The fantasy playoffs are finally here, and fantasy managers have absolutely no room for error in their starting lineups. This weekly article is meant to make those lineup decisions a little bit easier. This week, I've changed things up by only listing which players you should be starting, rather than suggesting any players to sit. You can always listen to Starts and Sleepers episode of The Footballguys Fantasy Football Show, which releases episodes every weekday - also, check out the free Week 15 Player Rankings.
QUARTERBACKS
START: Matthew Stafford vs WAS
- Avg Fantasy Points: 15.6
- Opponent vs QBs: 31st
- Week 15 Rank: QB6
- Projected Points: 23.1
Matthew Stafford has been on fire lately. He's scored at least 28 fantasy points in each of his last three games, and now he faces an opponent that has allowed each of their last four opponents to score at least 23 fantasy points. This is the perfect scenario where an unstoppable force is meeting a very movable object. Start all of your Rams this week against the commanders.
SLEEPER: Jordan Love vs TB
- Avg Fantasy Points: 17.6
- Opponent vs QBs: 28th
- Week 15 Rank: QB9
- Projected Points: 20.6
Jordan Love had a bit of an off game last week, throwing for his lowest total since week 7 and finishing outside of the Top-18 quarterbacks for the first time since week 5. Love remains a stream-worthy quarterback against the Buccaneers. Tampa is dealing with a bunch of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, and we saw them allow Desmond Ridder to pass for 347 yards last week.
TIGHT ENDS
SLEEPER: Logan Thomas @ LAR
- Avg Fantasy Points: 8.8
- Opponent vs TEs: 29th
- Week 15 Rank: TE14
- Projected Points: 9.0
I basically had to pick Logan Thomas by default. There are barely any starting tight ends left. But Thomas has a solid matchup this week, and this game should be a back-and-forth shootout.
RUNNING BACKS
START: James Cook vs DAL
- Avg Fantasy Points: 13.8
- Opponent vs RBs: 1st
- Week 15 Rank: RB21
- Projected Points: 13.7
I've been asked about James Cook quite a bit this week, so I thought, what better way to answer this question than make him one of my starts of the week? The matchup seems bad on the surface, but all I see is a shootout that will require both teams to pass the ball a bunch. Since Joe Brady took over as the offensive coordinator for the Bills, Cook has averaged 4 receptions per game and seen more utilization near the goalline. Cook remains an easy RB2 option this week despite the tough opponent.
SLEEPER: Ty Chandler @ CIN
- Avg Fantasy Points: 8.7 (Since Week 10)
- Opponent vs RBs: 16th
- Week 15 Rank: RB24
- Projected Points: 12.1
Vikings' starting quarterback Nick Mullens has -3 career rushing yards - to say he's immobile would be an understatement. Chandler has had 3 receptions in two of his last three games, even with Alex Mattison in the rotation. I'd expect Chandler to remain a big part of the passing game as a checkdown target for Nick Mullens. The Bengals have allowed at least 15 fantasy points to running backs in four of their last five games.
WIDE RECEIVERS
START: Garrett Wilson @ MIA
- Avg Fantasy Points: 13.9
- Opponent vs WRs: 19th
- Week 15 Rank: WR19
- Projected Points: 14.9
Garrett Wilson is averaging 6 receptions for 69 yards on 10.5 targets per game with Zach Wilson under center. He's been a Top-24 fantasy wide receiver in seven of his eleven games with Zach Wilson, and there's a great game script for him this week. We just saw DeAndre Hopkins have a big game against an injured Miami defense. I'd expect something similar from Garrett Wilson.
SLEEPER: Jayden Reed vs TB
- Avg Fantasy Points: 12.0
- Opponent vs WRs: 30th
- Week 15 Rank: WR26
- Projected Points: 13.1
Jayden Reed has become the Packers version of Deebo Samuel. Reed had 12 touches last week while scoring a rushing touchdown again. He's had at least 12 fantasy points in four of his last five games. The Bucs are allowing the third-most points to wide receivers, and with Christian Watson likely out again, Reed should continue to be the target leader for this offense in a game that should feature a ton of passing.