Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em, Bills vs. Packers

Nov 30, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back

Jim Leonhard

(30) dives to tackle Buffalo Bills running back

Fred Jackson

(22) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The week 15 edition of fantasy football “Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em” will focus on Sunday’s showdown between the Bills and the Packers. Players like Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson will be mainstays in fantasy lineups, but there are some under the radar names that could have a direct impact on winning or losing your fantasy playoff matchup.

Start ‘Em

RB: Fred Jackson

Sunday will mark Jackson’s fourth game in a row starting for the Bills since he was inactive for the team’s week 11 game in Miami. Averaging a healthy 13 carries a game over the past three games, Jackson makes for an interesting start this week against a Packers front seven that has been improving in recent weeks at defending the run. In order for the Bills to have a chance to win they will need to be patient with their rushing attack. Although Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown will take a few carries, Fred is still the most trusted of the three, and is the emotional leader of the Bills backfield. Jackson’s involvement in the passing game should also keep his floor relatively high.

WR: Davante Adams

On paper, the matchup doesn’t necessarily favor Adams, as the Bills haven’t allowed a wide receiver touchdown in their past three games. However, it is extremely difficult to discount the seven inch height differential between the two should 5’7” slot corner Nickell Robey and Adams face each other throughout the game. Adams should split time in the slot with Randall Cobb, and I expect the Packers to exploit that matchup all afternoon. Although his production has been highly erratic, Adams is still involved in the Packers red-zone offense. He should also be the beneficiary of extra targets with Green Bay expected to employ a more pass-heavy game-plan. Adams would be a target of mine in daily fantasy leagues, where he figures to be available at an extremely discounted price.

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Sit ‘Em

RB: Eddie Lacy

Although Lacy is listed as “Probable” on the week 15 injury report, expectations are that he will be operating at less than 100%. The Bills surrendered three rushing touchdowns to C.J. Anderson a week ago, but only allowed him to run for 58 yards on 21 carries (2.8 YPC). The Packers may lean on the passing game even more within the red-zone this week with Lacy nursing his hip injury. Most owners will not have the luxury to bench Lacy in their season long leagues, but he could be overpriced in DFL’s based on name recognition.

TE: Scott Chandler

Chandler is entering week 15 on the heels of an eight catch, 81 yard performance against the Broncos. Before you try to chase his points from last week, it is worth pointing out that Chandler had only recorded nine total catches for an abysmal 47 yards in his four previous games. The Packers defense has been middle of the road at defending the position from a yardage standpoint, but has only allowed tight ends to score two touchdowns all season – both of which were to Jimmy Graham in week eight.

Buyer Beware:

In almost every possible scenario, fantasy owners of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers are starting him this week. I am not recommending benching Rodgers by any means, but simply advising owners to temper expectations for this Sunday’s game. Last week the Bills did allow Peyton Manning to throw a single touchdown, even in a hostile road environment. The Bills snapped Manning’s streak of 51 straight games with a touchdown pass. Aaron Rodgers has truly been in a class of his own during the 2014 season, arguably playing better than the likes of Manning, Tom Brady, and Andrew Luck. He would get my vote for NFL MVP and I probably couldn’t be persuaded otherwise. With that being said, the Bills present the toughest defensive matchup that Rodgers has seen in weeks, so his production could be lower to what owners have enjoyed most of this season.

Here are a couple more from around the league for your week 15 “Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em”.

Schedule