FanDuel NFL: Week 15 lineup

Fantasy football predictions: CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 09: Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) gains yards on a run in the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers played on December 9, 2018 at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 02: Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) reacts during the game against the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 2nd 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Running Backs: Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals- $7,800

After starting off the season 3-0, the Cincinnati Bengals have only won one game. After last week’s 26-21 defeat to the Chargers, the Bengals dropped their fifth straight game. Mixon was a big reason Cincinnati nearly beat Los Angeles.

The second-year back carried the ball 26 times for 111 yards and one touchdown. He also caught five passes for 27 yards. This was only the second time this season where Mixon eclipsed the 100-yard mark and the first time since Week 8.

Mixon has rushed for at least 82 yards in three straight games. With Andy Dalton and A. J. Green out for the rest of the season, Mixon is the Bengals’ only threat.

The Bengals welcome the Oakland Raiders in Week 15. Oakland has allowed running backs to rush for 1,547 yards, 30th in the NFL. On average, they are gaining nearly five yards per carry. They are one of 10 teams in the league that has given up over 300 fantasy points to running backs.

Cincinnati is 3-1 this year when Mixon carries the ball at least 20 times. If the Bengals want to have any chance at winning, they are going to need to give Mixon the ball.

Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings- $6,200

The second running back in Week 15’s lineup is also a second-year back. Minnesota struggled offensively in last week’s game against Seattle. If it weren’t for Cook’s garbage time touchdown, they would have been held scoreless. As a result, the Vikings the fired offensive coordinator John DeFilippo.

This year has been a down year for Cook, who has only played in eight games this season because of injury. Outside of his touchdown reception, Cook compiled 83 total yards. Even though the Vikings aren’t playing well, Cook is starting to come around.

Cook is averaging 94.5 total yards per game in his last two games. While doing so, he is averaging 6.5 receptions. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes his value higher. Cook faces a Miami Dolphins rush defense that ranks towards the bottom of the NFL this season.

They have allowed 1,471 yards to running backs, 29th in the league and 10 touchdowns. Backs have also caught 70 passes for 644 yards and three scores. On average, opposing backs are scoring 24.5 fantasy points per game, 26th in the NFL.

The combination of a new offensive coordinator, Cook’s price tag and matchup make him a good Week 15 play.