Week 15 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Falcons vs. Jaguars

Just hours before the start of Week 15, I know many people have questions running through their heads: Whom should I start? Whom should I sit? Let’s take a look at how some of the recent news changes things.

RB Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

Turner is listed as probable on the injury report, though the report also notes he missed practice this week.  Should fantasy owners be concerned by that?  Absolutely not, as there appears to be no chance he misses today’s game with the Jaguars.

Assuming he’s going to play, the question for fantasy owners then becomes if he should be in starting lineups.  He is coming off a less-than-stellar performance against the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 76 yards on 21 carries.  Considering how poor of a rushing defense they have (128.9 rushing yards per game, 15 TDs), does anyone have hope he’s going to rebound with a big performance this week?

The Jaguars rushing defense is marginally better, allowing 111.5 rushing yards per game and 12 TDs.  It’s been three straight below-average games for Turner, averaging 3.6 yards per carry or less in each of them and failing to score a TD.

That said, the upside is still there and he obviously shouldn’t be ignored.  For the season he’s averaging 82.2 yards per game and has scored eight TDs.  With the playoffs within reach for Atlanta, you know one of its focuses is going to be getting the running game back up to par.  As long as Turner's dressed and presumably healthy, he should be considered a solid RB2 in all formats.

K Josh Scobee, Jacksonville Jaguars

He’s listed as questionable due to a groin injury.  While this is likely to be a major decision for fantasy owners, there’s too much risk involved here for a player that is fairly interchangeable.  Move on to another option off the waiver wire.

WR Mike Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars

Thomas is out for this week’s game, as is Cecil Shorts.  Was anyone really interested in the Jaguars passing game heading into tonight’s game to begin with? 

Unfortunately, things are even worse for Blaine Gabbert as he’ll be trying to throw the ball to Kassim Osgood, Chastin West and Jarett Dillard.  The Jaguars passing attack is anemic, with just 140.8 yards per game, and it's obvious the offense will run through Maurice Jones-Drew.  He’s the only player owners should be using this week.

Make sure to check out all of our Week 15 articles:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 50 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers