Fantasy Football: Top 5 sleeper picks heading into Week 15

By Fansided and Genna Preston/FanSided via The Jet Press
Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:52 p.m. ET

Congratulations, you’ve officially made it to the fantasy football playoffs. Here are the top five sleeper picks heading into Week 15.

Nov 27, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) jumps to make a catch during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at New Era Field. Buffalo defeated Jacksonville 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Week 15 and by now all leagues have started or are entering their first week of fantasy football playoffs. There are a few things to keep in mind when setting your starting lineup.

Weekly matchups are important. This week, we see some red flags in certain matchups. For example, the Denver Broncos are taking on the New England Patriots.

The top pass defense comes face-to-face with one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Do you trust this matchup in the fantasy football playoffs?

Also, consider the team’s playoff standings. If a team has clinched the playoffs and have an early lead, the may bench their starters to keep them healthy for the playoffs.

If you find your players falling into any questionable situations, look for this week’s sleeper picks to fill the void. Check out the top five sleepers heading into Week 15.

5. Charles Clay, TE – Buffalo Bills

Unless you have a consistent tight end like Travis Kelce, you probably find yourself shopping around for that position the most. Everything points to Charles Clay in this week’s matchup.

Up until last week, he’s been irrelevant in the fantasy football world. It was his first double-digit fantasy outing and touchdown of the season.

He earned owners about 20 points in most leagues. After a season-best performance, he has an ideal matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns have surrendered a league-high of 11 touchdowns to the position. The have also allowed the second-most fantasy football points to tight ends this season. Clay is a true sleeper in this week’s matchup and is a borderline TE1/2 option. Start him if you’re looking for a valuable tight end.

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

4. Steve Smith Sr., WR – Baltimore Ravens

Steve Smith Sr. hasn’t been the most reliable fantasy football receiver. He’s only had four double-digit fantasy outings and missed two weeks with an injury.

In his last three games, Smith has only totaled about 15 points. However, his Week 15 matchup leave it impossible to not start him, or any Baltimore Ravens receiver.

The Ravens take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their Week 15 matchup. The Eagles have allowed 11 receivers to score or have 100-yard games since Week 8; they also surrendered 11 touchdowns.

The Eagles cornerbacks are also ranked last in the league, which adds, even more, fantasy football value. Expect Smith to have at least 90 yards and a touchdown in his Week 14 matchup.

Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Mike Gillislee (35) runs for a first down against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Mike Gillislee, RB – Buffalo Bills

I wanted to add Mike Gillislee to this week’s list however, I want to make it clear I am not suggesting starting him in an RB1 position. LeSean McCoy has been great these last few weeks and is the clear workhorse.

But, this week’s matchup makes Gillislee a valuable WR3/ Flex position heading into Week 15. The Buffalo Bills take on the Cleveland Browns who are allowing a league high of 397 yards per game.

The Browns are also offering more than 130 rushing yards per game. Gillislee could find himself on the board even with McCoy as a starter.

Gillislee enters this week’s fantasy football matchup a borderline WR3/Flex option. Especially against a wonky Browns defense.

Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) calls out before receiving the snap from defensive tackle Anthony Johnson (75) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi

2. Bryce Petty, QB – New York Jets

Keep in mind this is a sleeper list. With that in mind, I’ll start it off with Bryce Petty. By no means is he QB1 material but, if you need a QB2 because you had Ryan Tannehill or don’t trust the weekly matchup, he will be able to earn your team double-digit points.

Last week, Petty completed 23-of-35 passes. He had a little over 255 yards and added 19 rushing yards. That sounds good but it was a mess. He also threw a pick on his first drive and was sacked six times. With all of that, he still managed to earn about 17 fantasy football points in some leagues.

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    This week he takes on the Miami Dolphins. Although Carson Palmer struggled against the Dolphins last week, the weather was a huge factor in his performance.

    In Week 13, Joe Flacco earned over 30 fantasy points against the Dolphins. If you’re looking for a QB2, I’d chance it with Petty in this Week 15 matchup.

    Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

    1. Alshon Jeffrey, WR – Chicago Bears

    This week welcomes the return of Alshon Jeffrey. After a four-game suspension, Jeffrey is looking to close out the season with a bang.

    It’s been reported that Matt Barkley and Jeffrey have stayed after practice to gain a rapport and get on the same page. Before this week, Jeffrey had never practiced with Barkley.

    Jeffrey has a lot to prove! It’s a contract year, and just when he had a little momentum, he was suspended for violating the league’s drug policy. If Jeffrey wants a contract anywhere this is his time to prove it. Over the last three games, Barkley has gotten four different wide receivers at least 90 yards or a touchdown.

    If Jeffrey can connect with Barkley, expect him to have a great comeback week. He’s a WR2 option in Week 15. If you want to take a chance with any fantasy football player this week, put your faith in Jeffrey.