Tag: fantasy football Week 15 WDIS

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

Fantasy’s top hot starts and cold sits for NFL Week 15.

It’s an extremely importantly time in fantasy football in Week 15. We’re either beginning the playoffs in some leagues, or it is the final week of the regular season. Either way, now more than ever, it’s critical to make the right moves.

The last six teams had their bye in Week 14, and from this point forward, we’ll have all teams in action and a full array of players for all fantasy teams.

As get into December, we have another major challenge, however, and that’s from Mother Nature. We’ve seen games in Buffalo and Cleveland already affected by weather, and a cold rain affected the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in the first half of Thursday’s Week 15 game before the weather pulled out.

Looking to the early weather forecast, Cleveland will once again be a trouble spot in Week 15. While it will be of the liquid variety, and not of the frozen variety, it’s worth mentioning. In addition to a 50% chance of rain showers, winds will be howling at 16-18 mph, potentially affecting Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes, Cleveland QB Jameis Winston, and the kicking game for both sides.

The same holds true for Nashville, as the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans might be dealing with showers, too. There is just a 35% chance of rain, while winds will be whipping up at 11-13 mph.

On Saturday night or Sunday morning, be sure to double-check the forecast before finalizing your lineups.

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, (@danieledobish), or check out our start/bench list for Week 15:

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 15

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 15 DFS fantasy football.

If you have made it into your full-season fantasy playoffs, congratulations! Better luck next year if you find yourself on the outside looking in. Regardless of your lot in life there, the DFS slates are here for everyone. This week is notorious for both the expanded player pool to choose from thanks to no byes and the expanded player pool of competitors buying in to scratch the itch of their regular fantasy season being Kaput. With more competition, enter your lineups early and often before the contests fill up.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Tua Tagovailoa ($6.1k), RB Chase Brown ($7.2k), RB Rico Dowdle ($6.1k), WR Tyreek Hill ($7.4k), WR Davante Adams ($6.9k), WR Devaughn Vele ($4.2k), TE Stone Smartt ($2.6k), FLEX Chuba Hubbard ($6.5k), DST New York Jets ($3.0k)

FD Lineup: QB Aaron Rodgers ($7.1k), RB Chuba Hubbard ($7.5k), RB Rico Dowdle ($7.1k), WR Tyreek Hill ($8.7k), WR Davante Adams ($7.9k), WR DeAndre Hopkins ($6.5k), TE Stone Smartt ($4.5K), FLEX Zach Charbonnet ($6.7k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($4.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Joe Burrow ($7.0k), RB Brian Robinson Jr. ($6.1k), RB Chuba Hubbard ($6.0k), WR Ja’Marr Chase ($8.1k), WR Tyreek Hill ($7.2k), WR/TE Davante Adams ($6.5k), TE Stone Smartt ($3.0k), FLEX Rico Dowdle ($5.8k), SUPERFLEX Aaron Rodgers ($5.3k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,500
Lamar Jackson $8,300 $9,000
Jalen Hurts $8,000 $8,500
Jayden Daniels $7,500 $8,700
Joe Burrow $7,300 $8,600
Patrick Mahomes $6,700 $7,900
Jared Goff $6,500 $8,000
Baker Mayfield $6,400 $7,700
Bo Nix $6,300 $7,600
C.J. Stroud $6,200 $7,400
Jordan Love N/A $7,400
Tua Tagovailoa $6,100 $8,300
Kyler Murray $6,000 $7,800
Justin Herbert $5,900 $7,500
Anthony Richardson $5,800 $7,500
Russell Wilson $5,700 $7,300
Geno Smith N/A $7,200
Drake Maye $5,600 $6,900
Jameis Winston $5,500 $7,000
Aaron Rodgers $5,400 $7,100
Bryce Young $5,300 $6,800
Cooper Rush $5,200 $6,800
Jake Haener $5,100 $6,700
Will Levis $5,000 $6,600
Mac Jones $4,900 $6,500
Spencer Rattler $4,600 $6,000
Tommy DeVito $4,400 $6,200

