The 2015 NFL regular season has reached the midway point, but fantasy football participants are entering the make-or-break portion of the year.
Playoffs typically begin in Week 13, so the trade deadline is nearly here. Largely based on trends and upcoming matchups, the following five players are candidates to sell high on before the postseason arrives.
Note: Standard scoring; Re-draft leagues
Eli Manning, Quarterback
The six-touchdown performance against the New Orleans Saints rocketed Eli Manning up the scoring leaders, but the New York Giants gunslinger is a scary fantasy option. Manning is one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks, since he’s liable for a single-digit output or 18-point-plus day and little in between.
Each of New York’s remaining opponents except one are in the top half of fantasy pass defenses, per FF Toolbox data. Plus, his final two matchups—the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings—are among the stingiest units. Manning might lead the Giants to the playoffs, but he probably won’t guide you through the fantasy postseason.
Chris Ivory, Running Back
Through nine weeks, Chris Ivory is the No. 4 running back despite missing one game and already sitting through a bye. He’s topped the 15-point barrier four times—including the 20-point mark thrice—but Ivory’s boom-or-bust nature is cause for concern.
Although the New York Jets have stuck with the 27-year-old, Ivory has trudged to just 84 yards on 55 carries over his last three outings. Three total touchdowns are what has saved him, and relying on Ivory scoring while not producing yards is a risky proposition.
Julian Edelman, Wide Receiver
In a points-per-reception (PRR) league, Julian Edelman is always a monster. However, the Kent State product is about to take a noticeable hit in standard scoring, because the Brandon LaFell has returned to the field for the New England Patriots.
According to the RotoViz Game Splits App, Edelman has racked up 88.3 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game when LaFell is on the sideline. Those numbers drop to 67.6 and 0.4, respectively, with LaFell in uniform. Keep Edelman in PPR, but sell in standard.
Gary Barnidge, Tight End
One of the breakout fantasy stars of 2015 is Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge, but the fear of a letdown is too great to ignore. Cleveland head coach Mike Pettine has stubbornly clung to quarterback Josh McCown over Johnny Manziel, but the threat of a McCown benching is a problem.
In three games where Manziel has lined up for a majority of snaps, Barnidge has totaled six catches, 90 yards and zero touchdowns. With McCown, the tight end has averaged six receptions, 85.3 yards and one score. Either trade Barnidge or hope Manziel doesn’t come in.