Week 15 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Matchups to Exploit and Avoid on Schedule

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson provided a shining example as to how important matchups are in Week 15 during fantasy playoff season.

Wilson totaled a game-high 20 points in a Thursday showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. Some might have feared the matchup given Los Angeles’ defense, but a quick look at the numbers—the defense had allowed eight touchdowns over its prior three games—revealed it was one of the best matchups of the week.

The task now is simple: analyze the rest and come up with a plan for success. Let’s do so below after a look at matchup comparisons.

       

Quarterback

Matchup to Exploit: Cam Newton, CAR (at WAS)

It’s time for owners to trust Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Newton has only scored 12 and 11 points over his last two outings and recently had an MRI come back clean.

The versatile Newton sits in a great matchup against the Washington Redskins in Week 15, seeing as it is a defense permitting the eighth-most points to quarterbacks on average. The unit has allowed three passing touchdowns in two of its past four outings.

Newton provides an even bigger challenge because of his ability as a runner, which owners should love.

        

Matchup to Avoid: Andrew Luck, IND (at MIN)

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Tough as it may be, it’s hard to get behind Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in Week 15.

Luck, coming off a 16-point showing, has to deal with the quarterback purgatory known as the Minnesota Vikings. Though a disappointing team as of late, the Vikings still permit the third-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks.

In fact, the Vikings haven’t surrendered multiple passing touchdowns in a game since Week 11, and no quarterback has hit 20 points against the unit.

Luck is great, but he’ll have some problems on the road in this one.

       

Running Back

Matchup to Exploit: Carlos Hyde, SF (at ATL)

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Feel free to ride the unstoppable-looking train that is San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde.

Hyde …

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