Rashard Mendenhall's Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 15

With the fantasy playoffs under way, plenty of fantasy owners were hoping for a big day from Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall, and he gave them what they wanted in Week 15.

The Cardinals came away with a thrilling overtime win over the Tennessee Titans, winning 37-34 thanks to a big game from Mendenhall.  He finished with 69 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, giving him 18 fantasy points in ESPN's standard scoring leagues.

Heading into Sunday, he had rushed for 508 yards and six touchdowns.  While Andre Ellington got a lot of hype while Mendenhall was hurt, he has still scored a touchdown in four of his last five games.  He continues to get a heavy workload, carrying the ball at least 10 times in all but one game he's played in.

With that kind of workload, Ellington's presence doesn't hurt Mendenhall too much.  However, he doesn't make nearly as many plays as the rookie running back in the passing game, with Mendenhall grabbing just 15 catches for 112 yards before this game.

Overall, it's still easy to like Mendenhall.  He's capable of finding the end zone on the ground, and given how often the Cardinals give him the ball, he's worth starting as the season winds down.