Fantasy football advice, Week 15: Who to start/sit for Chiefs vs. Ravens
Can Kansas City keep it rolling?
The Kansas City Chiefs are rolling, winners of seven in a row to jump to 8-5 and sit in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Sunday, they look to keep it going against the Baltimore Ravens, who are 4-9 and have cycled through three quarterbacks. There's a decided favorite in the game.
The Chiefs had question marks around running back Spencer Ware most of the week, as he deals with a rib problem, but late in the week it started looking like Ware would play. He'll be a Sunday decision, but it looks promising for him. Tight end Travis Kelce is once again on the injury report, and once again expected to be a full go. The Ravens will be without tight end Crockett Gillmore for another week. Quarterback Matt Schaub, off of a missed game, is a question mark entering Sunday; he's probable with chest and shoulder issues, but it's worth checking on Sunday morning.
The Ravens host the Chiefs Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
CHIEFS
Start ‘em: The season has really improved for Jeremy Maclin of late; he's averaged almost 16 fantasy points a game in his last three. ... The Chiefs' defense has been crazy good lately, and now draws a bad week-to-week offense. It's a must-use unit.
Start ‘em?: Over the team's seven-game winning streak, Alex Smith has averaged 18 fantasy points a game. He should have a high floor, though his ceiling is somewhat limited. ... Charcandrick West would be a very interesting fantasy play if Spencer Ware were out Sunday, but since it looks like Ware will be active, they're both decent flex plays, with West a bit above Ware because of health. ... Travis Kelce has done very little for fantasy of late. He's tough to trust, but has decent upside. ... Cairos Santos has struggled to tally points the last couple weeks, but it's been a good enough season that he's probably worth it.
Sit ‘em: Week 14 was big for Albert Wilson, but he doesn't have big weekly upside.
RAVENS
Start ‘em: After three straight big games, Buck Allen saw his numbers take a big dip in Week 14, but that can be forgiven with him having played Seattle. He remains a decent RB2.
Start ‘em?: With no other real pass-catching threat in Baltimore, Kamar Aiken remains a decent flex play. ... Justin Tucker has averaged almost eight points a game in the last month. He's low-upside, but high-floor. ... The Ravens' defense has been much better of late (the rough game against Seattle notwithstanding), and it's not like Kansas City has a load of offensive weapons.
Sit ‘em: It looks like Matt Schaub will be back to start Sunday over Jimmy Clausen and new acquisition Ryan Mallett, but there isn't a fantasy option in the bunch. ... Even with Crockett Gillmore banged up of late and missing games, Maxx Williams has done nothing for fantasy owners in some time.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City defense, Buck Allen
Start if you're desperate: Alex Smith, Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware, Travis Kelce, Cairo Santos, Kamar Aiken, Baltimore defense
Bench: Albert Wilson, Matt Schaub, Jimmy Clausen, Ryan Mallett, Maxx Williams
