Fantasy Football: Top 10 players to sit for Week 15

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

Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning prepares to pass against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium where the Giants defeated the dolphins 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to Week 15 and congratulations on making it this far in the season. With the playoffs upon us, our weekly decisions have become more difficult and indecisive.

One thing is for sure, if you have players like Andy Dalton or Thomas Rawls, your decision has been made for you as we lost these two and others last week to injuries. Changing up your line-up or losing a player to an injury is never a good thing in fantasy playoffs. But, it happens!

So, who are you going to start this week? Well, that is a good question, and unfortunately I am not a mind reader. But, I can tell you who not to start this week. Week 15 match-ups are going to leave some players in the dark, and if you want to win, this is the time to sit these 10 players, lets take a look.

Next: 10. This defense is not stealing fantasy points

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) avoids a tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

10. Pittsburgh Steelers Defense/Special Teams

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a difficult ride this season. With star players being injured, including Big Ben’s two injuries, luck just wasn’t on their side. But, lo and behold they got it together and are still in the running for the playoffs.

However, this week’s match-up does not look good for fantasy owners. Pittsburgh takes on the Denver Broncos in Week 15. And, although star quarterback Peyton Manning is still out, the odds are not in Pittsburgh’s favor.

Pittsburgh has allowed over 300 passing yards in three of their last four games. They also rank 29^th in pass defense, which means Denver is going to have a field day this week. Pittsburgh’s defense/special teams should definitely be sat but, don’t drop them because Week 16 offers a good match-up.

Next: 9. This Cowboy won't lasso points this week

Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) run past Washington Redskins inside linebacker Will Compton (51) during the third quarter at FedEx Field. Dallas Cowboys defeated Washington Redskins 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

9. Jason Witten

If your line-up consists of tight end Jason Witten, you’ve probably been very disappointed with his fantasy performance. Witten has only earned double-digit points three times the entire season.

Last week, Witten led the Dallas Cowboys in passes. He completed 5-of-9 targets for 40 yards in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

If you need more convincing, his Week 15 match-up introduces him to a solid New York Jets’ defense. The Jets ranks 5^th against opposing tight ends, which leads me to believe he is going to have another week of minimal fantasy points. Witten should definitely sit this one out.

Next: 8. This Patriot is irrelevant in Week 15

Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) and wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) celebrate a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

8. James White

The New England Patriots usually light up the fantasy score board, unless they are a running back. With LeGarrette Blount out, fantasy owners may be inclined to pick up James White however, New England running backs don’t seem to score big.

White caught 4-of-6 targets for 38 yards and had only one carry that delivered a touchdown in last week’s victory over the Houston Texans. Earning 14 fantasy points last week, it was only 1-of-3 times he reached double-digit points all season.

Even with Blount out, and an increased workload for White, the points just aren’t there. Especially this week as they prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans who rank 4^th against running backs. If you have an alternate option, this is the week to use it!

Next: 7. This Cowboy misses his quarterback

Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon (41) defends in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

7. Dez Bryant

Better luck next season Dez Bryant owners. Unfortunately Bryant has had a rough season. After missing several weeks with an injury, and losing quarterback Tony Romo twice, he just can’t catch a break.

Last week, Bryant literally caught only 1-of-5 targets for a measly nine yards in Sunday’s blowout to the Green Bay Packers. This week doesn’t seem anymore promising.

Dallas takes on the Jets and Bryant will need to break away from star cornerback Darrelle Revis. With Revis covering Bryant, and Matt Cassel under center, Bryant is a must sit for Week 15. Actually, you could probably drop him for the rest of the season and not feel any repercussions.

Next: 6. Not even this 49er will score big

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) gets tackled by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Shea McClellin (50) during the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

6. Shaun Draughn

If you own Shaun Draughn, you would know he has been a huge impact on your team. Prior to last week he was up there in the double-digit scores. And then… last week happened.

