Sunday Morning Updates, Must-Start RBs and More

In today's Fantasy Life newsletter, presented by Pristine Auctions:

We made it to the fantasy football playoffs, although I’m not sure we can say we made it unscathed. Whether you are trying to claw your way back from a 40-point deficit thanks to Kyle Pitts or wondering whether you can trust CMC today, here’s everything you need to know before setting your Week 15 lineup…

🤢 Christian McCaffrey downgraded to “questionable”…but is expected to be “good to go.” Nothing about this feels great, especially when paired with the Niners’ long history of not being transparent with injuries. Here’s the thing, though…if he’s active—which it sounds like he will be—you absolutely have to start him. Just be prepared for him to sit late in the game if they are smashing the Titans.

😡 Josh Jacobs is tough to trust. Jacobs (knee) is expected to play after missing two practices this week, but he’s still rehabbing the bone bruise he suffered in Week 12. The Broncos give up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, so you’re really hoping for a TD. FWIW, Emanuel Wilson is also a GTD with an illness, further muddying the waters. Consult our ranks if you are debating whether to start him or not.

💥 Two smash RB starts: Woody Marks and Quinshon Judkins. With Nick Chubb unlikely to play and both Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford ruled out, the rookie RBs on the Texans and Browns are in line for a ton of touches. We have both as Top 20 options and I personally would play both over Jacobs.

🌡️ It’s going to be very cold today, but no need to overreact. Chris Allen has the full weather rundown is his Week 15 cheat sheet, along with data to back it up.

🚑️ Misc. injury notes: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) is a GTD, but I still don’t think you can start “Bill”…For the full injury rundown, don’t miss this piece from Ronis and Jorge.

HAPPY PLAYOFFS! WEEK 15 RANKINGS

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Editors’ Picks

Ready to lock in those Week 15 lineups for your playoff matchup? Our Xfinity Start/Sit Tool, latest Expert Rankings and Xfinity Best Projections will help with last-minute prep. Check out these articles, too:

Week 15 Cheat Sheet: The Deep Freeze

When temperatures are threatening to drop into the single digits at Soldier Field in Chicago today, fans in attendance may begin feeling like they made the wrong life choice. That is if they can feel anything at all. Now, will the deep freeze impact players on the field and suppress fantasy points? Chris Allen is at the ready with his weather-centric research in this week’s Cheat Sheet:

“I’ll make a blanket statement about players in cold weather: It affects each differently. Unless we’re talking about extreme low climate (sub-zero), there’s 1) not enough data to establish an actionable trend, and 2) the conclusions conflict depending on the team. Sure, you can point to the narratives of teams based in warmer environments falling apart if the sun isn’t out (e.g., Miami). But we can’t apply that to everyone.”

The Cheat Sheet is your cram session on some of the most important information you might have missed along the week. Also, don’t miss out on Ian’s 7 Things to Know that’s also a fountain of great info. Back to the Cheat Sheet, make sure to check it out before setting your lineups. ⬇️

8 GAMES COULD EXPERIENCE EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES

Is Christian McCaffrey Going to Play?

There’s nothing to send a chill up the spine of a fantasy manager than the overall RB2 to get an injury designation on Saturday—as in the day BEFORE gameday. That’s what is happening with Christian McCaffrey, and if you’re wondering what to do Adam Ronis and Jorge Martin have you covered.

CMC’s injury gets an examination for Week 15, as well as all the fantasy-relevant players who are either playing through injuries or going to sit. If your player(s) have any injury questions that are lingering into Sunday, this article is a great read and offers analysis on what to do if the players are sitting. ⤵️

WILL DE’VON ACHANE BE AVAILABLE FOR MY MONDAY NIGHT MIRACLE?