Week 15 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: T.J. Yates and Bench Warmers Worth Starting

Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates is the man with the playoff plan, and he's a great fantasy option in Week 15 of the 2011 NFL season.

He's no Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, but if you're struggling with an inconsistent quarterback or a matchup that you aren't too happy about, this is the time to pull Yates off the bench and stick him in the starting lineup.

Playoff implications are everywhere right now, both on the actual field and in the fantasy ranks, so making those shrewed moves to trust your instincts can go a very long way.

Check out these "benchwarmers" that are worth starting this week.

T.J. Yates, QB: Houston Texans

Nobody expected T.J. Yates to be under center to lead the Texans to their first-ever playoff berth, but that's exactly what happened last week against the Bengals.

He looks to be gaining confidence with every throw, and his 300 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in last week's win will certainly be improved upon this week.

He's got a matchup with the Panthers, who are giving up 236.5 yards per game through the air, and he'll be in the friendly and presumably very happy confines of Reliant Stadium.

The Panthers are also horrible against the run, giving up 128.9 rushing yards per game. Expect them to focus on stopping Arian Foster and the Houston rushing attack in light of that. 

They will try to make Yates win the game, and I think he's got what it takes.

Kevin Smith, RB: Detroit Lions

Kevin Smith has been hurt since Thanksgiving, but all indications are that he's going to try to give it a go against the Raiders.

If he can play—and I think he will—this is going to be an excellent matchup for Smith.

The Raiders give up 141 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry.

Since coming back to the Lions, Smith has 229 yards, three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown, but he has been hampered by injury.

He should be good to go, and I think he'll put up some big yards.

James Jones, WR: Green Bay Packers

Up until this point, James Jones has not been a viable fantasy option, but it had nothing to do with his play.

The Packers simply have too many good receivers, and Aaron Rodgers loves to spread the ball around.

With Greg Jennings out for a few weeks, Jones is going to play a huge role this weekend and for the rest of the season.

He has 26 catches this year for 479 yards and five touchdowns.

Expect him to put up big numbers this weekend, as he will undoubtedly play a huge role in replacing Jennings.

Ryan Grant, RB: Green Bay Packers

As usual, the Packers are finding ways to get it done with injured players, and Ryan Grant is a huge part of that process.

It looks like James Starks may not play this weekend as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

Grant stepped up last weekend and showed shades of the runner we once knew with 85 yards and two touchdowns.

He should have another good game on his hands against a Chiefs team that's giving up 132.5 points per game on the ground.