For those of us whose fantasy football are lucky enough to be in it this week, this is truly make or break. In one of my leagues, I was able to squeak by this season with 7-7 season. Thanks to two teams pulling a 13-1 and 11-3 record. If you would of asked a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t of thought I would of been in this position. With the third seed, all it takes is a good week, and some good choices. Thankfully, I didn’t start Reggie Bush on Thursday. But I did miss out on a 38 point performance from his backup Pierre Thomas. Anyways, Let’s take a look at some players you might want to start or sit in pivotal week 15.
Running backs:
Dominic Rhodes- Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy has indicated that Joseph Addai could miss all of Sunday’s game between the Colts and Lions. The Lions will be depleted all over the field, including top defensive tackle Cory Redding. Even if Addai, who didn’t practice much this week gets playing time, expect Rhodes to get a pretty hefty load (See the Titans on Thanksgiving day). If he is available pick him up.
Ronnie Brown- If you own him, then this is the week to start him. Granted, he is splitting carries with Ricky Williams, Brown will have a good day against the 49ers defensive front that gives up 104 yards per game on the ground. Brown has gotten into the endzone 10 times compared to Williams’ three. The 49ers have struggled against the pass all season and Brown could be a key component out of the backfield receiving wise.
Darren Sproles- Sproles is a bit of a reach, considering L.T. will get a majority of the carries. Anything is possible though. The Chiefs are second to last in the league at stopping the run. Tomlinson only had 78 yards on the ground with zero touchdowns. It is possible that Sproles could see 10-15 carries. If you need touchdowns, don’t even take the chance though. Sproles hasn’t hit paydirt all season.
Carnell Williams- Another high risk/high reward type runner. It seems that Warrick Dunn will get a good chunk of the carries, but coach Gruden announced the Williams will be his back in most goaline situations. The Falcons allow 121 yards a game, so moving the ball on the ground won’t be out of question. Pick up Carnell if you need those bonus TD points. I also have a feeling his teammate, Warrick Dunn will have a big day against his former team.
Maurice Jones Drew- This might be obvious, but if your struggling to decide who to start at a flex or running back position and Drew is a choice, but him in the starting lineup. Fred Taylor and Matt Jones are out, while the Packers are 27th in stopping the run.
Clinton Portis- Same thing goes here for Portis. He is on page with coach Jim Zorn. Start Portis, and you most likely wont regret it.
Wide Receivers:
Anthony Gonzalez- If he is available, pick him up. If not, it seems that Gonzalez is a must start. If the Lions can some how shut down Dominic Rhodes, then Tom Moore will look to air the ball out more. It seems that Gonzalez could have a 100+ yd day with 1-2 TDs. If you have Marvin Harrison, I would refrain from starting him. I don’t see the Colts keeping him in action in a blowout game.
Jerrcho Cotchery- Cotchery had only one catch in a loss to San Fransisco last week, but I have a feeling that he could be back on the right track. Cotchery has reeled in only one catch three times this season. The first two he reeled in 189 yards and 1 td. He isn’t going to score a lot, but he could be the one to burn the Bills defense.
DeSean Jackson- The rookie receiver has been one of the only bright spots in a tough NFC East. Jackson was shut out in last week’s win against the New York Giants. The Eagles will face a middle of the crop pass defense in Cleveland this week. Jackson hasn’t gone over the century mark since the second week of the season, but he should get a good amount of yards, with Brian Westbrook exploiting the run defense to set up the pass.
Ted Ginn Jr.- Only one touchdown so far this season, but the Dolphins are rolling and face a passing defense that has not shown up all season, despite bringing in Nate Clements. Ginn could break free a couple times in this game, adding a few touchdowns to his total.
Quarterbacks:
Matt Cassel- Everyone is saying to bench him, but I think if your willing to take the chance on him missing the game, then you should start him (or if you don’t have any other options). Remember when Brett Favre lost his father? His Monday night performance is something we will never forget. Maybe we could see something like that happen in Oakland this Sunday. Remember the team the Brett played that day? Those same Oakland Raiders.
Tyler Thigpen- Who? I would have a hard time rolling the dice with Thigpen, but heck, if your brave why not take a shot? Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe are emerging at the right time. Not to mention the Chargers are 30th in total defense.
Sean Hill- Before you roll your eyes at me, consider the fact that Hill has not been below double digits fantasy points wise all season. The Dolphins cannot stop the pass, they are 21st in the league. This game will be a shootout, and I think that Hill will have OK numbers. Frank Gore could be a majority of this offense, but Hill will be there.
Eli Manning-I really like Eli to bounce back this week, after a lackluster showing against the Eagles last week. In Week nine against the Cowboys, Manning threw for only 147 yards. I expect Kevin Boss to give Eli a couple of cheap one yard touchdowns, and even if Manning doesn’t put up spectacular numbers, if he doesn’t turn it over, his performance will be valuable.
FanSided