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Fantasy Football 2020: Week 15 FAAB Guide

By Peter Chung
Week 15 FAAB Guide Keke Coutee

Welcome to the Week 15 FAAB Guide! If you’re reading this, then you’re either a huge fan (hi mom!) or you’re in the Fantasy Football semifinals. Chances are it’s the latter, so congratulations on a great season thus far! Let’s keep this momentum going all the way to the championships!

With another thrilling week officially in the books, we’re eager for an exciting new slate of games in the National Football League. But from the aftermath of last week, there is a new batch of readily available players that could provide a much-needed boost to your roster. Which one(s) should you grab? Are they starters that you can rely on for the rest of season (ROS), or just another batch of one-hit wonders? This Week 15 FAAB Guide will help you with these decisions and serves as a resource on how to manage your FAAB, i.e. Free Agent Acquisition Budget.

Each week, I’ll outline available players (with <70% Fantrax availability) that should be picked up and my recommendations on how much of your FAAB should be used on your bids for them. If you don’t see a popular name mentioned below, then they are likely already rostered on over 70% of Fantrax leagues (e.g. Cam Akers, T.Y. Hilton, Brandon Aiyuk). If your league utilizes standard waiver claims instead of the FAAB system, then you can still use these recommendations to prioritize your waiver claims. Also, make sure to catch our weekly Waiver Wire report as well.

Since each Fantasy Football league’s format is different, I will suggest bid amounts by percentage rather than dollar amount. Also, since each league is different, use this guide as general advice but apply it with your knowledge of your own league mates. For example, if you want to bid on Jalen Hurts but your league is full of Eagles fans, then you should probably bid higher than suggested below.

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Week 15 FAAB Guide

QUARTERBACKS

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (45% rostered in Fantrax Leagues)
From last week’s FAAB Guide:

It was inevitable, but head coach Doug Peterson finally pulled the trigger and benched the troubled Carson Wentz for rookie Jalen Hurts in the third quarter. The Oklahoma product was a breath of fresh air, completing five of 12 passes for 109 yards and a TD in just four drives, adding five rushes for an additional 29 yards. The TD — his first in the NFL and the team’s ONLY score that week — was a gorgeous bomb to WR Greg Ward.

He may have padded his stats in “garbage time,” but nevertheless Hurts clearly rejuvenated the offense and should be the starting QB going forward. However, Peterson has yet to declare the starter for Week 14’s matchup against a formidable Saints defense. But assuming the keys are handed to Hurts, he will be a decent yet risky option for those in 2QB or SuperFlex leagues. His scrambling abilities alone automatically increases his floor, and if he can continue dropping dimes to his (finally) healthy receiving arsenal, then he could become a reliable fantasy starter for ROS.

How’d the rookie do in his first NFL start? He balled out, completing 17 of 30 passes for 167 and a TD, adding 18 carries for a whopping 106 yards. Reminder, he did this against a very tough Saints defense. The same defense that hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 55 straight games. Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities awoke what was once a sleeping Eagles offense, and makes him a great option in the fantasy playoffs. He even helped struggling RB Miles Sanders finally go off in what is now his best game this year. Head coach Doug Peterson has already declared Hurts the starter against the Cardinals. Grab him if you need help at QB. Even if you don’t, grab him anyways before he hurts (sorry) your team by being on your opponent’s lineup.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 10% in regular leagues, 30% in 2QB or SF leagues.

 

RUNNING BACKS

Jeffery Wilson, San Francisco 49ers (36% rostered)
Condolences to Raheem Mostert managers. Though he remains the starter, his grip on the throne is slowly loosening thanks to undrafted bruiser Jeff Wilson. Against Washington, Wilson had 11 carries for 31 yards and a TD, along with a reception from three targets for 13 additional yards. Though his yardage isn’t sublime by any means, it is expectedly low as he’s primarily used as the team’s coveted goal-line back. He’s surprisingly averaging nearly a score per game, although that stat is admittedly boosted by a three TD showcase in Week 7 against the Patriots.

