We've reached the semifinals of the fantasy playoffs--or somewhere close to it, depending on your league. Or maybe you've been knocked out, but reading is such an enjoyable hobby, you're still here. Whatever your situation, today I want to focus on some widely available players well positioned to bust out Week 15. Because most of you still in it probably have a hole or two to fill. Or your quarterback or running back is facing a defense that makes you a little antsy.
At QB, Jalen Hurts (available in 86.1% of ESPN leagues) is a prime target again a Cardinals defense yielding decent passing yardage and a healthy 4.5 yards per carry. Hurts proved this past weekend that he and Miles Sanders can both be productive rushers in the same game. There's no reason to think he'll finish outside the top 16, and there are many reasons to believe he'll hit 18+, which is good enough to keep most managers competitive. And don't sleep on Philip Rivers (75.6% available) despite his relatively atrocious season. He's 26th in QB fantasy points per game, but these next 2-3 weeks the Colts will be in must-win mode, and he's facing a Texans defense that's given up 25 TD passes while intercepting only three passes. That's flat-out abysmal (the worst ratio in the league), which is great news for those looking to stream Rivers at the perfect time.
At RB, with Raheem Mostert ailing, Jeff Wilson (86.2% available) is in a prime spot against Dallas. Honestly, he should be rostered in nearly every league at this late stage. Few widely available backs have as much Week 15 blow-up potential as he does. And keep an eye on Zeke Elliott's calf injury. Dallas lost both games to Washington and are two games back, meaning they have to win out--and Washington has to lose out--to have a shot at the postseason (they'd also need to leapfrog the Giants and Eagles). So there's no apparent urgency to give Zeke a heavy load even if he starts. Tony Pollard (74.6% available) would have RB1 potential if he starts, and TD-dependent RB3/4 potential if he remains an 8-12 touch backup.
At WR, as I've written several times, Tim Patrick (69.7% available) keeps producing. He now has 10 double-digit efforts in his last 12 games. While his low targets are troubling, he's useful for those lacking an obvious top-30 option. The same goes for Rashard Higgins (91.4% available) and yes, even Sammy Watkins (59.4% available). If Marshon Lattimore shadows Tyreek Hill, Watkins will get a bump. We've seen him crush it once or twice a year. If you're a big underdog this week and don't have a WR2+ in your final WR or flex slot, boom-bust is the way to go, and there aren't many boom-bust guys with as much upside as Watkins.
And at TE, am I the only one not yet on the Cole Kmet train? Regardless, he's available in 93.2% of ESPN leagues and has a terrific matchup against Minnesota. He should be good for a 3/40 line at worst. But keep in mind he's still competing with Jimmy Graham, so he's more TD dependent than your typical top-16 tight end. I definitely still prefer Logan Thomas (40.8% available) against Seattle. He's a mainstay in this offense while catching 19 of his last 20 targets. There are arguably no safer-floor TEs outside the top 8 this week.