Tag: fantasy-football-week-15

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 15

Week 15 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 15 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: WR Nico Collins (inactive), TE Darren Waller (active), RB De’Von Achane (active), WR Tyreek Hill (inactive), WR Christian Watson (inactive), RB Aaron Jones (active), RB AJ Dillon (inactive)
Afternoon games: WR Marquise Brown (active), WR Brandin Cooks (active)
Sunday night:
Monday night: QB Geno Smith

Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 46 degrees, 75% chance of precipitation, SSE 14 mph

Bears

Inactives: QB Nathan Peterman, LB Noah Sewell, S Quindell Johnson, WR Equanimeous St. Brown and OT Ja’Tyre Carter

Lineup notes: WR DJ Moore (ankle) is ready to do business. S Jaquan Brisker (groin) also will play through a questionable tag.

Browns

Inactives: LB Sam Kamara, LB Anthony Walker, C Ethan Pocic, LB Jordan Kunaszyk, S Juan Thornhill and DE Ogbo Okoronkwo

Lineup notes: RB Kareem Hunt (groin), RB Jerome Ford (wrist) and RB Pierre Strong (illness) all practiced Friday and are good to go. CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) is ready for Sunday action. RT Dawand Jones (knee) and S Grant Delpit (groin) went on IR this week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 42 degrees, cloudy

Buccaneers

Inactives: QB John Wolford, S Josh Hayes, OT Brandon Walton, DL William Gholston, LB Devin White, CB Carlton Davis and DB Ryan Neal

Lineup notes: WR Chris Godwin (knee) will give it a go. CB Carlton Davis (groin) and S Ryan Neal (back) are out. DT Vita Vea (toe) was upgraded from doubtful to questionable, joining CB Jamel Dean (ankle, foot), and both will be on the field. LB Devin White (foot, personal) was listed as questionable but won’t play for personal reasons.

Packers

Inactives: WR Samori Toure, RB AJ Dillon, CB Jaire Alexander, S Darnell Savage, DL Brenton Cox, OT Caleb Jones and WR Christian Watson

Lineup notes: WR Christian Watson (hamstring) will miss another contest. RB Aaron Jones (knee) is ready, though RB AJ Dillon (thumb) won’t go. WR Jayden Reed (ankle) and WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) carry no injury tags. CB Eric Stokes was activated from IR, and RB Kenyan Drake was elevated from the practice team. LB Quay Walker (shoulder) returns, but CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and S Darnell Savage (shoulder) are not right yet.

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 50 degrees, cloudy

Texans

Inactives: WR Nico Collins, LB Blake Cashman, CB Kris Boyd, QB C.J. Stroud, RB Mike Boone, OT George Fant and DL Will Anderson Jr.

Lineup notes: QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) was downgraded to out, and QB Case Keenum will start. WR Nico Collins (calf) didn’t practice all week and is inactive. WR Noah Brown (knee) had a limited practice Friday and will give it a go. TE Dalton Schultz (hamstring) worked all week and is ready to return. PK Ka’imi Fairbairn was activated from IR. No. 3 overall pick DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) won’t be out there.

Titans

Inactives: TE Josh Whyle, S Mike Z. Brown, DL Caleb Murphy, LB Trevis Gipson, WR Kyle Philips, DL Jeffery Simmons and QB Malik Willis

Lineup notes: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (illness) didn’t practice Friday but will be available. QB Will Levis (ankle) had full sessions Thursday and Friday and will go. DT Jeffery Simmons (knee) has been ruled out.

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 77 degrees, mostly clear, SW 15 mph

Jets

Inactives: OT Carter Warren, QB Brett Rypien, CB Bryce Hall, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball, DE Carl Lawson, WR Jason Brownlee and OT Max Mitchell

Lineup notes: QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) had limited practices Thursday and Friday but is out. RBs Breece Hall (ankle) was limited until Friday’s full session, but he’ll play. QB Zach Wilson (knee) practiced all week and will play.

Dolphins

Inactives: OT Robert Hunt, QB Skylar Thompson, DL Jason Pierre-Paul, WR Tyreek Hill, CB Xavien Howard, SS DeShon Elliott and S Jevon Holland

Lineup notes: WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) didn’t practice all week and has been ruled out. RB De’Von Achane (toe) graduated to limited work Friday and will give it a whirl. RB Raheem Mostert (knee) was limited Thursday and Friday, but he’s fine. RB Darrynton Evans was elevated to the 53-man roster. LT Terron Armstead (knee/ankle) will play through a questionable tag. CB Xavien Howard (hip) and S Jevon Holland (knees) couldn’t get right in time. S DeShon Elliott (concussion) won’t play.

