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Fantasy Football Semi-Final Week: Start, Sit, and Sleepers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:02 p.m. ET

Fansided, David Harrison/FanSided via The Pewter Plank

Le’Veon Bell dominated the Buffalo Bills and topped the fantasy football scoring ranks as the playoffs began for leagues everywhere.

If you had Bell on your side, then you were certainly happy with his performance and most likely made your way to the second round of your fantasy playoffs as he scored nearly half the average points of most teams by himself.
For those of you who won your Week 13 match-ups the games continue to build in importance and tension.
Week 14 doesn’t get any less competitive as fantasy players and actual players alike all look to put themselves in position to win a championship at the end of this season.
Let’s take a look at the real-life games and identify some names who should be leading your squad to another victory, and some to leave out en route to championship Week 15.

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates after throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

START – Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons vs San Francisco 49ers – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:05 PM EST

Matt Ryan is the second-highest scoring fantasy quarterback in 2016 and he’s facing a 49ers defense surrendering around 18-points per game to those who have come before him.
He’s got 30 touchdown passes and even without the services of Julio Jones was able to find the endzone three times against the Los Angeles Rams who surprisingly allow fewer points on average to quarterbacks than San Francisco.
The Falcons are trying to stave off the Buccaneers, and Ryan’s arm is a big part of that effort.

START – Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

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Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

Aaron Rodgers has thrown seven touchdowns in the last three games against the Chicago Bears and will be looking to take advantage of them again as they fight for position in the NFC North.
With eight straight games throwing multiple touchdown passes, Rodgers has been a fantasy dream and should help lead any team starting him to the championship round.

SIT – Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers @ Washington Redskins – Sunday, December 19th @ 8:30 PM EST

If I told you in August this game would feature a team looking for a playoff spot and another who’s just about ready for the draft, you’d never have guessed which teams were in those positions.
Similarly, nobody predicted Cam Newton would be the 15th ranked fantasy quarterback this season and about as far away from a repeat MVP performance someone can get.
Washington is the 8th friendliest quarterback defense in the NFL, but Newton hasn’t thrown for more than 250-yards in a single game since Week 10 and has scored just nine touchdowns since the bye week after totaling 11 in the six weeks prior.

SIT – Sam Bradford, Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings vs Indianapolis Colts – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

The Colts are allowing the fourth-highest points per game average to opposing quarterbacks this week, but it doesn’t mean Sam Bradford is a shoe-in to secure just his second 300-yard passing game of the season.
Even if he does, scoring is not the name of the Vikings’ game and Bradford has just three performances this year with two touchdown passes and none with more than a pair.
Minnesota is in the bottom ten of NFL teams in scoring, and this isn’t going to change enough this week to commit to this quarterback, even against a horrible defensive unit.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

SLEEPER – Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs vs Tennessee Titans – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

With the playoffs approaching the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to secure the AFC West title, and a home game in the post-season.
Alex Smith hasn’t been lighting up the fantasy scoreboards this year, but he’s consistently produced experiencing just three games without a passing touchdown this season.
Now with Tyreek Hill exploding on the scene he has a legitimate deep target to go to against a Tennessee defense which has allowed three 300-yard passers in the last four games and eight touchdowns to go with them.

SLEEPER – Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys – Sunday, December 18th @ 8:30 PM EST

Jameis Winston was held scoreless for the first time in his career last week against the New Orleans Saints, and I wouldn’t expect it to happen again as the Buccaneers travel to Dallas with a five-game winning streak.
The Cowboys are the fifth-worst pass defense in the NFL, so expect the Bucs’ receivers and Winston to connect early and come up with big fantasy performances looking to get a huge road win to position themselves for a playoff run.

Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) carries the ball as Los Angeles Rams safety T.J. McDonald (25) defends during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

START – Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons vs San Francisco 49ers – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:05 PM EST

Despite Devonta Freeman’s abysmal performance last week, he’s still the 7th ranked fantasy running back this season, looking for back-to-back Top-10 seasons.
His work load has been hampered significantly by Tevin Coleman, but should still find a workload big enough to help him take advantage of an especially weak 49ers defense.

START – LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills vs Cleveland Browns – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

The Cleveland Browns are the second-worst defense against running backs allowing 23.6 fantasy points per game to their opponents.
LeSean McCoy is the sixth ranked running back this year, and with the weather getting colder and wetter in Northwestern New York, he should see quite the workload against an especially vulnerable defensive unit.

SIT – Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:05 PM EST

If the Saints are going to bounce back from their loss to the Buccaneers last week and try to stay in the playoff fringe, they’re going to need a balanced attack against an opportunistic secondary in Arizona.
This may give some fantasy enthusiasts out there some thought about Mark Ingram, but alas, it should be a fleeting thought at best.
The Cardinals are one of the best defenses when it comes to containing running backs and have allowed just 10 rushing touchdowns this season.

