At 5-8, the St. Louis Rams are just looking ahead to 2016, evaluating their players for next year. At 6-7, the same is probably true for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but if they win out and get some help ... well, the story isn't done being written on the Buccaneers yet. But they'll need a win Thursday over those Rams to get things going in a positive direction.
Fantasy football advice, Week 15: Who to start/sit for Buccaneers vs. Rams on Thursday night
Is there one last gasp for Tampa Bay’s season?
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Buccaneers will be without wide receiver Vincent Jackson Sunday and there's a good chance he's done for the year. On the St. Louis side, running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Kenny Britt both appeared on the weekly injury report, but both should be fine for Sunday.
The Rams host the Buccaneers Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:25 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BUCCANEERS
Start 'em: The last five weeks, Doug Martin has averaged 13.8 fantasy points a game. He's fully gotten over that little midseason lull. ... With Vincent Jackson out, Mike Evans will have to shoulder the load. He's been frustrating more than once, but should still be an easy start.
Start 'em?: Playing Charles Sims is risky, but he's had several decent games this year. He's a risk-heavy flex play. ... The Buccaneers' defense is only marginal, but the St. Louis offense is one that could completely crater at any moment.
Sit 'em: We had that one big game for Jameis Winston, when he put up 29 fantasy points. Otherwise, he's high-floor (at least 12 fantasy points every game this season), but fairly low-ceiling. ... Austin Seferian-Jenkins had a monster Week 1, then got hurt and left us wanting that sort of production again. But since returning, he's put up only three fantasy points a game. I'd rather just let him sit. ... Connor Barth isn't putting up many points lately.
RAMS
Start ‘em: After a lull for a couple weeks, Todd Gurley reminded us last week why he’s one of the NFL’s best running backs. He’s a must-start, albeit one with some risk if the offense can’t get him in good position.
Start ‘em?: The Rams’ defense should be better than it has been for most of the year. Week 14 was a good move in that direction, but that still isn’t exactly a reliable unit.
Sit 'em: The starting St. Louis quarterback hasn't put up double-digit fantasy points since Week 8, and has only done so four times all season. Case Keenum has no upside, and this position group is maybe the NFL's worst. ... Tavon Austin continues to have some marginal potential, but without a quarterback who can get him the ball reliably, his upside is muted. ... Kenny Britt, Wes Welker and Jared Cook have combined for two player-games of double-digit fantasy points all season, both by Britt and none since Week 3. ... Greg Zuerlein returned from injury last week, but the starting Rams kicker has seven combined fantasy points in the last four weeks.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Doug Martin, Mike Evans, Todd Gurley
Start if you're desperate: Charles Sims, Tampa Bay defense, St. Louis defense
Bench: Jameis Winston, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Connor Barth, Case Keenum, Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, Wes Welker, Jared Cook, Greg Zuerlein