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 50 degrees, cloudy

Chiefs

Inactives: DE Matt Dickerson, DE B.J. Thompson, OT Donovan Smith, CB Joshua X. Williams, RB Isiah Pacheco, DT Neil Farrell and DL Malik Herring

Lineup notes: WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) remains on IR. RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) and LT Donovan Smith (neck) are out again. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) and WR Kadarius Toney (hip) practiced Friday and will play. RB Deneric Prince was elevated to the active roster.

Patriots

Inactives: DT Sam Roberts, CB Shaun Wade, OT Trent Brown, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Kayshon Boutte and RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Lineup notes: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is out. WR DeVante Parker (knee) is available, but WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) won’t go. WR Demario Douglas (concussion) cleared the protocol and is back. LT Trent Brown (ankle, hand, illness) will miss this one, however.

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Giants

Inactives: S Gervarrius Owens, RB Jashaun Corbin, DE Carlos Basham Jr., WR Parris Campbell and OT Evan Neal

Lineup notes: TE Darren Waller (hamstring) is back on the field, and WR Wan’Dale Robinson (quadriceps) also will play. RT Evan Neal (ankle) is inactive, but DT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring) will dress.

Saints

Inactives: OT Ryan Ramczyk, RB Kendre Miller, DL Isaiah Foskey, LB Monty Rice, CB Cameron Dantzler, QB Jake Haener and WR Chris Olave

Lineup notes: RB Kendre Miller (ankle) is out again. WR Chris Olave (ankle) and RT Ryan Ramczyk (knee) won’t be able to go. RB Jamaal Williams (groin) is questionable. QB/TE Taysom Hill (foot, hand) and WR Rashid Shaheed (thigh) will play. Hill had a full practice Friday, and Shaheed was limited.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 51 degrees, 100% chance of rain

Falcons

Inactives: DT David Onyemata, QB Logan Woodside, WR Mack Hollins, TE John FitzPatrick, LB Bud Dupree, OT Kaleb McGary and OG Chris Lindstrom

Lineup notes: RT Kaleb McGary (knee, illness) is out. C Drew Dalman (ankle) will go, but RG Chris Lindstrom (ankle) will not. LT Jake Matthews (knee) and PK Younghoe Koo (illness) are ready despite drawing questionable tags.

Panthers

Inactives: CB D’Shawn Jamison, TE Ian Thomas, OT David Sharpe, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., WR Mike Strachan and DE Eku Leota

Lineup notes: TE Hayden Hurst (concussion) went on IR and is done for the season, and TE Ian Thomas (ankle) is out. TE Tommy Tremble (hip) had a full session Friday and will play. LB Brian Burns (ankle) is ready, too.

Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 73 degrees, mostly cloudy (open-air dome)

Commanders

Inactives: TE Cole Turner, OG Julian Good-Jones, DL James Smith-Williams, CB Kyu Blu Kelly, RB Brian Robinson Jr. and WR Mitchell Tinsley

Lineup notes: RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is out. RB Jonathan Williams was elevated from the practice squad. LB Jamin Davis (shoulder) was placed on IR.

Rams

Inactives: CB Shaun Jolly, DE Ochaun Mathis, DL Desjuan Johnson, WR Tutu Atwell and OT Rob Havenstein

Lineup notes: WR Tutu Atwell (concussion) couldn’t clear the protocol. TE Tyler Higbee (neck) practiced Friday and is good to go. DT Aaron Donald (groin) was added as questionable on Saturday due to tightness but is active.

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 77 degrees, clear (retractable-roof dome)

49ers

Inactives: DL Arik Armstead, TE Ross Dwelley, QB Brandon Allen, OG Spencer Burford, DL Javon Hargrave, RB Elijah Mitchell and LB Oren Burks

Lineup notes: RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) is out. DT Arik Armstead (foot/knee) and DT Javon Hargrave (hamstring) are out. LB Dre Greenlaw (hip/ankle) and CB Charvarius Ward (groin) earned questionable designations but will be out there.

Cardinals

Inactives: OT Dennis Daley, TE Blake Whiteheart, DE Tyreke Smith, OT Carter O’Donnell and S Qwuantrezz Knight

Lineup notes: WR Marquise Brown (heel) and WR Michael Wilson (neck) are active. QB Kyler Murray (thumb) practiced Friday and will play. S Budda Baker (illness) was added as questionable but will be available.

Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 49 degrees, 75% chance of drizzle, SSE 10 mph

Cowboys

Inactives: OT Asim Richards, DL Johnathan Hankins, QB Trey Lance, RB Deuce Vaughn, CB Eric Scott Jr., S Malik Hooker and WR Jalen Brooks

Lineup notes: WR Brandin Cooks (illness) didn’t practice Thursday or Friday but will give it a try. RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) is good to go after a full practice Friday. CB Stephon Gilmore (illness) is active.

