The first week of the playoffs is over for many, and hopefully you have made it this far to still be reading this article. Either way, you may be looking for a replacement for an injured starter, or maybe one of your players has an impossible matchup (like Hopkins against Jacksonville). Here are some players to consider in your run to the championship in Week 15.
Jonathan Stewart RB Carolina Panthers (38% owned)
He may not be the most fun fantasy player to own, but Jonathan Stewart has been on a tear as of late, scoring in his past 3 games and gaining over 100 yards in 2 of the last 4. In Week 14 against Minnesota, Stewart rushed 16 times for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns. He consistently got the ball near the goal line and came through when called upon. He may be old, but the Panthers obviously trust their veteran running back. Stewart has carried at least 10 times for the last 7 games and has a soft schedule ROS. He faces GB, TB, and ATL to finish the year. He is a 10 team league addition.
Peyton Barber RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers (35% owned)
Peyton Barber seemed to come out of nowhere this year, but now he seems to be firmly in the lead for the starting role after Doug Martin fumbled and was benched in Week 14. Barber rushed 12 times for 58 yards and added a catch for 5 yards. With the Doug Martin experiment seeming to be a failure, Tampa Bay may turn to Barber, who has been electric compared to Martin. Barber takes on Atlanta in Week 15, and should be added in all leagues.
Kerwynn Williams RB Arizona Cardinals (11% owned)
Another running back thrust into the starting role thanks to an injury, Kerwynn Williams has rushed 16 and 20 times in the last two weeks. In Week 14, Williams rushed for 73 yards and caught one pass for 15 yards. Williams might not have been explosive, but he is getting the volume to be a solid floor play. It appears as though Adrian Petersen will be sidelined for a bit longer, so Williams should continue to see all the carries. He can be added in all leagues if you need a solid volume based running back.
Robert Woods WR Los Angeles Rams (68% owned)
Robert Woods is owned in most leagues, but it's worth a look to see if he is available in your league. Before the shoulder injury, Woods was the main target for Jared Goff. Woods should return this week, and he should see plenty of targets in the high flying Rams' offense. Last time the Rams played Seattle, Woods caught 5 of 8 targets for 66 yards. Now that the Seattle defense is beat up, Woods might have an easier time getting open. If you make it to Week 16, Woods has a nice date with Tennessee. He should be owned in all leagues.
Dede Westbrook WR Jacksonville Jaguars (30% owned)
Dede Westbrook got his big welcome into the NFL in Week 14, scoring his first NFL touchdown vs a difficult Seattle defense. He caught 5 of 8 targets for 81 yards, giving him an average of 8 targets a game since returning in Week 11. Blake Bortles must trust the rookie receiver, and he has plenty of opportunity in the coming weeks against Houston, San Francisco, and Tennessee. Westbrook should be added in 12 team leagues.
Marquise Goodwin WR San Francisco 49ers (55% owned)
Marquise Goodwin has quickly become Jimmy Garoppolo's favorite target, catching 6 of 12 targets for 106 yards in Week 14's win against the Texans. Goodwin has the hands and speed to be a good NFL receiver, and now he has the QB to make him even better. Goodwin is more of a Week 15 streamer option, facing off against the Tennessee Titans. He gets Jacksonville and the Rams to finish the season, so he probably should be avoided after Week 15.
Jameis Winston QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers (55% owned)
Jameis Winston has always been a bit of an anomaly in fantasy football, scoring well in difficult matchups and disappointing fantasy owners in cake matchups. Since returning from his shoulder injury, Winston has thrown the ball at least 32 times both weeks. In Week 14 against the Lions, Winston completed 26 of 38 attempts for 285 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Winston still makes ill-advised throws, but he has the tools to be good. Winston gets Atlanta in Week 15 on Monday night, so he has a good shot to be a part of a shootout. It helps that Tampa Bay will be at home as well. He is probably one of the most exciting pickups this week for players who lost Carson Wentz. He gets Carolina and New Orleans to finish the year, so he has the opportunity to throw a lot.
Filed under: Free Articles
