Fantasy Football Week 15: Matt Camp's Week 15 Preview

Congratulations if you made it this far in the fantasy football playoffs.

Unfortunately, this time of year can be difficult to navigate as the NFL separates into contenders and teams packing it in with nothing to play for.

As you might expect, finding gems on the waiver wire isn't easy this late in the season, so the top name might be Bilal Powell of the New York Jets after his strong performance filling in for the injured Matt Forte (knee) in a great matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. 

Streaming options are thinning out at both quarterback and tight end, and even the pickups you make at running back and wide receiver likely won't mean much more than the final spot in your starting lineup.

There are some names to grab at those positions, but unless you've been able to get this far with smoke and mirrors, the key players for your Week 15 matchup likely sit on your roster right now.

Quarterbacks

Matt Hazlett/Getty Images

Joe Flacco should take advantage of a bumbling Eagles defense.

Note: At this point in the season, it's not a surprise to see almost every quarterback with any fantasy value owned in at least 50 percent of leagues. Plus, if you've made it this far, you know streaming QBs gets much more difficult in the fantasy playoffs.

Waiver Wire 

Joe Flacco, BAL

Percent Owned: ESPN—26.2, Yahoo—25.0

The Baltimore Ravens may have come out on the losing end when they faced the New England Patriots in Week 14, but if you played Joe Flacco, he came through for the second straight week. He tied a season high with 52 pass attempts and set a season high with 37 completions, totaling 324 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

That gives him 705 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in his last two games. 

With the Ravens fighting to stay in the AFC playoff hunt, they'll get a break in the schedule for Week 15 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. As losers of their last four games, the Eagles are all but eliminated from playoff contention, so targeting them would be a good idea. In the last three contests, quarterbacks have posted 872 yards and six touchdowns against the Eagles. Expect Flacco to put up similar numbers. 

Week 15 Projection: 275-285 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception.

The Matchup Men

As a sneak preview of my weekly rankings, these are the players whose matchups helped or hurt them. I'll provide additional analysis and projections in Wednesday's Big Board.

Matchup Bumps

• Cam Newton, CAR (at WAS)
• Jameis Winston, TB (at DAL)
• Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. PHI)
• Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. SF)
• Alex Smith, KC (vs. TEN)

Matchup Concerns

• Tom Brady, NE (at DEN)
• Matthew Stafford, DET (at NYG)
• Dak Prescott, DAL (vs. TB)

Running Backs

Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The Packers finally realized Ty Montgomery is their best running back.

Widely Available Handcuffs

Listed in order of importance

• Dallas Cowboys: Alfred Morris (Ezekiel Elliott)
• Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry (DeMarco Murray) 
• Buffalo Bills: Mike Gillislee (LeSean McCoy)
• Pittsburgh Steelers: DeAngelo Williams (Le'Veon Bell)
• Arizona Cardinals: Andre Ellington (David Johnson)

Waiver Wire

Bilal Powell, NYJ

Percent Owned: ESPN—37.4, Yahoo—46.0

Bilal Powell made an appearance as a sleeper as part of last week's Big Board, but his role was even bigger than expected due to Matt Forte's setback. Forte went down with a knee injury after just three carries for eight yards, so Powell picked up the slack with 29 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns in addition to five receptions for 34 yards on five targets.

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, Forte said there's "cracking and popping" in his knee and that it was hyperextended, so an MRI was necessary. With Sunday's game against the visiting Miami Dolphins coming up, it looks like Powell could be in for another busy workload.

In the last two contests, Miami allowed 100-plus rushing yards, at least five receptions and 40-plus receiving yards to running backs. If Powell leads the way, he should be a solid play in Week 15. 

Week 15 Projection: To be determined based on Forte's status

Ty Montgomery, GB

Percent Owned: ESPN—34.9, Yahoo—37.0

It took time for the Green Bay Packers to come back around, but Ty Montgomery is successfully leading their backfield once again. He led the team in snaps vs. the Seahawks at 51 percent after leading with 50 percent in Week 13. Montgomery ran nine times for 41 yards and a touchdown and added three receptions for 45 yards on four targets. 

James Starks has six carries for four yards in the last two games, while Christine Michael has 19 carries for 55 yards. Montgomery shouldn't be expected to carry a huge workload, but with the most snaps and a role as a runner and a receiver, he's fantasy relevant once again. That's enough reason to grab him with a trip to Chicago to face the Bears coming this weekend. 

Week 15 Projection: 10 carries, 43 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 40 receiving yards

Dwayne Washington, DET

Percent Owned: ESPN—5.8, Yahoo—4.0

In the absence of Theo Riddick (wrist), Dwayne Washington saw season highs with 61 percent of the snaps, 16 carries, 64 yards and one reception for 10 yards on two targets in the win over the Chicago Bears. It's the best Washington's looked all year, but it doesn't mean he'll keep the same role if Riddick is back this weekend. 

