The Fantasy Fix went two-for-three in Week 15, correctly predicting a breakout week for Kamar Aiken and down games from the Ravens' tight ends, but missing for the second straight week on Javorius "Buck" Allen.
START: WR Kamar AikenAiken has become a virtual mainstay in this column since Steve Smith Sr. went down earlier in the year, and has been one of the few bright spots offensively for the Ravens in 2015. Despite a lopsided final score in Week 15, Aiken looked the part of a No. 1 receiver, exploding for 129 yards on eight receptions.
The former journeyman had big shoes to fill taking over as an unproven lead receiver, but Aiken has risen to the occasion to entrench himself as a key cog in the offense. After two great weeks in a row, Aiken now draws a Pittsburgh defense giving up the second-most fantasy points to the wide receiver position (trailing only the Ravens defense).
No. 1 receivers have gone ballistic on the Steelers defense in past weeks, including monster efforts from Demaryius Thomas (two touchdowns in Week 15), A.J. Green (132 yards, touchdown in Week 14) and Doug Baldwin (145 yards, three touchdowns in Week 12).
While the quarterback situation in Baltimore is still up in the air, Aiken should dominate targets regardless of who is under center. Fire him up with confidence to lead your team to glory in fantasy championships.
Week 16 Prediction: Seven receptions, 90 yards, touchdown = 18.5 fantasy points
SIT: RB Javorius Allen
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
Allen has been a "start" in this column for the previous two weeks, and has turned in rough performances in both games. Needless to say, patience for Allen has worn thin for fantasy owners.
While the previous two weeks have featured tough defenses against the run, there was hope that Allen's production through the air could make for a nice point-floor. But fumbles in consecutive weeks have put Allen on the bench, making the situation a tough one to predict.Allen showed flashes of talent after Justin Forsett was lost for the year, but ball-security issues can often make-or-break seasons for young rushers. Additionally, nothing about the Ravens' Week 16 matchup should inspire confidence in the rookie tailback.
The Steelers have been one of the stingiest defenses against the run in 2015, giving up the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense likely putting up big numbers against a struggling Ravens defense, Baltimore may be forced to air it out even more than usual.
With running back Terrence West chipping away at carries and game flow making it difficult to spark the run game, all Ravens running backs should be avoided in the final week of fantasy football. Week 16 Prediction: 30 yards, two receptions, 10 yards = 5 fantasy points
