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It’s a tough decision for every Fantasy Football owner to make every single week. That decision is who to play and who to sit. When it comes to receivers, it can be a little easier and when it’s a team defense, you just play the better matchup.
If there is one position on a Fantasy Football team that managers have a difficult time deciding who to play and who to sit, especially in the playoffs, it is the running back position. Sure, if you own players like Jamaal Charles you will play them every week. However, if you are looking at your RB2 position, then this can get kind of scary. For Week 15, I am going to give you two running backs that I feel are going to have huge weeks for their teams. Also, I am going to give you two backs that may only hit 50 total yards. These guys will need to be benched and the names of these guys may surprise you!
Start: Shane Vereen
One player that has emerged over the past few weeks is the New England Patriots’ running back Shane Vereen. Vereen was expected to be a big fantasy producer at the beginning of the season. However, an early injury caused him to miss most of the season. With the downfall of Stevan Ridley and the injury to Rob Gronkowski, Vereen will now be one of the main focal points of the Patriots’ offense. In Week 15, the Patriots will take on the Miami Dolphins who are definitely beatable, especially the way that Vereen plays. Look for Vereen to be on the field for most of New England’s offensive plays and I can see Vereen gathering about 130 yards of total offense and a touchdown. If you are in a PPR league, this will be a huge game for you!
Start: Alfred Morris
Over the past three weeks, there was one running back that has struggled greatly. That player has been Alfred Morris of the Washington Redskins. Morris has been a product of the defenses he has played as well as the terrible job his team’s defense has played the last few weeks. However, in Week 15, the Redskins are taking on the Atlanta Falcons. This is a good matchup for Morris. It also will help that Kirk Cousins will be the starter, which means Morris will be leaned on heavily in this game. Look for Morris to have close to 100 yards and at least one touchdown in this game.
Sit: Bobby Rainey
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have experienced some real problems at running back this season. With the season-ending injury to Doug Martin, the Bucs have had to lean on other players to get the job done. Since Bobby Rainey took over the starting job, he has been up and down with his play. In Week 15, the Bucs will be taking on the stingy San Francisco 49ers’ defense. This team has shut down running backs like Marshawn Lynch and Alfred Morris. They will definitely shut down Rainey, stopping him from finding the end zone in this game.
Sit: Chris Ivory
Throughout most of the 2013 season, I have been a huge Chris Ivory supporter. After a very slow start, Ivory has picked up his play and has been one of the better weapons on a weak New York Jets’ offense. In Week 15, the Jets are taking on the Carolina Panthers and one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Panthers are nasty against the run, which does not hold up well for Ivory. I can see Ivory gaining about 50 yards on the ground. This is not the type of game you want to see at this point of the season.
Dom DeCarlo is a Fantasy blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him @DomDecarlo1, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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Fantasy Football Playoffs: Week 15 Flex Plays at Wide Receiver
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