SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our weekly rankings.
Start
Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins
vs. Panthers
Cousins is a top-three quarterback option this week in a game that Las Vegas oddsmakers believe will be one of Week 15's highest scoring contests. The Panthers' secondary is bad and the Redskins will have a full complement of receiving weapons available. How much do we like Cousins this week? We'd start him over big-name passers like Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and his opponent Cam Newton.
Fearless prediction: 335 yards passing, 3 TDs
Other QBs to start
- Derek Carr, Raiders
- Joe Flacco, Ravens
Bilal Powell, RB, Jets
vs. Dolphins
Matt Forte says he's been playing with a torn meniscus all season and wants to play in Saturday's game, but he should be considered highly questionable at best. Powell rushed 29 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns, and caught passes for 34 yards in the Jets' Week 14 game. He should be in for a similar workload this week and should be considered a low-end RB1.
Fearless prediction: 96 yards rushing, 29 yards receiving, TD
Other RBs to start
- Kenneth Dixon, Ravens
- Tevin Coleman, Falcons
- Kenneth Farrow, Chargers
Mike Wallace, WR, Ravens
vs. Eagles
The Eagles' cornerbacks have been getting burned lately and both Wallace and fellow Ravens starter Steve Smith are strong starting options this week. Smith is a better play in PPR leagues, but Wallace has higher upside because he's a better bet to get loose for a long touchdown (or two).
Fearless prediction: 99 yards receiving, TD
Other WRs to start
- DeSean Jackson, Redsins
- Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
- J.J. Nelson, Cardinals
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cardinals
vs. Saints
The Cardinals just cut Michael Floyd following his DUI arrest, leaving them with only Larry Fitzgerald and Gresham as big-bodied red zone weapons. Gresham has been seeing about seven targets a game lately and is a decent bet to top 50 yards with a touchdown in this contest. Considering the dearth of startable tight ends, that's an appealing projection.
Fearless prediction: 81 yards receiving, TD
Other TEs to start
- Cameron Brate, Buccaneers
- Ladarius Green, Steelers
Sit
Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans
at Chiefs
If you survived Mariota's Week 14 game against the Broncos, when he finished with just 7.32 fantasy points in standard leagues, you can't risk the same happening this week. The Chiefs' defense isn't as strong as the Broncos', but its vulnerability isn't in the passing game. Look for the Titans to lean heavily on their running backs in this game, which should depress Mariota's stats. You can probably find a better starting quarterback on the waiver wire.
Other QBs to sit
- Andy Dalton, Bengals
- Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Mark Ingram, RB, Saints
at Cardinals
Ingram doesn't look fully healthy and neither does the Saints' rushing attack as a whole. In each of the Saints' previous two games, Ingram has handled only seven carries and taken them for 37 and 14 yards, respectively. The Cardinals have a decent run defense and the Saints are always worse on the road. Leave Ingram on your bench this week.
Other RBs to sit
- Rashad Jennings, Giants
- Ryan Mathews, Eagles
- Frank Gore, Colts
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Patriots
at Broncos
Mitchell has been money for owners since exploding onto the scene in Week 11, but he's in for a rough day against the Broncos' shutdown cornerbacks. Julian Edelman is also a shaky play, though he has performed well against the Broncos in the last two regular-season meetings between these teams.
Other WRs to sit
- Brandon Marshall, Jets
- Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers
- Allen Robinson, Jaguars
Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens
vs. Eagles
The Eagles' cornerbacks are a weakness to target, but their linebackers and safeties are good against the pass. Don't expect much from Pitta this week.
Other TEs to sit
- Gary Barnidge, Browns
- Coby Fleener, Saints
Stash
Kenneth Farrow, RB, Chargers
Still owned in less than 50 percent of fantasy leagues, Farrow is in line to start for the Chargers with Melvin Gordon injured. Gordon reportedly wants to return to play this season, but that's probably wishful thinking. The Chargers play the Browns in Week 16, making Farrow a realistic starting option for owners who advance to the fantasy championship. Stash him if you can.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
Peterson returned to practice this week and, though he's unlikely to play this weekend, has a real shot to be activated for what could be an elimination game next week for the Vikings against the Packers. Add Peterson if he's on your waiver wire. Even if you don't plan to start him in the fantasy championship game, make sure your opponent can't, either.
Quit
Devontae Booker, RB, Broncos
It seemed promising for Booker when he took over as the Broncos' unquestioned starter following C.J. Anderson's injury. It finished as a nightmare for his fantasy owners, with the rookie rushing for just one yard in the Broncos' Week 14 game. If you're still alive in the fantasy playoffs and still holding Booker for some reason, drop him for literally any other player. Heck, drop him for Marshawn Lynch (who is still available to add despite being retired). At least adding Lynch would be funny. Owning Booker is just sad.