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NFL fantasy football: Week 15 matchups

Analysis: This game has the potential to be a pretty high-scoring affair, which is good news for Eli Manning owners -- provided you can withstand an interception or two. It's also good news for David Wilson (and possibly Ahmad Bradshaw), facing a run defense that has had problems at times this season. It's hard to trust Matt Ryan after his recent struggles. While he might have a mediocre day, it won't affect the production of Roddy White and Julio Jones. Neither defense is a particularly good option.

Analysis: Forget the numbers, Peyton Manning will be just fine in this one. Same goes for Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. However, the numbers are in favor of Knowshon Moreno, who deserves a look as a No. 2 RB this week. Despite being at home, the matchup means you should avoid Joe Flacco. Hopefully a new offensive coordinator means more touches for Ray Rice. He has a tough matchup, but added volume of touches should mean added volume of production.

Analysis: The Bears defense hasn't been as stout lately and Aaron Rodgers is starting to heat up. That combination bodes well for Greg Jennings and Randall Cobb. This is yet another game that could feature a lot of offense. Jay Cutler is poised for a better-than-average day while Brandon Marshall continues to be a fantasy beast. Look for Matt Forte to do a lot of damage between the 20s, but Michael Bush will likely finish a drive or two.

Analysis: The fantasy world continues to wait on Robert Griffin III's status. If he plays, you're starting him. If it's Kirk Cousins, well ... you're probably not. It's a decision that could have a big effect on the Redskins' receivers as well. Either way, Alfred Morris should post quality numbers and needs to be started. Look for Trent Richardson to approach 100 yards and a score while Brandon Weeden and Josh Gordon connect for at least one score.

Analysis: For as good as Andrew Luck has been, this is one where you might want to be cautious about putting him in your lineup. On the road against the Texans defense isn't a good look for him. Similarly, Vick Ballard isn't a great start, either. The Matt Schaub-Andre Johnson connection will continue to pay big dividends this week. Arian Foster will be right near his average, though Owen Daniels could find it tough going versus the Colts' defense.

Analysis: Feeling brave? Montell Owens could be your running back. The matchup isn't terrible, but it feels like chasing points that might not materialize. The returning Cecil Shorts is a much better option for fantasy owners this week. Things look much better for the Dolphins offense -- especially Reggie Bush. He's the main back in Miami by default and should find success against the Jaguars. Don't be surprised if Anthony Fasano sees a red zone target or two this week.

Analysis: This is yet another game that has the makings of a track meet. Stay with the hot hand of Josh Freeman -- he could very well connect with Vincent Jackson for at least one score. Doug Martin should be in for another big day as well. It's hard enough to pick a Saints running back, but they'll likely all have problems against a stout Bucs' run defense. Drew Brees has struggled recently, but he should start to rebound against the Tampa Bay secondary.

Analysis: There's Adrian Peterson. Then there are the rest of the Vikings. You can trust Peterson. His teammates? Not so much. Forget what the matchups say, the rest of Minnesota's offense is in such a funk that there's no way to consider putting them in your lineup. But that does make the Rams defense an intriguing start. Look for Steven Jackson to continue running hard this week and possibly finding the end zone. Consider Chris Givins as a potential flex start as well.

Analysis: If there's any Detroit fantasy options you consider this week, it starts with the defense. Don't expect a 41-point outing, but against a Cardinals offense in shambles, there is production to be had. Beyond that, Matthew Stafford should post quality numbers and Tony Scheffler could be a sneaky tight end play this week.

Analysis:Marshawn Lynch has been woefully underrated this season, but he should be featured by fantasy owners this week. Things might not go so smoothly for Russell Wilson on the road, but both Sidney Rice and Golden Tate have some flex appeal. Without Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller will handle the load for Buffalo -- making him just about the only Bills player with any significant fantasy value this week.

Analysis: The Chargers defense has been playing well, but it probably won't be enough to slow Cam Newton. Or Steve Smith, for that matter. Danario Alexander has been on fire recently and a matchup against the Panthers isn't likely to cool him off -- even if Philip Rivers isn't always on target. It's hard to completely trust Ryan Mathews after watching him flounder most of the season, but his matchup gives him an advantage if you're stuck choosing between RBs.

Analysis: Despite a 22-point Week 14, it's hard to expect big things from Ben Roethlisberger this week. Jonathan Dwyer should have a quality game and should get a look as a RB2. Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown could also produce, but start them with caution. None of the matchups favor the Cowboys, so temper your expectations for any guys with silver and blue stars on their helmets.

Analysis:Brady Quinn has a great matchup, but you can't trust him with your playoff life. Jamaal Charles, on the other hand, is a must-start this week. Even Ryan Succop is a quality kicker option this week. Carson Palmer hasn't been a superstar this season, but he could be useful in a pinch this week. The same goes for Darren McFadden -- provided he can remain healthy for all four quarters. Then again, that's the risk you take starting Run DMC.

Analysis: The Niners are a run-based offense. The Patriots can stop the run. That doesn't bode well for Frank Gore. However, it could mean good things for Colin Kaepernick and Michael Crabtree. Don't look for huge numbers, but both have a chance to be productive. You should still start any top Pats you have (Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Stevan Ridley), but it's unlikely that they'll put up the kind of numbers fantasy owners have become accustomed to. In the playoffs, if you have to go down, do it with your best players going.

Analysis: The game might not be the most attractive, but Shonn Greene has a lot of value -- even more if Bilal Powell doesn't play. The Jets' passing game is a mess, so anyone in their pitch-catch rotation is best avoided. This matchup is pretty good in favor of Chris Johnson. If Johnson can take advantage, that is. His inconsistency makes him a hard play this week. New York's secondary makes Jake Locker or any of his receivers a tough play as well.

Follow Marcas Grant on Twitter @MarcasG

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