Week 15 Fantasy Football Player Rankings
Robert Griffin III and Dez Bryant are the big injury questions of the week. David Wilson is the hottest add off the waiver wire. And everyone is wondering if week 15 will finally be the time we see the real Ryan Mathews come alive.
All of this certainly factored into my final fantasy football rankings for week 15, as I’m sure it’s made you question your own starting lineups, too. Let’s filter through the mess as I break down each of the main offensive positions a bit, and then feel free to sort through my player rankings and quick notes below:
Quarterbacks
I can’t go against Cam Newton. San Diego isn’t the greatest matchup, but he’s on fire and playing like a new man. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he’s the top quarterback for the week. In fact, that’s where he sits in my rankings.
You have to like Josh Freeman’s chances against a still soft Saints pass D this week. He played well against them last time and not a whole lot has changed.
I’m digging a bit of a Colin Kaepernick explosion this week. I saw what the Patriots did to the Texans last week, but I can’t see that happening to San Francisco. They’re more disciplined, and ‘Kaep is far more dynamic than Matt Schaub. Look for the 49ers to open it up on offense and get Kaepernick going early.
Lower on the list, I’m a fan of Mark Sanchez, Brandon Weeden and Chad Henne. I’m not ranking them crazy high (except maybe Sanchez), but if you’re stuck with them I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with their week 15 numbers.
Running Backs
I’ve consumed the kool-aid in regards to David Wilson. He won’t be a ppr beast, but Ahmad Bradshaw is out and he faces the 31st ranked Falcons defense. That has to add up to something positive.
I’m also high on Ryan Mathews. He toted the ball 25 times last week against the Steelers, and no Ronnie Brown suggests that can happen again. But this time he’s facing a soft Carolina run D, so his potential is much more interesting.
I know Stevan Ridley has been a TD monster (TD in six straight games), but the 49ers can be a brick wall at times. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he scored again, but he’s not a ppr guy so I wouldn’t bank on a great yardage day.
Whether or not RG3 plays, the Redskins are a pretty good bet to design their week 15 offensive game plan around Alfred Morris. He’s been killing it and a good way to beat the Browns is to run it down their throat. He is certainly capable of doing that.
Don’t be too surpised if Reggie Bush gets his mojo back this week. His role was better last week (more ppr value) and the Jags aren’t a scary opponent.
Wide Receivers
Vincent Jackson is going to beast out again against the Saints. Pretty much any receiver in this game for either team is worth taking a shot on, but I completely expect him to be the top option again.
I’m not a believer that the third time is the charm for Greg Jennings. He’s been a dud in his two games since returning. Play Randall Cobb instead if you have the chance.
Brandon Marshall has been destroying secondaries lately, but his only real dud game of the year actually came against the Packers, who he faces this week. I’m a little down on him.
Pierre Garcon will only go as far as RG3 can take him. If RG3 plays, Garcon could thrive even with Joe Haden on him. If not, I wouldn’t tie my fantasy playoffs to him.
Tight Ends
Antonio Gates has been a bum all year. He’s either not trying hard enough or just unable to make the big-time plays he used to. This week’s matchup with the Panthers actually bodes well, but I just don’t trust him anymore.
I think it’s time to buy into Kyle Rudolph. Notice I say buy into the TE, and not Christian Ponder. He’s a safe bet to get a scoring opportunity or two, and he has been a solid ppr guy lately, too.
Jimmy Graham has apparently had a wrist issue and has been stinking up the joint for weeks. It’s crunch time and he’s facing a bad Buccaneers pass defense. You simply have to give him another shot with a matchup this good.
For more notes on the positions above, as well as kickers and team defenses, read on in my week 15 fantasy player rankings:
Kevin Roberts 
Keet Bailey 
Taylor Smith 
Michael Cellars 
Trevor Gunn 
Terrence Kirker