Fantasy football advice, Week 15: Who to start/sit for Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens

Darren Sproles will not suit up for battle, and with Wendell Smallwood on injured reserve, Ryan Mathews could be in line for quite the workload. Even against the NFL’s No. 1 run defense, Mathews could garner enough volume to put him in flex territory. The Ravens have the potential to shut down running games from just about any team including the Eagles, but Mathews has a favorable enough backfield situation if it’s just him and Kenjon Barner atop the depth chart. With Zach Ertz coming off of a 10-catch week, he can also be penned into lineups amid a difficult matchup.

Jordan Matthews, in his first game back from spraining his ankle, popped off a respectable 8-79-0 line against Washington. The volume may not be there against a Ravens defense that can get off the field easier than Washington’s, but Matthews is worth a look in deeper leagues if the Eagles can’t rely on Mathews and a depleted backfield to move the chains. Fantasy owners can consider Matthews a high-floor flex option.

Carson Wentz, Nelson Agholor and Trey Burton can remain on benches, as can Dorial Green-Beckham if he suits up.

The Eagles’ defense is still a capable one, even if it is a shell of its stout form showcased at the beginning of the season. That said, a changing of the guard in the Ravens’ backfield should have fantasy owners on notice, and it should put Kenneth Dixon in lineups of all formats. Finally surpassing Terrance West on the depth chart, Dixon out-touched West 19-6 and led the Ravens with 11 targets. If this usage continues, Dixon is a fringe RB1/RB2 with Joe Flacco shamelessly dumping-off short passes dozens of times per game. Against the Eagles’ weak cornerbacks, Steve Smith reenters flex consideration despite three consecutive outings with 57 yards or less.

Wth the Eagles allowing the second fewest fantasy points to tight ends, fantasy owners would be advised to look elsewhere than Dennis Pitta to fill the tight end spot in their lineups. Flacco, Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman also deserve spots on the benches despite their penchant for splash plays.