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson are the top two options. Josh Allen is in play, but don’t expect anywhere near last week’s numbers. Fortunately, there also are three cheaper plays that I like just as much as those three. Tua Tagovailoa is my favorite play of the week. Kyler Murray and Justin Herbert (leg/ankle) also have great matchups. Aaron Rodgers, Bryce Young, Will Levis, and Cooper Rush are all punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Joe Burrow, Bengals @ TEN ($7,300 DK, $8,600 FD) On the season, Tennessee has allowed the fewest passing yards. That said, they have given up 37% of their season-long total over the last four weeks. Over his last five games, Burrow has 18 passing TDs.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ NYG ($8,300 DK, $9,000 FD) The Giants have allowed the fifth-most QB rushing touchdowns. They also have allowed eight QBs to run for 20 yards or more and three to top 40 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Jackson is averaging over six YPC, while also passing for the second-most TDs.

Josh Allen, Bills @ DET ($8,500 DK, $9,500 FD) Detroit ranks seventh-worst in rushing yards allowed to QBs and Allen has 50-plus rushing yards in three of his last four games. It won’t be the ceiling game of last week, but Allen will still find his way to three total scores.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ HOU ($6,100 DK, $8,300 FD) No team has allowed more passing TDs than Houston. The struggle will continue this week as Tua is riding a four-game smoldering streak where he is averaging 325 passing yards and 2.8 TD/game. Stack him with either of his top WRs and/or Jonnu Smith.

Sleepers

Aaron Rodgers, Jets @ JAX ($5,400 DK, $7,100 FD) Despite playing through a maligned season, Rodgers is still top-10 in passing TDs. It helps that he has two elite WRs. Only two teams have given up more passing TDs, and only one team has surrendered more passing yards than Jacksonville. So, the old man should have one of his best games of the year.

Cooper Rush, Cowboys @ CAR ($5,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Since Week 11, Rush is ninth in passing yards and 10th in passing TDs. Carolina has allowed a league-worst 29.8 points per game and Dallas is second-worst at 28.2 points per game. This game could be a sneaky points fest.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,600 $9,300
Derrick Henry $8,300 $9,200
De’Von Achane $7,900 $8,600
Joe Mixon $7,800 $9,000
Alvin Kamara $7,700 $8,800
Josh Jacobs N/A $8,200
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,500 $8,000
Chase Brown $7,200 $8,100
David Montgomery $7,000 $7,700
Kenneth Walker III N/A $7,700
Jonathan Taylor $6,900 $7,800
James Cook $6,800 $8,300
Tony Pollard $6,700 $7,600
James Conner $6,600 $7,900
Chuba Hubbard $6,500 $7,500
Breece Hall $6,400 $8,500
Bucky Irving $5,800 $7,400
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,200 $7,300
Rico Dowdle $6,100 $7,100
Isiah Pacheco $6,000 $7,000
Najee Harris $5,900 $6,900
Zach Charbonnet N/A $6,700
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,900 $6,600
Rachaad White $5,800 $7,200
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $5,700 $6,500
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,600 $6,200
Nick Chubb $5,500 $6,300
Braelon Allen $5,400 $6,400
Jaylen Warren $5,400 $5,800
Gus Edwards $5,300 $6,000
Jeremy McNichols $5,300 $5,400
Javonte Williams $5,200 $5,900
Khalil Herbert $4,800 $5,500
Ezekiel Elliott $5,100 $5,300
Tank Bigsby $5,100 $5,700
Isaiah Davis $5,000 $5,500
Kareem Hunt $5,000 $6,100
Antonio Gibson $4,900 $5,200
Jerome Ford $4,900 $5,500
Raheem Mostert $4,900 $5,000
Justice Hill $4,800 $5,600
Kimani Vidal $4,800 $5,200
Devin Singletary $4,700 $5,300
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,700 $5,000
Ray Davis $4,700 $5,300
Emanuel Wilson N/A $5,100
Kenneth Gainwell $4,600 $4,900
Trey Benson $4,600 $5,000
Audric Estime $4,500 $5,500
Kendre Miller $4,500 $4,900
Jaylen Wright $4,400 $4,800
Ty Johnson $4,400 $5,200
Dameon Pierce $4,700 $5,000
Tyjae Spears $4,300 $5,400
Chris Brooks N/A $4,700
Kenny McIntosh N/A $4,700
Cordarrelle Patterson $4,000 $4,200

