Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 15: Final Fantasy Football Advice for Sunday's Schedule

By now, chances are you are in the thick of your fantasy football playoffs and getting ready to make the final calls on your lineup. Conversely, maybe you're a daily fantasy player looking for that under-the-radar player to put this week's squad over the top.

Either way, we're here with some thoughts on which players you should look to get into the starting lineup and a few that you should avoid. 

Start 'Em: Jeremy Hill, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

The second-year running back for the Cincinnati Bengals has had an up-and-down season after breaking out for over 1,100 yards in his rookie campaign. But Week 15 could be one of the "up" weeks for Jeremy Hill, and it could come just in time to carry you to the next round of the playoffs.

First and foremost, Hill couldn't have a better matchup this week. In ESPN standard leagues, the San Francisco 49ers rank dead last against opposing running backs. The stats back that up, as the Niners are 31st in the league in yards per game and give up over four yards per carry.

The downside of Hill this season has been his usage in the offense. In some games, he had more than 20 carries, while in others he got less than 10. But with backup quarterback AJ McCarron making his first start—on the road nonetheless—it's fair to expect a run-heavy game plan from the Bengals this week.

Should Hill be featured in the offense, expect him to have a big day against a soft 49ers defense.

Sit 'Em: Martavis Bryant, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Yes, Martavis Bryant is a big play waiting to happen. Every time he touches the ball, he's capable of going the distance. 

But this week, Bryant has the misfortune of going against the Denver Broncos, who boast the league's top defense. Per Kevin Patra of NFL.com, the Broncos pace the league in scoring defense, total defense, pass defense and sacks.

The Broncos also rank first against opposing fantasy receivers on ESPN, so Bryant could be in for a slow day. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told Ben Swanson of DenverBroncos.com he has yet to find a weakness in the Broncos defense:

"

Their pass rush and rushing coverage work together. Their pass rush is unbelievable. They have edge rushers getting around the outside and inside guys getting a push. Their secondary guys are being physical, making plays. The ball is in the air, they intercept it and they score. So there’s a reason they’re No. 1 in almost every category.

"

The Steelers, however, are no slouch on offense. Per Swanson, the Steelers rank first in the league in yards per play and fifth in points per game. Something will have to give on Sunday, but look for Antonio Brown to get the bulk of the work if the Steelers are able to move the ball consistently on offense.

Start 'Em: Richard Rodgers, TE, Green Bay Packers

If you're looking to replace an injured tight end like Cincinnati's Tyler Eifert or Buffalo's Charles Clay, Richard Rodgers could be your man. Rodgers is owned in just 64.9 percent of ESPN leagues, so he could be sitting on the waiver wire ready to fill the void.

Or perhaps you were platooning Rodgers with a second tight end this season. This could be the week to give him the nod.

Granted, Rodgers is coming off a week in which he saw only two targets—the fewest for him on the year. However, he did turn one of those targets into a touchdown.

The upside for Rodgers this week comes in his matchup. Only one team has been friendly to opposing tight ends this season, and that's the Oakland Raiders. So Rodgers could have a big day Sunday.

If Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack has Aaron Rodgers running for his life, expect the Packers quarterback to look for his tight end and security blanket to move the ball down the field.

Sit Em: Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

This one could be difficult as there may not be many other quarterback options available. But if you can find another viable starter, sit Matt Ryan.

Ryan will enjoy a favorable matchup Sunday as the Jacksonville Jaguars rank 30th in ESPN leagues against opposing quarterbacks. But something just hasn't been right with him this year.

Ryan has thrown at least one interception in four straight games and in six out of his last seven. In addition, he hasn't posted a QBR above 60 since November 1. The Jags are coming off a game in which they hung a 50-burger on the Indianapolis Colts, and as they are still in the thick of their division race, they will be confident heading into Sunday.

As we said, you could do worse than Ryan as your starter given this matchup. But considering the way he has been playing lately, it may be better to look elsewhere.