Week 14 Top Performers:

 

QB:

  • Drew Brees – 29/40 – 349 yards – 5 TD’s / 1 carry – 1 yard
  • Jameis Winston – 33/45 – 456 yards – 4 TD’s – 3 INT’s / 6 carries – 5 yards
  • Mitchell Trubisky – 23/31 – 244 yards – 3 TD’s – 1 INT / 10 carries – 63 yards – 1 TD
  • Deshaun Watson – 28/50 – 292 yards – 1 TD – 2 INT’s / 6 carries – 44 yards – 2 TD’s
  • Jimmy Garoppolo – 26/35 – 349 yards – 4 TD’s – 1 INT / 2 carries – 1 yard

RB:

  • Austin Ekeler – 8 carries – 101 yards / 4 receptions – 112 yards – 1 TD
  • Aaron Jones – 16 carries – 134 yards – 1 TD / 6 receptions – 58 yards
  • Joe Mixon – 23 carries – 146 yards – 1 TD / 3 receptions – 40 yards
  • Raheem Mostert – 10 carries – 69 yards – 1 TD / 2 receptions – 40 yards – 1 TD
  • Derrick Henry – 18 carries – 103 yards – 2 TD’s / 1 reception – 6 yards

WR:

  • A.J. Brown – 5 receptions – 153 yards – 2 TD’s / 1 carry – 13 yards
  • Emmanuel Sanders – 7 receptions – 157 yards – 1 TD 
  • Darius Slayton – 5 receptions – 154 yards – 2 TD’s
  • Michael Thomas – 11 receptions – 134 yards – 1 TD
  • DeAndre Hopkins – 7 receptions – 120 yards – 1 TD / 1 carry – 12 yards

TE:

  • Zach Ertz – 9 receptions – 91 yards – 2 TD’s
  • Jared Cook – 2 receptions – 64 yards – 2 TD’s
  • Noah Fant – 4 receptions – 113 yards – 1 TD
  • George Kittle – 6 receptions – 67 yards – 1 TD
  • Tyler Higbee – 7 receptions – 116 yards

 

Criteria for the Start/Sit categories

Auto start players would be guys you don’t have to think twice about, guys that will be starters no matter the matchup. Starters are players that are most likely in your lineups unless you have auto start players that can be played in their spot instead. Sit players are players I’m not playing in lineups based on the matchup and other possible reasons.  I would not play these players in the sit category unless your options are limited. Don’t Sweat It players are players that are irrelevant at the moment, they should be nowhere near your starting lineups.

 

JETS @ RAVENS

 Auto Start:

  • Lamar Jackson
  • Mark Ingram
  • Mark Andrews

Start:

  • Le’Veon Bell

Sit:

  • Sam Darnold
  • Robby Anderson
  • Jamison Crowder
  • Demaryius Thomas
  • Ryan Griffin
  • Marquise Brown

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Bilal Powell
  • Gus Edwards
  • Willie Snead

Conclusion:

What’s great about our Week 15 matchups is that many of these are pretty straightforward. For most of you by now, your lineups should be refined to a select number of players that you have to start. For the Jets, we know that if Le’Veon Bell is playing you’re going to start him. As for Sam Darnold, against the Ravens defense, let’s just say there are definitely better options with better matchups at QB. For the Ravens, Mark Andrews let us down last week after getting injured in the back of the end zone. However, he’s back at practice and looks to be playing on Sunday. This one is pretty straightforward so don’t try to get cute by playing someone like Robby Anderson this week.

PATRIOTS @ BENGALS

Auto Start:

  • Julian Edelman

Start:

  • James White

Sit: 

  • Tom Brady
  • Sony Michel
  • N’Keal Harry
  • Andy Dalton
  • Joe Mixon
  • Tyler Boyd
  • Auden Tate (INJURED)
  • Alex Erickson
  • Tyler Eifert

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Rex Burkhead
  • Mohamed Sanu
  • Phillip Dorsett

Conclusion:

Since there are only two players I want to play this week, I’ll make this short. James White and Julian Edelman are your only plays. White and Edelman have provided owners with safe floors given that they are the only two reliable options on this offense. For the Bengals, you could play Tyler Boyd or Joe Mixon in hopes that someone has to score points but I’m out on everyone in a Bengals uniform given that they play the toughest defense in the NFL. This matchup is laid out in front of you, make the right plays, and don’t try to force anything here unless you’re desperate.