Running back

Weekly strategy – Derrick Henry and Joe Mixon are the only two expensive backs I like this week. That said, I’d rather save here and spend big at WR. Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, and Brian Robinson Jr. will fill most of my lineups. You also can use whoever starts for Tampa Bay or Rhamondre Stevenson. If Breece Hall (knee) remains out, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis would have some value as punt plays. Jaleel McLaughlin and Kimani Vidal fit that role as well.

Fantasy four-pack

Derrick Henry, Ravens @ NYG ($8,300 DK, $9,200 FD) The Giants are allowing 4.9 YPC and the fourth-most 141.7 rushing yards per game. Let’s see them try to stop Henry, who is averaging just under six YPC. 

Joe Mixon, Texans vs. MIA ($7,800 DK, $9,000 FD) Over the last four weeks, the Dolphins have allowed the third-most RB receptions and the second-most RB receiving yards. Mixon is on fire right now, scoring 11 times in his last eight games.

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs. DAL ($6,500 DK, $7,500 FD) Jonathon Brooks (ACL) retore his ACL, leaving this backfield entirely in the hands of Hubbard. Since Week 3, Chuba has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in nine of 11 games. Dallas is giving up the third-most 141.9 rushing yards per game. All of that will go to Hubbard.

Josh Jacobs, Packers @ SEA (N/A DK, $8,200 FD) Seattle allows 145 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. Meanwhile, Jacobs has been getting fed at the stripe, scoring eight times in his last four games.

Sleepers

Rico Dowdle, Cowboys @ CAR ($6,100 DK, $7,100 FD) Over the last three games, Dowdle is averaging 121 combo yards per game. Carolina is dead last against the run. They have given up 210 more total yards to opposing RBs than the next-worst team. They also have allowed the most total TDs to the position. 

Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders @ NO ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Robinson has been up and down all season, but he has scored a TD in seven of the 10 games that he has played. Only the Panthers have allowed more RB rushing TDs, so another score is definitely in play.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Ja’Marr Chase $8,400 $9,400
Nico Collins $8,100 $9,200
A.J. Brown $8,000 $8,600
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,600 $8,500
Tyreek Hill $7,400 $8,700
CeeDee Lamb $7,300 $8,400
Terry McLaurin $7,200 $8,200
Mike Evans $7,100 $8,300
Jaxon Smith-Njigba N/A $8,100
Davante Adams $6,900 $7,900
Tee Higgins $6,800 $7,800
DK Metcalf N/A $7,600
Courtland Sutton $6,600 $7,200
Garrett Wilson $6,500 $7,400
Malik Nabers $6,400 $8,000
Ladd McConkey $6,300 $7,100
Jerry Jeudy $6,200 $6,900
Khalil Shakir $6,100 $7,000
Zay Flowers $6,000 $7,300
Jayden Reed N/A $6,700
Christian Watson N/A $6,200
Calvin Ridley $5,900 $6,000
Brian Thomas Jr. $5,800 $6,800
Jaylen Waddle $5,500 $6,200
Jameson Williams $5,600 $6,400
DeVonta Smith $5,500 $7,700
Marvin Harrison Jr. $5,500 $6,600
Adam Thielen $5,400 $6,100
Tank Dell $5,400 $6,100
Amari Cooper $5,300 $5,900
DeAndre Hopkins $5,300 $6,500
Josh Downs $5,200 $6,300
Xavier Worthy $5,100 $6,000
Tyler Lockett N/A $5,500
Romeo Doubs N/A $5,400
Dontayvion Wicks N/A $5,200
Elijah Moore $5,000 $4,700
Quentin Johnston $5,000 $5,900
Cedric Tillman $4,900 $5,700
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,900 $5,800
Alec Pierce $4,800 $5,900
Keon Coleman $4,800 $5,400
Brandin Cooks $4,700 $5,700
Xavier Legette $4,700 $5,500
Joshua Palmer $4,600 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,600 $5,400
DeMario Douglas $4,500 $5,300
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,500 $5,700
Michael Wilson $4,400 $5,400
Rashod Bateman $4,400 $5,800
Allen Lazard $4,300 $5,000
Tim Patrick $4,300 $5,300
Devaughn Vele $4,200 $5,400
Diontae Johnson $4,200 $4,500
Noah Brown $4,200 $5,200
Darius Slayton $4,100 $5,100
Parker Washington $4,100 $5,500
Adonai Mitchell $4,000 $5,100
Marvin Mims Jr. $4,000 $5,300
Sterling Shepard $4,000 $5,800
David Moore $3,900 $5,200
Jalen Tolbert $3,900 $5,200
Andrei Iosivas $3,800 $5,600
Mack Hollins $3,800 $5,600
Mike Williams $3,800 $5,300
Jalen Coker $3,700 $4,900
Jalen McMillan $3,700 $5,500
JuJu Smith-Schuster $3,700 $5,100
Calvin Austin III $3,600 $5,600
Curtis Samuel $3,600 $5,300
KaVontae Turpin $3,600 $5,000
Kendrick Bourne $3,600 $5,000
Kayshon Boutte $3,500 $5,000
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,000
Troy Franklin $3,400 $5,100
Nelson Agholor $3,300 $5,100
Michael Woods II $3,200 $4,600
Dyami Brown $3,100 $4,900
Greg Dortch $3,100 $4,700
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,100 $4,600
Devin Duvernay $3,000 $4,700
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,000 $4,800

