RADIO
If you're still reading, congrats! That means you have advanced to the semi-finals or your playoffs have just begun. It's do or die time, meaning it doesn't matter where you drafted a player or how much it cost to acquire them via trade, you have to play the guys producing.
Welcome to Week 15 of the fantasy season, and my column on recommended FAAB auction bidding for Week 15's waiver wire. There are a few major injuries to report. The main two being Melvin Gordon (hip) and Matt Forte (knee) and neither is likely to play in Week 15, so their replacements are top priority. Other running back injuries include Wendell Smallwood (knee) and Darren Sproles (concussion), leaving Ryan Matthews as the only back in Philadelphia. Julio Jones (toe) did not play Week 14 and is at risk of missing Week 15 versus San Francisco, considering the Falcons put up 42 without him. Aaron Rodgers (calf) was hobbled but is expected to play Week 15, while Ryan Tannehill (ACL/MCL) is out for the next few weeks.
Let’s look around the league at who is worth a bid going into Week 15. Each price recommendation will be based on a $100 FAAB budget. Be sure to also check out our weekly waiver wire analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all Week 15 options.
Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about even more Week 15 waiver wire recommendations, for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - CUTS
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Running Backs
Bilal Powell (NYJ, RB) - All the FAAB you have left
49% owned in Fleaflicker
This is what you saved all the FAAB budget for. Matt Forte went down early Sunday and was shut down for the day, allowing Bilal Powell to feast on the 49ers 32nd ranked run defense. Powell finished with 29 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns including the game-winner in overtime. He also caught all five targets for 34 yards. Forte was reportedly hearing "cracking and popping" in his knee and had an MRI Monday. Given the Jets season is in the dumps, there is no reason to rush Forte back. That means Powell will be given bell-cow duties versus the Dolphins, who are ranked 22nd versus the run. Powell is a RB1 and will be a championship-winner in Week 15.
Kenneth Farrow (SD, RB) - $20-35
39% owned in Fleaflicker
The breakout season for Melvin Gordon came to an end Sunday. Gordon left the game early for a hip strain and knee strain, leaving Kenneth Farrow as the only running back versus the Panthers. Farrow finished with 16 carries for 55 yards and six catches for 23 yards. The Chargers played from behind all afternoon, but Farrow was still able to get enough usage to crack double-digit fantasy points. It's unlikely Gordon plays in Week 15, leaving Farrow and Ronnie Hillman as the only options. Farrow gets Oakland following by Cleveland, who rank 28th and 31st versus the run. Farrow is a RB2 going forward.
Ty Montgomery (GB, RB) - $4-6
30% owned in Fleaflicker
It finally happened. Head coach Mike McCarthy finally labelled Montgomery as a running back, stating he hasn't attended wide receiver sessions in weeks. Montgomery was efficient on Sunday, rushing nine times for 41 yards and catching 3-of-4 targets for 45 yards versus the Seahawks. He scored on a one-yard plunge, a great sight for anyone worried about James Starks. Montgomery will continue to be a focal point of the run game as the Packers have to win out to make the playoffs. Next up is the Bears who rank 21st versus the run. Montgomery is a WR3/FLEX.
Also Consider: Paul Perkins (NYG) saw 15 carries on Sunday and has solidified his role in the Giants offense. Charles Sims (TB) is back as the No. 2 option in Tampa and Doug Martin continues to be unimpressive.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Wide Receivers
How is Tyreek Hill (52%) still available in so many leagues? He would be the obvious No. 1, but in competitive leagues he's likely gone. Taylor Gabriel, another previous entry here, would be No. 2 as he gets the hapless 49ers with a hobbled Julio Jones uncertain to play.
J.J. Nelson (ARI, WR) - FAAB Bid: $2-5
52% owned in Fleaflicker
Sometimes all you need is a 56-yard run to start your day. Nelson scored on the big play and added an 8-yard touchdown on his only catch. That's what we call efficiency. Sure, it's not high usage, but Michael Floyd was arrested for DUI on Sunday night, putting his status for Week 15 in doubt. Floyd had seen his play time climb to above 90%, so it's interesting to see how Arizona responds. It's difficult to recommend a player who saw two targets each of the past two weeks, but Nelson's big play potential combined with Floyd's latest troubles make Nelson an interesting option in Week 15.
Robby Anderson (NYJ, WR) - FAAB Bid: $4-7
4% owned in Fleaflicker
Bryce Petty was painful on the eyes versus the 49ers, but he did show a connection with rookie Robby Anderson. Anderson caught 6-of-11 targets for 99 yards and added two rushes for 12 yards. Anderson led the Jets in targets for the second straight week and is obviously Petty's go-to option. Anderson has the speed to take the top off defenses, and Petty has tried to connect deep multiple times the past two weeks. Anderson is a legit WR3 this week. Brandon Marshall owners -- just know you can cry on my shoulder and we love the heck outta ya.
Marqise Lee (JAC, WR) - FAAB Bid: $3-5
19% owned in Fleaflicker
The disappearance of Allen Robinson has been a headline in Jacksonville, but a more optimistic story line is the emergence of Marqise Lee. Lee caught 5-of-8 targets for 113 yards versus a tough Vikings secondary, including a fantastic 39-yard catch versus Xavier Rhodes. Lee has now eclipsed double-digit fantasy points in three of his past four games and is the de factor Jags No. 1 going forward. Lee is no more than a FLEX this week, but if you make it to Week 16 his matchup versus the Colts is tasty.
Also Consider: Kenny Stills (MIA, WR) - $5 ; Cameron Meredith (CHI, WR) - $3 ; Pierre Garcon (WAS, WR) - $2
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Tight Ends
Charles Clay (BUF, TE) - FAAB Bid: $1-2
33% owned in Fleaflicker
I don't have much to tell you. Clay caught his first touchdown of the season versus the Steelers and hasn't eclipsed 73 yards all season. He does get the Browns, who rank 31st versus tight ends, but this merely a desperation play.
Ladarius Green (PIT, TE) - FAAB Bid: $6-8
52% owned in Fleaflicker
I don't care if Green put up a dud versus the Bills. Green continues to be targeted in the limited snaps he receives and has developed a chemistry with Ben Roethlisburger. Green caught 2-of-6 targets for 25 yards. One of those targets was in the red-zone but was intercepted. It's unlikely LeVeon Bell totes the rock 38 times again, meaning Green should be involved versus the 20th ranked Bengals defense.
Also Consider: Cameron Brate (TB, TE) - FAAB Bid: $3
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Quarterbacks
You shouldn't be streaming quarterbacks at this point as there are no more bye weeks. If you do need help, check and see if Tyrod Taylor ($4) is available versus the Browns.
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Defense
Dolphins D/ST - FAAB Bid: $2-4
47% owned in Fleaflicker
Umm, did you watch the atrocity that was the Jets on Sunday? Petty is not an NFL-quarterback while the Dolphins are coming off a four-turnover performance versus the Cardinals. In a must-win game for the Dolphins, look for Miami to be a top-5 defense this week.
Falcons D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3
25% owned in Fleaflicker
The Falcons don't get the credit they deserve on defense, partially because you don't know who they are. Rookies Keanu Neal and Deion Jones have been instrumental to the defenses success lately, including two defensive scores on Sunday. Vic Beasley Jr. and his 13.5 sacks are tied for most in the NFL and he's a real candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Next up is the 49ers at home -- stream away.
Rankings provided by Football Outsiders.