SEAHAWKS @ PANTHERS

Auto Start:

  • Russell Wilson
  • Tyler Lockett
  • Christian McCaffrey
  • D.J. Moore

Start:

  • Chris Carson
  • D.K. Metcalf
  • Curtis Samuel
  • Ian Thomas (IF OLSEN IS INJURED)

Sit:

  • Kyle Allen
  • Rashaad Penny (INJURED)
  • David Moore
  • Jacob Hollister
  • Greg Olsen

Don’t Sweat It:

  • C.J. Prosise
  • Malik Turner
  • Josh Gordon
  • Jarius Wright

Conclusion:

This should be a fun game for fantasy football but for real football, I’ve got the Hawks winning this one easily. The Hawks weren’t great last week and occasionally they have one of those  games that bring the team back down to reality. Pete Carroll is telling the media that Tyler Lockett is nearly 100% and if that’s true I’m all in on him again. However, the best play this week for the Hawks is easily Chris Carson following the Rashaad Penny injury and Carolina being one of the worst defenses against the run. Speaking of Carolina they’ve nearly fallen off the face of the Earth but not without D.J.Moore and Christian McCaffrey giving it their all. It’s unfortunate that guys like Curtis Samuel that are suffering the most from the poor Kyle Allen performances. Also Ian Thomas is definitely a play if Olsen is out again so consider him if you’re looking for a safe floor. 

BUCCANEERS @ LIONS

Auto Start:

  • Jameis Winston
  • Chris Godwin
  • Kenny Golladay

Start:

  • Danny Amendola
  • Justin Watson

Sit:

  • Ronald Jones II
  • Peyton Barber
  • Breshad Perriman
  • David Blough
  • Bo Scarbrough
  • Ty Johnson
  • T.J. Hockensen

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Mike Evans (INJURED)
  • O.J. Howard
  • Marvin Jones Jr. (INJURED)

Conclusion:

This is by far one of the juiciest matchups of the year and it’s unfortunate players like Matt Stafford, Marvin Jones Jr., and Mike Evans are all injured. That being said,  Chris Godwin is in a smash spot for fantasy now that he’s the number one but be prepared. If Godwin doesn’t perform he will be criticized going into 2020 drafts next year. For the Lions, Kenny Golladay is in the same boat. To be honest, it doesn’t matter. If you haven’t recognized already that both of these receivers are solid WR 1 options, you’re not paying attention.

BEARS @ PACKERS

Auto Start:

  • Mitchell Trubisky
  • Allen Robinson II

Start:

  • Anthony Miller
  • Aaron Rodgers
  • Aaron Jones

Sit:

  • David Montgomery
  • Tarik Cohen
  • Jamaal Williams
  • Davante Adams
  • Marquez Valdes-Scantling
  • Allen Lazard
  • Geronimo Allison
  • Jimmy Graham

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Taylor Gabriel
  • Trey Burton
  • Jake Kumerow

Conclusion:

I hate to say it but if you want to play Mitchell Trubisky now’s the time to do it.  The Packers have been mediocre on defense all year long and now that Trubisky is running again, he’s relevant. We don’t need to talk about Allen Robinson II, we already know he’s great but we can definitely talk about Anthony Miller. He didn’t have a great 1st half of the season but now that Trubisky has somewhat figured things out Miller has been one of two players benefiting from his QB’s improved performance. For the Packers, there’s only one player I need to talk about. Davante Adams is on my bench this week against this Bears defense. He’s been touchdown dependent and hasn’t been gaining many yards since Week 10 when he put up 118 yards. If there is any time to bench Adams now is the time.

BRONCOS @ CHIEFS

Auto Start:

  • Patrick Mahomes
  • Travis Kelce

Start:

  • Drew Locke
  • Phillip Lindsay
  • Courtland Sutton
  • Noah Fant
  • Tyreek Hill

Sit:

  • Royce Freeman
  • Tim Patrick
  • Daesean Hamilton
  • Darrel Williams
  • LeSean McCoy
  • Sammy Watkins
  • Mecole Hardman

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Damien Williams

Conclusion:

I have big expectations for this game. If Drew Lock, in what should be a pass-heavy game on the road, can either win or make this game competitive, I think we can label him as a player who has a bright future in Denver. Noah Fant has also been an impressive player as of late and we could now argue whether or not he’s the top 2019 rookie TE. It’s early but at the moment he’s got a head start on T.J. Hockensen. For the Chiefs, it’s the usual plays on this offense. Yet another matchup with a straightforward player pool with few players to gamble on. 