Wilson may see more opportunities in Week 15 against the Cowboys as Mostert suffered a concussion last week and could be limited if there’s any lasting symptoms (though he did return to the game). Dallas, by the way, boasts the league’s WORST defense against opposing RBs. Wilson runs relentlessly with reckless abandon, so it’s always exciting yet terrifying to watch him perform. But he’ll have tremendous value if Mostert is inactive and has a strong chance to score regardless of Mostert’s status. Wilson should be seriously considered as his TD upside is too tempting to ignore.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 10-12%

 

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (59% rostered)
It’s an ugly committee, but undrafted rusher Gus Edwards has carved himself an adequate Flex role in the extremely crowded Ravens’ backfield. The third-year back bulldozed his way into the endzone TWICE against the Browns underrated defense.

Edwards has now scored in three straight weeks, and six times in his last eight games. He’s got a great chance to keep the streak alive against the Jaguars porous defense in Week 15. It’s a dart throw play that is heavily TD-dependent, but there aren’t many other valuable players available this late in the game. Place a modest bid on Edwards if you’re in dire need at RB.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 10%

 

Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys (68% rostered)
It’s been a rough year for the Dallas Cowboys (we miss you, Dak). After Dak Prescott’s unfortunate season-ending injury, the entire offense (aside from Amari Cooper) has struggled to maintain fantasy relevance. No one has been hit harder than star RB Ezekiel Elliott, who continues to siphon touches to backup RB Tony Pollard. The understudy has recently seen 11 carries for 39 yards, plus two receptions for an additional nine yards and a TD. That’s almost a completely even workload split with Elliott (13 vs 14 touches). While the depleted O-line is still an issue, Pollard’s increasing usage and pass-catching abilities could make him a decent Flex in deeper leagues.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 5%

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Keke Coutee, Houston Texans (63% rostered)
From last LAST week’s FAAB Guide:

Though Coutee is more of a direct replacement for the injured Randall Cobb (IR, toe), his established rapport with Watson will likely be leaned on in Fuller’s absence, leading to an increased target share and a more prominent role with the offense. However, that doesn’t mean Coutee will automatically become a must-start play, as I expect Watson to involve his TEs more. But he could evolve into a reliable Flex player in PPR leagues with occasional scoring upside. After all, Watson has to throw it to someone, so why not the guy that he already likes and trusts?

And then from last week’s FAAB Guide:

And how did he do? Coutee notched eight receptions for 141 yards in a close loss to the Colts. His nine targets led the team, as did his catches and receiving yards, proving the value of his established rapport with the electric Deshaun Watson. In fact, his yardage was a career high for the third-year receiver. His workload increased as newly anointed lead receiver Brandin Cooks suffered another unfortunate concussion — his sixth thus far in his illustrious career.

Though Cooks was later cleared to return, it wouldn’t be unheard of if the team decides to sit him out this week to ensure his safety. That leaves even more opportunities for Coutee to hog all of Watson’s valuable targets to another strong fantasy performance. He’s already surpassed expectations, finishing as Week 13’s WR6 (barring Tuesday Night Football). With a tough Chicago secondary on deck, Coutee may struggle to build momentum on his impressive numbers. But a role as Watson’s primary receiver is one worth reaching for, regardless of matchup. At this point of the season, there won’t be much more players on waivers that will have more value than Coutee, so feel free to go big with a very generous bid for him.

Sure, he didn’t do as well in Week 14, catching just three passes for a modest 24 yards and a TD. But it’s still satisfactory fantasy production from someone who’s perplexing still readily available. QB Deshaun Watson is a SUPERSTAR, and with a depleted arsenal, he’ll need to continue relying on Coutee.

Coutee will have a great shot to explode against the Colts in Week 15, a team who he recently annihilated for 141 yards from eight receptions (nine targets). Don’t let him hang around in the waiver wire for your opponent to snatch. GRAB HIM BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

Recommended Week 14 FAAB Bids: 25%

 

Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos (62% rostered)
From last week’s FAAB Guide:

It’s been tough sledding for undrafted WR Tim Patrick. He was previously a waiver wire hero that unexpectedly rose to fantasy relevance but has since struggled mightily, most recently putting up a fat donut in Week 12. His season has been similar to the Eagles’ Travis Fulgham, who also had a sizzling start to the year until everything came crashing down. But unlike Fulgham, Patrick appears to have found his way back into Fantasy Football glory.

