The biggest fantasy football news to watch as Week 15 continues are the uncertain statuses of star wide receivers A.J. Green and Julio Jones. Let’s start with Green, who was limited in practice for a second straight day on Thursday as he recovers from a hamstring injury. According to the Bengals’ website, "all the Bengals want to know is if his hamstring is healed well enough (80 percent? 90 percent?) so he doesn’t tweak it again. They may not have their answer until after Saturday’s practice."
As D.J. Foster pointed out on Thursday’s FOX Fantasy Podcast, the Bengals’ playoff chances are pretty much dead. If there’s any significant chance of re-injury for Green, they’ll sit him out, right? There’s certainly risk involved with starting Green, and it’ll be understandable if you want to avoid it with your fantasy playoff life on the line. As always, it depends on your alternatives. I’ll have Green in flexville if he’s active, and you can tweet me (@jhalpin37) if you have any "Green or ________?" questions. For context, my personal dilemma is Green vs. Robby Anderson, and I have Anderson at WR26 in the rankings. I’m leaning Anderson, partly because of his Saturday night start.
As for Jones (toe), he missed practice again Thursday. Head coach Dan Quinn said that Jones will "push it" on Friday and get cleared to play when he is "able to explode pain-free." The Falcons must be confident that they can beat the 49ers at home with or without Jones, so his activation would suggest that he’s ready to roll. In most cases, I’d start Jones if the Falcons are willing to do so. Again, this decision depends on your alternatives.
In other news ...
Jets head coach Todd Bowles is calling RB Matt Forte (knee) a "gametime decision" for Saturday’s meeting with the Dolphins. According to NJ.com, Forte "still seems like a longshot" but his "odds are getting better." Avoid Forte even if he’s active, which would knock Bilal Powell down to flexville from his current RB13.
With Melvin Gordon (hip, knee) unlikely to play, rookie RB Kenneth Farrow is expected to start for the Chargers. Earlier this week, the San Diego Union-Tribune suggested a "platoon" between Farrow and Ronnie Hillman because of Farrow’s pass-protection issues. Still, Farrow looks like a solid low-end RB2. He carried 16 times for 55 yards at Carolina in relief of Gordon, while catching six passes for 23 yards. Hillman was inactive in that game, so it’s hard to say how he might have impacted Farrow’s workload. Farrow seems likely to get at least 15 touches.
With Theo Riddick (wrist) still not practicing, Lions RB Dwayne Washington could be busy again after a 16-carry game in Week 14. Washington’s matchup with the Giants is a tough one, and he’ll slot in at about RB30 if Riddick is out. Others in that range include Rashad Jennings, Jerick McKinnon and Mike Gillislee. An uninspiring group, for sure.
In other Lions’ news, the Detroit Free Press reports that QB Matthew Stafford "did not look as comfortable with his dislocated middle finger … as he did Wednesday, when he debuted a glove that left four of his five fingers exposed." The Free Press added that Stafford "fiddled with the glove constantly" during the part of practice open to the media. Maybe we shouldn’t overreact to this specific report, but fantasy owners should avoid Stafford in this very difficult matchup with the Giants. He’s got a disclocated middle finger on his throwing hand, for crying out loud. Widely available QBs such as Trevor Siemian and Alex Smith are better fantasy options.
Did we learn anything from Thursday’s Rams-Seahawks poopfest (h/t, Richard Sherman)? Nothing has changed with Todd Gurley, unfortunately. The Seahawks tortured Thomas Rawls’ fantasy owners by ignoring him on four consecutive plays inside the five-yard line during the third quarter. If you started Rawls, you’re digging out from an early hole this week. If you drafted Gurley, your season is probably done already, right?
Jets WR Brandon Marshall might be on a "pitch count" this week? Sit him if you weren’t already planning to do so. My man Robby Anderson has things covered for Bryce Petty.
Saints WR Michael Thomas (foot) was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Thomas carries worry after being a late scratch last week, but signs look good. RB Mark Ingram (toe) also returned to practice.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, on whether Jordan Reed will play more after being on the field for just 10 of 48 snaps in Week 14: "We hope so, but I think, again, it’s just one of these deals where we have to see where he’s at, see how much strength he has. He’s getting better and better, but still, that’s a tough injury – a Grade 3 is significant. So we’ll have to wait and see how he does." I’ve shifted Reed down to TE8 after initially being more hopeful.
In case you missed it earlier this week, the Bills have officially made Mike Gillislee their goal-line back. LeSean McCoy owners shouldn’t change their plans as a result, but Gillislee is flex-able for Sunday’s matchup with the pitiful Browns.
Not that James Starks was helping any fantasy owners, but he suffered a concussion in a car accident and might not play Sunday. Look for Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael to share carries again, and note that Packers head coach Mike McCarthy thinks Montgomery could handle a 20-carry load. He probably felt the same way last week, when he let Montgomery carry the ball only nine times. Interesting, but too risky.
Panthers QB Cam Newton has been held out of passing drills this week and had an MRI on his right shoulder, but head coach Ron Rivera suggested that Newton is on track to start Monday night.
Texans TE C.J. Fiedorowicz remains in the concussion protocol, and probably won’t play Sunday.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is practicing this week and hoping for a Week 16 return. However, head coach Mike Zimmer noted Thursday that "there are so many things to figure out" and Peterson "hasn’t sat in meetings for three months." If you want to keep Peterson stashed on your bench as a lottery ticket, I guess that’s fine. He’s unlikely to help you next week, though.
Finally, here's a helpful link to some of Week 15's impactful weather forecasts. Remember that wind is a more important factor than rain, snow or even cold (though that Packers-Bears game looks like it will be especially frigid). I'm not a weatherman, but I'll adjust rankings as necessary on Saturday.
Good luck in your fantasy playoff games!
