Fantasy Football: Top 10 players to start for Week 15

When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 10 players heading into Week 15 NFL action.

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands the football off to running back Eddie Lacy (27) during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

I would like to officially welcome everyone to the playoffs! If you have made it this far, you probably have a solid line-up and should not alter it too much, unless you’ve fell victim to some of last week’s injuries.

T.J. Yeldon sprained his knee, LeGarrette Blount hurt his hip, Thomas Rawls broke his ankle and Andy Dalton broke his throwing thumb. What a way to start the fantasy playoffs huh?

Well, if you need a replacement or are just stuck in a debate with yourself over who to start for Week 15, this list will steer you in the right direction.

Lets take a look at top 10 fantasy starters for Week 15.

Next: 10. This Lion will rule the kingdom

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) runs the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis Rams defeat the Detroit Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

10. Theo Riddick

Running back Theo Riddick led the Detroit Lions backfield in last week’s match-up. Although he has been of inconsistent value this season, he usually excels in point per run leagues.

Last week, Riddick completed 7-of-11 passes for 44 yards. He also carried the ball three times for 18 more yards in Week 14’s loss to the St. Louis Rams.

This week’s match-up will be more promising for Riddick as he gears up to take on the New Orleans Saints who rank 31st against opposing running backs. This week, Riddick will add value to your playoff line-up and should definitely start.

Next: 9. Without a doubt this Saint is back

Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower (34) celebrates as he scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

9. Tim Hightower

Tim Hightower gained a starting role after Mark Ingram was ruled out with an injury. Last week, he played more than half of the team’s snap and earned 16 fantasy points.

Hightower had 28 carries for 85 yards. He scored a touchdown and completed his only target for 10 yards on last week’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This week, New Orleans take on the Lions who rank 17th against the position. The Lions’ defense has stepped their game up over the last few weeks however, with as many carries as Hightower should see, he can be a viable starter for your Week 15 line-up.

Next: 8. This Jet is on fire

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

8. Ryan Fitzpatrick

I’ve said it multiple times this season, and I will say it again: start quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has been on fire, and if you lost Andy Dalton last week, he is the perfect filler.

Last week, Fitzpatrick completed 21-of-36 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns. He wouldn’t be Fitzpatrick if he didn’t add 23 rushing yards to the Jets’ Week 14 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

This week, the Jets and Fitzpatrick take on the Dallas Cowboys in a random Saturday night match-up. Fitzpatrick ranks 10th in quarterbacks and has earned over 20 fantasy points per game in his last three games. If you need a quarterback, Fitzpatrick is your man.

Next: 7. His opponent ranks 27th against this Saint

Dec 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

7. Benjamin Watson

If you’re looking for a flex or want to switch up your line-up, tight end Benjamin Watson is a good choice. Although he’s been an inconsistent value, he’s coming off of two double-digit scoring games; last week he received seven passes for 70 yards.

In the last 7-of-8 games, Watson had four or more catches. With good end zone chemistry, quarterback Drew Brees relies on Watson in the passing game.

Watson takes on the Lions who rank 26^th against opposing tight ends. Within their last five games, Detroit has allowed four touchdowns to the position. Watson has a promising week ahead of him.

Next: 6. This Packer is finally living up to his name

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

6. Eddie Lacy

Running back Eddie Lacy has been one of the biggest fantasy busts of the season. He’s up, he’s down and he is just not reliable for owners to score big. However, he’s coming off of a victorious Week 14 and his Week 15 match-up offers value.

Last week, Lacy had a season high of 124 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He also completed his only target in Sunday’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Lacy meets the Oakland Raiders in Week 15, and their average rushing defense shouldn’t be a problem for him. Oakland ranks 20^th against running backs and Lacy should see a starting position in your line-up this week.

Next: 5. This quarterback got many to the playoffs

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts on the field after a play against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis Rams defeat the Detroit Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

5. Matthew Stafford

Another one of my favorite fantasy underdogs is quarterback Matthew Stafford. Although last week he earned a little under 20 fantasy points, when he has the right match-up he can score big. His Week 15 match-up is against the New Orleans Saints who has one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL.

New Orleans ranks 32^nd against quarterbacks. This week’s game is going to be a fantasy owners dream come true, as Stafford should score many fantasy points, much to the delight of owners everywhere.

With a highly favorable match-up, Stafford is definitely a QB1 this week.

Next: 4. A Bengal ready to be unleashed

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) hands the ball off to running back Jeremy Hill (32) against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jeremy Hill

Jeremy Hill and the Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a rough week. They lost quarterback Andy Dalton and as Cincinnati fell behind it left little hope for any running back, as it became a one-dimensional passing game.

Hill rushed seven times for 16 yards. This was the third game in the season Hill didn’t have 10 or more touches. But, Week 15 is going to be different.

With A.J. McCarron stepping in for Dalton, Cincinnati may be more inclined to pose a running game. Not to mention, their Week 15 match-up is against the San Francisco 49ers who rank 32^nd against opposing running backs. It also may be wise to start Giovani Bernard. Either way, this week a Cincinnati running back should appear in your line-up.

Next: 3. A Seahawk going from sleeper to starter

Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeated Baltimore Ravens 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Doug Baldwin

If you haven’t already drafted Doug Baldwin, now is the time. He has been a hot pick-up late this season, especially after Jimmy Graham’s season ending injury.

Last week, Baldwin completed 6-of-9 targets for 82 yards. He even scored three unbelievable touchdowns in last week’s blowout over the Baltimore Ravens.

Baldwin’s Week 15 game brings the Cleveland Browns to Seattle where, Baldwin is expected to have another outstanding week. Cleveland ranks 24^th against wide receivers and Baldwin is a must start against their abysmal defense.

Next: 2. The top Panther on an undefeated team

Oct 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (19) runs away from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (58) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. The Panthers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ted Ginn

Although the Carolina Panthers are undefeated, Ted Ginn Jr. has had a rocky fantasy season. However, in recent weeks, Ginn has pulled off over 25 fantasy points per game in his last two match-ups.

Ginn caught 2-of-3 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a five yard carry in Week 14’s win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Week 15 seems like another great week for Ginn, as he takes on the New York Giants. The Giants rank 27^thagainst the position and allow the most passing yards this season. There should be no doubt about starting Ginn this week.

Next: 1. There is a new Cardinal in town

Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball in to the end zone for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

1. David Johnson

From a top pick sleeper in Week 14 to a must start player in Week 15, running back David Johnson is lighting up the scoreboard. Although he left last week’s game briefly, nothing stopped Johnson from exploding in Week 14.

Johnson ran 92 yards on 19 carries. He also completed 5-of-7 targets in last week’s win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Next: Top 10 fantasy football sleepers for Week 15

Johnson prepares to take on the Philadelphia Eagles who don’t seem to offer concern for Johnson. Philadelphia ranks 22^nd against running backs, which will allow Johnson an opportunity to score big. Even if Andre Ellington returns in Week 15, Johnson has proven he is worthy of being Arizona’s lead back.