Week 15: Deep League Start 'em

Ladies and gentlemen, playoff fantasy football is finally upon us. This is the most important week to date for your title hopes and not having your optimal lineup in could lead to the consolation bracket. Along with most of you, I have taken extra time this week preparing for my many head-to-head battles. Here are eight players to consider for your lineup this week.

QB Josh Freeman, TB

After four solid starts in a row to begin his career, Josh Freeman has hit the wall. In his last two starts, Freeman completed 37 of 77 passes for 414 yards, ZERO touchdowns and EIGHT interceptions... absolutely horrible. Week 15 the Buccaneers travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks in a regular season game with little to no meaning. I am recommending Freeman this week because rookies are up and down during the course of the regular season and this should be a Freeman "up week". The Seahawks surrendered 11 receptions and two touchdowns to Andre Johnson last week and continue to struggle stopping the pass. Expect Freeman and his cannon arm to throw for 250+ yards and a pair of touchdowns.

RB Sammy Morris, NE

Sammy Morris has been a dud all season. His lone solid game was against the Ravens in week 4. Morris finished with 6 carries for 21 yards, 5 receptions for 35 yards and scored his only touchdown of the season. Last week against the Panthers, Morris carried 6 times for 35 yards and lost a fumble. After losing the fumble, he was benched. What a mess, right? Although it may seem that way, I think you have to read in-between the lines. Morris did have a horrible game last week, but look for him to bounce back and re-gain the trust of his coaches and teammates. Although starting RB Laurence Maroney has been the primary ball-carrier, it never seems as if Patriots head coach Bill Belichick strives for consistency at the running back position. Expect 75 all-purpose yards and his second touchdown of the season in Morris' redemption game.

WR Deion Branch, SEA

A high ankle sprain will limit WR Nate Burleson this week and WR TJ Houshmandzadeh was injured late in last week's game against the Houston Texans. These misfortunes have actually made Deion Branch a potential sleeper this week versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What great timing, especially if he is available in your league. Branch caught the most passes (5 receptions, 33 yards) he has since he did week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts (6 receptions, 49 yards). Monitor the injury situation this week. If Burleson is out or limited, expect Branch to have 6-7 receptions and a legit chance at a touchdown. Both teams should not have trouble scoring and this could be one of the highest scoring games of the season.

WR Devin Thomas, WAS

Washington Redskins WR Devin Thomas has done a nice job down the stretch putting a solid rookie campaign together. In Thomas' last two games, the Michigan State product has caught nine passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, Thomas has accumulated 230 yards kick returning. The offense calls more than one play that is designed for Thomas, whether it is rushing, receiving, or returning. If you are in a PPR league where you are credited for return yards, pick up and start Thomas with confidence. If Thomas keeps the role he is currently in, expect 200 all-purpose yards almost every week to compliment 4-6 receptions. Thomas also helps struggling WR Santana Moss and QB Jason Campbell by giving them another threat on the field.

TE Kevin Boss, NYG

Kevin Boss is slowly becoming Eli Manning's security blanket. During week's 1-9, Boss hauled in 19 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns. In the last four games, Boss has caught 15 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns. To top it all off, he is coming off his best game of the season, 7 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Week 15 Boss and the Giants travel to Washington to play the Redskins. Expect another 5 receptions and a touchdown from Boss.