Sunday morning observations -- Week 15

Good morning, Fools, where it's a bittersweet day for the Chief Fool. I was unceremoniously dismissed from the first round of my big-money league last weekend, as Team Fools failed to show up in any meaningful way (with the notable exception of Kenyan Drake). Meanwhile, my opponent threw Le'Veon Bell, DeAndre Hopkins and Adam Thielen at me, and the fat lady began singing early.

That said, in my other league, my top-seeded team enjoyed its bye, so I'm gearing up for a big showdown today with a stronger-than-he-should-be 5th seed. Since you're reading this, you must be preparing for a battle of your own. So enough about me ... let's take our swing around the NFL for the news we can use to make our best starting lineup decisions.

First off, you've likely heard the news that Leonard Fournette is out with a bum quad. If he's your guy, and you don't have Chris Ivory in the wings, shame on you! Go get him now. Though he'll share the backfield with T.J. Yeldon, he has a solid matchup with the Texans, so Ivory could put up some decent numbers (again) as Fournette's proxy.

Did you stash Aaron Rodgers -- or snag him off the waiver wire -- for this game? Good for you. Don't hesitate to start him, even in his first game back from injury. He's Aaron Freaking Rodgers, and though his collarbone isn't 100% healed, if he's willing to risk it, you should be.

And yes, get Jordy Nelson back in your starting lineup, too!

There was some concern about JuJu Smith-Schuster's hamstring keeping him off the field today, but he is now expected to play. I still like his chances against the Patriots' vulnerable secondary.

Devin Funchess is expected to play, which is good news for Cam Newton's prospects against the sieve-like Packers D.

Kelvin Benjamin is also expected to play today, finally, for the Bills. No telling what kind of rapport he has with Tyrod Taylor though. Benjamin is a very risky start.

Those owners counting on Kyle Rudolph can breathe a sigh of relief. After word late this week that he was likely going to miss today's contest, he is active and will play. The only problem: Cincinnati sports a pretty salty secondary.

Ted Ginn will not play. Nor will Amari Cooper or Steelers TE Vance McDonald.

Tevin Coleman has been ruled out, which is great news for those hoping for big returns from Devonta Freeman on MNF.

Joe Mixon will not play. Gio Bernard will get the call again, but you can't be happy about his matchup with the Vikings. Hopefully you have better options.

Jared Goff will get his favorite wideout, Robert Woods, back for the showdown in Seattle. Despite the rough matchup, and his past flops against the Seahawks, I like Goff's chances to put up solid-to-strong fantasy points today. That said, I'm (perhaps foolishly) taking my chances with Cam instead. Pray for me...

For what it's worth, Seattle is expecting rain with some wind gusts up to 30 mph. That's another reason to temper your enthusiasm for both passing and kicking games. (Yikes ... I've got Greg Zuerlein. I may need to make a quick change!)

That's it for now. Inactives coming via Twitter next. Good luck to all Fools! Go win one for the Chief!