SIT – Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM

For Ryan Mathews and the Philadelphia Eagles, they’re offense has come to earth a bit and the team has been humbled after a hot start.

November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Levi

Ryan Mathews hasn’t survived the downward spin either and is certainly not an option worth entertaining as he and his teammates face the Ravens in Baltimore this Week.

SLEEPER – Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:05 PM EST

Carlos Hyde is a Top-15 fantasy running back this season, and the Falcons are a team who has allowed 16 touchdowns to their opponents thus far.
With just two 100-yard rushing performances this season it’d be easy to overlook the former Buckeye, but two straight games with more than 90-yards on the ground, things have been looking up.
He’s the only option his team has to produce consistently, but he’s running with a purpose as his team careens towards an NFL lottery pick for the second straight season.

SLEEPER – Kenneth Farrow, San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers vs Oakland Raiders – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:05 PM EST

How could a running back with just 125 career rushing yards lead you to the fantasy championships? When he’s replacing Melvin Gordon against the fourth friendliest defense against running backs in 2016.
The Chargers may be out of the AFC West race, but it doesn’t mean they can’t play spoiler and send the Raiders to two straight losses.
If they do it, they’ll need some good numbers from Kenneth Farrow who will be getting his first career start after tallying 55-yards on 16 carries in relief work last week.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

START – Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs vs Tennessee Titans – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

After having five or more catches in just two games before Week 10, he’s had at least that amount in four of the last five.
He’s also scored two receiving touchdowns in the same span while earning a rushing score and becoming one of the best special teams players the NFL has today.
The Titans are surrendering big games as of late to some of the most dangerous deep threats in the business, and Hill should get plenty of shots to get the next one.

START – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys – Sunday, December 18th @ 8:30 PM EST

Mike Evans is just 106-yards and three touchdowns away from eclipsing career numbers in both categories, and his fantasy owners couldn’t be happier.
His two-game scoring drought matches his longest of 2016 for the Buccaneers, but the good news is he came out of his last one with a two-score performance against the Seahawks defense.
If the Bucs are going to beat the Cowboys they’re passing attack will be a big part of it, and this means Evans should have a big game.

SIT – Julian Edelman, New England Patriots

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:25 PM EST

This game just won’t have the same level of excitement without Peyton Manning involved, but the Broncos defense should still give Denver a shot at beating Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Julian Edelman is a big part of the New England offense and as such will get the majority of Denver’s attention.
Giving up just 13.4 points per week on average and have been the hardest defense for receivers to score fantasy points against.
While he’ll certainly be targeted often, his weekend is likely to be very frustrating along with those who insert him into their lineup.

SIT – DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans

Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

DeAndre Hopkins’ chances of gaining 1,000-yards receiving this season are just about done as he’ll need 300-yards in the last three games to do so.
His Week 15 match-up pits him and his Texans offense against the Jacksonville Jaguars who are just as frustrated if not more-so than his own team.
For all the struggles the Jags have gone through this year, they’re allowing just 19.9 points per week to opposing receivers and come in as the fifth toughest fantasy match-up in the NFL.

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) reacts following his catch against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

This should just about seal Hopkins’ statistical fate despite the fact his team is still competing for the honor of winning the league’s worst division.

SLEEPER – Mike Wallace, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens vs Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

Mike Wallace is a legitimate WR2 option in fantasy football this season, but heading into a Week 15 match-up with the Philadelphia Eagles he should break into WR1 territory.
Philly’s defense is giving up an average of 26.2 points per game to opposing wide receivers, and with most of the attention likely to focus on Steve Smith, Wallace should find some room to operate.
With just four touchdowns this season it may be hard to pull the trigger on this one, but it should pay-off.

SLEEPER – Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins vs Carolina Panthers – Sunday, December 19th @ 8:30 PM EST

Giving up on Josh Norman may have been the best long-term plan for the Carolina Panthers, but for 2016 it has proved to be a horrible idea.
One of the league’s best defenses has turned into one of the softest and will be taken advantage of by Jamison Crowder as he looks for touchdown number eight and beyond.

Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after a catch while San Diego Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) pursues in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

START – Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers @ Washington Redskins – Sunday, December 19th @ 8:30 PM EST

Greg Olsen will probably be the only Carolina Panther who can take at least some personal satisfaction from this season.
Through 14 weeks, the 31-year old has 907-yards receiving and will likely eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the third year in a row before it’s all said and done.
This pace has him ranked as the second-best tight end in fantasy football despite having just three touchdowns, and a match-up against the Redskins on Monday Night Football gives him a chance to increase his stats again.
Washington is the 8th-worst defense against tight ends this season which obviously gives Olsen the advantage his owners are looking for.

