Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions: Week 15

Just hours before the start of Week 14 I know many people have questions running through their heads.  Who should I start?  Who should I sit?

Let’s take a look at a few situations to try and settle things:

Greg Jennings – Wide Receiver – Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers has officially been ruled out for tonight’s game with the New England Patriots leaving the rest of the team’s offensive ability to perform in question.  Matt Flynn has been taking snaps with the first-team offense all week and will take over the starting role.  Will they allow him to air the ball out downfield to Jennings and company?

You have to think that the idea will be ball control, but from time to time they are going to have to take their shots or the defense is going to crowd the line and stuff the run. 

On the year Jennings has 61 receptions for 996 yards and 11 TDs.  From Week 6 through Week 13 he had at least 74 yards per game (last week he had 52).  The secondary of the Patriots has been their Achilles heel all year long, and even with Flynn running the show I would anticipate him getting his opportunities.

Jennings may fall a few notches on the rankings, but he should remain in active lineups (outside of those with stacked alternatives).

Joe Webb – Quarterback – Minnesota Vikings

Having officially been named the starter for Monday night’s game with the Bears, Webb brings an intriguing dilemma to some owners.  In many leagues he has wide receiver eligibility, meaning you have the opportunity to place a starting quarterback into your flex spot (or as a WR3).  The question is, is he worth it?

It’s hard to say and really is dependent on your other options.  The game is being played outdoors in Minnesota, where they are expecting snow (80 percent chance) and temperatures that feel like they are about 15 degrees.  Throwing the ball is going to be difficult in those types of conditions, but Webb has a ton of athleticism and could get ample opportunities to run the ball.

That brings significant potential value, and he certainly is a usable option depending on your other options (not to mention, if your league gives value for completions).  Before you decide on your flex option this morning, give him consideration.

Stevie Johnson – Wide Receiver – Buffalo Bills

It’s amazing how far he has fallen, with many owners giving up on him in the past few weeks.  Since his surprising drop in the end zone in Week 12 he has struggled—and badly.  Against the Vikings and Browns he has had just seven receptions for 78 yards. 

He was targeted eight times last week and, with Lee Evans out for the year, he should see a few extra looks against Miami.  He should be considered a low-end WR2 and a must start as a WR3.

 Austin Collie – Wide Receiver – Indianapolis Colts

He finally returns to the lineup.  Since their Week 7 bye, he has been severely limited, with just six receptions for 49 yards in the rare occasions that he played.  Clearly he’s going to have a role in the offense, eliminating any potential value for Blair White, but should his presence impact Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Jacob Tamme? 

The only person who should be directly affected is Garcon, who is coming off a monster game (six receptions, 93 yards, two TDs) and has scored in back-to-back games.  Collie should be considered the third receiver on the team. 

He is useful in deeper formats (especially against Jacksonville), but there is a sense of unknown about what you are going to get from him.  Wayne and Garcon, however, remain must-use options in all formats.

Rex Grossman – Quarterback – Washington Redskins

Does anyone really trust him?  Yeah, he’s going to have a long leash, but it’s just hard to imagine him posting a very strong performance.  His only potential value comes in two quarterback formats, but I would be looking at all other options first.

Pierre Thomas – Running Back – New Orleans Saints

It’s not looking good for Chris Ivory, who is listed as questionable on the injury report.  The Saints are going to want to get Thomas going for the playoffs and the absence of Ivory gives them even more of an opportunity to do so. 

Yes, things are still crowded with Reggie Bush and Julius Jones also in the mix, but Thomas, who had 12 carries for 39 yards in his first game back, could easily see at least 15-20.  That gives him value as a low-end RB2 and flex option in all formats.

What are your thoughts on these players?  Who would you start?  Who would you sit?

Make sure to check out the rest of our Week 15 rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers

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