Stock Market Thursday: NFL Week 15
Posted on 17. Dec, 2009 by Brandon LaClair in Columns
Our weekly feature will take a look at the Week 15 matchups and evaluate what players should see an increase or decrease in value in the second week of the fantasy football playoffs.
Stock up
Chris Chambers (KC): After a hot start in Kansas City, Chambers has been non-existent in his past two games, as he has accumulated only six catches for 61 yards. With the Browns and their atrocious pass defense (32nd in league) coming to town, look for Chambers to rebound as the Browns secondary will have to account for Dwayne Bowe, who is playing in his first game coming off suspension. Consider Chambers a solid flex option for this matchup.
Brandon Marshall (Den): After a career day where Marshall set the record for receptions in one game (21) against the Colts; the Broncos’ star should be able to keep his hot streak going as Denver will play an Oakland squad that allows an average of 372.9 total YPG. Don’t expect a repeat performance, but Marshall should have another fine day, as Kyle Orton seems to only have eyes for him on pass plays. Keep Marshall as a strong #2 option in all standard fantasy formats.
Thomas Jones (NYJ): Jones has been a monster all year and that will continue this week as the Jets face a Falcon’s team that is ranked 23rd in the league in run defense, allowing 117.9 rush YPG. Jones has rushed for at least 99 yards in six of his last eight games including six touchdowns over that span. Jones is unequivocally a #1 option in every format.
Justin Forsett (Sea): Forsett has had a two bad weeks since his 130-yard outburst against St. Louis Week 12. Overall, the Seahawks haven’t been able to get much going on the ground all year, but that should change this week as they play Tampa Bay who is allowing 161.2 YPG rushing. Consider Forsett a good flex option with a lot of upside for this game.
Miles Austin (Dal): Only one receiver has made a bigger fantasy impact since Week 5 (Andre Johnson). Roy Williams may have made the bold comments early in the week, but don’t expect much out of him. Miles Austin will be the show if the Cowboys come out of the dome in New Orleans with a win. Austin has scored in three straight weeks and is a must-start for Week 15.
Stock Down
Steve Smith (NYG): The Giants’ breakout receiver has had an outstanding season up to this point, but this is not the week to start the former USC star. The Redskins pass defense has been outstanding all season and as the season winds down, the team will be anything but listless as they try to knock the rival Giants out of the playoff chase. Expect limited production out of Smith; if you have a receiver with a better matchup, make the switch, as that move will pay off for your fantasy squad.
Roddy White (ATL): Matt Ryan will likely be out Week 15 and Chris Redman will get the start for the third straight game, which is bad news for White coupled with his fantasy owners. The Jets are the best pass defense in the league, led by Darrelle Revis who will take the role as White’s cover man. White is a tremendous receiver, but do not take a risk starting him in a bad predicament such as the one he is facing Sunday.
Ryan Grant (GB): If you own Grant, you had to have been overwhelmed with his exceptional performance against division rival Chicago (20 rushes, 137 yards, two touchdowns). Don’t let that excitement carry over into this week, as Green Bay takes on an angry and physical Steelers run defense ranked 1st in the NFL. If Grant were facing any other defense, I’d say start him, but the Steelers are coming off an embarrassing loss to a lowly Cleveland squad effectively knocking them out of the playoffs. Needless to say, it will be a struggle for Grant.
LaDainian Tomlinson (SD): Tomlinson has scored seven touchdowns in his last five games and still has redemption on his mind after critics said he had lost a step. It’s been a great season up to this point, but keep Tomlinson as a flex option with upside for this week as the Chargers face a Cincinnati run defense that is ranked 6th in the league (132.5 YPG).
Randy Moss (NE): The past three weeks have been tough for Moss. He has only tallied six catches for 149 yards over that span including a one catch-16 yard performance last week. This streak of sub-par performances along with a week’s worth of media scrutiny doesn’t bode well for a game against Buffalo and their fifth ranked pass defense. If there is a receiver that could be more beneficial to your team; start the alternative to Moss.
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