DOLPHINS @ GIANTS

Auto Start:

  • Saquon Barkley

Start:

  • Eli Manning
  • Darius Slayton

Sit:

  • ALL DOLPHINS
  • Golden Tate
  • Sterling Shepard
  • Evan Engram

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Wayne Gallman

Conclusion:

Poor Dolphins. DeVante Parker is out and now we’re back to sitting all dolphin players.  Parker had a good fantasy run and for that we must pour one out, although he may be back for your championship so if you found yourself in the finals don’t give up on him quite yet. As for the Giants, I think it’s fair to say Darius Slayton looks to be something special in New York. His rookie season and he’s already the WR1 for the Giants. Conveniently there have been injuries to everyone but Slayton. That’s fantasy football and as long as he’s on the field producing, he stays on my roster. That being said, and I hate to say it but, take a look at Eli Manning, it’s Miami for crying out loud. *leaves chat*

TEXANS @ TITANS

Auto Start:

  • Deshaun Watson
  • DeAndre Hopkins

Start:

  • Ryan Tannehill
  • A.J. Brown

Sit:

  • Carlos Hyde
  • Duke Johnson
  • Will Fuller V
  • Keke Coutee
  • Derrick Henry (START IF HEALTHY)
  • Corey Davis
  • Adam Humphries

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Jordan Akins
  • Darren Fells
  • Dion Lewis

Conclusion:

It’s really only been the Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins show in Houston with a couple of Will Fuller V games sprinkled in. You literally don’t need to worry about anyone else because the running backs won’t provide you with much upside. For the Titans, A.J. Brown is shining and is by far my favorite 2019 rookie. He offers so much upside that he is an easy start for me against an awful Houston secondary.  Ryan Tannehill has been solid too, for the most part, you probably have another option you’d rather play. However, it’s Houston and last week Drew Lock threw all over them so keep Tannehill in mind for this matchup.

EAGLES @ REDSKINS

Auto Start:

  • Zach Ertz

Start:

  • Carson Wentz
  • Boston Scott
  • Adrian Peterson
  • Terry McLaurin

Sit:

  • Jay Ajayi
  • J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
  • Dallas Goedert
  • Miles Sanders (START IF HEALTHY)
  • Dwayne Haskins
  • Chris Thompson

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Alshon Jeffery (INJURED)
  • Derrius Guice (INJURED)
  • Kelvin Harmon
  • Jeremy Sprinkle

Conclusion:

I hate this matchup so much, there just isn’t much to like. I feel like I’m saying this a lot this week but “if there is anytime to play” Carson Wentz, now is the time. We got to see a decent game from Wentz last week and now he gets the Redskins. Don’t forget the Eagles lost to Miami a few weeks ago so keep your head on a swivel when playing him. For the Redskins, I like Adrian Peterson a decent amount now that Derrius Guice and he’s been playing well on top of that, so if you’re looking for something safe, go with AP.

BROWNS @ CARDINALS

Auto Start:

  • Nick Chubb
  • Jarvis Landry
  • Kyler Murray
  • Christian Kirk

Start: 

  • Baker Mayfield
  • Kareem Hunt

Sit:

  • Odell Beckham Jr.
  • Chase Edmonds
  • David Johnson
  • Kenyan Drake
  • Larry Fitzgerald
  • Andy Isabella

Don’t Sweat It: 

  • Rishard Higgins
  • Demetrius Harris
  • David Njoku
  • Pharoah Cooper

Conclusion:

So it’s finally time to give up on Odell Beckham Jr.. Realistically I gave up on him months ago but the fact of the matter is he doesn’t want to be in Cleveland and for seasonal leagues he’s very droppable. This should be a big game for Nick Chubb and Jarvis Landry who have remained consistent under a bland head coach and offense. For the Cardinals, I hate rolling the dice on the running back situation in Arizona so avoid everyone at all costs. Sign me up for Kyler Murray and Christian Kirk this week though.  The Cardinals have had a tough stretch of matchups and finally they get to face a defense that hasn’t particularly been great in 2019.

JAGUARS @ RAIDERS

Auto Start:

  • Leonard Fournette
  • Darren Waller

Start:

  • Gardner Minshew
  • Dede Westbrook
  • Chris Conley

Sit:

  • Keelan Cole
  • Derek Carr
  • Josh Jacobs (INJURED)
  • Tyrell Williams
  • Hunter Renfrow (INJURED)
  • Zay Jones

Don’t Sweat It:

  • D.J. Chark (INJURED)
  • Ryquell Armstead
  • Jalen Richard
  • DeAndre Washington
  • Foster Moreau

Conclusion:

There are only two players I love in this matchup and they’re the guys you are guaranteed to have in your lineups, Leonard Fournette and Darren Waller. Due to the fact that D.J. Chark is out, a guy like Dede Westbrook is next up for the Jaguars. He is more of an upside flex play at best with the Raiders defense having been awful as of late.  For the Raiders offense, Darren Waller leads the team in targets and is usually in lineups regardless of the matchup.  Without Foster Moreau stealing touchdowns, Darren Waller now becomes the primary red zone target. I’m avoiding all other receiving options here, there just aren’t any players that will win you weeks in the playoffs.