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb (shoulder), and Tyreek Hill are the top choices. You need to roster one of them, and I support taking two of them. The cheaper WR2 pivots would be Davante Adams, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and if he plays Ladd McConkey (leg). At WR3, I like Amari Cooper, Adam Thielen, Calvin Ridley, Jaylen Waddle, and Joshua Palmer (if McConkey doesn’t play). Tim Patrick, Devaughn Vele, Jalen McMillan, Van Jefferson, and Nelson Agholor are the only deserving punt plays. 

Fantasy four-pack

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins @ HOU ($7,400 DK, $8,700 FD) Hill has scored in four of five games. Since Week 8, Houston has given up at least 60 total yards to every WR1 they have faced, and four have scored.

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals @ TEN ($8,400 DK, $9,400 FD) Chase leads the league in both receptions and receiving yards. Since Week 10, he is averaging a ridiculous 36.5 PPR points per game. Tennessee is very good against the pass, but over their last four games, opposing WR1s are averaging 19.5 PPR points.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ CAR ($7,300 DK, $8,400 FD) A shoulder injury continues to hamper Lamb. That said, he still leads the league in targets while ranking third in both receptions and receiving yards. This game will have a ton of points, so stack everyone here.

Davante Adams, Jets @ JAX ($6,900 DK, $7,900 FD) Since Week 9, Adams has led the Jets in every receiving category. Jacksonville cannot stop anything. They have allowed the fourth-most WR receptions and receiving yards.

Sleepers

Calvin Ridley, Titans vs. CIN ($5,900 DK, $6,000 FD) Ridley has more than twice as many targets as the next closest receiver on the Titans. With this volume, he should produce against a Bengals defense, allowing the sixth-most passing yards. 

Adam Thielen, Panthers vs. DAL ($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD) In the three games since returning from injury, Thielen is averaging 6.7-86. He also has a TD (and should actually have two). I’ve already discussed the potential points in this one and like a game stack here with at least five legs.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Trey McBride $6,000 $7,500
Travis Kelce $5,700 $6,700
Jonnu Smith $5,400 $6,900
David Njoku $5,200 $6,500
Dalton Kincaid $4,900 $5,700
Evan Engram $4,600 $5,600
Cade Otton $4,500 $5,500
Sam LaPorta $4,400 $6,000
Tucker Kraft N/A $5,200
Hunter Henry $4,300 $5,000
Noah Fant N/A $5,000
AJ Barner N/A $4,900
Mark Andrews $4,100 $6,300
Zach Ertz $4,000 $5,200
Pat Freiermuth $3,900 $5,300
Jake Ferguson $3,800 $5,400
Isaiah Likely $3,600 $5,800
Grant Calcaterra $3,500 $4,900
Mike Gesicki $3,500 $5,100
Dawson Knox $3,400 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,400 $5,500
Dalton Schultz $3,300 $5,300
Noah Gray $3,200 $5,400
Ja’Tavion Sanders $3,100 $4,700
Foster Moreau $3,000 $5,000
Tommy Tremble $3,000 $4,900
Chig Okonkwo $2,900 $4,900
Daniel Bellinger $2,800 $4,800
Tommy Tremble $2,800 $4,800
Jordan Akins $2,700 $4,800
Stone Smartt $2,600 $4,500

