WEEK 15 PLAYOFF PREPARATION
9 THOUGHTS WORTH THINKING
I like to follow stats, trends, and matchups, as well as a little thing I like to call a hunch. These thoughts are based on those observations.
1. Matthew Stafford can help you advance - In his last three games, 15-year veteran Matthew Stafford has 802 yards passing but, more importantly, 10 touchdown passes with 1 interception. Both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are healthy and contributing to the cause of his dominance of late. To make matters even more appealing, the Rams will face the Commanders at home in Week 15. Washington has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, and since Week 10, their average allowance is 307 yards per game with 2.8 touchdown passes. You want to take advantage of matchups in the playoffs and also play the hot players. You get both with Stafford against Washington this week. If he's on your roster, you try to play him unless you have a top-3 starter option. This also includes a big stamp of approval for Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams. All Rams fantasy weapons should benefit greatly this week.
2. Rachaad White helped get you here - he will help you advance - As long as the weather cooperates, White at Green Bay is a decent matchup that you should take note of. Not only has White been solid lately (RB3 since Week 10), but the Packers have been struggling against the run, allowing an average of 121 rushing yards and 1.2 rushing touchdowns per game to running backs over the last five games. If you have White on your roster, you have most likely benefited from him to get you to this spot in the playoffs. Continue to ride White's hot streak to get you to the next level.
3. Is Jake Browning worth starting for your team in the playoffs? In three games as a starter, Browning is 69 of 87 for 856 yards (79.3 comp%) with 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He also has two rushing touchdowns. His yards per attempt is a robust 9.84, and it's even higher over the last two games. He has shown that he can make plays downfield, and let's not forget he has the horses to reel in those passes led by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Tanner Hudson is also making a splash over the last few games. On paper, Browning looks like a good option. This week's opponent is Minnesota, who have blanketed Aidan O'Connell and Justin Fields in back-to-back weeks. The Vikings have not allowed a 300-yard passer since Week 3 and have only allowed three passing touchdowns since Week 9. It's not a great matchup. But this game is at home, and Minnesota is struggling to find their rhythm with a quarterback issue of their own. Browning has done enough to warrant a start. He may not have the best game of the week, but Top 10 seems likely.
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