Fantasy Index

24 Hours 'Til Sunday

Snapshot previews of all the games

Two today, and some rain and wind around the league

Every Saturday morning, I'll take a quick look at all the week's games, offering my own brief take on what I think will happen, as well as touching on significant injury news since our Weekly came out. I'll check in every so often over the course of the day to answer questions, too.

What follows is a brief look at all the games with how I'd react in my own lineups to injury developments or other news. The official rankings are the ones in the Weekly. Those are the ones that subscribers are paying for. Sometimes players are very close in the rankings, and if I get questions like that, I'll offer opinions. Sometimes I like certain players more or less than Ian, and sometimes I have different risk tolerance with injuries/weather issues, etc.

Week 15 and semifinal week in many leagues. Some of us might already have a good idea if we're going to win or lose based on the Chargers-Kansas City game. Facing Damien Williams is one tough one; facing him while starting Keenan Allen or Tyreek even worse. (Both guys nearly caught touchdowns...nearly.) But lineups have a lot of other players go plenty more than could go wrong/right.

Texans at Jets: This one will be played this afternoon, of course, so get your Texans and Jets (anyone starting any?) in and out of your lineups. New York's defense isn't very good so I'm fine using Watson, Hopkins and Miller, but that's pretty much it. If I could use any Jets (and I can, in those one-game competitions on daily games that I'm addicted to) I'd be using Elijah McGuire and Chris Herndon or maybe Robby Anderson, but he's too pricey for what will probably be low impact. Weather shouldn't be a factor unless players lose sight of the football in the harsh, gray, depressing sky.

Browns at Broncos: Kind of thinking the schedule-makers could have rethought which game got put in primetime on Saturday night. I guess there's Baker Mayfield and Phillip Lindsay to enjoy, Nick Chubb too, but not exactly a beaut. Denver basically Lindsay as its only viable starter, I suppose Sutton or maybe Tim Patrick or DaeSean Hamilton, but Denver's passing game isn't too enticing. A Cleveland win would surprise no one, nor would a less than thrilling dud.

Cardinals at Falcons: Speaking of duds. At least one of those teams is in the playoff hunt. This has nothing going for it aside from a couple of good (David Johnson) or semi-good (Tevin Coleman, with Ito Smith not 100 percent) running backs against bad run defenses. Although Atlanta has Deion Jones back, which helps, and the Falcons tend to want to pass it even with Arizona's defense being better in that regard. Austin Hooper isn't 100 percent but sounds like he'll be playing.

Bucs at Ravens: All the times in recent weeks we've told you to start Jameis Winston, can be set aside. Ravens defense is really good and not a great week to use Winston. Most of us wouldn't have the luxury of sitting down Mike Evans, but tougher matchup for him. Running backs best avoided, for Tampa anyway. For Baltimore, I like Gus Edwards, though we could see Kenneth Dixon playing nearly as much. Supposed to rain during this game, making the passing games even less appealing.

Lions at Bills: Not much doing for the Lions in this one; good defense and all their good players are hurt. For Buffalo, LeSean McCoy iffy, probably out, but Josh Allen is taking all the production anyway. I think Allen is the viable starting option in this game...and either or both defenses.

Packers at Bears: Remember the days when you'd always start Aaron Rodgers because he's so awesome and can put up big numbers against any defense? Those were the days. Now I've already benched him for Philip Rivers and that worked out fine. Packers offense should struggle. Chicago offense should put up good numbers, although it hasn't for a little while, and the passing game production tends to be spread around. I've given up on Trey Burton, so maybe he'll be good this week. Tarik Cohen yes, Jordan Howard maybe (while granting that he is Jordan Howard).

Raiders at Bengals: Actually told my son to start Doug Martin as an alternative to Melvin Gordon, and last week's pickup Jeff Wilson might not be viable. Recommending Martin doesn't ever feel good, but the Bengals defense is that bad right now. Oakland's not good either, so thumbs up on Joe Mixon obviously and Tyler Boyd. Other creaky Raider to consider is Jordy Nelson. Can we give the Raiders more grief for trading a 3rd-round pick for Martavis Bryant? Doesn't that way more than cancel out getting a 1st for Amari Cooper (especially because that 1st will be a late one and they probably won't draft a better player than Cooper anyway). Oh, but I'm sure Reggie McKenzie made the bad deals and Jon Gruden made the good ones.

Cowboys at Colts: Hey, Amari Cooper! Not a great matchup for the Colts, but they're home and the game means more to them. Hard to sit Andrew Luck. T.Y. Hilton a gametime decision, which is worrying. Assuming he'll play, but need to line up backup plan. I think you start usual Cowboys and your best Colts (which doesn't include any of the running backs).

