Fantasy Football Sleeper Picks: Week 15

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 13, 2012

Fantasy Football Sleeper Picks: Week 15

In the Seahawks' 58-0 Week 14 de-feathering of the Cardinals, Wilson's personal streak of five consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes ended. Of course, that's because he only attempted 13 passes in the blowout. In what will hopefully be a tighter contest at Ralph Wilson Stadium (no relation) this week, the rookie will get back on track.

All eyes will be on Robert Griffin III in this game, but the opportunity will be there for the "other" rookie to seize the spotlight. Over the past three games, the Redskins have allowed a total of seven passing scores, helping boost the team's season total to an NFL-worst 27.

Wilson scored three touchdowns (two rushing and one on a kickoff return) in Week 14, a performance that would normally be taken with a grain of salt given the Saints' porous defense. But in this case, there's legitimate cause for excitement. Ahmad Bradshaw may not be able to carry the load in Atlanta due to a sprained knee, and much like their NFC South brethren, the Falcons have one of the league's weaker run defenses. Also, the Giants would like to keep the ball away from Matt Ryan's offense for as long as possible. That all could make for another productive week for Wilson, who is a highly recommended starter.

Gang Green has rededicated itself to the run in recent weeks, and against the league's also-rans that's led to three wins in four contests. Last week Powell picked up 78 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries against the Jags, while starter Shonn Greene delivered a nearly identical 20 carries for 77 yards and a score. The Titans have surrendered a touchdown in 11 of their 13 games this year and it's a near-lock that they'll do so again this week. Given that Powell has scored four of the Jets' last five rushing touchdowns and four of his team's last seven overall, he's the back to use.

The Texans went the first 10 games without allowing a rushing touchdown, but over the past three games they've allowed three. They've also allowed 100 rushing yards three times over the last five games, which makes Ballard, the Colts' only ground threat with Donald Brown placed on injured reserve, a solid flex starter.

The Cardinals allowed a staggering 284 yards and four rushing touchdowns last week to the Seahawks. They won't allow that many at home this week, but even half of that would mean plenty to go around for Mikel Leshoure and Bell. In addition to facing a good matchup on the ground, Bell is also a weapon through the air, as he ranks fourth among running backs in receiving yards.

The Bears are the third best team in the league against running backs in fantasy, and the Packers' ground game is nothing to write home about, but in recent weeks the Packers have rededicated themselves to the running game. The only two running threats Green Bay employed last week were Alex Green and Harris, the former Troy star, who was liberated from the practice squad last week for his first career touchdown. He's a desperation move, but he brings a lot more upside than other available options like Tashard Choice, Mike Goodson and Felix Jones.

121213124021-lamichael-james-op5w-23075-single-image-cut.jpg — Robert Beck/SI

James made a modest NFL debut last week, gaining 45 yards on nine touches, but he has a chance to be much more of a factor against the Patriots on Sunday night. Don't be surprised to see the speedy rookie, a mystery to most in the league, come to the forefront as Jim Harbaugh's X-Factor in a chess match played between two of the league's best tacticians.

Injuries sidetracked what could have been a very productive season, but there's still time for the rookie to show he's the man to start opposite Brandon Marshall next season. Jeffery has a golden opportunity to have an impact against a short-handed Packers defense that allowed 27 receptions to Detroit last week.

The former Seahawk set career highs across the board in his first career start last week. Couple his size (6-foot-6) with the fact that he and quarterback Matthew Stafford have a long history together, and Durham is in position to be an interesting sleeper these last few weeks. The Cardinals will rightfully dedicate most of their attention to Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew and even Tony Scheffler, leaving the former practice player a solid PPR option for those who aren't risk averse.

Will the Chiefs be able to score against the league's worst scoring defense? If so, fantasy's most frustrating combo back/receiver will play a big role now that Dwayne Bowe is on injured reserve and Steve Breaston is buried in a sea of DNP-CDs. McCluster and teammate Jonathan Baldwin are both worth a look in Oakland.

Despite not starting the past seven games, Wright has led Tennessee with 59 receptions. The Jets will have to account for Kenny Britt and Nate Washington, making Wright the Titan most likely to pick up the slack left by the loss of tight end Jared Cook to injured reserve.