Week 15 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: TJ Yates and Others to Start

It's a crucial time in fantasy football. It's do or die, win or cry in the postseason. Dignity is at stake. Pride on the line. This is how important winning in fantasy football has become.

To that end, making the correct decision in Week 15 is beyond imperative as the best, and most flawless lineup possible must be set. Therefore, here are some players to start provided your in dire straits.

Cedric Benson: RB, Benals (at Rams)

Only once in the past five weeks has Bengals RB Cedric Benson gone over 100 rushing yards, and that was against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12.

However, Benson did almost eclipse the 100-yard mark by getting 91 against a solid Houston defense last week. It gives much hope and promise for his Week 15 matchup, the St. Louis Rams.

Through 14 weeks St. Louis has given up an average of almost 160 rushing yards per game. Not surprisingly, they rank dead last in the NFL. As for the Bengals, they need Benson to get going as they open up their passing attack with a deadly rookie connection between QB Andy Dalton and WR AJ Green.

But, that can't happen much if Cedric doesn't do work on the ground. It's quite a favorable matchup. Although Benson hasn't been a dominant RB this season; nor has he been too consistent, he has faced a rather difficult schedule.

That said, give Benson the nod in Week 15 because St. Louis is simply that horrendous at trying to stop the run.

Felix Jones: RB, Cowboys (at Buccaneeers)

In an article by Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys have signed veteran RB Sammy Morris with the injury to rookie DeMarco Murray:

"To make room for Morris, the ex-Texas Tech running back, the Cowboys placed rookie running back DeMarco Murray on injured reserve because of an ankle injury suffered Sunday against the New York Giants that requires surgery."

So with the unfortunate injury to Murray. Although the Cowboys replaced him with Morris, Felix Jones should get the start in fantasy, even if it's just at the flex position.

For one, Jones is the better option for the Dallas Cowboys so we have to expect that he'll be the starter. Secondly, the Cowboys play in Tampa Bay this week. The Buccaneers rank No. 27 against the pass and No. 28 against the rush.

Jones has had success this season also. He gained over 100 against Washington early on, and then again against the Giants last week. Now, chances are the Cowboys stick to their strengths and throw the ball.  However, Jones will be a solid guy to rely on in the ground game.

The Buccaneers have had all kinds of issues defensively this season. So it's a safe bet that Felix can do some nice work in the trenches.

TJ Yates: QB, Texans (vs Panthers)

Well, let's just get this one outta the way shall we? The Houston Texans' TJ Yates is a solid starting fantasy option this week. If he fails, well then I'm going down with the ship—so to speak.

The man came in and has simply managed games to a "T". He has answered the call. In the three games he's played, Yates has completed 54.8 percent of his passes and has a rating of 82.3.

Last week on the road against a tough Bengals defense, Yates went 26-of-44 for 300 yards with two TDs and a pick. Not to mention his game-winning drive was quite impressive.

This week, Yates and the Texans play host to the 4-9 Panthers who allow almost 240 pass yards and 130 rush yards per game. The Texans still have a Top five defense, and arguably the NFL's best rushing attack. Yates has a nice safety net to rely on as well.

But when given the green light, he's proven to put up good numbers thus far.

Donald Driver: WR, Packers (at Chiefs)

In an article by Rob Demovsky of The Green Bay Press-Gazette, Packers WR Greg Jennings is out for a few weeks according to coach Mike McCarthy:

“Two or three weeks, we have three games left,” McCarthy said Monday. “Yes, I would think it would be safe to say he’d be back for the playoffs.”

That said, we have to expect that veteran Donald Driver will see more targets from QB Aaron Rodgers. Now, Driver isn't a No. 2 starter in fantasy, at best No. 3 or the flex position. A big reason is because Rodgers will still dish the rock around quite a bit, and the Chiefs lack a run defense. The Green Bay Packers may run a bit more this week.

However when dropping back, Driver will be one of Rodgers' primary targets. In the year Driver may only have 31 catches for 357 yards and four TDs, but Jennings was the most targeted at 101 which is 31 more than Jordy Nelson.

So, with roughly 30 more passes to be dialed up elsewhere, Donald will get at least three or four additional looks. Hence, enough to warrant a flex position start in fantasy football.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27