Week 15 provided a lot of entertainment with several story lines. The Packers finally saw their 19-game winning streak end, against Kansas City of all teams. The Broncos saw their modest six-game winning streak come to a halt against the Patriots, who once again looked susceptible on defense while losing one of their best players in Andre Carter. A couple of teams - the San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles - both continued potential miraculous runs at division titles. With each team taking a loss in Week 15, this week's Giants/Jets game will prove to be one of the better matchups with playoff berths hanging in the balance.
Keep in mind that due to Christmas the majority of games will be played on Saturday this week. Be sure to pay attention to reports later this week as many of the players discussed will have their fantasy value hanging on the health of the starter in front of them.
Kahlil Bell, RB, Chicago - Let's start by talking about Marion Barber. Whether it was the poor mental mistake that helped the Broncos to victory in Week 14 or an overall lack of production, Kahlil Bell was the Chicago running back with the bigger role against Seattle. The lack of production from Barber - 3.0 YPC vs. Seattle, 4.0 YPC vs. Denver and 3.1 YPC vs. Kansas City - is likely why Bell got the more significant workload. Bell finished Sunday's game with 20 touches for 107 yards and a touchdown. Bell has caught five passes in each of his last two games, giving him even more value in PPR formats. He'll probably be looking at about another 15-20 touches this weekend for the anemic Chicago offense if those numbers will help your fantasy squad.
Evan Royster, RB, WAS - It was surprising to see Royster get 10 carries Sunday given that he came into the game with only seven for the season. Royster has leapfrogged Ryan Torain (and rightfully so) on the depth chart and is the clear backup to Roy Helu. Speaking of Helu, Mike Shanahan was more than forthcoming Monday with the information that Helu was playing through both knee and toe injuries that led to a 2.3 YPC day. If said injuries should keep Helu out of Saturday's tilt with the Vikings, Royster would likely be in line for 20-plus touches.
Kyle Orton, QB, KC - If Orton wasn't able to cut it in Denver, why will he be fantasy relevant for Week 16? Let's rewind to the Packers game. Orton not only wasn't sacked, he, more importantly, gave up no turnovers. He finished the game with a solid 9.6 YPA and spread the ball around hitting10 receivers. This week, Orton gets another home matchup that should be favorable against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have given up 244 passing yards per game, 23rd in the league, as well as 27 passing touchdowns, 31st in the league. Throw in that Orton has the three Bs at his disposal - Steve Breaston, Jonathan Baldwin and Dwayne Bowe. If you're the type of owner who plays matchups and is scouring the waiver wire for help, Orton is a viable option this week.
Matt Moore, QB, MIA - Moore has done is best to make Dolphins fans forget Chad Henne, sporting a 7.4 YPA with a 12:6 TD:INT ratio for the season. While those numbers aren't considered to be elite by any means, Moore will get the league's worst pass defense with the New England Patriots on tap for Week 16. What should also be to Moore's benefit is that he should be playing from behind, meaning he should throw a lot. If you don't like the matchup your quarterback has, take Moore into consideration this week. While Brandon Marshall is likely a must-start, look at upgrading Sal Fasano and Devone Bess also.
Jamie Harper, RB, TEN - Harper is an interesting name this week given he's had a whopping 11 touches all season. A broken hand to Javon Ringer has landed Harper as CJ2K's backup, though an ankle injury to Johnson could elevate Harper to starter status this week. In the preseason, Harper averaged 4.4 YPC and scored three touchdowns. Given his limited use this season he should have fresh legs, and at 233 pounds, he's a tough load to bring down. He's a look in deeper formats if Chris Johnson doesn't play this week.
Lance Ball, RB, DEN - Ball got a bump in work Sunday with Willis McGahee banged up, finishing the day with 13 touches for 105 yards and a touchdown. While the Patriots aren't the '85 Bears on defense, the Broncos get a Bills team that allowed 203 yards and a touchdown to Reggie Bush. Ball averages a respectable 4.4 yards per carry and is a solid receiver out of the backfield. Ball will only be a fantasy play in deeper leagues if Willis is ruled out, so watch the Denver practice reports as the week goes on.
Washington D - The Redskins looked like they were the ones playing with the sense of urgency for a playoff spot and not the Giants on Sunday. Washington forced Eli Manning into a season-worst fantasy day with only 257 passing yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. Now Washington returns home and gets Christian Ponder and the Vikings. Ponder has six interceptions in his last three games and the Vikings have given up 20 sacks over their last five games. Losers of six straight and sitting at 2-12 with an ailing Adrian Peterson, look for Jim Haslett's defense to have a big day.
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