This Week In The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 15: Wide receivers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Davante Adams vs. Chicago Bears

Adams has gone from bust to superstar in less than a calendar year. He ranks seventh in fantasy points among wideouts, and his nine touchdowns are tied for fourth-most at the position with Odell Beckham Jr. As long as Aaron Rodgers (calf) is out there, Adams needs to be in your starting lineup for a good matchup in Chicago.




vs.
Doug Baldwin vs. Los Angeles Rams

Baldwin had a stinker in the cold of Lambeau Field last week, but I'd still start him on a short week against the Rams. The angry one has averaged almost 12 fantasy points a game at home this season, and Los Angeles has allowed 16 touchdown catches and an average of 25.2 points a game to wideouts. That's eighth-most in the NFL.




vs.
Steve Smith vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Smith, Mike Wallace and the Ravens pass attack should do well this week based on a plus matchup against the Eagles. Over their last five road games, Philadelphia's defense has allowed seven touchdowns and an average of almost 30 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Smith could help lead you to a championship week berth.




vs.
Taylor Gabriel vs. San Francisco 49ers

Gabriel has been on quite a hot streak, scoring 12-plus fantasy points in five of his last six games. He's worth a flex start this week against the Niners, who have surrendered a league-high 20 touchdown catches and the second-most fantasy points (26.6 PPG) to opposing wide receivers. I'd start Gabriel with or without Julio Jones (toe).




vs.
Tyreek Hill vs. Tennessee Titans

Hill hasn't been the most consistent performer in fantasy land, scoring 10-plus points three times in his last six games. Still, he's worth a flex start this week when the Chiefs host the Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. Over the last four weeks, their defense has allowed six touchdowns and the most fantasy points to wideouts (37.4 PPG).


Sleeper watch:
Dontrelle Inman vs. Raiders, Adam Thielen vs. Colts




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Brandon Marshall vs. Miami Dolphins

This has nothing to do with the matchup, but everything to do with Bryce Petty. The inexperienced quarterback has quite the man crush on Robby Anderson, who had a team-high 11 targets in last week's win over the 49ers. Marshall, on the other hand, had just five targets and 3.3 fantasy points. Marshall is too much of a risk this week.




vs.
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

If you're like me, you consider Hopkins to be the biggest bust in fantasy football this season. That's due in large part to Brock Osweiler, who has "nuked" those owners who drafted the talented wideout. With a matchup against cornerback Jalen Ramsey and the Jaguars next on the schedule, Hopkins needs to be benched.




vs.
Julian Edelman vs. Denver Broncos

Fantasy owners in PPR leagues might want to consider Edelman a start this week, but a matchup against the Broncos is enough to keep the veteran wideout on the sidelines in most formats. No defense in the entire league has surrendered fewer receptions (237), touchdown catches (six) or fantasy points (13 PPG) to wide receivers this season.




vs.
Golden Tate vs. New York Giants

Tate has been up and down in the stat sheets in recent weeks, so it's hard to trust him ahead of a bad road matchup against the Giants. Big Blue has been tough on wide receivers at MetLife Stadium, allowing just two touchdowns and an average of 17.2 points to the position in their last five home games. Beware Tate in this NFC contest.




vs.
Kelvin Benjamin vs. Washington Redskins

Benjamin has disappeared, scoring fewer than eight fantasy points in six of his last seven games. KB also scored just once in his last nine games after finding the end zone four times in his first four games. With that sort of track record and a matchup versus cornerback Josh Norman and the Redskins next, Benjamin should be benched.