Bills

Inactives: DE A.J. Epenesa, OG Alec Anderson, DT Poona Ford and OT Germain Ifedi

Lineup notes: TE Dawson Knox (wrist) and QB Josh Allen (shoulder) practiced all week and will play. TE Dalton Kincaid (thumb, shoulder) was limited all week but will play. S Micah Hyde (neck stinger) has been ruled out.

Sunday Night Football

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 59 degrees, 50% chance of drizzle, WNW 14 mph

Ravens

Inactives: C Sam Mustipher, OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, QB Malik Cunningham, QB Josh Johnson, CB Rock Ya-Sin and CB Damarion Williams

Lineup notes: TE Mark Andrews (ankle) remains on IR. S Kyle Hamilton (knee) is active.

Jaguars

Inactives: S Andre Cisco, OT Chandler Brewer, DT Angelo Blackson, CB Tyson Campbell, TE Brenton Strange and LB Yasir Abdullah

Lineup notes: WR Christian Kirk (abdomen) is out for the season after core surgery. QB Trevor Lawrence (ankle) practiced all week and will play. RB Travis Etienne (ribs), RB D’Ernest Johnson (knee) and WR Zay Jones (knee) were limited Friday but will play. WR Jamal Agnew was activated from the Reserve/Injured list. Starting LG Ezra Cleveland (knee) and LT Walker Little (hamstring) are active.

Monday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 44 degrees, 40% chance of light rain

Eagles

Lineup notes: QB Jalen Hurts (illness) didn’t practice Saturday. He was added as questionable on Sunday but still hopes to start on Monday night. LB Zach Cunningham (knee) was ruled out, and CB Darius Slay (knee) underwent an arthroscopic procedure and also is out.

Seahawks

Lineup notes: QB Geno Smith (groin) is questionable and should be considered a game-time decision. QB Drew Lock will start again if Smith isn’t available. S Jamal Adams (knee) and CB Devon Witherspoon (hip) are both listed as questionable.

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 15 Saturday Slate

Week 15 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Saturday Slate.

Updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 15 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early game: WR Justin Jefferson (active)
Afternoon game:
Night game: WR Josh Reynolds (active)

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 53 degrees, cloudy

Vikings

Inactives: OG Chris Reed, WR Jalen Nailor, S Lewis Cine, OT Brian O’Neill, QB Joshua Dobbs and TE Nick Muse

Lineup notes: RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) and RT Brian O’Neill (ankle) were ruled out, while WR Justin Jefferson (chest) is ready to play. QB Joshua Dobbs is a healthy scratch, and QB Nick Mullens will start.

Bengals

Inactives: OT Jackson Carman, C Trey Hill, DT Jay Tufele, LB Joe Bachie and RB Chris Evans

Lineup notes: WR Tyler Boyd (foot, ankle), QB Jake Browning (forearm), and WR Ja’Marr Chase (ankle) fully practiced Thursday and don’t carry injury tags.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts (4:30 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 51 degrees, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Steelers

Inactives: RB Anthony McFarland, CB Darius Rush, DE Isaiahh Loudermilk, LB Blake Martinez, OT Dylan Cook and QB Kenny Pickett

Lineup notes: QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) was ruled out, so QB Mitchell Trubisky will make another start. RB Najee Harris (knee), DT Cameron Heyward (groin), LB Alex Highsmith (concussion), WR Diontae Johnson (knee), and LB T.J. Watt (concussion) all practiced in full Thursday and will play.

Colts

Inactives: DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, LB Isaiah Land, LB Segun Olubi, CB Tony Brown, RB Jonathan Taylor, OT Braden Smith and WR Isaiah McKenzie

Lineup notes: RT Braden Smith (knee) and RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) will not be available.

Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions (8:20 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Broncos

Inactives: C Alex Forsyth, LB Ben Niemann, S JL Skinner, QB Ben DiNucci, DT Elijah Garcia, TE Nate Adkins and LB Nik Bonitto

Lineup notes: TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring, foot) won’t play.

Lions

Inactives: DL Julian Okwara, PK Riley Patterson, WR Antoine Green, CB Steven Gilmore, LB Trevor Nowaske, DE Charles Harris and CB Chase Lucas

Lineup notes: WR Josh Reynolds (back) was limited Wednesday and Thursday, which earned him a questionable label, but he is active. LT Taylor Decker (back) and C Frank Ragnow (knee, back, toe) also were deemed questionable, and they, too, are ready to role.

Fantasy football injury report: Week 15

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 15.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases its final official injury report each Friday (approximately 5:30 p.m. ET). West Coast teams often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Week 15 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: WR Brandin Cooks, WR Nico Collins, TE Darren Waller, WR Chris Olave, RB De’Von Achane, WR Tyreek Hill, WR Marquise Brown, WR Chris Godwin, WR Christian Watson, RB Aaron Jones, RB AJ Dillon, QB Geno Smith

ARIZONA CARDINALS
WR Marquise Brown (heel) and WR Michael Wilson (neck) are questionable after limited work Thursday and Friday. QB Kyler Murray (thumb) practiced Friday and will play.

