15 Matchup: @ Los Angeles Rams
With a projected point total of O54.5 in the game, you’ll want any piece of the pie from Detroit or the Rams. In this case, Jameson Williams should be in your lineup. Last Thursday against Dallas, Williams caught seven of nine targets for 96 yards, pacing pass catchers on the night. Since a Week 12 goose egg against the Giants, Jamo has averaged 23.1 PPG in full-PPR leagues over the last two weeks. In that span, he’s seen 19 total targets, catching 14 of those looks for 240 total yards and a touchdown.
The Rams offense will punch you in the mouth, which should make for the Detroit offense needing to fight back all game long. Start Williams with confidence this week.
Sit ‘Em
Bo Nix, QB – Denver Broncos
Week 15 Matchup: vs Green Bay Packers
Bo Nix has been a very middling QB this season after a rather impressive rookie season last year. As of late, he’s not been very fantasy productive, offering just an average of 16.9 PPG since Week 10. And now on tap this week are the Packers, who are allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points a game to opposing QBs. Nix is a QB to avoid streaming in the first round of the playoffs. FantasyData projects Nix to finish as the QB17 on the week.
Bam Knight, RB – Arizona Cardinals
Week 15 Matchup: @ Houston Texans
The volume may be there, but the matchup isn’t fit for Bam Knight this week. He’s set to face a Texans defense allowing an average of just 20 FPTS/G to opposing running backs this season. Knight failed to produce against the Rams last week, turning his seven carries into just 16 yards; albeit game script was not in his favor. All that said, avoid having Knight in your lineup if you can; Yahoo projections have him pegged for just 5.77 PPR.
Jalen Coker, WR – Carolina Panthers
Week 15 Matchup: @ New Orleans Saints
Jalen Coker put together the best game of his short season in Week 13, catching four of six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown, his first of the year. He’s seen at least four targets per game dating back to Week 10, but is averaging 44.75 yards per game in that span. He’s worth a spot on your bench, but don’t chase the Week 13 performance against the Saints. In fact, back in Week 10 at home vs New Orleans, Coker caught three of four targets for 21 yards.
– Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@kurt_player02 on Instagram & Threads | @kuwasemiller.bksy.social on BlueSky)