Fantasy football advice, Week 15: Who to start/sit for Cardinals vs. Eagles on Sunday night
Both of these teams have their eyes on playoff berths.
The Sunday action of Week 15 winds down with the Arizona Cardinals, in line for a bye in the NFC playoffs, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles, needing every win possible just to stay alive in the NFC East playoff race.
Arizona might get running back Andre Ellington back from injury on a very limited basis Sunday, and should have wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, despite his own appearance on the injury report. The Eagles, meanwhile, should have their full complement of fantasy contributors; quarterback Sam Bradford and wide receiver Jordan Matthews are on the injury report, but expected to be fine for the game.
The Eagles host the Cardinals Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
CARDINALS
Start ‘em: It's been a monster season for Carson Palmer, and it should continue Sunday. ... David Johnson has really seized the role of the No. 1 running back. ... Chandler Catanzaro continues to be a point machine in fantasy. ... The Cardinals' defense is good, and gets a poor Philadelphia offense.
Start ‘em?: If I have any of Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown or Michael Floyd, I'm using him. The problem is, if you have more than one of the group, I have no idea what to advise.
Sit ‘em: Even if he makes it back Sunday, Andre Ellington is likely to be only somewhat healthy and play only a handful of snaps. There's no fantasy value. ... Darren Fells hasn't done much since his huge Week 1.
EAGLES
Start ‘em?: In a pinch, Zach Ertz isn't a horrible option at tight end, but he hasn't reached double-digit fantasy points in a game all year.
Sit ‘em: No, there's no reason to consider Sam Bradford. ... The Philadelphia running game is hard to parse. But against Arizona, best to avoid Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles and DeMarco Murray altogether. ... Jordan Matthews has a decent ceiling, but his penchant for veritable no-show games makes him really hard to use. ... Nelson Agholor had his first career touchdown in Week 14, but had 12 fantasy points in total before that. ... As Ertz has gotten healthy, Brent Celek's numbers have fallen off. ... The offense might not feast much Sunday, rendering Caleb Sturgis a tough play. ... The Eagles' defense has really struggled lately, outside of that one game against New England, and now draws an Arizona team that has a potent offense.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Carson Palmer, David Johnson, Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona defense
Start if you're desperate: Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Michael Floyd, Zach Ertz
Bench: Andre Ellington, Darren Fells, Sam Bradford, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, DeMarco Murray, Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Brent Celek, Caleb Sturgis, Philadelphia defense
