Heading into Week 15 Fantasy Football, whatever you do, sit these top five players to avoid losing in the postseason.
Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) runs after making a catch during the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to Week 15 of fantasy football! By now you’ve either made your league’s playoffs or your just playing to save your face and not come dead last in the league.
I’m happy to finally announce that the majority of your lineup is good to go this week, your bench players included. This is when your decisions matter the most and are the toughest.
Do you start a topped drafted player or a player on your bench who has an ideal matchup? Or, do you bench a player who has struggled with injuries; an injured player could take you down in the fantasy football playoffs.
But, as you know by now that’s where I step in! I have identified the players whose fantasy value decreases based off their Week 15 matchups and past performances.
Don’t get too cute with your lineup, it’s the playoffs! Be sure to hold off on starting these players who won’t score big for your team. Without further ado, here are the top five sit ’em picks heading into Week 15.
5. Andy Dalton, QB – Cincinnati Bengals
Andy Dalton has been a great fantasy football l this season. For the most part, he’s landed himself on starter list all season.
In Week 13 he earned over 35 points against the Philadelphia Eagles. Last week, Dalton earned nearly 20 against the Cleveland Browns.
This week, we could see the return of A.J. Green which sounds enticing to Dalton owners. However, his weekly matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers decreases his fantasy value.
In their last 10 matchups against each other, Dalton has averaged just about 15 fantasy points. In their last six games, the Steelers have also only allowed one quarterback to earn 20 or more fantasy points. The Steelers have come on strong as of late and I wouldn’t risk starting Dalton. If you a have a choice this week, sit Dalton.
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) runs the ball in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
4. Mark Ingram, RB – New Orleans Saints
Mark Ingram owners have had their ups and down this season. But, his inconsistent fantasy football points make it hard to rely on him in the playoffs.
Since his Week 5 bye, Ingram has only earned double-digit points three times. He even earned negative points in Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Last week, Ingram earned about three fantasy football points. He had about two yards per carry rushing only seven times. This week the New Orleans Saints take on the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have only offered one running back a touchdown this season; that was LeGarrette Blount all the way back in Week 1.
Ingram has also been suffering a toe injury on top of sharing carries with running back Tim Hightower. He just isn’t a reliable start against the Cardinals in the fantasy football playoffs.
Dec 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Colts defeated the Jets 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
3. Brandon Marshall, WR – New York Jets
Hopefully, by now you have either traded or benched Brandon Marshall. However, if you’re still hoping for that one good matchup, keep dreaming.
Marshall has only had one touchdown in his last eight games. Since Week 13, Marshall has only completed 7-of-13 targets for just 76 yards.
Marshall has drastically seen a drop in targets with Bryce Petty at center. Robby Anderson has almost doubled Marshall’s targets, yards and has a touchdown over those two games.
This week the New York Jets take on division rivals the Miami Dolphins. In Week 9, Marshall only had five catches and 46 yards against the Dolphins.
Don’t take a chance with Marshall this week. If you passionate about him, he’s no more than a WR3/Flex this week.
Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) drops a touchdown pass as Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin (27) defends during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
2. Coby Fleener, TE – New Orleans Saints
I was shocked to know that Coby Fleener is still owned in about 75 percent of fantasy football leagues. Someone who’s only earned double-digit points three times this season is still in owners starting lineups!
Get him out of there! Last week, he completed only 1-of-3 targets for just six yards! He earned one fantasy point if you were lucky.
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Fleener has only one touchdown in his last eight outings. And, this week he takes on the Arizona Cardinals. They have only offered one touchdown to the position all season. The Cardinals have surrendered 55 yards or less to the position. The Cardinals put a halt to Greg Olsen and Jimmy Graham as well as others.
With championships on the line, it’s not a week to chance it with Fleener. Look for other tight end options heading into Week 15.
Nov 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a touchdown pass against the defense of Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) during the second half at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kelvin Benjamin, WR – Carolina Panthers
This season, top players have become season long busts. With defenses figuring them out and double covering players, it’s hard for them to perform big in fantasy football this year. This is the case for Kelvin Benjamin.
Benjamin has only had six double-digit fantasy football outings. In his last nine games, he’s only scored one touchdown.
In Week 13, Benjamin earned about two fantasy points. In hopes of a comeback Week 14, he again disappointed owners with one point if you were lucky.
This week, the Carolina Panthers take on the Washington Redskins. In standard leagues, the Redskins have limited all but three receivers to less than 10 points per game. If you have the option to sit Benjamin do it! This is not the week to blow the playoffs by starting him.
