The game board is a triangle with 15 holes in the same shape as bowing pins, except with an extra row. The game starts with pegs (golf tees) in all the holes except one; the goal is to jump pegs one at a time, removing the jumped peg until only one peg remains. The instructions on the board say that if you leave only one peg, you are a genius.
Now it gets tricky. The fantasy playoffs are here, and every decision is amplified. Can you trust Ezekiel Elliott after all his struggles? Can you depend on Jalen Hurts after one good start? Let us help you out.
The ESPN+ cheat sheet provides a rundown of the best tips from all of our fantasy football content. You'll find answers to the biggest start/sit questions of the week, along with injury updates, matchup advantages and wild-card plays from Matthew Berry, Mike Clay, Tristan H. Cockcroft, Field Yates, Kyle Soppe, Jim McCormick and Al Zeidenfeld. It's all the best advice in one handy article.
Here's what our experts are saying about Week 15 in the NFL:
Top tips
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans
'At some point in this game Derrick Henry will need to take a breather after carrying 11 Lions defenders 50 yards, right?' Berry writes in his Love/Hate column. 'That's where Tannehill comes in. Detroit has given up at least three touchdown passes in two of its past three games and, on the season, has given up touchdown passes at the fourth-highest rate. The Lions also allow the third-highest completion percentage on deep passes, and Tannehill ranks fifth among qualified quarterbacks in completion rate on such passes. More of a floor play than a ceiling one, Tannehill was 2 yards short of a third TD pass last week even with Henry running wild, so if that had happened, I think he's viewed differently. Either way, he's a solid QB1 this week.'
Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams
'The Jets have completely collapsed against the pass of late, as in their four games since they bye, they've allowed a league-high 25.5 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, not to mention multiple passing touchdowns to each individual starter during that time span,' Cockroft writes in the Matchups Map. 'Shoddy cornerback play has been the culprit, as the team released Pierre Desir following Week 10, was without Bless Austin (neck injury) for Weeks 11-13, got only so-so production from Austin in his Week 14 return to the lineup, and the team's cornerbacks on the whole surrendered nine passing touchdowns compared to zero interceptions during that four-week span.'
Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Cole Beasley, WRs, Buffalo Bills
'We haven't discussed Denver much this season, since it has been one of the league's best defenses against wide receivers,' Clay writes in the Shadow Report, breaking down the best and worst WR/CB matchups of the week. 'Of course, that was before the recent barrage of injuries. With Bryce Callahan, A.J. Bouye, Essang Bassey and now Duke Dawson Jr. and Kevin Toliver II out for the season, third-round rookie Michael Ojemudia and journeyman De'Vante Bausby are the team's perimeter corners, with recent waiver claim Will Parks handling the slot. Things didn't go well in Week 14, with the DJ Moore-less Panthers wide receiver room putting up 242 yards and 43 fantasy points. This week, it will be red-hot Diggs (68% perimeter) and Davis (64%) -- or perhaps John Brown, if he is activated from injured reserve -- working on the outside and Beasley (90% slot) inside against Parks. All Buffalo wide receivers should be upgraded.'
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Playing the matchups
https://unmenchare1974.mystrikingly.com/blog/true-crime-new-york-city-game-cheats. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
'The Falcons have given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season,' Berry writes. 'But don't think it's just because they've been torched a few times by superstar quarterbacks. I mean, they have been. But Nick Foles, Teddy Bridgewater, Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, Drew Lock and Taysom Hill have all put up at least 17 fantasy points against the Falcons this year, too. .. Multiple touchdown passes in four straight for TB12, there's a nice floor there that is so crucial in a playoff week. By the way, throw out last week when game flow limited Brady's numbers; in the previous six games, Brady had at least 38 pass attempts in each. Brady will throw -- and score -- early and often against Atlanta.'
Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
'Hurts injected some much-needed enthusiasm into the Eagles' offense in Week 14 and now plays up in pace against a Cardinals team that plays the most man-to-man defense in the league,' Zeidenfeld writes in his DFS Best Buys column. 'Why is that last fact important? Hurts is primarily a runner at this point in his career and as such, when he drops back to pass it's much easier to rip off chunk yards when forced to scramble when defensive backs and linebackers have their backs to the line chasing around their coverage assignment. Hurts topped 100 yards rushing in his first start and could challenge for that mark again in Week 15, giving us a great floor for the price as a cash game option, as well as the opportunity for a game of 25-plus points if he can connect for one or two passing touchdowns.'
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
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'Taylor has at least 90 rushing yards and multiple receptions in three straight games,' Berry writes. 'In fact, Taylor has quietly caught multiple passes in each of his past eight games. But honestly, 90 rush yards and two receptions feels like a pretty safe floor against a Texans team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Not enough? Because I got a lot more bad Texans stats. Houston has given up the most rushing yards, the highest yards per carry and is tied for the most rushing yards allowed to running backs, so you really couldn't ask for a better matchup.'
Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams
'The Akers coming-out party the past two weeks has been tremendous,' Zeidenfeld writes. 'He has 53 touches the past two weeks but only one touchdown despite the Rams scoring 62 total points, which is pretty astounding. Now the Rams play the Jets at home and are 17-point favorites in a game they should be making multiple trips into the red zone, as the Jets allow the third-most red zone trips per game. The Rams rank fourth in the league in red zone rush rate, which obviously bodes well for Akers' touchdown futures and fantasy upside.'
Robert Woods, Josh Reynolds and Cooper Kupp, WRs, Los Angeles Rams
'Bless Austin was activated from IR last week, but the second-year corner didn't move the needle much, as the struggling Jets allowed three touchdowns and 54 fantasy points to Seattle's wide receivers despite Russell Wilson sitting out more than a quarter,' Clay writes. 'The Jets have now allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, including the most over the past two months. They've allowed the sixth most to the perimeter and the most to the slot over the past two months. Austin and fifth-round rookie Bryce Hall will primarily be tasked with slowing Woods (59% perimeter) and Reynolds (67%) this week, whereas undrafted rookie Javelin Guidry will have his hands full with Kupp (58% slot) inside. Upgrade Woods and Kupp. Reynolds gets a boost as well, but note that he has lost snaps to rookie Van Jefferson in recent weeks.'
Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WRs, Green Bay Packers
'The Panthers' zone-heavy defensive scheme looked solid during the first half of the season, but the wheels have come off the axle over the past month or so,' Clay tells us in Shadow Report. 'Carolina has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past eight weeks and the fourth most during the past month. It has allowed the second most to the perimeter over the past eight weeks, though it has been closer to middle of the pack in that department over the past month. Still, the personnel issues are apparent, with Rasul Douglas benched last week and now suddenly working in a perimeter corner committee along with Donte Jackson and fourth-round rookie Troy Pride Jr. The three corners have been heavily targeted and have struggled with efficiency. As if he needs more help, Adams gets a boost, and 'MVS' is a viable DFS punt.'
Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants
'His production has left a lot to be desired -- his 114.7 PPR fantasy points are only 14th at the position -- but in Engram's defense, he has capitalized upon his more favorable matchups this year,' Cockcroft writes. 'If using full-season adjusted fantasy points allowed numbers, Engram averaged 11.0 PPR fantasy points and 7.3 targets when matched up with one of the eight weakest defenses against tight ends (four games); he averaged 7.9 points and 6.7 targets in his other nine contests. He should be more of a factor this week against a Browns defense that has the fourth-most adjusted FPA for the season (2.9), not to mention has allowed 10-plus PPR fantasy points to seven different tight ends in the past four weeks alone.'
Injury impact
Quarterbacks
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: The Saints have designated Brees (ribs) to return from injured reserve to start against the Kansas City Chiefs. Adam Schefter reports that 'Jameis Winston will continue to be the Saints' No. 2 QB, with Taysom Hill playing his Jack-of-all trades role,'
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: Stafford (rib/thumb) didn't practice Friday and is questionable against the Titans.
Alex Smith, Washington Football Team: Smith (calf) has been ruled out for this week's game vs. the Seahawks. Dwayne Haskins Jr. will get the start.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants: Jones (ankle/hamstring) was officially listed as questionable against the Browns.
Running backs
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers: McCaffrey (thigh) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game at Green Bay.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team: Gibson (toe) is doubtful against the Seahawks. Head coach Ron Rivera said he's 'very hopeful' Gibson can return at some point this season, according to NFL Nation Washington Football Team reporter John Keim.
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers: Mostert (ankle), who has missed six games this season, was not on the Friday injury report and is available to play, according to NFL Nation 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner.
Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers added Jones (finger) to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday and has been ruled out for Week 15.
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals: Mixon (foot) won't be activated for Monday night's game against the Steelers.
Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals: Edmonds (ankle) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable to play against the Eagles.
Wide receivers
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints: Thomas (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game vs. the Chiefs.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons: Jones (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday and could be shut down for the rest of the season since the Falcons are out of playoff contention.
Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions: Golladay (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Titans.
Tight ends
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins: Gesicki (shoulder) was listed as limited in Friday's practice and is questionable against the Patriots.
Lottery tickets
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers
'The Panthers' zone-heavy defensive scheme looked solid during the first half of the season, but the wheels have come off the axle over the past month or so,' Clay tells us in Shadow Report. 'Carolina has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past eight weeks and the fourth most during the past month. It has allowed the second most to the perimeter over the past eight weeks, though it has been closer to middle of the pack in that department over the past month. Still, the personnel issues are apparent, with Rasul Douglas benched last week and now suddenly working in a perimeter corner committee along with Donte Jackson and fourth-round rookie Troy Pride Jr. The three corners have been heavily targeted and have struggled with efficiency. As if he needs more help, Adams gets a boost, and 'MVS' is a viable DFS punt.'
Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants
'His production has left a lot to be desired -- his 114.7 PPR fantasy points are only 14th at the position -- but in Engram's defense, he has capitalized upon his more favorable matchups this year,' Cockcroft writes. 'If using full-season adjusted fantasy points allowed numbers, Engram averaged 11.0 PPR fantasy points and 7.3 targets when matched up with one of the eight weakest defenses against tight ends (four games); he averaged 7.9 points and 6.7 targets in his other nine contests. He should be more of a factor this week against a Browns defense that has the fourth-most adjusted FPA for the season (2.9), not to mention has allowed 10-plus PPR fantasy points to seven different tight ends in the past four weeks alone.'
