Thursday Night Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em: Week 15 (2018): Spencer Ware, Justin Jackson & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Thursday games are always tricky, but when you have three of them it’s impossible to completely avoid.  Let’s take a quick look at some of the more questionable decisions for tomorrow’s games and try to decide who we should trust and who should be avoided:

Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Jackson – Running Back
With Austin Ekeler  out and Melvin Gordon highly questionable (though time will tell), Jackson should be left to shoulder the load.  Obviously it’s possible that the Chargers lean more on Philip Rivers and the passing game, something that could look more likely after Jackson did little against the Bengals (35 total yards).  However the previous two weeks he looked like he could really surge:

• vs. Arizona – 57 yards on 7 touches
• at Pittsburgh – 82 yards and 1 TD on 9 touches

The Chiefs have allowed the second most points per week to opposing running backs overall this season, including 166 total yards to Gordon back in Week 1.  While there’s definite risk, utilizing Jackson as a RB2 or FLEX is a solid plan (assuming Ekeler and Gordon are officially ruled out, so check the news to confirm).

Verdict – Start ‘Em (as RB2/FLEX)

Mike Williams – Wide Receiver
We all know Keenan Allen is the top weapon, but given the state of the running game there should be more opportunities for the other receivers.  Mike Williams should be the biggest beneficiary, after being second on the team in targets in Week 14 with 6.

Of course the Chiefs have been much better against opposing wide receivers, including allowing just 11 TD.  You would think that this could be a shootout, and that the chances will be there…  Would you want to count on it though?  With your fantasy title hanging in the balance it doesn’t make sense to put yourself at risk of a “0” this early.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Tyrell Williams – Wide Receiver
He hasn’t had more than 6 targets in any game, so if we aren’t going to trust Mike Williams is there any chance we trust Tyrell?

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Antonio Gates – Tight End
Tight End has been a tough position this season, but Gates has over 50 yards once all season and has routinely been targeted 3 times or fewer.  While the options are limited in general, he’s not the guy to look towards for help.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Must Use Options:

• Philip Rivers – Quarterback
• Keenan Allen – Wide Receiver

Kansas City Chiefs

Spencer Ware – Running Back
The Kareem Hunt situation has opened the door for Ware to be the lead back, and after struggling against the Raiders (52 total yards, 1 TD) he exploded both running and catching the football against the Ravens in Week 14:

• Rushing – 15 carries for 75 yards
• Receiving – 5 receptions for 54 yards

He did see Damien Williams vulture a touchdown (8 carries for 14 yards and 1 TD), but that’s not enough of a reason to be down on him.  Even more favorable is that the Chargers have given up the seventh most points per week to opposing running backs over the past two weeks (257 total yards, 4 TD) and the seventh most over the past four weeks (493 total yards, 7 TD).

Verdict – Start ‘Em

Chris Conley – Wide Receiver
After scoring 3 TD over a two game span Conley was virtually shut out last week, turning 3 targets into 2 receptions and 13 yards.  Even with the TD surge he’s exceeded 25 yards just once all season long.  Even without Sammy Watkins in the lineup, is there any reason to even consider trusting him?  This early in the week it’s simply far too likely that he puts you in a hole.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Sammy Watkins – Wide Receiver
Watkins hasn’t played since November 19, so even if he does take the field (which seems extremely unlikely) is it going to be possible to trust him?  There’s too much risk and it’s highly unlikely that he even plays.

Verdict – Sit ‘Em

Must Use Options:

• Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback
• Tyreek Hill – Wide Receiver
• Travis Kelce – Tight End

Sources – ESPN, NFL.com

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