ATLANTA FALCONS 
RT Kaleb McGary (knee, illness) is out. C Drew Dalman (ankle), RG Chris Lindstrom (ankle) and LT Jake Matthews (knee) are questionable.

BALTIMORE RAVENS
TE Mark Andrews (ankle) remains on IR.

BUFFALO BILLS 
TE Dawson Knox (wrist) and QB Josh Allen (shoulder) practiced all week and will play.. TE Dalton Kincaid (thumb, shoulder) was limited all week but will play.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
TE Hayden Hurst (concussion) went on IR and is done for the season, and TE Ian Thomas (ankle) is out. TE Tommy Tremble (hip) had a full session Friday and will play.

CHICAGO BEARS 
WR DJ Moore (ankle) practiced Friday but still carries the questionable tag.

CINCINNATI BENGALS – Saturday afternoon
WR Tyler Boyd (foot, ankle) WR Ja’Marr Chase (ankle) and QB Jake Browning (forearm) all practiced Thursday and will play.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
RB Kareem Hunt (groin), RB Jerome Ford (wrist) and RB Pierre Strong (illness) all practiced Friday and are good to go.

DALLAS COWBOYS
WR Brandin Cooks (illness) didn’t practice Thursday or Friday and is questionable. RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) is good to go after a full practice Friday.

DENVER BRONCOS – Saturday night
TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring, foot) is out.

DETROIT LIONS – Saturday night
Starting C Frank Ragnow (knee, back, toe) and LT Taylor Decker (back) are questionable. Both practiced fully Thursday. WR Josh Reynolds (back) is also questionable, but he was limited Thursday.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
WR Christian Watson (hamstring) is doubtful and didn’t practice all week. RB Aaron Jones (knee) and RB AJ Dillon (thumb) are questionable after limited work Friday. WR Jayden Reed (ankle) and WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) also were limited but carry no injury tags.

HOUSTON TEXANS
QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) is doubtful after not practicing all week. WR Nico Collins (calf) didn’t practice all week and is questionable. WR Noah Brown (knee) had a limited practice Friday and is questionable. TE Dalton Schultz (hamstring) worked all week and is ready to return.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – Saturday night
RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) is out again.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
WR Christian Kirk (abdomen) is out for the season after core surgery. QB Trevor Lawrence (ankle) practiced all week and will play. RB Travis Etienne (ribs), RB D’Ernest Johnson (knee) and WR Zay Jones (knee) were limited Friday but will play. 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) remains on IR. RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) and LT Donovan Smith (neck) are out again. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) and WR Kadarius Toney (hip) practiced Friday and will play.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – Played Thursday
LT Kolton Miller (shoulder) and RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) were out Thursday.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS – Played Thursday
QB Justin Herbert (finger) will miss the rest of the season on IR after surgery on his right index finger. WR Keenan Allen (heel) also missed the game. WR Joshua Palmer (knee) came off IR and scored a touchdown Thursday night.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
WR Tutu Atwell (concussion) is questionable but had a full practice Friday. TE Tyler Higbee (neck) also practiced Friday and is good to go.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 
WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) didn’t practice all week. While he’s listed as questionable, he feels more doubtful. RB De’Von Achane (toe) graduated to limited work Friday and is questionable. RB Raheem Mostert (knee) was limited Thursday and Friday, but he should be fine.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS – Saturday afternoon
RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) and WR Jalen Nailor (concussion) are out. WR Justin Jefferson (chest) is questionable but made it back for a full practice Thursday and will play.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is out. WR DeVante Parker (knee) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) are questionable after limited work Friday. WR Demario Douglas (concussion) cleared the protocol and will be back.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 
RB Kendre Miller (ankle) is out again. WR Chris Olave (ankle) and RB Jamaal Williams (groin) are questionable. Olave didn’t practice all week, and Williams was limited Friday. QB/TE Taysom Hill (foot, hand) and WR Rashid Shaheed (thigh) will play. Hill had a full practice Friday, and Shaheed was limited.

NEW YORK GIANTS 
TE Darren Waller (hamstring) is questionable after limited work Thursday and Friday. WR Wan’Dale Robinson (quadriceps) will play despite limited work Friday.

NEW YORK JETS 
QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) had limited practices Thursday and Friday but is out. RBs Breece Hall (ankle) was limited until Friday’s full session, but he’ll play. QB Zach Wilson (knee) practiced all week and will play.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – Monday night
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS – Saturday night
QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) is out again. WR Diontae Johnson (knee) and RB Najee Harris (knee) practiced Thursday and will go.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 
RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) is out.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – Monday night
QB Geno Smith (groin) was limited Thursday. Friday’s practice wasn’t complete at press time.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
WR Chris Godwin (knee) is questionable but had a full practice Friday.