Washington at Jaguars: If there's ever a game that reeks of 13-10, this is it. I guess you can consider Adrian Peterson and Leonard Fournette. And with Jordan Reed (not Josh Reed, sorry for the Update error) out, those in TE desperate leagues can consider Vernon Davis. But neither team has a quarterback and I don't recommend any receivers, so no need to ask about it.

Dolphins at Vikings: Zero interest in Miami's offense in this game. Nobody; not Drake, not Stills, not Parker. Pass. For Minnesota, though, I like Cook and the main wideouts, and I suppose Kirk Cousins. I thought their miracle win over New England was as great as every other non-Patriots fan, but can someone please put Miami out of our misery? Nobody wants to see these guys in the playoffs.

Titans at Giants: Big game! No not really. But you know, Titans at Giants? Big? I'm funny. No Odell Beckham, which gives some extra value to Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram. But the Titans have a pretty good defense and weather indicates it will raining. I'm intrigued by what the end zones will look like; Jets-Texans is played here today and apparently there won't be time to get the Giants colors on the field, so it will be either Jets or some generic colors. I think they should go with Texans, their colors are similar to the Giants. As for the game, sure, Derrick Henry off his big game, in the unlikely event anyone in the playoffs actually drafted Henry. Nobody needs help to start Barkley.

Seahawks at 49ers: Speaking of rain, it's supposed to be pouring and really windy in this one, so running games better than passing ones. But Matt Breida is questionable, and usually he plays when that's the case (albeit a candidate to limp off early). Chris Carson looks good. Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett have some value. I'd be avoiding injured Doug Baldwin, and in general both passing games (so I'm not actually recommending Wilson/Lockett/Dante Pettis). Gotta start George Kittle though.

Patriots at Steelers: While working on the narrative that the Patriots have owned this series in recent years, worth noting that Pittsburgh got screwed out of a win last year by the Jesse James catch that should have been a touchdown (OK, no, letter of the rule at that time, not a catch). In any case, should be plenty of offense in this one. I don't think James Conner should be used, at all, even if he's active. And I'm not just saying that, I've got a playoff game and a team with Conner and Jaylen Samuels on the roster, and at the moment I've got Samuels in the lineup and Conner on the bench. I'm hoping Conner inactive, but even if he's active I might just leave things as they are. For the Patriots I like James White a little more than Ian, I think.

Eagles at Rams: Rams offense should be great and I'm happily starting key players. Eagles offense I have no interest in the ground game and Zach Ertz is the only receivers I like much. Suppose Darren Sproles in PPR, he could be busy. I know Playoff Nick Foles might show up, but I don't think he's worth too heavily investing in.

Saints at Panthers: This figures to be higher-scoring; not concerned about Cam Newton's injury. I'm OK using both passing games and definitely Alvin Kamara. Not so much fond of Mark Ingram since Carolina's better defending the run. It's bizarre the way everything looked so good for the Panthers midseason, then they lost a couple of unlikely games and here we are with them unlikely to make the postseason. Yes, I'm using Ian Thomas (over Trey Burton), that's what the tight end position has come to.

Hey, good luck this weekend. Enjoy the games.

50 Reader Comments:

John Ruppe

Fort Myers, FL
2018-12-15T14:58:29Z
Standard yardage questions Andy, which I know you love. McGuire, White or Samuels? Thomas or Herndon?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T15:09:22Z
Thomas at TE. At RB, Samuels if Conner inactive, White otherwise. Those two backs are close for me. I expect Samuels will be better but the outside chance of Conner being healthy enough for significant touches would have me choosing White.

Michael T

New York, NY
2018-12-15T15:13:40Z
Morning, Andy. I have two spots in my half ppr game: flex and wr. My choices are T Lockett, J white, M mack, Corey Davis. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T15:16:47Z
I think White and Davis for me, with Lockett close...worries about weather in San Fran. Zero interest in Mack.

Alex Konop

Northport, NY
2018-12-15T15:21:30Z
Hi Andy, PPR at TE. Ian Thomas or Engram? Thanks!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T15:30:02Z
Engram for me

Kevin Keller

Katy, TX
2018-12-15T15:40:28Z
PPR (need 2 RB and Flex) - Playing from behind in semi due to THU night debacle of Allen and Hill. Need upside have Zeke Elliott but wondering who to fill the remaining 2 spots: N Chubb, J Samuels, M Ingram, G Edwards?

