The Guru’s Fantastic Five, Week 15

QB: TUA TAGOVAILOA, MIAMI DOLPHINS (vs. New York Jets)
Quietly, Tua Tagovailoa has elevated his level in recent weeks. He has completed 80 percent of his passes in his last three games, and has 5 touchdowns against just 1 interception. As if that wasn’t enough, the Jets defense has allowed the fifth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The Dolphins have implemented a system that primarily relies on RPOs (pass-rush options), which is precisely where Tagovailoa shines. Miami doesn’t attack vertically as much, in part because of the lack of a ground attack and because of a poor offensive line, but the Dolphins beat you with a hundred two-inch cuts. Tua should be a considered a QB1 this week.

RB: RASHAAD PENNY, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (vs. Los Angeles Rams).
On the surface, this does not appear to be a favorable matchup for the Seahawks. The Rams’ defense has allowed just three touchdowns this month. That being said, two of those three came courtesy of Cardinals running back James Conner last Monday night. Rashaad Penny has been an absolute disappointment in his career thus far, and has been unable to avoid injury. But when he’s healthy, he makes his mark, and he made that clear last week with 16 carries for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Seattle knows they need balance in their offense to be successful and they are going to insist on the ground. In a year in which injuries have plagued the NFL’s top running backs, Penny could be a good option this week.

WR: DONOVAN PEOPLES-JONES, CLEVELAND BROWNS (vs. Las Vegas Raiders).
The Browns are working out virtually due to the franchise’s COVID-19 outbreak. Among the players who tested positive are quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Mayfield looked somewhat better after the bye week, but he’s still not healthy, and Case Keenum is such a competent reserve that I don’t see much difference between the two. If Landry can’t play, that will mean even more targets for Peoples-Jones, who was already seeing his role escalate week by week; he has 17 targets in the last three games. The Raiders have allowed the third-most catches to opposing receivers in the NFL over the last five games. Peoples-Jones is ideal option for the Flex.

TE: RICKY SEALS-JONES, WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (vs. Philadelphia Eagles).

Seals-Jones has already shown this season that he’s capable of taking on a bigger role. Between Week 5 and Week 7, he had 22 targets, and now with an injury to Logan Thomas, those targets should rise again in the final four rounds. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is doubtful for Washington, so the opportunity becomes even greater. Philadelphia has been the worst team in the NFL at defending tight ends, and Washington faces them twice in the next three weeks. Seals-Jones is a good tight end for this week, and for the end of the season in general.

DEF: MIAMI DOLPHINS (vs. New York Jets).
I imagine many of you saved the Dolphins during their bye week, to try to exploit a favorable matchup in what is likely already the playoffs in your respective fantasy leagues. The Dolphins defense has scored at least 17 fantasy points in three of their last four starts, and they host the Jets this Sunday. New York has thrown 20 interceptions and have allowed 36 catches. The Dolphins defense is my favorite unit for this Week 15.