Tight end

Weekly strategy – David Njoku (hamstring) is my favorite TE play of the week. Unfortunately, he is trending towards missing this contest. Watch his status. If he misses this game, his understudy, Jordan Akins, becomes a nice punt option. I would also like Trey McBride, Jonnu Smith, and Travis Kelce if I were to pay up here. Hunter Henry, Pat Freiermuth, and Jake Ferguson are much cheaper pivots. If you punt the position (or need a cheap flex) consider Chig Okonkwo and Stone Smartt.

Fantasy four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ CLE ($5,700 DK, $6,700 FD) Cleveland has allowed an average of 7-72 to the position over the last four weeks. Kelce also feels way overdue for a TD here.

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. NE ($6,000 DK, $7,500 FD) Speaking of overdue for a TD, McBride has not scored a receiving TD, despite catching 80 of his 106 targets. New England has allowed four TE touchdowns in their last six games, so maybe this is the week. 

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins @ HOU ($5,400 DK, $6,900 FD) Over their last four games, Houston has allowed an average of 5.8-75-0.5 to the position. Meanwhile, over his previous four games, Smith is averaging 7-86-1.

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. BUF ($4,400 DK, $6,000 FD) LaPorta’s usage has been sporadic, but he has six or more targets in each of the last four games that he has played. Those targets have amounted to meager yardage numbers, but he did score three times. With the clear highest combined line on the slate, the scoring should continue here.

Sleepers

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys @ CAR ($3,800 DK, $5,400 FD) Ferguson is finally fully healthy. Now, he faces the Panthers, who have allowed a league-worst 10 tight end scores.

Stone Smartt, Chargers vs. TB ($2,600 DK, $4,500 FD) With Will Dissly (shoulder) out, Smartt gets to pillage a Buccaneers defense that has allowed the second-most yards to opposing TEs. After replacing Dissly at halftime last week, Smartt caught all three of his targets for 54 yards. I’d take two times that this week.

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 15

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 15 start/bench tiers.