Scott Anderson

Lakewood, CO
2018-12-15T15:41:49Z
Morning sir. Non-ppr leagues; Evans or C. Davis? (I started Hill in that one, so upside plays a part.) Other league, non-ppr, pick 2: Drake, White, Riddick, C. Samuel. Thanks & good luck this weekend!

John Ruppe

Fort Myers, FL
2018-12-15T15:44:57Z
My bad Andy. I meant Curtis Samuel, So McGuire, White or Curtis Samuel in standard yardage. Sorry about that.

BARRY ST PETER

Pittsfield, MA
2018-12-15T15:56:12Z
Def question:
You have Balt/house back to back 1 & 2 so I suppose either one is good. Our league give double points for td over 50 yds, my gut is telling me Balt, your thoughts?

Also 1/2 ppr flex white or DJ Moore (I had Allen on thurs)
Thanks.

Dennis Salisbury

Cranston, RI
2018-12-15T15:57:04Z
Andy you are freaking me out with this SF/Seattle weather. I have Lockett going...I have Corey Davis...I guess I should consider Corey Davis but he is like a box of chocolates if you know what I mean. Well thanks, for the updates, I always enjoy these quick snapshots!

Rich Wiegard

Frisco, TX
2018-12-15T15:57:48Z
I’m a big dilemma with Samuels vs Lamar Miller. Currently going with Samuels but Conner looming scares me a bit. Unfortunately Miller plays today so can’t do a wait and see who’s active tomorrow. Do I go Miller or roll the dice with a potentially part time Samuels?

jim toon

2018-12-15T16:11:13Z
Help, I lost Sanders and AJ Green,

DJ Moore, Chris Godwin or Courtland Sutton

L.B. GRAHAM

Ballwin, MO
2018-12-15T16:16:42Z
Hey Andy, two questions. You've fielded a few Ian Thomas questions, but what about Thomas v Brate? Also, I am trying to decide on Gostkowski v Maher for the next two weeks, and am a bit curious about why Gostkowski is so much higher this week. He's been missing kicks, is outside, and the Pats offense not nearly as dominant as in recent years. Maher kicking inside for weeks 15 & 16 for a team with a solid D against teams that can score, so I'm thinking FGs may be a factor. Thoughts?

jim toon

2018-12-15T16:22:08Z
with Denzel Ward out does that make Sutton a better play?

William Medlock

Folsom, CA
2018-12-15T16:26:39Z
1 pt. PPR flex: LaMar Miller or Boyd?

John Evans

Rochester, MN
2018-12-15T16:35:38Z
I’m debating over Samuels vs Brate at TE. It’s a no brainer if Conner is out. I’d also be contemplating Conner vs Carson if Conner does play.

Greg Grimes

2018-12-15T16:41:26Z
Need QB Help in a PPR League...Watson, Jameis or Russell? Leaning Russell. For flex, need one from these three: James White, Jarvis Landry and DJ Moore? Top seed once again this year. Thank you!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T16:58:58Z
Kevin, Chubb and Samuels, or Edwards if it sounds like Conner active. Scott, Evans White Samuels. John, still Samuel. More answers later.

David Kennedy

Steamburg, NY
2018-12-15T17:10:42Z
Ok here we go Andy big money in the balance! PPR questions and some good ones. Tevin Coleman or Boyd? Cam or Allen at QB? McGuire or Michel? Fitzgerald, Golladay, or Pettis? Good luck this week Andy. Mike Williams has me at 36 of the TFC right now so I'm really pumped this week. Sanders going down left me no choice but to start him. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good.

Rocky Petrella

Philadelphia, PA
2018-12-15T17:13:38Z
Love the article as usual Andy. Few questions for you.

QB. 6 pt passing tds. Cousins or Dak?

Same league which is ppr. I currently have Sony and Curtis Samuel at rb2 and flex. Conner on my bench. Even if he plays, stick with those two? They both play same time or later so could switch one out.

Diff league. Get .5 ppr for rbs but full ppr for wrs. Need to pick two of these three to start - Sony, James White, Alshon.