While the New York Giants played great defense against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, they still gave up 107 yards on 24 carries to Ezekiel Elliott. However, Washington is nowhere near the player Elliott is. Because Matthew Stafford is planning on playing through his middle finger injury on his throwing hand, he'll be limited and needs someone to take some of the burden from him, which is where Washington would fit in if Riddick can't play.

Week 15 Projection: To be determined based on Riddick's status

Kenneth Farrow, SD

Percent Owned: ESPN—0.7, Yahoo—4.0

Kenneth Farrow is an undrafted rookie you may never have heard of before Week 14, and I bet the San Diego Chargers would rather have kept Farrow's name out of the spotlight for the rest of this season. Unfortunately, Melvin Gordon suffered hip and knee strains in Week 14 and is considered week-to-week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Since the Chargers didn't have Gordon for much of their loss to the Carolina Panthers, we saw Farrow run 16 times for 55 yards and catch all six of his targets for 23 yards. That role may not be as big if the Chargers activate Ronnie Hillman for the first time since signing him before Week 12. Still, Farrow would have a good matchup in the Oakland Raiders' visit to San Diego on Sunday. 

Week 15 Projection: 14 carries, 60 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 25 receiving yards

Charles Sims, TB

Percent Owned: ESPN—12.2, Yahoo—19.0

Surprisingly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers used Charles Sims, not Jacquizz Rodgers, as the primary backup to Doug Martin in their Week 14 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Martin struggled to 66 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and two receptions for 19 yards on two targets. Sims played 23 percent of the snaps with three receptions for 33 yards on four targets and four carries for 17 yards.

Martin still reigned supreme at 67 percent of the snaps, and Rodgers had just 11 percent with two carries for zero yards and no targets. Their opponents for Week 15, the Dallas Cowboys, haven't given up 100 rushing yards to running backs of any team since the Baltimore Ravens got them in Week 11. The Buccaneers may stick with Martin to lead the way and grind out yards, but you'll see Sims worked in here and there with a chance his role could expand if Martin struggles.

Week 15 Projection: 6 carries, 23 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 40 receiving yards

The Matchup Men 

Matchup Bumps

• Devonta Freeman/Tevin Coleman, ATL (vs. SF)
• Thomas Rawls, SEA (vs. LA)
• LeSean McCoy, BUF (vs. CLE)
• Jordan Howard, CHI (vs. GB)
• Isaiah Crowell, CLE (at BUF)

Matchup Concerns

• Mark Ingram, NO (at ARI)
• Spencer Ware, KC (vs. TEN)
• Todd Gurley, LA (at SEA)
• Doug Martin, TB (at DAL)
• Frank Gore, IND (at MIN)

Wide Receivers

Tom Dahlin/Getty Images

Adam Thielen has been the Vikings' best wide receiver over the last month.

Waiver Wire

Pierre Garcon, WAS

Percent Owned: ESPN—43.7, Yahoo—37.0

If Pierre Garcon's ownership percentage doesn't jump up in Week 15, I don't know when it will happen. His strong play spans the better part of two months. In Week 14, he caught five of six targets for 59 yards and a touchdown. It's the fourth time he's had at least 14 fantasy points in a PPR format and the sixth time in eight games he has double-digit fantasy points in PPR formats. 

With Jordan Reed (shoulder) playing at less than 100 percent, Garcon is more valuable in this week's matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Against a beatable secondary, the Redskins should stay aggressive through the air—meaning another busy game for Garcon. 

Week 15 Projection: 6 receptions, 72 yards

Adam Thielen, MIN

Percent Owned: ESPN—19.0, Yahoo—19.0

The best wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings over the last month has been Adam Thielen, not Stefon Diggs, and that continued in Week 14. Thielen caught four of five targets for 101 yards, while Diggs had three receptions for 55 yards on five targets. Thielen has at least 11 points in PPR formats in each of his last four games. 

Because the Vikings have struggled to protect Sam Bradford, the veteran quarterback has been going with more of a dink-and-dunk passing attack to get the ball out before he gets sacked. Thielen has turned into a security blanket of sorts for Bradford and could be busier than that in a favorable matchup with the visiting Indianapolis Colts.

Week 15 Projection: 6 receptions 81 yards

Dontrelle Inman, SD

Percent Owned: ESPN—19.8, Yahoo—20.0

Seeing Dontrelle Inman so widely available after he scored in each of the last three games is surprising, especially since he had at least six receptions and 70 yards in two of those contests. With a beatable matchup against the Oakland Raiders in Week 15, Inman has a good chance to keep up his productive fantasy numbers, as long as Philip Rivers does a better job protecting the football. 