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Joe Burrow @TEN Ja’Marr Chase @TEN
Josh Allen @DET Cooper Kupp @SF
GREAT STARTS Opp GREAT STARTS Opp
Justin Herbert TB Nico Collins MIA
Sam Darnold CHI Puka Nacua @SF
Tua Tagovailoa @HOU Justin Jefferson CHI
Lamar Jackson @NYG CeeDee Lamb @CAR
Jayden Daniels @NO Terry McLaurin @NO
SOLID STARTERS Opp Tyreek Hill @HOU
Jalen Hurts PIT DJ Moore @MIN
Brock Purdy LAR SOLID STARTERS Opp
Kyler Murray NE Jauan Jennings LAR
Bo Nix IND Courtland Sutton IND
Caleb Williams @MIN Davante Adams @JAC
Jared Goff BUF Garrett Wilson @JAC
Jordan Love @SEA Marvin Harrison Jr. NE
Patrick Mahomes @CLE DeVonta Smith PIT
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Jameson Williams BUF
Anthony Richardson @DEN Jaylen Waddle @HOU
Baker Mayfield @LAC Khalil Shakir @DET
Kirk Cousins @LVR Zay Flowers @NYG
C.J. Stroud MIA J. Smith-Njigba GB
Jameis Winston KC Keenan Allen @MIN
Matthew Stafford @SF Amari Cooper @DET
Geno Smith GB Drake London @LVR
Will Levis CIN Adam Thielen DAL
Aaron Rodgers @JAC DeAndre Hopkins @CLE
Russell Wilson @PHI Malik Nabers BAL
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Tee Higgins @TEN
Mac Jones NYJ Amon-Ra St. Brown BUF
Tommy DeVito BAL Jerry Jeudy KC
Cooper Rush @CAR A.J. Brown PIT
Spencer Rattler WAS Jakobi Meyers ATL
Aidan O’Connell ATL Darnell Mooney @LVR
Drake Maye @ARI Jordan Addison CHI
Desmond Ridder ATL Quentin Johnston TB
Bryce Young DAL Mike Evans @LAC
RUNNING BACKS FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
BEST BETS Opp Deebo Samuel LAR
Derrick Henry @NYG Darius Slayton BAL
Josh Jacobs @SEA Brian Thomas Jr. NYJ
Brian Robinson Jr. @NO Michael Pittman Jr. @DEN
Kyren Williams @SF Wan’Dale Robinson BAL
GREAT STARTS Opp Jayden Reed @SEA
Jahmyr Gibbs BUF Michael Wilson NE
Bijan Robinson @LVR Marvin Mims IND
Aaron Jones CHI Tre Tucker ATL
Zach Charbonnet GB Mike Williams @PHI
Rico Dowdle @CAR Tank Dell MIA
Chase Brown @TEN DeMario Douglas @ARI
Joe Mixon MIA Rome Odunze @MIN
SOLID STARTERS Opp M. Valdes-Scantling WAS
James Conner NE Christian Watson @SEA
Saquon Barkley PIT Xavier Worthy @CLE
Tony Pollard CIN Ray-Ray McCloud @LVR
David Montgomery BUF Calvin Austin @PHI
Chuba Hubbard DAL Calvin Ridley CIN
Braelon Allen @JAC N. Westbrook-Ikhine CIN
Jonathan Taylor @DEN Elijah Moore KC
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Joshua Palmer TB
Tyrone Tracy Jr. BAL DK Metcalf GB
Patrick Taylor LAR SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Isiah Pacheco @CLE Andrei Iosivas @TEN
J. McLaughlin IND Keon Coleman @DET
Isaiah Davis @JAC Devaughn Vele IND
Alvin Kamara WAS Brandin Cooks @CAR
De’Von Achane @HOU Tyler Lockett GB
Nick Chubb KC Tim Patrick BUF
James Cook @DET Rashod Bateman @NYG
R. Stevenson @ARI Demarcus Robinson @SF
D’Andre Swift @MIN George Pickens @PHI
Tank Bigsby NYJ Josh Downs @DEN
Najee Harris @PHI Cedric Tillman KC
Rachaad White @LAC Ladd McConkey TB
Travis Etienne NYJ Tyler Boyd CIN
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp David Moore DAL
Jerome Ford KC Xavier Legette DAL
Tyler Allgeier @LVR Parker Washington NYJ
Antonio Gibson @ARI Sterling Shepard @LAC
Gus Edwards TB Alec Pierce @DEN
Kimani Vidal TB DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Kendre Miller WAS BEST BETS Opp
Breece Hall @JAC Ravens @NYG
Kenneth Walker III GB GREAT STARTS Opp
Isaac Guerendo LAR Commanders @NO
Bucky Irving @LAC Chiefs @CLE
Jaylen Warren @PHI SOLID STARTERS Opp
S. McCormick ATL Raiders ATL
TIGHT ENDS Broncos IND
BEST BETS Opp Vikings CHI
George Kittle LAR Falcons @LVR
Trey McBride NE FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
GREAT STARTS Opp Seahawks GB
Jonnu Smith @HOU Browns KC
Travis Kelce @CLE Jets @JAC
SOLID STARTERS Opp Texans MIA
Brock Bowers ATL Chargers TB
David Njoku KC Cardinals NE
Tucker Kraft @SEA Eagles PIT
T.J. Hockenson CHI Cowboys @CAR
Mark Andrews @NYG Packers @SEA
Dalton Schultz MIA Panthers DAL
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Bengals @TEN
Sam LaPorta BUF SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Grant Calcaterra PIT Bills @DET
Hunter Henry @ARI Saints WAS
Jake Ferguson @CAR Rams @SF
Cole Kmet @MIN Giants BAL
Mike Gesicki @TEN Colts @DEN
Evan Engram NYJ 49ers LAR
Cade Otton @LAC Bears @MIN
Zach Ertz @NO Steelers @PHI
Juwan Johnson WAS Patriots @ARI
Austin Hooper @ARI Buccaneers @LAC
Pat Freiermuth @PHI Titans CIN
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Jaguars NYJ
C. Okonkwo CIN Dolphins @HOU
Kyle Pitts @LVR Lions BUF
Dalton Kincaid @DET
Ja’Tavion Sanders DAL
Noah Fant GB
Daniel Bellinger BAL
Isaiah Likely @NYG