Last one. Full ppr. Have to choose two of these for two flex spots - Breida Wilson Pettis Godwin. I already have Lockett as a starter at wr due to OBJ and Sanders injuries. So seems like I could be in some trouble having a bunch of guys in that SF Seattle game. Anyway what do you think? Thanks!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T17:30:43Z
Barry, slight edge to Baltimore for the return TD potential. Barry, I suppose DJ but it's close with White, couldn't argue either one. Dennis, I'd probably stick with Lockett too, but weather does sound bad. Rich, yeah, tough one. I don't really think Conner is playing. Miller should also be good, though. Jim, Moore more proven. Sutton's matchup isn't what worries me, it's his passing game itself, which is poor. LB, I suppose I'd use Brate, who always seems a good scoring threat. Gostkowski on a better offense with a better matchup and on a team we think will win. William I like Miller over Boyd, but projections very similar so go with your gut. John, Samuels and Carson. I wouldn't use Conner at all, even if he's active. Greg, Watson for me, I like him versus the Jets. No preference on the others, all similar, I would probably trust White or Moore (Landry huge last week, but...). David, Rocky, will get your answers shortly.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T17:40:34Z
David, Coleman (just), Cam and....ugh. McGuire I suppose. And Fitzgerald! Good matchup and he's still Fitzgerald, maybe one more good game in him. Good luck! Not my year in TFC. Rocky, Cousins. Don't start Conner. I don't like Sony, personally, this week. If we're assuming Breida active, I'd use him and Pettis. If inactive, Wilson-Pettis. good luck all.

Eric Pryne

Vashon, WA
2018-12-15T17:49:41Z
Need a backup plan in case Hilton is inactive. C Rogers, Inman, Pascal, T Patrick, D Hamilton all available free agents, but I can also start a TE and I'm inclined to favor Ian Thomas over those WRs. Hope this is a choice I don't have to make. Thoughts?

John Evans

Rochester, MN
2018-12-15T17:53:05Z
Thanks Andy. I’m with you on Conner. I’ve seen some reputable fantasy sources such as rotoworld say Conner has a “mid-ankle sprain”...no such thing. I’ve also seen others call it a high-ankle sprain with a 2-4 week turn-around...not accurate. If Conner had a contusion, like initially reported he would be on the field by now (assuming he wasn’t a wuss like OBJ). Conner has a high ankle sprain, which is an injury to the ligaments that connect the tibia to the fibula. It’s not a 2-4 week injury...it is usually a 4-6 week injury. Right now Conner is approaching week 3. There’s little chance he’ll be full strength and there’s a chance he is either spelled heavily or reinjures.

I’m hoping that Conner is out this week...it may very well be the difference between a win and lose in three Semifinals. I need Samuels as a bellcow...not Conner as an injured part time player and Samuels as a risky backup. I’d gladly start Conner next week when he is ~4 weeks after injury and had the opportunity to prove he’s not hurt at a number of full practices.

stephen hicks

Holden Beach, NC
2018-12-15T17:55:50Z
I'm looking at the weather on NFLWeather.com and it has the 49ers game as overcast to drizzle with winds out of the south at 12mph throughout the game. Doesn't sound all that bad to me. What am I missing?

I have Conner and Samuels. Right now Samuels is a no brainer but if Conner is active but not 100%, I'm afraid they might split time pretty evenly. In that case would you consider J. Adams over both of them?

Jake Frack

Brooklyn, NY
2018-12-15T19:29:56Z
C. Samuel or DJ Moore? Engram, Brate, or Thomas? Which 2 out of White, Ingram and Gus? All PPR. Thanks

Todd Weigel

Milwaukee, WI
2018-12-15T19:38:34Z
Corey Davis, Chris Godwin, or Robby Anderson? 1/2 PPR with bonuses for long TDs and hitting 100 yards. I’d rather gamble for a big game than take some safe points, since it’s a high scoring league.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T20:08:12Z
Eric if Hilton out I think Inman essentially No. 1 WR. Stephen when I looked at weather.com it said 80 percent chance of rain and winds 17-18 mph. Maybe your forecast more up to date. If Conner healthy enough to actually play, I don’t know why he wouldn’t play fully. Basically I think he either won’t play, or will play most of the time, but I wouldn’t gamble on the latter, personally. I wouldn’t use him, and it’s not like it’s a great matchup for a RB. Appeal of Samuels is him catching 6-7 passes for 60 yards, not that he would rush for big numbers. I don’t like Adams in a game I expect Eagles to trail throughout and use Sproles at least half the time . I think Davis has most upside.

Ben Hogevoll

Siletz, OR
2018-12-15T20:19:40Z
Conner is not expected to play.That was reported today from Ian Rapoport.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T20:23:40Z
Jake start Engram and bench Ingram. WR, flip a coin or go with higher ranked guy

Adam Bjork

Waunakee, WI
2018-12-15T20:40:25Z
Hey Andy, what do you think the biggest change to Callaway was? He went from WR 70 to not even listed. I know he’s WR3 on that team which throws to duke and ngoku but the only thing I saw that changed was a Denver cornerback ruled out.

