We’re now well into the fantasy playoffs and for most leagues just four teams remain. A win this week could guarantee a decent payday for all of the blood sweat and tears that were lost throughout the season. It’s been a fun year, but it’s not over, so remember fantasy success is a combination of critical thinking, preparation and luck.
I’m sure if you ask any Carson Wentz owners out there they certainly believe luck is not on their side but fear not! Anything can happen in a single week. That’s the beauty of a win or go home playoff matchup. Making the correct start/sit decision is going to be crucial to success this week. It’s important to start your studs but in most cases playoff teams are very deep. Those flex level choices can be quite difficult, below is a list of players to fade in Week 15.
Samaje Perine – RB – Redskins
This rookie saw his opportunity after injuries completely decimated the Skins. On paper Perine has all of the upside 
in the world; he even started off strong with a 4.2 yard-per-carry (YPC) performance against the Saints. Unfortunately Perine’s YPC average has dipped with each subsequent performance. The bottom completely fell off when the rusher posted 2.6 YPC against a soft Chargers Run Defense. Going into Week 14 the other surprise L.A. team had allowed the second most YPC in the entire league (4.8) and Perine could barely hit half of that number. A Week 15 contest against The Cardinals is less than ideal. They are a Top Five rushing defense and combining that with an already unproductive rusher is a gamble that should not be taken.
TY Hilton – WR – Colts
Unless an opposing playoff team is projected to lose by 30 points, leave Hilton on the bench. He’s been the most inconsistent player in all of fantasy football, a result very disappointing for a player who was drafted in the back end of the second round. There is absolutely no way to count on a long touchdown from him against the Broncos tough pass defense. Not to mention this game is taking place on Thursday which means all involved will be on a short week. If Hilton miraculously comes down with a long bomb feel confident knowing the right decision was made for your team by letting the WR sit.
Alex Smith – QB – Chiefs
It’s important to have high upside at QB in the playoffs when facing tough opponents. Alex Smith simply does not have much upside. The former first overall pick is currently sitting as the #3 Quarterback. While that is impressive, Smith’s fantasy performance throughout the second half of the season have been quite underwhelming. There was that phenomenal day against The Raiders in Week 13 but that was his first game over 20 points over his past six. A Week 15 matchup against The Chargers is less than ideal. Even when Smith was red hot earlier in the season he struggled against first go against The Chargers posting just 15.1 points. This L.A. Defense has been much better as of late allowing just 8.4 PPG in their last 3 matchups. Look for another option this week.
Stefon Diggs – WR – Vikings
A common theme in the playoffs is upside. If a terrible team makes it and you face them it’s easy to start safe players. If winning means 20 point performance upside from a skill position player its another story. Diggs doesn’t have the high ceiling he once did earlier in the season. Add that Case Keenum’s favorite target is Adam Theilen and that means Diggs’ overall target share has decreased. The safety valve role Diggs once played is becoming less of a part of this team’s game plan. This week is a tough matchup against the Bengals who have allowed just one touchdown to a receiver over the past three games. Diggs has not caught one of those in the past four weeks.
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