Fantasy Football Rest-of-Season Rankings: Week 15

Forecasting where all of the notable players net out over the remainder of the season.

These fantasy football rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation.

The scoring system is performance PPR. There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.

Rankings key:
UP/DN is trending up or down from week’s ranking.
NR means the player wasn’t ranked last week.
UP/DN numbering shows where the player was ranked the prior week.

Fantasy football rest of season rankings

Quarterbacks
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Josh Allen, BUF 12 UP2 feels like he’s doing more each week; I like his closing schedule
2 Lamar Jackson, BAL 14
3 Joe Burrow, CIN 12
4 Jalen Hurts, PHI 5 DN3 three straight games of less than 200 yds passing
5 Jayden Daniels, WAS 14
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
6 Brock Purdy, SF 9 UP9 given all the RB injuries, SF needs more from the passing game
7 Kyler Murray, ARI 11
8 Patrick Mahomes, KC 6 DN7 a couple quiet weeks after it looked like the KC offense was rounding into form
9 Tua Tagovailoa, MIA 6
10 Jordan Love, GB 10 DN6 Jacobs’ goal-line success has hurt Love’s passing TDs
11 Sam Darnold, MIN 6 UP14 last 4 gms: 11 TDs, 0 INTs
12 Bo Nix, DEN 14 he lands in Tier 2
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
13 Jared Goff, DET 5 has multiple TD passes in 9 of his 11 gms
14 Baker Mayfield, TB 11 UP17 he’s got that Winston gunslinger streak in him
15 Matthew Stafford, LAR 6
16 Caleb Williams, CHI 7 took 7 sacks in Wk 14
17 Anthony Richardson, IND 14 DN13 he has weekly potential, but those accuracy issues don’t seem to be going anywhere
18 Jameis Winston, CLE 10
19 C.J. Stroud, HOU 14
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
20 Drake Maye, NE 14
21 Russell Wilson, PIT 9 tough closing schedule (PHI, BAL, KC)
22 Justin Herbert, LAC 5 DN20
23 Aaron Rodgers, NYJ 12 UP26 finally threw for over 300 yds
24 Geno Smith, SEA 10
25 Kirk Cousins, ATL 12 lots of empty yds in Wk 14, but he’s now thrown 0 TDs/8 INTs in his last 4 gms
26 Bryce Young, CAR 11
27 Will Levis, TEN 5 DN25 lost at home to Mac Jones
28 Cooper Rush, DAL 7
29 Drew Lock, NYG 11 UP35 got the start over DeVito in Wk 14; he’s set to start again in Wk 15, as long as he’s healthy
30 Aidan O’Connell, LVR 10 suffered a knee injury in Wk 14; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
31 Mac Jones, JAC 12
32 Spencer Rattler, NO 12 NR w/ Carr hurt, Rattler could start the rest of the way
33 Derek Carr, NO 12 DN28 suffered a concussion/hand injury in Wk 14; he’s “week-to-week,” but I wonder if he plays again
34 Desmond Ridder, LVR 11 NR he could start in Wk 15 (and possibly beyond) depending on how quickly O’Connell heals
35 Trey Lance, DAL 7
36 Joe Flacco, IND 14
Running backs
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Saquon Barkley, PHI 5 my only concern is if PHI gets locked into the No. 2 seed by Wk 17…
2 Derrick Henry, BAL 14 …whereas BAL is gonna be fighting until at least the finale
3 Bijan Robinson, ATL 12
4 Kyren Williams, LAR 6 UP5 he leapfrogs Gibbs just by virtue of being the clear primary back
5 Jahmyr Gibbs, DET 5