Injury impact
Quarterbacks
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: The Saints have designated Brees (ribs) to return from injured reserve to start against the Kansas City Chiefs. Adam Schefter reports that 'Jameis Winston will continue to be the Saints' No. 2 QB, with Taysom Hill playing his Jack-of-all trades role,'
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: Stafford (rib/thumb) didn't practice Friday and is questionable against the Titans.
Alex Smith, Washington Football Team: Smith (calf) has been ruled out for this week's game vs. the Seahawks. Dwayne Haskins Jr. will get the start.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants: Jones (ankle/hamstring) was officially listed as questionable against the Browns.
Running backs
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers: McCaffrey (thigh) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game at Green Bay.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team: Gibson (toe) is doubtful against the Seahawks. Head coach Ron Rivera said he's 'very hopeful' Gibson can return at some point this season, according to NFL Nation Washington Football Team reporter John Keim.
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers: Mostert (ankle), who has missed six games this season, was not on the Friday injury report and is available to play, according to NFL Nation 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner.
Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers added Jones (finger) to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday and has been ruled out for Week 15.
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals: Mixon (foot) won't be activated for Monday night's game against the Steelers.
Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals: Edmonds (ankle) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable to play against the Eagles.
Wide receivers
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints: Thomas (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game vs. the Chiefs.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons: Jones (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday and could be shut down for the rest of the season since the Falcons are out of playoff contention.
Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions: Golladay (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Titans.
Tight ends
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins: Gesicki (shoulder) was listed as limited in Friday's practice and is questionable against the Patriots.
Lottery tickets
Jeff Wilson Jr., RB, San Francisco 49ers
'Maybe it's a Texas thing, but only Houston has allowed more rushing yards per game to backfields than Dallas,' McCormick writes in the streaming pickups column. 'Wilson, meanwhile, could vault into a major role for the 49ers with Raheem Mostert ailing. If Mostert misses this inviting matchup, Wilson could join the legion of surprising week winners in fantasy playoff history to come out of nowhere.'
Gus Edwards, RB, Baltimore Ravens
'JK Dobbins is the flashy name and the most talented Baltimore back, but this one-dimensional offense has the potential to produce big-time rushing totals (see Monday night vs. Cleveland),' Soppe writes. 'It's different, but Edwards offers weekly value in the same way that Sammy Watkins does: Any player involved in a successful unit is worth a shot if you're desperate. Edwards has been a per-carry monster since entering the league, and if there was ever a week to capitalize on that efficiency, the crawling-to-the-finish-line Jaguars are it.'
Chad Hansen, WR, Houston Texans
'The Texans are decimated at wide receiver right now, which has led to Hansen having a chance to step into a featured role,' Yates notes in his waiver wire pickups writeup. 'He has had 12 catches over his past two games, including seven grabs on seven targets in a loss to the Bears in Week 14. Good things happen to those who play with Deshaun Watson, and he has a chance to sneak into your lineup, particularly if Brandin Cooks is unavailable again in Week 15.'
Tim Patrick, WR, Denver Broncos
'Is the Denver passing game exciting?' Soppe asks. 'No, not even close, but the Broncos are going to have to keep up with the Bills, and Patrick is their best bet. The 27-year-old has a score or six targets in five straight games if you throw out the Kendall Hinton debacle, and the Bills allow opponents to complete 59.3% of deep passes (second highest). Patrick doesn't come without risk, but there is enough reward to justify considering him a top-35 receiver this week.'
Irv Smith Jr., TE, Minnesota Vikings
'Atop a thin depth chart at tight for the Vikings, Smith just enjoyed his best game of the season in Week 14 and should again prove busy as a possession valve for Kirk Cousins this week against the rival Bears,' McCormick writes. 'With Chicago allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends on the season, the matchup metrics work in Smith's favor as well.'
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Logan Thomas, TE, Washington Football Team
'Another week, another busy Sunday for Thomas, who surpassed the 10-point threshold for the third time in as many games,' Yates writes. 'Plus, he's so efficient, as he has 19 catches over those three games on only 20 targets. We constantly preach how difficult it is to find a tight end you can count on in fantasy football. Well, Thomas has emerged as one of the more reliable options.'
Big question of the week
Is Ezekiel Elliott worth starting against the 49ers?
'There are two things that can get a player on the Hate list: poor play or a bad matchup,' Berry writes. 'Elliott has a ton of Column A and a ton of Column B. Let's start with the poor play: less than 14 fantasy points in three straight games, including in seven of the eight games since Dak Prescott was injured. Over the past three weeks, Zeke is RB29 in fantasy on a per-game basis, behind Ito Smith and Devin Singletary. Yeah. Behind Ito Smith bad. Now for the bad-matchup column: San Francisco ranks top 5 in both rushing yards and fantasy points allowed to running backs. I'm keeping Zeke on the bench this week, just as I will Ito Smith and Devin Singletary.'
