Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season marks the beginning of the playoffs for many fantasy football leagues. Last week featured the final “Byemaggedon” of the season, with six teams on a bye, including key players from the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders. Now, teams are focusing on the postseason or trying to secure their playoff spot for one more week. This crunch time calls for some crucial lineup decisions, especially when it comes to running backs. To help you navigate this week, here are five running backs to start and five to sit in Week 15:
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Week 15 RBs
1. Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (at New Orleans Saints): Robinson Jr. and the Commanders are back in action after their bye week. In their last game against the Titans, Robinson Jr. put up 109 total yards and a touchdown, ranking in the top 12 across all formats. This week, he faces a Saints defense that has allowed an average of 135 total yards and four touchdowns to running backs in their past four games. With Austin Ekeler potentially out due to injury, Robinson Jr. has a chance to shine.
2. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Chicago Bears): Despite being a potential sit candidate last week, Jones had a solid performance against the Falcons with 84 total yards and a touchdown. This week, he faces a Bears defense that struggled against the 49ers, giving up 319 yards and three rushing touchdowns in the first half alone. With the Vikings likely to exploit this weakness, Jones is poised for a strong showing.
3. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (vs. Dallas Cowboys): Hubbard gets the nod this week due to the favorable matchup against the Cowboys’ weak run defense. With Jonathan Brooks out for the season, Hubbard is set to continue his fantasy success. Last week, he posted 107 total yards and a touchdown against a tougher Eagles defense. Facing the Cowboys, Hubbard is in a prime position to deliver.
4. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (vs. Buffalo Bills): Montgomery has been consistent over the past five games, scoring five touchdowns and averaging 108 total yards. Buffalo’s defense has struggled against running backs recently, making Montgomery a strong play this week. The Lions’ rush offense has been effective, setting Montgomery up for another productive outing.
5. Braelon Allen, New York Jets (at Jacksonville Jaguars): Allen’s potential start hinges on Breece Hall’s availability. If Hall is sidelined, Allen becomes an appealing FLEX option against the Jaguars’ porous run defense. Last week, Allen tallied 81 total yards in Hall’s absence. Facing a struggling Jaguars defense that has allowed 170 total yards and four touchdowns to opposing running backs in their last four games, Allen could be a valuable asset for your playoff lineup.
Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Week 15 RB
In Week 14, Steelers running back Harris couldn’t replicate his strong performance from the previous week, managing 53 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Now, Pittsburgh faces a tough road matchup against the formidable Philadelphia defense, which has been stingy against opposing running backs recently. While Harris is still a solid option, it’s wise to temper expectations against the Eagles’ stout defense.
Buccaneers’ Irving saw his fantasy relevance decline in Week 14 due to a back injury, and he may struggle against a solid Chargers run defense in Week 15. The Chargers have been tough against the run, making it challenging for Irving to have a standout performance.
Dolphins’ Achane has been valuable in the passing game but faces a tough test against the Texans in Week 15. Houston boasts a solid pass defense and has limited running backs’ receiving yardage in recent games. Achane remains a viable option, but he could face difficulties on the road.
Giants’ Tracy Jr. has been finding the end zone but faces a daunting matchup against the Ravens, who have a strong run defense. Baltimore has been stingy against the run, presenting a tough challenge for the Giants’ ground game. Tracy Jr. may struggle if he can’t score a touchdown.
Chiefs’ Pacheco has returned to action with modest production and faces the Browns, who have been tougher at home against the run. While Pacheco has shown promise, the matchup against Cleveland on the road may not favor a breakout performance.
For more fantasy football advice, check out USA TODAY Sports’ recommendations for Week 15.
Week 15 in the realm of fantasy football brings a spotlight on the overlooked heroes of the game – kickers. Often relegated to the sidelines in discussions, these unsung individuals can make or break a match with their precision and nerve. As teams gear up for the crucial matchups ahead, here’s a breakdown of the most clutch kickers to rely on, and those who might need to take a back seat for Week 15.
Meanwhile, the wide receiver landscape has been hit hard this season, with injuries and inconsistencies plaguing many top options. As fantasy owners navigate this turbulent terrain, it’s crucial to fortify your lineup with strategic decisions. Stay ahead of the curve with expert advice on which wideouts to start and sit in Week 15, ensuring your team remains competitive in the face of adversity.
In the realm of tight ends, these versatile players can serve as game-changers, providing a crucial X-factor for fantasy teams seeking an edge. Discover the key tight ends to deploy in Week 15, as well as those who may not deliver the desired results, as you fine-tune your roster for success.
And finally, no defense should be underestimated in fantasy football, as a strong defensive unit can disrupt even the most potent offenses. Evaluate your options for Week 15 carefully, considering which defenses to deploy against your opponent and which ones might not be up to the task, as you aim to secure a decisive advantage in your matchup.
As the fantasy football season enters its crucial stages, every decision becomes pivotal in the pursuit of victory. Stay informed, stay prepared, and trust in your instincts as you navigate the unpredictable world of fantasy sports. Remember, it’s not just a game – it’s a battle of wits, strategy, and resilience.
In conclusion, Week 15 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for fantasy football enthusiasts. Embrace the uncertainty, make bold choices, and above all, believe in the power of your team to overcome any obstacle. With the right guidance and a dash of luck, you could emerge victorious in this high-stakes game of skill and chance. Trust in yourself, trust in your team, and let the thrill of fantasy football carry you to glory.
