Flex Options for Week 15 (Fantasy Football)
You wanna talk about playoffs!? Then you came to the right place. Here at The Fantasy Footballers, we understand the gravity of start/sit decisions this time of year. For that reason, I’m offering the caveat that I cannot be held responsible for your playoff success (or lack thereof) this week. Frankly, I don’t think many of you need my advice if you’ve made it this far in your fantasy leagues. If you do find yourself in a spot where you are searching for a flex option, here are a few names you might consider who don’t typically make it into lineups. They’re currently ranked outside the top 24 in the Fantasy Footballers’ rankings. In some cases, they are ranked well outside the top 24 and can likely be added to your roster if needed. Best of luck!
Here are the names:
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
Washington’s offense didn’t get anything going last week against Minnesota, but Rodriguez continued to operate as the clear lead back on early downs and turned in an efficient 10 for 52 performance despite the offense’s struggles. Prior to last week’s clunker, Rodriguez had turned in four consecutive top-36 finishes. His lack of usage in the receiving game limits his upside, but he is always a threat to plunge in a goal-line TD and give you a solid fantasy performance. I especially like his odds of finding the end zone this week against an awful Giants’ run defense in a game with a surprisingly high 47.5 point O/U. I think you can start him in your flex or RB2 slot this week as a high-floor option.
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Minnesota Vikings
Jones operated in a pretty even split with backfield-mate Jordan Mason last week against the Commanders, and it was Mason who found the end zone and finished with the better day for fantasy. Despite that, I think Aaron Jones is the better play this week and is worthy of flex consideration. He looked effective last week, piling up 76 yards on his 14 touches, and most importantly, he finished the game healthy by all accounts. He should get the first crack at a Dallas defense that has been allowing fantasy points like a sieve all season. He is also the preferred option on passing downs thanks to his blocking and receiving acumen, so I think he will get you at least a couple of catches in this game. Consider him a high-floor option with some upside should he find the end zone a time or twice. For what it’s worth, I’m starting Jones over Omarion Hampton and Devin Neal this week.
Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
The deep options at WR are not pretty this week. Hopefully, if you’ve made the playoffs, you have some better options than these guys for your starting lineup. But playoff teams come in all shapes and sizes, so if you are scrambling for a start this week, look no further. Darius Slayton can be found on many waiver wires, and his big-play ability always makes him a threat for a boom week. Not to bring up the Commanders again, but they just had a 30-burger hung on them by J.J. “Nine” McCarthy and the Vikings, so New York’s offense could be in for a big day on Sunday. Jaxson Dart is healthy (for now) and ready to sling it this weekend, and Slayton profiles as his No. 2 option in the passing game behind Wan’Dale Robinson. He is a desperation option, but an option nonetheless.
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots
I actually think Boutte is a sneaky good play this week. He’s fallen off of fantasy radars a bit after missing time with a hamstring injury and then going on bye last week, but he has quietly been a top-24 WR in four of his last five full games played. This game between New England and Buffalo is going to be a fun one this week, and I want pieces of it. Boutte’s been pretty TD dependent in an offense that spreads the ball around a bunch, but he’s found the end zone six times already this year in 11 games played. As long as he’s healthy, which he appears to be, he’s got as good of odds as any Patriot (outside of maybe TreVeyon Henderson) to find the end zone. I’m not that scared to play Boutte this week. Dare I say I’m a little excited?
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
This play, of course, hinges on Tee Higgins missing this week’s game, but most experts (including our guy Andy Holloway) expect him to miss. Iosivas keeps finding himself as the de facto No. 2 WR in Cincinnati’s offense thanks to suspensions and injuries to Chase and Higgins. It’s been working okay so far, but we’re still waiting on the big week from him. This could be the week, as the Joe Burrow-led Bengals host the Ravens in a pivotal divisional matchup. The game’s 52.5 point over/under is the highest of the week, and with the way these defenses have been playing lately, I’m taking the over. Iosivas certainly falls into the “hopefully you have better options” category, but I do think he’s a fine play this week if you don’t.