Week 15 Projection: 5 receptions, 70 yards

The Matchup Men 

Matchup Bumps

• Tyreek Hill, KC (vs. TEN)
• Steve Smith, BAL (vs. PHI)
• Mike Evans, TB (at DAL)

Matchup Concerns

• DeAndre Hopkins, HOU (vs. JAC)
• Dez Bryant, DAL (vs. TB)
• Golden Tate, DET (at NYG)
• Terrelle Pryor, CLE (at BUF)
• Kenny Britt, LA (at SEA)
• T.Y. Hilton, IND (at MIN)
• Julian Edelman/Malcolm Mitchell, NE (at DEN)

Tight Ends

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

If you're reaching deep, Charles Clay has the Browns in Week 15.

Waiver Wire

Charles Clay, BUF

Percent Owned: ESPN—9.1, Yahoo—11.0

Unless you're hurting at tight end, Charles Clay probably won't give you confidence this week, but he's getting consideration for a reason (or two). He came back to life with three receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown in the Week 14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Clay has a chance to follow up on one of his best fantasy games of the season when the Bills host the Cleveland Browns. They gave up five receptions, 48 yards and two touchdowns on six targets to Tyler Eifert last week. Still, Clay is a desperation play with your season on the line. 

Week 15 Projection: 4 receptions, 52 yards

The Matchup Men 

Matchup Bumps

• Greg Olsen, CAR (at WAS)
• Cameron Brate, TB (at DAL)
• Jordan Reed, WAS (vs. CAR)
• Ladarius Green, PIT (at CIN)
• Antonio Gates, SD (vs. OAK)

Matchup Concerns

• Dennis Pitta, BAL (vs. PHI)
• Coby Fleener, NO (at ARI)
• Delanie Walker, TEN (at KC)
• Martellus Bennett, NE (at DEN)

Defenses

Elsa/Getty Images

The Giants defense could give an injured Matthew Stafford a lot of problems in Week 15.

This focuses on the best streaming options widely available in both ESPN and Yahoo leagues based on matchups.

New York Giants (vs. DET)

Percent Owned: ESPN—54.3, Yahoo—29.0

The Giants' defensive investments paid off in a big way in the team's Week 14 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Even without Jason Pierre-Paul, New York registered three sacks, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and allowed just seven points. It's given up 31 points in the last two games. 

With Matthew Stafford playing at less than 100 percent, it should be another strong outing from the Giants defense.

Week 15 Projection: 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 15-18 points allowed

Oakland Raiders (at SD)

Percent Owned: ESPN—39.2, Yahoo—45.0

The Raiders may not have a great defense, but you'll want to take a look at them based on this week's matchup with the San Diego Chargers. In San Diego's last four games, it allowed 11 sacks, two fumble recoveries, 10 interceptions, one safety and two defensive touchdowns. Melvin Gordon's knee and hip ailments cut into the team's depth, so the Raiders should take advantage of this sinking ship. 

Week 15 Projection: 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 18-20 points allowed

Kickers

Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Kai Forbath had a busy Week 14, and should have a productive Week 15.

During the season, the kickers on the rise or those entering favorable matchups with a lot of points forecasted will be featured in this section.

Kai Forbath, MIN

Percent Owned: ESPN—1.1, Yahoo—7.0

Kai Forbath gave the Minnesota Vikings plenty of help in their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14. He hit an extra point and four field goals, including three from the 40-49 range. Since joining the Vikings in November, Forbath has hit all 10 of his field-goal attempts and should have another busy week with a favorable matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Camp's Corner

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Denver Broncos don't trust Devontae Booker, and neither should you.

In the days leading into Week 14, the Denver Broncos signed veteran Justin Forsett to replace Kapri Bibbs (ankle) on their roster. Forsett had just 44 carries for 136 yards and 13 receptions for 51 yards in five games with the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens. By the end of Sunday, he looked to be atop Denver's depth chart. 

Despite an early fumble against the Tennessee Titans, Forsett had six carries for 17 yards and three receptions on three targets for 18 yards on 41 percent of the snaps. Devontae Booker had three carries for a single yard and two receptions for 10 yards on two targets on 42 percent of the snaps, his lowest snap share since Week 6. 

Denver lost enough trust in Booker to feature a veteran it just signed in an important, late-season game with a playoff contender. Hopefully, you stayed away from Booker. But if you didn't, you know he doesn't belong on a fantasy roster after last weekend. 

Be sure to maximize the roster spots on your team for the fantasy playoffs. If you're keeping a player around with no intentions of using him, cut bait and consider filling that spot with a handcuff or extra defense to play the matchups down the stretch. You can't wait for a player to come through. Time is running out.

Stats provided by FantasyPros and NFL.com. Snap counts provided by Pro Football Focus. ESPN and Yahoo ownership percentages are accurate as of Tuesday morning.

Do you have a fantasy football question? Follow @TheMattCamp.