TENNESSEE TITANS
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (illness) didn’t practice Friday and is questionable. QB Will Levis (ankle) had full sessions Thursday and Friday and will go.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is out.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 15

Check out these starts and sits for fantasy football in Week 15.

The fantasy football playoffs commenced Thursday night in the majority of leagues. Hopefully, you didn’t have to play against the Las Vegas Raiders defense.

The Week 15 slate offers some intriguing matchups with a handful of games bringing some worry as the playoffs begin. Finding the sweet spot between trusting the process and avoiding overreaction is the key over the next three weeks.

Now, it’s time to take a look at how we can help you get the fantasy playoffs started on the right foot.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11), or check out our start/bench list for Week 15:

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 15

This slumping RB has a great opportunity to soar once again.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or those willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 15

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 6-8-0
All-time record: 25-39-3 (39.7%)

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55 74 41 20 150 66 16 25 88 121 138 80 87 64%
Grade E C F- F- A+ D F- F- B+ A+ A+ B- B+ D

I went with Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett last week, projecting a modest 13.9 points. He finished with 8.9 even after the Chargers lost Justin Herbert (finger). The Bolts had the ball in the red zone late in the contest, and backup quarterback Easton Stick bypassed a wide-open Everett for a short touchdown, instead zipping an unnecessary fastball toward Austin Ekeler that led to an incompletion.

While frustrating, I can’t get too worked up about it. This one was within reach until the waning moments, even with one of the least capable No. 2 quarterbacks in the league on the field.

This week, we turn to a veteran ball carrier whose season has been a tale of two halves thus far.

Philadelphia Eagles RB D’Andre Swift at Seattle Seahawks

From Week 2 — when injury thrust him into the lineup — through Week 8, Swift dominated the backfield and posted at least 10.5 PPR points in each contest. During that stretch, he topped 15 points four times and solidified himself as one of the best fantasy surprises the position has offered in 2023.

But over the last five games, Swift’s season has gone sideways. He has seen two fewer targets, on average, scored only once, and has posted more than 9.4 PPR points a single time, which came three contests ago. Swift has been only fractionally less efficient in terms of his yardage per touch, but the lack of scoring has crippled his fantasy value. In the seven-game hot streak, he found the end zone once every 35.8 touches, and that number has nearly doubled to a TD every 69 handles in the last five appearances.

Philadelphia, losers of consecutive games for the first time since midway into the 2021 season, will look to get on track vs. an inconsistent Seattle defense. While fireworks from the passing game come to mind when thinking about this offense, make no mistake, the Eagles thrive when the ground attack is clicking. Expect a rededicated approach to the rushing game.

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The Seahawks have allowed running backs to post top-10 stats in nearly every meaningful category related to fantasy success. Since Week 9, the position has averaged the 10th-most rushing yards (105.2), eighth-most receptions (5.6), fifth-most aerial yards (50), fifth-most total yards (155.2), second-highest efficiency rating, fourth-most standard fantasy points (23.9), and second-most PPR points (29.5) against this defense. All of that sorts out to Seattle being 34% easier to exploit than the league average.

On the year, that figure is 19%, which is mostly powered by the position scoring 14 rushing touchdowns and a pair more through the air. Long story short, versatile RBs have done the most damage. Fifteen backs have posted double-digit PPR results, and nine of those efforts were good for at least 15 points.

The Seahawks have done a better job of limiting wide receivers, and while there’s always the possibility Philadelphia unleashes its pent-up frustration on this secondary in such a way that Swift isn’t needed as much, there’s still enough to like from an efficiency perspective. It’s understandable if owners in the postseason are ready to cut bait for a safer option, but sticking with the former Detroit Lion one more week is a worthwhile risk to take.

My projection: 14 carries, 66 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 targets, 4 receptions, 33 yards (19.9 PPR fantasy points)

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 15

Check your waiver wire for these IDP options ahead of Week 15.

It’s Week 15, and we have four games left in the regular season. Bye weeks are done, and your roster should be set except for maybe a spot or two. Whether you’re in the fantasy football playoffs or a season-long league, let’s do this!

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Charles Omenihu, Kansas City Chiefs

He has had two identical weeks in a row with three tackles and a sack. He has played 67, 69 and 56% of the snaps the last three weeks, so there is some volatility if Omenihu is not recording sacks. But at this point in the season, you look for upside, and he has it right now.

EDGE Arden Key, Tennessee Titans

Key has at least a half-sack in three straight games. His fantasy viability hinges on his ability to reach the quarterback, though. His tackle numbers the last three weeks are two, one, and two. So if your league incentivizes sacks, Key is a fringe option to target.