Wison Andrews

Ft Lauderdale, FL
2018-12-15T21:09:20Z
With Penny out and bad weather in San Fran should Carson be ranked higher?
I have Carson, Chubb and Jaylen Sammuels and can only start one. I am torn but need to make decision tonight.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T21:19:38Z
Ian’s take on Penny being out last night was that Mike Davis would pick up those carries, so Carson didn’t move much, if at all. Adam I’d need to check the text but would guess he gave more of the production to another receiver, which caused Callaway to slip off the rankings sheet.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-15T22:25:20Z
Conner downgraded to Doubtful, which is even more telling than any Rapoport report. He ain’t playing.

jim toon

2018-12-16T01:28:08Z
glad i didnt play Lamar Miller

jim toon

2018-12-16T01:28:08Z
glad i didnt play Lamar Miller

Eric Goetz

Shoreline, WA
2018-12-16T02:19:32Z
My standard scoring weekly, weakly RB dilemma - one of Mack, Drake, or Lewis. I’m leaning towards Drake because he at least gets both carries and catches.

GEORGE KOZAN

Flushing, MI
2018-12-16T02:51:04Z
Wrestling with David Johnson or Chris Carson. Have Johnson in right now but scares me as Carsen has scored more recently. Non PPR.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-16T03:14:29Z
I’m glad you didn’t play Miller too. There’s nothing worse than in-game injuries. Eric I think we have Lewis highest. Non PPR I can see Carson over DJ

Ray Sala

Roseville, CA
2018-12-16T04:56:57Z
Probably too late in asking, but 1 pt PPR STRUGLLING to choose between Lockett, DJ Moore, or M. Evans.
Close to pulling off an upset of the number 1 seed. My other two WR that I’m starting are JuJu and Edelman. If see this Q please take 3sec and let which of the 3 is the best choice. Thanks.

Rich Hornstein

Huntington Beach, CA
2018-12-16T12:50:56Z
Andy, 1 point PPR, between Diorites Lewis, James White and Drake, although really between 1st 2..you have Lewis 2 points higher, banking on catches I guess and White is feast or famine...

Also, on Defense, you like Detroit higher than Atlanta. Are you not worried about Buffalo playing well at home like vs Jax and what players are good on Det D? Az looked absolutely horrible last week but Rosen can't run

Much thanks, and respect sir!

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-16T13:19:39Z
Ray, I remain concerned about weather in San Fran. Weather.com continues to say rain and high winds. So I'm not going to recommend Lockett. I like Moore of your three choices. Rich, the driving factors for Detroit's D are their pass rush, which has been good for most of the year, and Josh Allen's tendency to chuck up interceptions (he's thrown 2 two weeks in a row). Atlanta's matchup with Rosen is favorable and I don't have a problem with using them. But they've done very little this year -- 27 sacks and 9 interceptions all season. Personally, I like White a little more than Lewis, so I guess a slight conflict with Ian's rankings.

Rich Hornstein

Huntington Beach, CA
2018-12-16T14:00:09Z
Thanks, Andy-you guys are the best, the main reason why I have the highest career win% I'm my leagues!

MATT SHEDOR

Algonquin, IL
2018-12-16T15:26:59Z
Andy, I always read your pregame synopsis along with the guy at Fantasypros, who does the same thing. You guys provide enough insight that I don't have to ask "which guy should I play?" Hopefully we get a bunch of good games today. Really looking forward to seeing the Bears get revenge on the Packers. Trubisky will be the difference I believe, win or lose. That game in Pittsburgh is another marquee game. Can't wait.

CHRISTOPHER TONELLA

Saint Louis, MO
2018-12-16T15:49:40Z
Andy,
QB quandry. Would you play Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, or Trubisky. Thanks man.

jim toon

2018-12-16T16:14:27Z
Henry or White? half pt ppr

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2018-12-16T17:07:34Z
Chris, I'd play Wilson or Trubisky. Wilson ranked highest, but I kind of like Trubisky (I've expressed my concern about Seattle's passing game). Jim, Henry comes off the big game, but he's clearly unreliable. I would certainly be tempted to play that hot hand, but I can't claim to have full confidence in him. He's ranked higher, so there's that.

RICHARD LEVINE

Woodcliff Lk, NJ
2018-12-16T17:23:16Z
Curtis Samuel or Larry Fitzgerald in PPR?

stephen hicks

Holden Beach, NC
2018-12-16T21:21:10Z
Partly cloudy, 7mph winds in San Fran.
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