In a somewhat odd twist, the thirteen-game slate – one of the smallest in recent weeks – has produced one of the largest list of players in the same span. This is largely due to the stars-and-scrubs approach that we suggest implementing on Sunday, and doing so requires finding value in multiple places.
Based on our expected Week 15 DFS game flow analysis performed earlier, we can carry our thoughts into actual lineup positions. The long list of players that fit the requirements set forth by the projected flow of the game was cut dramatically by the requirements set forth by salaries.
Below are Sporfolio’s DFS Week 15 Plays:
Quarterback
Tom Brady – There is a rarely a situation in which playing Brady is a bad idea – he is leading the MVP race for a reason. While he may always make sense, this week seems like the absolute perfect scenario. After a poor Week 1 showing, Brady had ten consecutive strong fantasy showings. Since then, Brady has had two consecutive bad games, and the last one resulted in a disappointing loss to the Dolphins. The Patriots are now in what feels like a must-win game if they want to finish in the top spot in the AFC. There is nothing in this world that I trust more than the Patriots bringing their A-game when the odds are against them, and when people start to doubt them. This is the position they find themselves in now against the Steelers, who are currently the top team in the AFC. The once intimidating Steelers defense looked like a shell of itself without their leader Ryan Shazier. They allowed 38 points to Joe Flacco and the Ravens, so Brady should have no problem picking them apart. Brady also has the advantage of game flow as the Steelers offense should be scoring at will, which helps set the stage for an incredible, high-stakes shootout in Pittsburgh.
Marcus Mariota – Right around this time, last year, the Titans were looking to separate themselves in the AFC South race, only to lose quarterback Marcus Mariota to a season-ending injury. Tennessee has entered the season with unfinished business and it enters Sunday in almost the same position as it did when Mariota went down. The Titans need a big performance from their quarterback, and his matchup is conducive for such a day. The 49ers are allowing the eighth-most net-yards-per-pass-attempt, while ranking seventh-best, defensively, in yards-per-rush. Mariota should be the focal point on Sunday and, after a few bad games, this is the week where he returns to the mean.
Russell Wilson – We always love Russell Wilson, and last week is the perfect reason why. Even against a stellar secondary and phenomenal defense, Wilson never stopped pushing the offense forward, delivering two deep touchdown passes in back-to-back possessions – and three plays, overall. He is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league – who deserves to be in the conversation among the best – and his game elevates whenever his team needs someone to step up. On Sunday, in a huge divisional matchup, expect Wilson to deliver, yet again.