Linebackers

LB Andre Smith, Atlanta Falcons

This one will heavily depend on the status of Nate Landman (knee), who missed Week 14. Smith stepped in and posted eight tackles and a forced fumble. If Landman is out again, Smith would be a great play against the Carolina Panthers this week.

[lawrence-related id=485618]

LB Nicholas Morrow, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles made a splash picking up former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard, but Morrow continues to ball out. He had six tackles and two pass defenses last week and has 12, eight, and six tackles the last three weeks. Leonard is still being acclimated, and Morrow should continue to shine.

LB Duke Riley, Miami Dolphins

Riley stepped in for the injured Jerome Baker and played a whopping 71 snaps in Week 14. He finished with five tackles in Week 14, but he had eight tackles and a forced fumble the week prior. The jury is still out on what Riley can contribute, but he’s worth taking a flyer on.

Defensive backs

FS Darnell Savage, Green Bay Packers

Savage played 95% of the defensive snaps in Week 14 and delivered seven tackles. He returned from injury the week before and had four tackles in 91% of the snaps. Savage vastly overshadowed Jonathan Owens, who had just two tackles last week. The Packers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears to close out the year.

FS Mike Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs

Edwards stood out with 11 tackles in Week 14. The six tackles he had in Week 13 were a season high. So while there isn’t a big floor there, the ceiling has risen the last two weeks.

SS Jordan Howden, New Orleans Saints

Howden said, “How you doin’?” in Week 14 with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, a sack and a pass defense. He had two four-tackle games and an eight-stop game this season but really hasn’t done much consistently. The banner performance last week was enough to take notice, though.

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 206

Talking NFL player news, fantasy football advice, DFS strategy and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, making difficult playoff start/sit decisions, and a double dose of “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 15 free-agent forecast

Check out the top waiver wire targets for Week 15.

Only two more games Monday night stand before the start of the playoffs in the majority of fantasy football leagues, and the waiver wire will be a busy marketplace entering Week 15.

There were a multitude of injuries to the running back position to keep an eye on moving forward. Players such as Josh Jacobs, Alexander Mattison, Brian Robinson Jr. and Isiah Pacheco — to name a few — all have injury question marks.

The bye weeks also are finally over, so it will be just good old-fashioned fantasy football. With trade deadlines concluded in the majority of leagues as well, the waiver wire becomes the most vital tool for fantasy managers over the three weeks.

We’re also getting to the point of the season in which stashing FAAB isn’t as crucial. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit more on a player who might give your team an edge down the stretch.

We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in Yahoo leagues, using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11). Your questions and comments are always welcome!

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

Gameday inactives, injuries and weather: Week 15

Week 15 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 15 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: TE Juwan Johnson (active), WR Kadarius Toney (active), WR DJ Moore (active)
Afternoon games: WR Marquise Brown (active), RB Josh Jacobs (active), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (active), WR Jakobi Meyers (active), WR Tee Higgins (active), WR Tyler Boyd (active)
Sunday night:
Monday night:

Detroit Lions at New York Jets (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 36 degrees, partly cloudy

Lions

Inactives: RB Craig Reynolds, OG Kayode Awosika, OG Ross Pierschbacher, LB Derrick Barnes, DE Austin Bryant, DL Michael Brockers and QB Joshua Dobbs

Lineup notes: DE Aidan Hutchinson (illness) was able to overcome a questionable designation, though DE Michael Brockers was downgraded to out.

Jets

Inactives: RB James Robinson, DT Quinnen Williams, WR Corey Davis, CB Brandin Echols, TE Jeremy Ruckert, QB Mike White and DB Lamarcus Joyner

Lineup notes: WR Corey Davis (knee) and QB Mike White (ribs) are out. Breakout DT Quinnen Williams (calf) couldn’t overcome a questionable tag.

Dallas Cowboys at Jacksonville Jaguars (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 52 degrees, clear

Cowboys

Inactives: TE Jake Ferguson, WR Jalen Tolbert, WR T.Y. Hilton, DB Trayvon Mullen, QB Will Grier and LB Jabril Cox

Lineup notes: OT Tyron Smith was activated from injured reserve. Recently acquired WR T.Y. Hilton will not play as he gets up to speed.

Jaguars

Inactives: CB Montaric Brown, LB Travon Walker, S Tyree Gillespie, LB De’Shaan Dixon and WR Kendric Pryor

Lineup notes: QB Trevor Lawrence (toe) was officially questionable, but his availability wasn’t in doubt. First overall pick LB Travon Walker (ankle) will not be on the field today.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 42 degrees, clear

Steelers

Inactives: DT Jonathan Marshall, CB Josh Jackson, OG Kendrick Green, QB Kenny Pickett and LB Myles Jack

Lineup notes: QB Kenny Pickett (concussion) downgraded from doubtful to out, so QB Mitchell Trubisky will start. RB Najee Harris (hip) is good to go.

