First, let’s have a look at the state of the union, then look at a couple of high-priced players and decide if they are worth it.
The Patriots lost again, but so did the Bills, so the Pats can breath a bit easier about hanging on to that umpteenth division title… at least for one week more. The Raiders keep on losing and the Kansas City Chiefs got their ninth win of the season, so the AFC West is all locked up for them. The Ravens continue to roll, and at this point, look like the best team in the NFL and they are the odds on favorite to win it all at the top sportsbooks for NFL betting. They have had a ridiculously tough schedule, but they find ways to win against top teams week in and week out. The Texans are in trouble, the Tennessee Titans have picked themselves up off the floor and climbed into AFC South contention, they may even steal that division title for the first time since 2008.
Over in the NFC, the Cowboys and Eagles are still duking it out for the worst division in the league – not a single team in the NFC East has a winning record. The 49ers are back on top with the No. 1 seed in the NFC after beating the Saints and the Seahawks taking a loss to the Rams in LA. The Packers are still a full game ahead of the Vikings in the NFC North but have to face a Bears team that is trying to scrape its way towards a wild card berth, and the Saints, even though they lost, are four games ahead of the Buccs so in no danger of losing that NFC South title.
OK, So there is a lot at stake in Week 15.
If you asked me at any point over the last couple of years if I’d pay top dollar for Ryan Tannehill I’d have laughed in your face. The problem is, that’s exactly what you’ll have to do: pay up. He’s no secret, no sleeper. He’s on the top of the ESPN Fantasy feeds as well as Yahoo and Sporting News.
So against the Houston Texans, who have allowed a lot of points against QBs this season (sixth-most in the league), you’ll have to pay upwards of $30.00 to get him on your roster. That said, he might be worth it. In his last five games, he’s rushed the ball for just under 30-yards each. In his bout against the Raiders, he put up 391 yards and 3 touchdowns. Against the Colts, he only passed for 182, but still dropped in two TDs. Against the Jags three weeks ago, he threw for 259 and another two TDs. Against the Chiefs he connected with Humphries and Firkser for a pair of 6-pointers … are you seeing the pattern here?
Tannehill is worth a shot even at a high price. He has been too consistent to ignore, which is exactly why he’s priced so high.
Saquon Barkley is $26 against the Dolphins and I can see why some people might hop all over this. Well, I don’t trust that Giants offensive line. Sure, Saquon has had a bit of a sophomore slump since his injury, but I think it has a lot more to do with the Giants O-line perpetually looking confused than a decline in his decision-making ability or legs. The Dolphins are suddenly a team that wants to win, and they will make the Giants work for it. Barkley, only put up 66 yards in Philly. Even with Eli going for 203 and two TDs, so don’t fall for the trap price. I’d rather take Montgomery for 21 bucks – though he’d be better in the FLEX spot–- than Saquon in Week 15.
For $8 bucks more you could take Carson who’ll be getting the bulk of the touches against a less than impressive Carolina Panthers run defense. They are 31st against the run, so the price is right for the potential ROI on that one!
