Fantasy Football says a lot about a man's character. A good owner exhibits perseverance, determination, resourcefulness and draft day etiquette. However, to make it to the top, you've got to know when to take a risk, just ask the Arian Foster and Jacob Tamme owners.
After a crazy week of collapsed stadiums, concussed quarterbacks and consternating performances, we've learned that you can't go status quo and expect to win it all. Do you have the stomach to start a waiver wire flier in the semifinals of your league, risking public harassment Monday morning for a shot at the gold?
Here is who to roll the dice with in Week 15:
| START ‘EM | |
| Eli Manning vs. PHI
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After a bizarre week of weather-created chaos, Manning had a supbar game, falling short of 200 yards and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. The INT:TD ratio is nothing new, Eli has more picks than scores in four out of his last five games.
He could have several of both this week as he faces an Eagles defense that leads the league in interceptions while giving up the third most touchdowns. However, Manning might have an advantage if shutdown corner Asante Samuel continues to be hampered by injury. The Giants QB will also benefit from: being at home, during the day, in the cold, against the Eagles because, independently, he has succeeded in each of these situations. Seemingly all of Mannings’ targets are hurt, but I still expect him to succeed this week. |
| Kerry Collins vs. HOU | I would be remiss not to encourage starting whichever quarterback is facing Houston, the worst pass defense in the league, and Collins gets the honor this week. After a rusty return in week 13, Collins exploded for 244 yards and three touchdowns last Thursday against Indianapolis. He was aided by long catch-and-runs by Chris Johnson and threw all of his touchdowns to Tight Ends. If the vet can utilize the same options next week, he may provide surprising numbers. Collins is my “you didn’t realize Aaron Rodgers is hurt until Saturday night” play of the week. |
| Jason Campbell vs. DEN
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Last week, Campbell threw for 300 yards for only the second time all year. He also threw for two touchdowns. This week, he’ll face a Denver defense that has given up the fifth most passing touchdowns. The Broncos are in a mess while Oakland is highly motivated to stay close in their division or at least avoid another losing season. Campbell should be an appealing play in deep or two-Quarterback leagues. |
| Jon Kitna vs WAS | The Cowboy fill-in excelled last week with 242 yards and two scores. It was his fourth multi-touchdown game in eight games. He will continue to pile on the points against Washington this week. The Redskins are giving up the fourth most yards and are coming off a demoralizing loss against the Bucs that may put a damper on this week’s practice, even if it does lead up to their biggest rivalry game. With the ‘Skins season basically over and fiascoes everywhere, they won’t be motivated to stop Kitna, who is likely to put up good numbers once again. |
| Matt Hasselbeck vs. ATL | While Hasselbeck has netted well over 200 yards time and time again, he only has two multi-touchdown games since week one. However, one of those two came last week at San Francisco. This week, Hasselbeck returns home to face an Atlanta defense that is in the bottom ten in touchdowns and yardage and has performed worse on the road. |
And here is who to sit in Week 15:
| SIT ‘EM | |
| Mark Sanchez @ PIT
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Although Sanchez topped 200 yards Sunday, he disappointed most by completing fewer than 50% of his passes and throwing a pick and no touchdowns. So far this year, Sanchez has beat up on bad pass defenses like Houston while faltering against tougher opponents like Miami last week.
The Jets' opponent this week certainly falls in the latter category as they travel to Pittsburgh. While the Steelers have been giving up a good deal of yards, they have surrendered the fifth fewest touchdowns and are notorious for stifling opponents at home, especially late in the year. With playoff positioning on the line, expect Troy Polamalu and co. to come out strong Sunday. Sanchez won’t be up for the challenge. |
| Joe Flacco vs. NO | Of late, Flacco has been putting up consistently strong numbers, but don’t bank on them this week. After narrowly avoiding an embarrassing defeat Monday Night, the Ravens may still be tired by the time the Saints come to town. New Orleans may look like a cushy matchup in name, but they are actually the opposite. They have only given up eight touchdowns through the air, tops in the NFL, and are fifth in pass yards against. You'll have to consider sitting Flacco this week. |
| Matt Ryan @ SEA | To be honest, I’ve gone back and forth on Ryan all week. Yes, the Seahawks aren’t the most formidable pass defense and yes, the third year QB has been successful of late. Still, I’m not a huge fan for this week. Ryan is infamously worse on the road – his QB rating drops 20 points and his completion percentage falls 10 – and he has never exceeded in bad weather. Also, this is a possible trap game as the Falcons face a motivated but average Seahawks squad before what will be their biggest game of the year against New Orleans. If the young team isn’t on top of their game, they could have a letdown and Ryan’s numbers could suffer. |
| Ben Roethlisberger vs. NYJ | In recent weeks, Roethlisberger’s performance has leveled out as he’s thrown for right around 250 yards each week while only tossing one touchdown combined in the last three contests. He’ll have a tough time doing any better than that against a motivated Jets defense. Additionally, adverse weather could limit his deep ball potential. Can you sit the stud with your season on the line? |
