Murray has been a mix of dynamic and dreadful for a good part
of the year, and hasn’t been enough of a difference maker
for a Cardinal team circling the drain because of a three-game
losing streak. But a great spot against a very leaky Patriot defense
has Murray’s arrow pointing up in Week 15, as New England
has given up gobs of points to opposing quarterbacks in the last
three weeks.
Let’s get real, Stroud has been a massive fantasy disappointment
this season, but the bye week came at a great time. Both the offensive
and defensive lines for the Texans were able to get healthier,
and the coaching staff should be able to make adjustments. After
a hot start against opposing QBs, the Dolphin defense has gotten
soft, most recently letting the dusty Aaron Rodgers throw for
his most yards in three-years. The weapons are there for this
passing game to rebound at home.
You’ve scrapped and clawed your way in the fantasy playoffs
to trust Rodgers in your biggest moment? Maybe? Making his 2024
debut in this column for me, Rodgers played his best game in years
last week against a desperate Miami team. The warm weather of
South Florida once again bathes Rodgers in the fountain of youth
as he continues his audition for 2025.
Russ has seen a career resurgence with the Steelers this season,
but this matchup is dreadful. First and foremost, it looks like
George Pickens will miss a second-straight game with a bad hammy,
and without him last week, Wilson had only 158 yards in the air,
a season low. Going on the road to Philly with a patchwork receiver
corps isn’t what fantasy playoff football is about.
Playing down to their opponents, then snapping victory from the
jaws of defeat has been the M.O. for Mahomes and the Chiefs this
season. Despite creeping back into the QB1 conversation the last
few weeks, Mahomes continues to struggle with his efficiency numbers
and in the red zone. The Cleveland defense can be a problem, and
have yet to allow more than 300 yards passing or more than two
touchdowns to any quarterback.
Although he seems to have rebounded from a mid-season benching,
Richardson still struggles to complete 50% of his passes, and
has a rough matchup in the altitude of Denver. Denver was absolutely
roasted by Jameis Winston before the bye, but that’s an
outlier, as they have been dominant against opposing quarterbacks
for a majority of the season.