Draughn had 11 carries for 43 yards. He also caught 2-of-3 targets for only eight yards in last week’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. Although Draughn leads the San Francisco 49ers in carries, Week 15 doesn’t look good.

This week Draughn takes on the 10-3 Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals rank 12^th against the position, and with the playoffs on the line, I wouldn’t start Draughn or any other 49er at that.

Next: 5. This Giant won't be ELIte this week

Dec 14, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Eli Manning

I will put my personal feelings aside and admit that Eli Manning is a decent quarterback. Especially for fantasy owners as, this season he has scored double-digit points in most of his games and has even had his fair share of earning over 20 fantasy points per game, like we saw last week.

In Week 14, Manning completed 27-of-31 passes for 337 yards. He left Monday’s game with four touchdowns and no interceptions which gave owners 30 or more fantasy points last week.

However, this is not the week to bELIeve in Manning as he prepares to take on the undefeated Carolina Panthers. That alone should make you sit him not to mention, they rank 2^nd against quarterbacks. Week 15 is not the week to start Manning.

Next: 4. This Eagle is on the endangered species list

Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Manny Lawson (91) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

4. DeMarco Murray

In the beginning of the season you were so excited to brag about drafting DeMarco Murray. And then, as the season progressed you realized this was not the same DeMarco Murray we all remember.

Murray is fighting for playing time with Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, and it is reflecting his fantasy value. Last week Murray caught 2-of-2 targets for three yards and had 11 carries for 34 yards last week against the Buffalo Bills.

Within the last three games, Murray hasn’t reached 100 yards or completed any touchdowns, and this week doesn’t seem to be any different. With a match-up against the Arizona Cardinals who rank 5^th on run defense, Murray will not be of any value this week.

Next: 3. He will definitely not be a Chief this week

Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is tackled by San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 10-3. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce is my biggest upset of Week 14. After killing the game in Week 13 and comparing his Week 14 match-up, Kelce was listed on lasts week’s sleeper list. Well, I apologize, because he was one of last week’s biggest fantasy busts!

Kelce had a quiet Week 14. Kelce caught 3-of-5 targets for 18 yards. He also gave up a touchdown completed by Charcandrick West when he was penalized for an offensive pass interference.

His Week 15 match-up is a fifty-fifty shot against the Baltimore Ravens who rank 2^nd against tight ends but, rank 21^st against the pass. With your playoffs at risk, I would go with an alternate option this week.

Next: 2. Yet another Steeler bust in Week 15

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Margus Hunt (99) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

2. Markus Wheaton

Another Steeler makes the sit list this week. Although Markus Wheaton has had his best fantasy weeks in his last three match-ups, he is just not beneficial to owners.

Last week, Wheaton caught 4-of-7 targets for 65 yards in Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Week 15 doesn’t look much more successful either.

Wheaton prepares for a game against the Denver Broncos who rank 1^st against wide receivers. Also, keep in mind Wheaton is being outplayed by Antonio Brown, Bryant and Heath Miller. With Wheaton competing for passes and his match-up against a solid defense, Wheaton is a must sit for Week 15.

Next: 1. This Cowboy should not saddle up

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

1. Matt Cassel

It’s a shame I have to list Matt Cassel as a definite sit because, I would assume this is already a given. But, to all you Cowboy fans and Cassel hopefuls, please do your fantasy team a favor and drop Matt Cassel.

Cassel is BARELY reaching double-digit fantasy points. Last week, he only completed 13-of-29 passes for 114 yards and an interception in a sorry loss to the Packers. And, this week is only going to get worse.

Next: Top 10 fantasy football players to start for Week 15

Cassel faces a solid Jets’ defensive secondary who recently put a stop to Manning and Marcus Mariota. Cassel has only won 1-of-5 games this season and although the Cowboys don’t seem like they are going to bench him, you definitely should. Cassel is my number one sit of Week 15.