Owners beware:
Allen Robinson at Texans, Terrelle Pryor at Bills

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 15: Tight ends.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Delanie Walker vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Walker put up a 3.8-point stink bomb in last week's win over the Broncos, but the Titans threw the football a mere 20 times against a stout pass defense. That will change against the Chiefs, who have allowed the sixth-most passing yards (1,113) over the last four weeks. Look for Walker to rebound in what could be a high-scoring game.




vs.
Greg Olsen vs. Washington Redskins

It's a bad week for the tight end matchups, so I have Olsen listed in the column because I see him as a must start against the Redskins. He had a solid stat line (for the first time in awhile) against the Chargers, and Washington has allowed an average of more than 11 fantasy points a game to Olsen's position over the last four weeks.




vs.
Zach Ertz vs. Baltimore Ravens

Ertz has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring nine-plus fantasy points four of his last six games including two straight double-digit performances. This week's matchup against the Ravens is awful on paper, but Baltimore hasn't faced a lot of elite players at the position. Ertz might not be elite, but he's still good enough to start.




vs.
Kyle Rudolph vs. Indianapolis Colts

Rudolph had a late touchdown last week that saved him from posting a fourth straight poor stat line, but I would get him into your lineup ahead of an upcoming matchup against the Colts. Their defense has allowed an average of 8.7 fantasy points per game to tight ends, not to mention the third-most yards (882) to the position overall.




vs.
Cameron Brate vs. Dallas Cowboys

Brate hasn't been the most reliable tight end in fantasy football, but he is worth a look when the matchup is favorable. That's the case this weekend in Dallas, as the Cowboys have allowed two touchdowns and an average of 9.9 fantasy points per contest to tight ends in the last four weeks. If you're in need, using Brate makes sense.


Sleeper watch:
Eric Ebron at Giants, Ladarius Green at Bengals




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Coby Fleener vs. Arizona Cardinals

Fleener might rank eighth in fantasy points among tight ends, but he's not a worthwhile option ahead of this week's matchup in Arizona. The veteran's numbers have been worse than average on the road, and the Cardinals have surrendered just one touchdown and the fewest fantasy points a game to opposing tight ends (3.1 PPG) this season.




vs.
Dwayne Allen vs. Minnesota Vikings

Allen followed up his three-touchdown performance in Week 13 with a big, fat goose egg in last week's loss to the Texans. If that weren't enough to keep him on the sidelines, also consider that Allen faces a Vikings defense that has allowed just two scores to tight ends. For a touchdown-dependant player such as Allen, that's bad news.




vs.
Gary Barnidge vs. Buffalo Bills

Barnidge has become all but unstartable in fantasy leagues at this point, posting more than six points just once in his last six games. He's also found the end zone just once after scoring nine times in 2015. While Buffalo hasn't been impenetrable against tight ends, the position has scored just three touchdowns against them in 2016.




vs.
Dennis Pitta vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Pitta has failed to score more than six fantasy points in all but two games this season (standard leagues), and an upcoming matchup against the Eagles isn't favorable on paper. While their defense is far worse on the road, Philadelphia has given up the fewest yards (338) and the third-fewest points (4.4 PPG) to tight ends overall.




vs.
C.J. Fiedorowicz vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Fiedorowicz was a fantasy "thing" for a few weeks, but he's now recorded fewer than five fantasy points in four of his last five games including each of his last three. With Ryan Griffin also involved in the offense, it's hard to trust Fiedorowicz at this point in the season. He also had just 2.6 points against the Jaguars in Week 10.


Owners beware:
Martellus Bennett at Broncos, Jason Witten vs. Buccaneers

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 15: Defenses.


Start 'Em

vs.
Start of the Week - Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams

Seattle's defense has been very average this season, ranking 14th in fantasy points after putting up a minus-three point stinker in a blowout loss to the Packers, I think this unit will rebound, though, as rookie Jared Goff and the Rams come to town on a short week. I'd be surprised if the Seahawks didn't have double-digit points.


vs.
Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns

The Browns are a prime matchup for fantasy defenses, so it's no surprise to see the Bills on the start 'em list. Over the last four weeks, opposing defensive units have averaged 18 fantasy points per game against Cleveland. That's not a combined total either, that is the average. Buffalo is a virtual must start in all fantasy formats.


vs.
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Texans defense hasn't been great in recent weeks, scoring an average of just four fantasy points over their last four games. However, an upcoming matchup against Blake Bortles and the Jaguars should be good for what ails Houston. Back in Week 10, this defense recorded a solid 10 fantasy points. I'd roll with the Texans.


vs.
Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

The Dolphins travel to the Big Apple to face the Jets this week, making their defense a prime streamer. Opposing units have averaged a solid 10.7 fantasy points against the Men in Green, who will continue to roll out the inexperienced Bryce Petty at the quarterback spot. Miami should put up a top-10 total among fantasy defenses.


