Fantasy Football: 6 player projections that don't make sense for Week 15

Hello Yahoo! I'm Derek Carty of EV Analytics and the creator ofTHE BLITZ projection system, which if you have Yahoo+, you'll notice is available this year to help you manage your teams. Each Friday morning, I'll be digging into three players projected to play above their usual level, and three players projected to play below their usual level.

Last week's list was a combination of hits and misses, with expected disappointments like Chris Olave and Tyjae Spears indeed disappointing, but we didn't get the spike games from Deebo Samuel Sr. or Emeka Egbuka that we were hoping for. On to Week 15 ...

Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jaguars

THE BLITZ Week 15 Projection: 18.6 carries, 1.9 receptions, 94 yards, 0.82 TD

Week 15 vs. ROS: 17.3 PPR points vs. 14.3 PPR points per game

After fumbling twice last week, Bhayshul Tuten was effectively benched, giving Etienne the highest share of the snaps (72%) he's had in any week all year. While Jacksonville will likely want to get Tuten back involved, there's always the chance it won't, or that Etienne's share of the pie will be larger than normal following last week.And it couldn't come at a better time, given the Jaguars' fourth-highest team total of the week (27.25) and the 13-point spread they're being given against the Jets.This should mean lots of opportunities for Etienne to run the ball and to find the end zone.Wheels up.

Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys

THE BLITZ Week 15 Projection: 7.3 targets, 6.0 receptions, 51 yards, 0.40 TD

Week 15 vs. YTD: TE2 vs. TE6

Ferguson has one of the wider man/zone splits among relevant NFL tight ends, but he hasn't had the benefit of facing many zone-heavy defensive schemes this year.That changes in Week 15 when he squares off against the team that runs more zone shells than any other: the Vikings.Combined with CeeDee Lamb's (who may not play) and George Pickens' splits that favor man shells, this sets up as a potential spike week for Ferguson after a string of ho-hum performances.

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jaguars

THE BLITZ Week 15 Projection: 7.4 targets, 4.5 receptions, 57 yards, 0.41 TD

Week 15 vs. YTD: WR22 vs. WR34

Meyers has found new life since joining the Jaguars at the trade deadline. While it took a bit of time to get up to speed in Liam Coen's complex offense, Meyers has quietly established himself as the clear alpha here, ahead of Brian Thomas Jr. Meyers' target shares the last four weeks: 30%, 21%, 26%, 30%.He's also being utilized in the ground game far more than he was with Las Vegas, tallying three carries just last week. Meyers has always been one of the most underrated receivers from a talent perspective, and now that he's in a competent offense, he could be a nice playoff surprise for those who had the patience to stick with him.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts

THE BLITZ Week 15 Projection: 21.1 carries, 2.2 receptions, 115 yards, 0.46 TD

Week 15 vs. YTD: RB8 vs. RB2

Taylor has been nothing short of a fantasy star this year, but his team situation suddenly becomes much different following the season-ending injury to Daniel Jones. It's looking like Philip Rivers will be under center for Indy this Sunday, and it's anyone's guess how much he still has left in the tank.Betting markets aren't optimistic, giving the Colts a mere 14.5 implied team total - 13.5 points below the opposing Seahawks.In a game where they figure to be trailing big, that means far fewer rush opportunities than Taylor has become accustomed to, along with a much lower chance of a TD.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders

THE BLITZ Week 15 Projection: 19.2 carries, 3.7 receptions, 109 yards, 0.38 TD

Week 15 vs. ROS: 17.8 PPR points vs. 21.7 PPR points per game

Jeanty has been a favorite sleeper of mine for a few weeks, but this week, he is in a very similar situation to Taylor.His quarterback is also hurt, with Kenny Pickett likely taking the snaps this week.Betting markets give the Raiders an even worse 13.25 implied team total - 11.5 below opposing Philly.While Jeanty is much more involved in the passing game than Taylor is and could make up some fantasy points that way, the situation is ultimately very similar, where the team may not be able to run all that much and is unlikely to score many touchdowns.

Troy Franklin, WR, Broncos

THE BLITZ Week 15 Projection: 6.1 targets, 3.5 receptions, 44 yards, 0.30 TD

Week 15 vs. YTD: WR49 vs. WR32

Franklin has been a popular waiver wire pickup at times this year, but he's looking like an easy drop candidate heading into the fantasy playoffs.His route share has been plummeting the past few weeks, dropping from 88% in Week 10 to 79% to 67%, all the way to 39% last week.It's a crowded wide receiver room in Denver, and Franklin appears to be on the outside looking in.He's not trustworthy in a fantasy context except by the extremely desperate.