Panthers

Inactives: LB Amare Barno, CB Juston Burris and OT Larnel Coleman

Lineup notes: WR DJ Moore (ankle) and WR Laviska Shenault (shoulder) are questionable. Both are available this week.

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 22 degrees, partly cloudy, W 14 mph

Eagles

Inactives: DE Janarius Robinson, S Reed Blankenship, OG Sua Opeta, QB Ian Book, OG Josh Sills and RB Trey Sermon

Lineup notes: TE Dallas Goedert (shoulder) was not activated in time.

Bears

Inactives: OT Ja’Tyre Carter, OT Larry Borom, QB Tim Boyle, WR N’Keal Harry, TE Trevon Wesco, CB Justin Layne and WR Chase Claypool

Lineup notes: WR Chase Claypool (knee) has been ruled out. WR N’Keal Harry (back) is questionable, but he had a full session Friday. So did QB Justin Fields (illness) and RB David Montgomery (illness), who are good to go.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Falcons

Inactives: WR Frank Darby, CB Rashad Fenton, DE Matt Dickerson, CB Jovante Moffatt and OT Chuma Edoga

Lineup notes: QB Marcus Mariota (knee) will end 2022 on IR, and rookie QB Desmond Ridder is slated to make his NFL debut.

Saints

Inactives: OT Lewis Kidd, CB Marshon Lattimore, RB Dwayne Washington, RB Eno Benjamin, CB P.J. Williams and DL Payton Turner

Lineup notes: RB Mark Ingram (knee) will end the season on IR. TE Juwan Johnson (ankle) was limited Friday and labeled questionable, but he’s available. C Erik McCoy was activated from IR. Star CB Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) is at least a week away.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 50 degrees, mostly cloudy, ENE 10 mph (retractable-roof dome)

Chiefs

Inactives: OG Darian Kinnard, DL Malik Herring, DE Joshua Kaindoh, QB Shane Buechele and OT Geron Christian

Lineup notes: WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) was limited all week but is available. QB Patrick Mahomes (hand), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (toe) and RB Isiah Pacheco (shoulder, quadriceps) were all full participants Friday and will play.

Texans

Inactives: OG Kenyon Green, QB Kyle Allen, WR Brandin Cooks, CB Steven Nelson, LB Garret Wallow, WR Nico Collins and TE O.J. Howard

Lineup notes: RB Dameon Pierce (ankle) was placed on season-ending IR, while WR Brandin Cooks (calf) and WR Nico Collins (foot) have been ruled out.

New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders (4:05 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Patriots

Inactives: CB Jack Jones, RB Damien Harris, WR DeVante Parker, DT Sam Roberts and S Joshuah Bledsoe

Lineup notes: WR DeVante Parker (concussion) is out. RB Damien Harris (thigh) was downgraded on Saturday to out. RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and WR Jakobi Meyers (concussion) will play through questionable tags.

Raiders

Inactives: CB Rock Ya-Sin, OT Alex Bars, OT Jackson Barton, DT Andrew Billings, DE Tashawn Bower, DT Neil Farrell and OG Netane Muti

Lineup notes: RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps, hand) entered the game as questionable to play but is officially active. WR Hunter Renfrow and TE Darren Waller were activated from IR.

Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 42 degrees, mostly cloudy

Cardinals

Inactives: CB Marco Wilson, CB Antonio Hamilton, QB David Blough, OG Wyatt Davis, DL Zach Allen, CB Byron Murphy and OG Rashaad Coward

Lineup notes: QB Kyler Murray (knee) and WR Rondale Moore (groin) will end the season on IR. WR Marquise Brown (illness) will play through a questionable designation. QB Colt McCoy (neck) practiced Friday and will start. OG Will Hernandez was activated from IR.

Broncos

Inactives: WR Courtland Sutton, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, OT Quinn Bailey, WR Kendall Hinton, QB Russell Wilson, DT Elijah Garcia and CB Michael Ojemudia

Lineup notes: QB Russell Wilson (concussion), WR Courtland Sutton (hamstring) and WR Kendall Hinton (hamstring) are out. LB Randy Gregory was activated from IR, and RB Devine Ozigbo was elevated from the practice squad.

Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Chargers (4:25 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 62 degrees, clear (open-air dome)

Titans

Inactives: S Amani Hooker, DL Denico Autry, OG Jordan Roos, DT Teair Tart, CB Tre Avery, WR Treylon Burks and CB Kristian Fulton

Lineup notes: WR Treylon Burks (concussion) remains out, while RB Dontrell Hilliard (neck) was placed on IR. QB Ryan Tannehill (ankle) and WR Robert Woods (illness) are good to go.

