Week 15 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Play or Bench Advice on Top Fantasy Football Stars
It's that time, fantasy fans. The playoffs have arrived in most season-long leagues, which means it's time to win or go home.
Managers should have most of their top stars available, as the final byes came and went in Week 14. That doesn't mean, however, that every matchup for a star player is a good one. Here, you'll find a look at some of the tougher matchups of Week 15, along with start/sit recommendations based on past production and projected roles.
All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.
Start: RB De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have taken a significant step backward as a running team this season. A year ago, the Dolphins ranked first in yards per carry and sixth in rushing yards. This year, they rank 30th in yards per carry and 24th in rushing yards.
The drop in efficiency has prevented De'Von Achane from being the top-tier fantasy star that many expected him to be. However, the second-year back is still worth starting in the opening round of the playoffs.
Achane has a difficult matchup, as the Houston Texans have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. He remains a significant piece of Miami's passing attack, though, which gives him a solid PPR floor.
Over his past seven games, Achane has caught at least three passes in every contest. He's also caught six or more passes in four of those outings and has found the end zone in four straight games.
Even if Achane doesn't score a touchdown this week, he should deliver double-digit fantasy points.
Sit: RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb was an established fantasy star before last year's season-ending knee injury. He was probably a late-round flier for a lot of playoff-bound managers, but he's been hit or miss since returning to the field in 2024.
Chubb has started to show some of his pre-injury burst, but he clearly isn't back to 100 percent yet. More concerning is the fact that head coach Kevin Stefanski has utilized Chubb as a part-time player more often than not.
The 28-year-old played fewer than 40 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the past two weeks and has secured more than one reception only once this season. In his current role, Chubb has become a touchdown-dependent flex option at best.
Managers should look for other options this week if they have them. The Browns are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs, who have surrendered the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Chubb might find the end zone, but he's highly likely to disappoint if he doesn't
Start: WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments of 2024. Even with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined, he's become an afterthought in the passing game—Jauan Jennings has emerged as San Francisco's new No. 1 receiver. He's also been less efficient as a runner than he's been in years past.
Samuel believes that he should be getting the ball more, and the 49ers know it.
"Deebo wants to help us out, and the only way he helps us out is getting the ball more. We'd like to get it to him more," head coach Kyle Shanahan said, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner.
Trusting Samuel in a rivalry game against the Los Angeles Rams is risky. However, he should carry solid flex value this week. The 49ers are running out of running backs and will need to utilize Samuel as a runner and a receiver to outlast the Rams on Thursday.
Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason are both on injured reserve, and rookie running back Isaac Guerendo is dealing with a foot injury. Samuel is worth a flier this week, though his value moving forward remains murky.
Sit: WR Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. hasn't disappointed quite like Samuel, but he's been fairly unreliable with Anthony Richardson behind center. Pittman caught five or more passes in each of his past three games but logged a single reception in Weeks 8 and 9.
The 27-year-old hasn't found the end zone since Week 6.
This week, Pittman faces a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos, who have allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. The Broncos were gashed by former Denver receiver Jerry Jeudy the last time they were on the field, but they've been unfriendly to opposing receivers for most of the season.
The Broncos have allowed fewer than 250 net passing yards in 10 of 13 games in 2024.
Like the Colts, the Broncos are coming off of their bye and should be well-rested and well-prepared for this matchup. Pittman is likely to see a lot of Patrick Surtain II in coverage, which means an extremely low fantasy floor in Week 15.
*Fantasy scoring information via FantasyPros.