Sleeper watch:
Ravens defense vs. Eagles, Raiders defense vs. Chargers,




Sit 'Em

vs.
Sit of the Week - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Bengals were a nice streamer last week based on a favorable matchup against the Browns, but this unit should be back on the waiver wire ahead of a game against the Steelers. While Ben Roethlisberger has been bad in outdoor road games, defenses are still averaging four fantasy points a game against the Steelers.


vs.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Eagles finished with a solid 10 fantasy points in last week's loss to the Redskins, and their defense now ranks sixth at the position. Regardless, this unit has been awful on the road ... and that's where this week's matchup will occur. Defenses have also averaged just 3.7 fantasy points versus Joe Flacco and the Ravens since Week 11.


vs.
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Redskins

Listed as a start 'em last week, the Panthers finished with an impressive 18 fantasy points in a win over the Chargers. This week's matchup is much more difficult, however, as opposing defenses have scored an average of just 3.5 fantasy points against Kirk Cousins and the Redskins high-octane offense. Sit Carolina this week.


vs.
San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders

The Chargers have a top-10 fantasy defense based on the numbers, but this is still a matchup-based unit ... and this week's matchup against the Raiders isn't favorable. In fact, opposing defenses have scored an average of just 2.4 fantasy points per game against Derek Carr and company. That's the fewest in the entire league.


Owners beware:
Buccaneers defense at Cowboys, Bears defense vs. Packers

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 15: Kickers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Matt Bryant vs. San Francisco 49ers

Bryant, ranked second among kickers based on fantasy points, is still a free agent in more than 40 percent of NFL.com leagues ahead of a great matchup against the 49ers. The Niners have surrendered 23 field-goal conversions, including six of 40 or more yards, and kickers have averaged almost eight fantasy points per game against them.




vs.
Dustin Hopkins vs. Carolina Panthers

Hopkins put up a three-point stinker last week, but I'll keep the faith and keep him active for a home matchup against the Panthers. Their defense has surrendered nine field-goal conversions and an average of more than nine fantasy points per game to the kicker position over the last four weeks, so Hopkins should rebound on Monday night.




vs.
Kai Forbath vs. Indianapolis Colts

Listed as a sleeper last week, Forbath produced his best stat line of the season with 13 points in a win over the Jaguars. Next on the schedule is a dome date with the Colts, who have allowed 30 field-goal conversions and an average of 9.3 fantasy points a game to kickers. That ranks as the third-most in the entire league this season.




vs.
Chandler Catanzaro vs. New Orleans Saints

Catanzaro has scored more than seven fantasy points once in his last four games, but I like him to make a statistical move upward when the Cardinals host New Orleans. The Saints have been kind to kickers, allowing 30 field-goal conversions and an average of 9.6 fantasy points per game to the position. Add and start the Cat this weekend.


Sleeper watch:
Sebastian Janikowski at Chargers, Nick Novak vs. Jaguars




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Caleb Sturgis vs. Baltimore Ravens

Sturgis ranks fifth in fantasy points among kickers this season, but can you trust him in a tough road matchup against the Ravens? I wouldn't. Baltimore has been tough on kickers, allowing a mere nine field-goal conversions all season long. Furthermore, no team has surrendered fewer fantasy points a game to kickers (4.1 PPG) in 2016.




vs.
Josh Lambo vs. Oakland Raiders

Fantasy fans who have started Josh in recent weeks haven't been doing any Lambo Leaps, as the kicker has scored a combined 10 points in his last three games. He's also scored six or fewer fantasy points in five of his last six games. I'd bench Lambo versus the Raiders, who have allowed 4.7 points to kickers since Week 11.




vs.
Roberto Aguayo vs. Dallas Cowboys

I liked Aguayo as a sleeper last week, and he produced a solid 10 fantasy points in a win over the Saints. That great performance doesn't guarantee another, however, an this week's matchup at the Jerry Dome isn't a favorable one. The Cowboys have allowed an average of just 6.5 points a game to kickers, so seek an alternative.




vs.
Jason Myers vs. Houston Texans

Myers went off for 12 fantasy points in last week's loss to the Vikings, but owners shouldn't go chasing the points. In fact, Myers had put up fewer than five points in four of his previous six games. He also had a bad matchup ahead, as the Texans have given up just five fantasy points a game to kickers in their last four contests.


Owners beware:
Brandon McManus vs. Patriots, Chris Boswell vs. Bengals

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Jameis Winston's 14 career wins are the second- most by a quarterback before his 23rd birthday in NFL history, according to Elias. Winston's birthday is January 6, so he has three more games left to break the record.

Most Wins Before 23rd Birthday:
Drew Bledsoe 15
Jameis Winston 14
Ben Roethlisberger 13
Josh Freeman 13

 

[Greenbacks]

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Julio Jones (toe) will not practice today.

 

[Greenbacks]

Jets RB Matt Forte (knee) was limited in practice, a sign of progress. He will be a game-time decision.

 

[Greenbacks]

The Bengals are practicing right now. It's a big day for AJ Green. I mentioned this yesterday, but Marvin Lewis's track record with injured players is very clear: if Green is "limited" today he likely won't play on Sunday. If he is "full" today he probably will play vs Pittsburgh. Pretty simple. I would expect Cincinnati to list Green as questionable and try to keep everyone guessing until Sunday, but follow the clues and you'll know today.

 

[Greenbacks]

No sign of running back Darren Sproles at Eagles practice today. He remains in concussion protocol after brutal hit on punt return against Washington. Ryan Mathews and Kenjon Barner expected to carry bulk of load against Baltimore if Sproles can't go.

 

[Greenbacks]

Colts QB Andrew Luck (shoulder/elbow) is back at practice.

 

[Greenbacks]

Even if Aaron Rodgers (calf) doesn't practice in the cold this week, coach Mike McCarthy isn't concerned about him being sharp with the ball in the conditions Sunday at Soldier Field. "We're going to rely on his experience," McCarthy said. "He has a lot of experience handling the ball in this climate."

 

[Greenbacks]

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominees:

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Packers RB James Starks was in a car accident Monday and is in the concussion protocol. Coach Mike McCarthy said Starks is OK otherwise.

 

[Greenbacks]

Michael Floyd claimed off waivers:

The New England Patriots have added yet another weapon.
The Patriots officially claimed Cardinals wideout Michael Floyd off waivers on Thursday. To make room on the roster, New England cut receiver Griff Whalen.
Floyd was released this week by Arizona following his Monday arrest on DUI charges. The 27-year-old pass catcher was previously arrested in 2011 for driving under the influence.
Landing in New England, Floyd -- set to become a free agent this offseason -- will look to rescue a troubled 2016 campaign that has seen him post personal lows in catches (33) and yards (446) with a career-high in drops.
Still, Floyd gives the Patriots an intriguing target with the requisite speed to get downfield and stretch a secondary -- the skill set he used to pull off five 100-yard performances over his final eight games last season.
Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic reported Thursday that Cardinals players were "not happy" with Floyd's release, but teammate Larry Fitzgerald went out of his way to wish his fellow receiver good luck in New England:
Fitzgerald said that he received "a couple calls" Wednesday from "GMs and coaches" asking about Floyd, per the team's official website.
"I told them my honest opinion of him, that I think he'll be a great pickup for whoever," Fitzgerald said. "You've got a young guy who is hungry, who is eager to make plays in a contract year, has a chip on his shoulder now -- not that he didn't already have one -- and I hope he makes a big playoff run."
With All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski out of the mix, it's not a huge surprise to see New England tinkering with the offense. Receivers Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell can all play outside, but Floyd gives the Patriots another proven target.
Floyd has struggled on and off the field this season, but we wouldn't put it past the Patriots to turn him into a productive player again in Foxborough.

 

[RedWhiteBlue]

Very big pick up for Patriots if they can get Floyd going like he was last season.