Week 15: Sit 'Em
Week 15 Sit'em: 1 quarterback - 3 running backs - 2 tight ends and 1 wide out.
In my league, fantasy playoffs are upon us. Now is the time to do your homework and set your best roster. Personally, I have many decisions to make and hope I choose the right combination of players to beat my buddy in Chicago or else I will hear about it for weeks (if not longer). This week Pittsburgh faces a continuously improving Green Bay defense that will pressure Roethlisberger and likely force turnovers. After not throwing a touchdown last week and being sacked 8 times, Big Ben will not be looking forward to this match-up. Sit Roethlisberger (and for that matter Heath Miller as well since he will be pulled for coverage). Ben Watson did score his first touchdown in a while last week, but his three receptions for 30 something yards was not impressive. This week New England will look to exploit Buffalo's weak run defense and Watson will likely be average. DeAngelo Williams is back in action, but his return was average at best -- 82 yards rushing, plus a pair of receptions for short yardage. This week Williams faces the fourth ranked Minnesota rush defense and his team will be pressured to keep pace with the high powered Minnesota offense. Matt Forte continues to be a disappointment. With limited yardage -- less than 700 yards rushing on the season -- and now facing Baltimore in Week 15, Forte is not my pick at running back or even flex. LeSean McCoy seemed like a great pick-up and he had several solid games this season, but with his recent time sharing with Leonard Weaver, the approaching return of Brian Westbrook and McCoy's own poor performance lately, he is a sit'em pick for sure. Vincent Jackson did bounce back from a four game slide in Week 14, but he still has not scored a touch down since Week 9. Consider these recommendations based upon statistics and data tracked that points toward decreased performance this week. As always, ultimately your roster should be locked once you balance your gut feel with the research you have done. We all make errors in our starting line-ups, but tis the season to be aware of trends and flukes in an attempt to move your team to glory.
QB Ben Roethlisberger, ---
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Ben Roethlisberger needs a helping hand from his offensive line. He suffered the consequences of poor blocking and coverage last week by taking eight sacks versus Cleveland. On the season Big Ben has been sacked 38 league leading times. This week, Pittsburgh's offensive line will be without left guard Chris Kemoeatu due to injury and this puts Big Ben under greater pressure. Green Bay's defensive unit is top-ranked in the NFC. They allow less than 275 yards per game, have forced over 30 turnovers and had nine interceptions in their last three games. Roethlisberger would not be my choice at quarterback this week, that is for sure.
RB Matt Forte, ---
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Matt Forte has less than 700 rushing yards on the season. Forte's performance has been up and down this season and I foresee his performance this week versus Baltimore being less than stellar. Baltimore will bring pressure and be able to cover running and passing lanes effectively. Cutler will be under constant pressure and this will put a wrench in the integrated flow of the running and passing games. I am a fan of Forte and he has value, but this time of the fantasy season it is hard to trust his performance.
RB LeSean McCoy, ---
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After seeing McCoy hover around 100 yards for several games and get scores, he seemed like a viable option for many fantasy owners looking for a back to play consistently. However, McCoy's value has dropped not only because of his lack of production lately, but also because of his time share with Leonard Weaver and the possible return of Brian Westbrook (if not this week, possibly next). Sit McCoy for several reasons, you prioritize.
RB DeAngelo Williams, ---
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Williams returned from injury last week versus New England and rushed for 82 yards and no score. He also had 2 receptions for minimal yardage. This week Williams will face the fourth ranked Minnesota rush defense and should be tested. With as many surprising running back performances as we have seen with injuries and shuffling this season, Williams is worth a look as a sit'em candidate this week. Williams would be my reach pick this week, but if you picked up some of the other available backs filling in successfully this season you might consider their match-ups.
WR Vincent Jackson, ---
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Vincent Jackson bounced back from four weeks of limited production in Week 14 versus Dallas with 7 receptions for 120 yards, but he did not score. Jackson has not caught a ball in the end zone since Week 9. San Diego is struggling with their ground game and that of course has an effect on the air attack. Jackson's deep looks for Rivers have not been there and that means he does not see the ball often. Antonio Gates is San Diego's leading receiver and Jackson's slide in performance is likely to kick back into gear this week. I foresee San Diego pushing to get their ground game going this week and I think LT and Sproles can do this against Cincinnati.
