Fantasy Football: 4 Unexpectedly Great Week 15 Performances
Latavius Murray, RB, Minnesota Vikings
NFL.com Start Percentage: 39%
Week 15 Fantasy Points: 16.4
Latavius Murray was the 10th-best running back (NFL.com scoring) of the week in Week 15 thanks to 76 yards and a rushing touchdown. This came after he totaled 9 carries for 14 yards in Week 14, and he was started in less than 40% of NFL.com leagues this past week.
If you'll allow for a little back-patting, we were all over this one. Joseph Nammour predicted Murray would be a top-12 back, while editor J.J. Zachariason urged fantasy ballers to start Murray against the Bengals. As both analysts noted, Murray consistently handles more rushing volume than Jerick McKinnon, especially close to the goal line. The Vikings have a very good offense, which helps both backs become viable lineup options in any given week.
Murray is our 21st ranked running back for Week 16, which puts him on the map as a fantasy RB2. McKinnon (19th ranked) is also in the mix. Their opponent, the Green Bay Packers, is our 11th-ranked rushing defense, but there could be a game script element to watch for in this matchup.
The Atlanta Falcons' win on Monday Night Football eliminated the Packers from playoff contention. That means Green Bay might put Aaron Rodgers back on the shelf -- or at least go with a very conservative game plan designed to protect his recently healed shoulder. The Vikings, meanwhile, are playing for the top seed in the NFC playoffs. If it looks like Rodgers will sit, the Vikings should be favored, which might make Murray the more attractive option over McKinnon.