Chargers

Inactives: RB Sony Michel, OT Storm Norton, S Derwin James, WR Michael Bandy, QB Easton Stick, S JT Woods and DL Chris Hinton

Lineup notes: S Derwin James (quadriceps) will not play. WR Mike Williams (ankle) was a full participant Friday and isn’t on the injury report.

Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:25 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 63 degrees, clear, N 10 mph

Bengals

Inactives: OT Jackson Carman, OT D’Ante Smith, CB Jalen Davis, DE Trey Hendrickson, CB Mike Hilton and TE Hayden Hurst

Lineup notes: TE Hayden Hurst (calf) is out. WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) and WR Tyler Boyd (finger) both will play. QB Joe Burrow (elbow) fully practiced Friday. Burrow has no injury status.

Buccaneers

Inactives: WR Julio Jones, OT Tristan Wirfs, LB Genard Avery, DT Vita Vea, QB Kyle Trask and DL Carl Nassib

Lineup notes: WR Julio Jones (knee) and RT Tristan Wirfs (ankle) were questionable but couldn’t get right in time. S Antoine Winfield (ankle), LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (hip), CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, and S Mike Edwards (hamstring) will play. DT Vita Vea (calf) has been ruled out.

Sunday Night Football

New York Giants at Washington Commanders (8:20 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 32 degrees, clear

Giants

Inactives: CB Adoree’ Jackson, OG Shane Lemieux, WR David Sills, LB Tae Crowder, OG Jack Anderson and CB Rodarius Williams

Lineup notes: TE Daniel Bellinger (rib) was limited Friday and is questionable but will play. WR Richie James (concussion) mustered a full session and carries no injury designation.

Commanders

Inactives: DE Chase Young, QB Sam Howell, OT Chris Paul, LB De’Jon Harris, CB Benjamin St-Juste and OT Saahdiq Charles 

Lineup notes: DE Chase Young (knee) still isn’t ready to play. RB Antonio Gibson (foot) is good to go.

Monday Night Football

Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers (8:15 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 21 degrees, overcast

Rams

Lineup notes: WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) and QB Matthew Stafford (neck) remain on IR. DT Aaron Donald (ankle) has been ruled out once again.

Packers

Lineup notes: LT David Bakhtiari (abdomen, knee) has been ruled out. WR Romeo Doubs (ankle) and QB Aaron Rodgers (thumb, ribs) had full practices all week and don’t carry injury tags. RB Aaron Jones (ankle) has been limited all week but is not on the final injury report.

Gameday inactives, injuries and weather: Week 15 Saturday Slate

Week 15 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Saturday Slate.

Updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 15 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early game:
Afternoon game:
Night game: RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (inactive)

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Colts

Inactives: QB Sam Ehlinger, LB Ben Banogu, WR Mike Strachan, CB Brandon Facyson, C Wesley French, DB Kenny Moore II and DT Chris Z. Williams

Lineup notes: CBs Kenny Moore and Brandon Facyson will not be available, leaving the Colts thin in the secondary.

Vikings

Inactives: CB Parry Nickerson, C Garrett Bradbury, CB Kalon Barnes, DE Patrick Jones II and DL Ross Blacklock

Lineup notes: DE Danielle Hunter (neck) will be available, but C Garrett Bradbury (back) isn’t ready yet.

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns (4:30 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 32 degrees, overcast, WSW 14 mph

Ravens

Inactives: CB Damarion Williams, LB Josh Bynes, OG Ben Cleveland, RB Kenyan Drake, TE Charlie Kolar and QB Lamar Jackson

Lineup notes: QB Lamar Jackson (knee) is out again. QB Tyler Huntley (concussion) was a full-go in practice, and he’ll start. WR Demarcus Robinson (illness) is good to go as well. QB Anthony Brown was elevated from the practices squad, and EDGE David Ojabo (Achilles) will make his NFL debut. RB Kenyan Drake is a healthy scratch.

Browns

Inactives: WR David Bell, DE Isaiah Thomas, QB Kellen Mond, WR Jaelon Darden, DB Thomas Graham, DT Tommy Togiai and OG Chris Hubbard

Lineup notes: TE David Njoku (knee) was limited some this week, but he’ll play. LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (foot) was placed on IR.

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (8:20 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 28 degrees, snow, WSW 11 mph

Dolphins

Inactives: QB Teddy Bridgewater, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., DB Elijah Campbell, CB Eric Rowe, WR Erik Ezukanma and WR River Cracraft

Lineup notes: RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (hip) wasn’t able to get right in time and is inactive. WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) was a full participant Thursday, and he’s good to go.

Bills

Inactives: LB Baylon Spector, S Dean Marlowe, DT Jordan Phillips, TE Tommy Sweeney, OT Ryan Bates and CB Xavier Rhodes

Lineup notes: QB Josh Allen (elbow) was a full participant all week, and he’ll continue playing through the injury. WR Cole Beasley re-signed with the team and is active.