First, congratulations to everybody that made the playoffs in their fantasy leagues. My main purpose for writing these articles was to help you get there. Like many, there were some bad weeks. Overall, there were more good weeks. Through the first 14 weeks (the fantasy football regular season) we got 81 start/sits correct, 44 incorrect, and 5 pushed. This was a great season. I am glad I was able to help some dominate in their leagues. Now the playoffs are here! These start/sits become a bit easier. The simple answer is “start your studs”. Do not overthink it. I am here to help get you that championship! Before we dive into the first week of playoffs for fantasy football let’s take a look at how we did in Week 14.
The wave stopped as we hit below 60% this week. However, if we are going to lose I rather it be the final week of regular season than in the playoffs.
*Side note- a sit to me is somebody that will get 10 or less fantasy points.*
Week 14 Starts (4 Pass, 1 Fail)
Kwity Paye– 5pts – Fail; Carl Granderson– 13pts – Pass; YaYa Diaby (pivot David came back) Frankie Luvu– 12pts – Pass; Quay Walker (pivot-listed as doubtful Sunday) Ernest Jones– 23pts – Pass; Justin Simmons– 18pts – Pass
Week 14 Sits (1 Pass,4 Fail)
Montez Sweat– 17pts – Fail; Haason Reddick– 13pt – Fail; Harold Landry– 23pts – Pass; Ryan Neal– 7pts – Pass; Grant Delpit– 13pts – Fail
If you are feeling hesitant about any IDP I mention, then be sure to check out my additional start/sit options. Now let’s get into my Week 15 Starts & Sits for IDP!
START
EDGE – Khalil Mack (LAC) @ Las Vegas Raiders (START)
Before last week, Mack had 3 straight games with 2 sacks. He has had 4 games in the past 6 weeks with 2 sacks. Last week, quarterback Aidan O’Connell took 4 sacks. I believe the Chargers front seven is more aggressive than the Vikings. This matchup screams start for Mack. In week 4, Mack had his monster game against … the Raiders. He had 10 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. I am not saying he repeats that performance, but I am saying it is likely he has at least another 2-sack game against a vulnerable offensive line.
LB – Nick Bolton (KC) @ New England Patriots (START)
Before returning to action last week, Bolton had missed 5 games. He had 6 weeks off to recover, one being the team’s bye week. Last week he was plugged right back into action. Bolton saw 92% of snaps while recording 8 total tackles. This week he plays a Patriots team that has allowed at least one linebacker to gain over 7 or more total tackles. Bolton has had an injury riddled season, playing in only 5 games all season. When he is healthy, he becomes a must start in any game.
LB- Kaden Elliss (ATL) @ Carolina Panthers (START)
The Panthers are terrible. Elliss has played 100% of snaps in all but 2 games this season. The past 3 weeks he is averaging 5 solo tackles and 7 total tackles. The Panthers have no sort of playmakers to even think of benching Elliss this week. In week 1 against the Panthers, he saw 9 total tackles with 6 solo. A lot has changed since then, but Elliss has remained constant in his attack all season. Start him this week.
DB – Budda Baker (AZ) vs San Francisco 49ers (START)
Baker was out the first time the Cardinals played the 49ers. Since his return in week 7, he has been one of the only constants for this Cardinals defense. I usually say bench defenders playing the 49ers, but Baker is different. He shows out for these division games. He has 6 solo tackles in both the division games he has played this season. Baker, when healthy, is a must start in most situations. He tracks the ball well and is a natural tackler.
DB- Jordan Fuller (LAR) vs Washington Commanders (START)
There are currently two defenders on the Los Angeles Rams who I am confident in starting. One being Fuller. He consistently gets solo tackles. If he does not have the tackles, it is because he has the pass breakups instead. His last game below 10 fantasy points was in week 7. Running back Brian Robinson may be out again which could lead to quarterback Sam Howell passing a little more. Howell likes to air it out regardless, which means Fuller could be in for a big game. I like his odds this week.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Giants – Kayvon Thibodeaux
Raiders – Robert Spillane
Jaguars – Devin Lloyd
Eagles – Kevin Byard
Falcons – Jessie Bates
SIT
DL- Brian Burns (CAR) vs Atlanta Falcons (SIT)
Burns has disappointed this season. Last season he ended with 63 total tackles and 12.5 sacks. This season he is on pace for 48 total tackles and 8.5 sacks. This matchup is good. I just do not trust Burns to deliver at this point. The past two weeks he has 2 total tackles combined. He is questionable for this match up too. Burns is a great addition to your teams, but I am benching him in the playoffs.
LB – Jordyn Brooks (SEA) vs Philadelphia Eagles (SIT)
Brooks has been a miss in 4 out of the past 5 weeks. In four of those weeks, he is seeing less than 90% of snaps. Last week was his second-best week in the past 5 with 6 total tackles. Of those tackles, 3 were assisted. The Eagles took a beat down last week. They are going after a statement game. I have a feeling that the Seahawks will be that statement game for the Eagles. We may see some high-flying action from the Eagles offense. This might take Brooks out the game script to some extent. Because of his inconsistency these past few weeks, I am keeping him on the bench.
LB – Pete Werner (NO) vs New York Giants (SIT)
Werner started the season off hot. It was not until week 7 when he had his first game below 10 fantasy points. In the past 6 games, he has only had one game above 10 fantasy points. He did miss action in week 13. This could be why he only saw 76% of snaps last week. His second lowest of the season. He is a solid linebacker, but this is the playoffs. We are not starting any uncertainty. Until Werner gets above 90% of snaps, keep him on your bench during the playoffs.
DB – Harrison Smith (MIN) @ Cincinnati Bengals (SIT)
“Start your studs,” that is the motto this week. Smith is a stud. However, the past few weeks he only has 4 total tackles. This is not a bad matchup for Smith. With no Burrow at the helm, it is likely Smith could have a good week. After two back-to-back dismal performances, I am not risking it. Especially, after last week’s less than mediocre performance against the Raiders. In the playoffs we want sure things. Right now, Smith is far from that. Keep him on your bench.
DB – Richie Grant (ATL) @ Carolina Panthers (SIT)
In the four weeks before Atlanta’s bye week, Grant was averaging 8 tackles per game. “Start your studs.” In the three weeks after the bye week, he has 4 tackles per game. “Bench your uncertainty.” I do like this matchup for Grant. However, if I am starting any defensive back from Atlanta, it is Jessie Bates. Grant has opportunity to repeat his week 1 performance against the Panthers. He had 7 total tackles and one pass deflected. If this were a regular season matchup, then I might say start him. But because of the uncertainty the past few weeks, I am more comfortable keeping him on the bench.
Additional Players to consider sitting:
Bengals – Trey Hendrickson
Raiders – Divine Deablo
Jets – Quincy Williams
Cardinals – Jalen Thompson
Lions – Kerby Joseph
That is my week 15 start/sits for the IDP positions.
Thank you for reading. Follow me on X at @ThePPRShow for more! If you need offensive start/sit advice, give @TFFGRobbie a follow for his weekly offensive start/sit articles! Peace & Love.
For additional IDP lineup advice, check out our Start/Sit Tool.