He caught all four targets for 44 yards and two TDs in a narrow loss to the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. It appears that all it took was getting QB Drew Lock back, though his Week 12 goose-egg should obviously be excused as the team was being captained under practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton. Patrick will have an AMAZING playoff schedule, facing the vulnerable Panthers in Week 14, followed by cake matchups against the porous Bills and Chargers’ secondaries. If you miss out on Coutee, then spend up on Patrick. Just temper expectations as he his target share has swung wildly week-to-week.

Patrick didn’t disappoint. He caught three of five passes for 36 yards and a TD in a strong victory over the Panthers. Though his limited target share is concerning, his continued use in the Red Zone is encouraging. In fact, he’s now scored three times in two weeks. If you and your leaguemates faded him, then you still might have a chance to nab him this week.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 10%

 

Lynn Bowden, Miami Dolphins (27% rostered)
In a near upset against the Chiefs, rookie Swiss-Army knife Lynn Bowden had the best game of his career. He caught seven of nine targets for 82 yards, adding a two-yard run and an incomplete pass. That’s right, Bowden is a multifunctional player who can catch, run, AND throw. He led the team in targets and receiving yards after WRs DeVante Parker (leg), Jakeem Grant (leg), and TE Mike Gesicki (shoulder) left the game due to injuries, with the former two exiting early in the first quarter. His immediate rapport with QB Tua Tagovailoa was evident and could lead to increased usage in Week 15 against the Patriots. Monitor the statuses of Parker, Grant, and Gesicki; if they’re OUT, then the doors are wide open for Bowden to burst through.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 7-10%

 

Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills (44% rostered)
From last week’s FAAB Guide:

It’s usually not ideal to roster the third receiving option on an offense headlined by a rushing QB, but the Bills are not your usual team. While veteran WR John Brown has been on IR, rookie Gabriel Davis has quietly become a steady WR2 option in real life and Fantasy Football. He most recently recorded three catches from four targets for 68 yards and a TD against a tough 49ers defense.

That coincidentally followed a similar performance against an even tougher Chargers secondary, where he also caught three of four targets for 79 yards and a TD. Though his usage and subsequent production is contingent on Brown’s status, Davis is emerging as a player to watch in his own right. It also helps to have primary coverage focused on lead receivers Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley instead. If you lack options at WR, consider a modest bid on Davis.

Though Gabriel struggled against the Steelers, catching just three of eight targets for 19 yards, he did find the end zone. He’s now scored in three straight weeks, and four times in his last five games. Simply put, he should continue to produce while fellow wideout John Brown is inactive.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 5-7%

 

TIGHT ENDS

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (33% rostered)
The changing of the guard for TEs in Chicago has appeared to take effect. Rookie Cole Kmet has now out-targeted Jimmy Graham in back-to-back weeks, seeing seven passes in both games. He caught four of them against the Texans for 41 yards. Sure, those are mediocre numbers with a concerning lack of TDs, but it’s still promising usage for those desperate at the position. It helps that he’ll face the Vikings vulnerable defense in Week 15. Kmet has a decent fantasy floor from his favorable target share, but temper expectations with the Notre Dame product until he’s utilized in the Red Zone.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 5%

 

Dan Arnold, Arizona Cardinals (14% rostered)
As mentioned in the Week 13 Wrap-up:

Who? The undrafted Wisconsin-Platteville product, Dan Arnold, finds himself as the TE4 in Week 13. What’s even more surprising is that he did so with just two receptions from three targets against the Rams. But each of those catches went for a TD, totaling 61 yards altogether. He will be a curious waiver wire/FAAB addition for Week 14, but that just screams “chasing points.” Arnold’s only averaged 2.5 measly targets per game. Like with most lower-ranked TEs, you’re banking on a fluky TD for any sort of fantasy relevance. Time will tell if Arnold develops into a prominent mainstay, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Consider this my formal apology for fading Arizona’s Dan Arnold. The journeyman TE is heating up, nabbing two of four targets for 27 yards and a TD against the Giants. He now has four TDs in just as many weeks. Though his low target share is incredibly untrustworthy, he’s quietly become a favorite Red Zone target for QB Kyler Murray. Arnold is certainly a volatile, high-risk play, but so are most other options in the unstable skill position.

Recommended Week 15 FAAB Bids: 2%

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