VIKINGS @ CHARGERS

Auto Start:

  • Kirk Cousins
  • Dalvin Cook
  • Stefon Diggs
  • Keenan Allen

Start:

  • Kyle Rudolph
  • Phillip Rivers
  • Melvin Gordon
  • Austin Ekeler
  • Mike Williams
  • Hunter Henry

Sit:

  • Alexander Mattison
  • Adam Thielen (START IF HEALTHY)

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Irv Smith Jr.

Conclusion:

This is a “play everyone” type of game and I could easily justify why each starter deserves to be in lineups but that would end up being a two page paper you’d have to read. So I’ll save you some time and tell you to START EVERYONE for my fantasy matchup of the week.

RAMS @ COWBOYS

Auto Start:

  • Dak Prescott
  • Ezekiel Elliott
  • Amari Cooper

Start:

  • Robert Woods
  • Michael Gallup
  • Cooper Kupp
  • Tyler Higbee

Sit:

  • Jared Goff
  • Todd Gurley
  • Brandin Cooks
  • Randall Cobb
  • Jason Witten

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Malcolm Brown
  • Darrell Henderson
  • Josh Reynolds
  • Gerald Everett (INJURED)
  • Tony Pollard

Conclusion:

Boy do I love watching the Cowboys lose but I’m interested in seeing how well the Rams play against this team. You never really know what you’re going to get from the Rams but what we do know is that Robert Woods is definitely the top target for Jared Goff the last three weeks.  Tyler Higbee has been an intriguing option in replacement of Gerald Everett as well. He’s had two back-to-back 100 yard performances and appears to be a streamable TE if you’re desperate or looking for upside. As for the Cowboys, you’re going to play Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup so really Higbee is the only debatable play on this offense for Week 15. 

FALCONS @ 49ERS

Auto Start:

  • Jimmy Garoppolo
  • Emmanuel Sanders
  • George Kittle

Start:

  • Julio Jones
  • Austin Hooper
  • Raheem Mostert
  • Deebo Samuel

Sit:

  • Matt Ryan
  • DeVonta Freeman
  • Brian Hill
  • Russell Gage
  • Tevin Coleman
  • Matt Breida

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Calvin Ridley (INJURED)
  • Kendrick Bourne

Conclusion:

Calvin Ridley, out for the year, so is a banged up Julio Jones set up for a big week? Maybe. The Falcons get one of the toughest defenses on the road so we can’t have high expectations for anyone on this offense. You may be disappointed if you decide to play Matt Ryan as well. For the 49ers, Raheem Mostert has been picked for the lead role at running back and in this weeks podcast I picked him to be a top play. It’s playoff time, you’re looking for upside, and Mostert fits that criteria. Emmanuel Sanders has also been a beast along with Deebo Samuel. Basically, anyone has a shot against a shotty Atlanta defense.

BILLS @ STEELERS

Auto Start:

  • NONE

Start:

  • Josh Allen
  • John Brown
  • Cole Beasley
  • James Washington

Sit:

  • Devin Singletary
  • Frank Gore
  • Devlin Hodges
  • Jaylen Samuels
  • James Conner (POSSIBLY INJURED)
  • Benny Snell Jr.
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster
  • Diontae Johnson
  • Vance McDonald

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Robert Foster
  • Dawson Knox
  • Mason Rudolph

Conclusion:

Not a lot to like here. Two solid defenses going head to head with two mediocre offenses. Statistically the Bills are better on offense however, the Steelers have found ways to win games. For the Bills, I’m worried about Devin Singletary with how well the Steelers have prevented teams from running all over them. That being said, John Brown should bounce back and even more surprising, Cole Beasley has turned into a high-upside flex play. For the Steelers, I’m basically sitting everyone except for James Washington but you could argue Diontae Johnson should start instead. For most fantasy gamers, both of these WR’s aren’t starting in lineups given the tough matchup and variance.

COLTS @ SAINTS

Auto Start:

  • Michael Thomas

Start:

  • Marlon Mack
  • Drew Brees
  • Alvin Kamara

Sit:

  • SIT REST OF COLTS
  • Latavius Murray
  • Ted Ginn Jr.
  • Tre’Quan Smith

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Jared Cook
  • Taysom Hill

Conclusion:

I hate the Colts offense at the moment. Yet another example of a team without players who provide consistent production. If you decide to play anyone, I’m leaning towards playing Marlon Mack and only Marlon Mack. For the Saints, it’s been rough for Alvin Kamara as of late but not so much for Drew Brees and Michael Thomas.  I’m not sitting any of these three but if you somehow have a running back with a better matchup, see if you can move out Kamara this week.

 

For more content by Bryce Wells check out @TuddyTalk on Twitter or listen to the Tuddy Talk podcast on Soundcloud here:

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