SIT – Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:05 PM EST

If you’re looking for a tight end to help you into the championship round, Coby Fleener isn’t the guy.
For a player in a position which held such focus for his offense in previous seasons it’s very telling that he’s yet to really catch on with his quarterback Drew Brees.
Some say it’s because he’s new which flies in the face of rookie Michael Thomas’ impressive success this year.

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) runs with the ball in the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Whatever the reason, the Colts let their quarterback’s former college teammate walk and even the Saints’ high-powered passing attack hasn’t netted him much in results.
Don’t expect that to change this week.

SLEEPER – Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys – Sunday, December 18th @ 8:30 PM EST

Speaking of the Saints and tight ends, Cameron Brate was once a member of the New Orleans franchise, and they probably wish they’d never let him back into the hands of the Buccaneers now.
With six touchdowns on the season Brate has become a reliable target for Jameis Winston to look at when Mike Evans is being swarmed by defenders.
The Cowboys secondary is going to have their hands full with Evans, and the result should be some space for Brate to work in.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) pursues the play during a NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

START – Kansas City Chiefs D/ST

Kansas City Chiefs vs Tennessee Titans – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

Marcus Mariota and the Titans have definitely turned some heads this season as they’ve put up over 300 points this year and are in the thick of a divisional title push.
Winning two-straight has to have them confident, but the Chiefs defense is going to be looking to stop that confidence in it’s tracks.
This is not the same defense which was victimized by Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, and Mariota’s fantasy fate will mirror his real-life fate.
A long day is ahead of the former Oregon Duck, and teams who start him will lose with him.

SIT – Chicago Bears D/ST

Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers – Sunday, December 18th @ 1:00 PM EST

In this classic rivalry, which hasn’t really been a contest it seems, in the past decade or so there’s a bully coming to town.
The Green Bay Packers are two games out of first place and have to beat the Bears to stay alive.
Aaron Rodgers has been firing on all cylinders and hasn’t thrown an interception in four games which has helped spark their three game winning streak.

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph (42) defends against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The “Pack” have something to play for, and the Bears are shopping for vacation spots. This is about all you need to know.

SLEEPER – Oakland Raiders D/ST

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers – Sunday, December 18th @ 4:25 PM EST

Without Melvin Gordon the Chargers offense loses a little of its punch, and with Philip Rivers you’re just about guaranteed to have a shot at multiple turnovers.
Oakland’s defense is currently ranked 21st in the NFL among fantasy scoring, but they’re in the playoff conversation and looking to keep pace with the Chiefs who should come out with a home victory against the Titans.
If Oakland wins, expect the defense to have at least two takeaways in this one.

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) celebrates to the fans as he runs off the field after they beat the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

WEEK 15 RECAP

Let’s Recap our selections for this weekends’ match-ups…

START:

QB, Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
QB, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
RB, Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons
RB, LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
WR, Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs

Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) points to a fan during warmups before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

WR, Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TE, Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers
D/ST, Kansas City Chiefs

SIT:

QB, Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
QB, Sam Bradford, Minnesota Vikings
RB, Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints
RB, Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
WR, Julian Edelman, New England Patriots
WR, DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
TE, Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints
D/ST, Chicago Bears

SLEEPERS:

QB, Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
QB, Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB, Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers
RB, Kenneth Farrow, San Diego Chargers
WR, Mike Wallace, Baltimore Ravens
WR, Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins
TE, Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
D/ST, Oakland Raiders

DAILY LINEUPS

Playing daily fantasy football games are not as simple as plug and play. It’s a delicate balance of fiscal responsibility and talent management. Here we provide a couple options which should prove affordable and full of possibilities.

The Pewter Projection

Your weekly lineup provided by the analysis and projections The Pewter Plank brings you every week.

QB – Matt Ryan vs San Francisco 49ers
RB – LeSean McCoy vs Cleveland Browns
RB – Kenneth Farrow vs Oakland Raiders
WR – Tyreek Hill vs Tennessee Titans
WR – Mike Evans @ Dallas Cowboys
WR – Jamison Crowder vs Carolina Panthers
TE – Cameron Brate @ Dallas Cowboys
K – Roberto Aguayo @ Dallas Cowboys
D/ST – Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs Tennessee Titans

So, there we have it. Week 15 NFL action has already begun with the Seahawks clobbering the Rams on Thursday Night Football, and the Dolphins trumping the Jets last night.
Send your questions, comments and individual analysis to our official Twitter feed, to any of our contributors or experts. We can’t get to them all of course, but we’ll get to as many as we can each week.
Which of our starters will hit pay-dirt for your fantasy football team, which of our sits will bust through the doubt and put up top numbers anyway, and which of our sleepers will give a burst to your daily fantasy lineups? Come back again to get your Week 16 insight and advice. Good luck in the semi-final round and see you next week in the Championship!