With many fantasy football leagues well into their playoffs, finding players that can provide an impact is important. You never know what can happen during the latter parts of the season, as important players (get well soon, Cam Newton) go down and leave their owners with few options. Let's take a look at some of the different goings on that could affect your Week 15 playoff duel.
1. Derek Anderson provides a quality stopgap
Luckily for the Panthers, not only have they already started Derek Anderson and had success this season, it happened against the same team he is facing this week. Anderson filled in capably in Week 1 against the Buccaneers, throwing for 230 yards and 2 TDs. Nothing has happened since then to make anyone think Tampa Bay has improved. Look for Anderson to perform at about the same rate or better and keep Carolina's NFC South hopes alive.
2. Johnny Manziel will delight and confound
Manziel's performance in Buffalo, when he came on for Brian Hoyer down the stretch, should provide a pretty good microcosm of what fans should expect from Jonathan Football. On his first drive, he marched the Browns down the field with ease, ending the series with a TD scamper and looking much faster than the defenders chasing him. On his second drive, he succumbed to pressure, fumbling the ball in his own end zone. Though he was bailed out on that play by a replay review, Manziel's talent (and his recklessness) were on full display. It would not be shocking to see Manziel produce 300 total yards and 3 TDs, while also turning it over 3 times.
3. "Boom" Herron will seize the Indianapolis starting RB role
Since receiving additional playing time in the wake of Ahmad Bradshaw's injury, Herron has shown flashes of brilliance, while Trent Richardson continues to be his usual plodding self. Over the past 3 weeks, Herron has more touches than Richardson (39-28) and has proven to be a much more effective receiver out of the backfield. While "Boom" has produced over 260 yards from scrimmage in these 3 games, nearly tripling Richardson's output, Week 15 is Herron's time to seize the day and the permanent starting position.