6 Josh Jacobs, GB 10 scored 7 TDs in a 12-day span
7 Joe Mixon, HOU 14
8 De’Von Achane, MIA 6 the other MIA RBs get very little work anymore
9 Chase Brown, CIN 12 UP11 averaging 123 yards/gm in his last 5; he’s basically working as CIN’s WR3
10 Jonathan Taylor, IND 14
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
11 Aaron Jones, MIN 6 UP14
12 David Montgomery, DET 5
13 Alvin Kamara, NO 12 DN8 Carr’s injury means teams are just going to load up on stopping Kamara
14 Chuba Hubbard, CAR 11 UP25 w/ Brooks re-tearing his ACL, Hubbard is the bell cow in CAR
15 James Conner, ARI 11
16 Isiah Pacheco, KC 6 UP24 he should be fresh for the stretch run
17 Breece Hall, NYJ 12 DN12 DNP in Wk 14 w/ a knee injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
18 Bucky Irving, TB 11 suffered a back injury in Wk 14; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
19 James Cook, BUF 12
20 D’Andre Swift, CHI 7 DN13 less than 40 yds rushing in 3 straight gms
21 Brian Robinson Jr., WAS 14
22 Najee Harris, PIT 9
23 Isaac Guerendo, SF 9 suffered a foot injury in Wk 14; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
24 Kenneth Walker III, SEA 10 DNP in Wk 14 w/ a calf injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
25 Tony Pollard, TEN 5
26 Rico Dowdle, DAL 7 UP28 running effectively, albeit vs questionable defenses
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
27 Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG 11 UP29
28 Rhamondre Stevenson, NE 14
29 Rachaad White, TB 11 UP31 if Irving’s injury causes him to miss games, White’s value would increase
30 Nick Chubb, CLE 10 DN27
31 Tank Bigsby, JAC 12 UP36 had 19 touches in Wk 14 to 8 for Etienne
32 Jaylen Warren, PIT 9
33 Tyler Allgeier, ATL 12 UP37
34 Sincere McCormick, LVR 10 UP60 the guess here is that LV lets him work as RB1 the rest of the way
35 Travis Etienne, JAC 12 DN32
36 Gus Edwards, LAC 5 DN34
37 Braelon Allen, NYJ 12 w/ Hall inactive, he shared the load w/ Isaiah Davis
38 Javonte Williams, DEN 14
39 Jerome Ford, CLE 10 UP52 he’s pretty much splitting touches w/ Chubb at this point
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
40 Zach Charbonnet, SEA 10 UP51 clearly he has value when Walker is out; when both are healthy, his role is marginal
41 Trey Benson, ARI 11
42 Kareem Hunt, KC 6 DN35 looks like he’s fully transitioned into a backup role
43 Justice Hill, BAL 14
44 Patrick Taylor, SF 9 UP58 his value will rise/fall based on the severity of Guerendo’s injury
45 Tyjae Spears, TEN 5 DN42
46 Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN 14
47 Cam Akers, MIN 6
48 Jeremy McNichols, WAS 14
49 Kimani Vidal, LAC 5 UP54
50 Roschon Johnson, CHI 7 DNP in Wk 14 w/ a concussion; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
51 Blake Corum, LAR 6 UP57 his usage keeps ticking up
52 Antonio Gibson, NE 14
53 Audric Estime, DEN 14
54 Raheem Mostert, MIA 6 DNP in Wk 14 w/ a hip injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
55 Kendre Miller, NO 12 NR w/ Carr sidelined, NO is likely to ask a lot of their RBs going forward
56 Devin Singletary, NYG 11
57 Alexander Mattison, LVR 10 DN47 missed 3 gms w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
58 Ray Davis, BUF 12
59 Emanuel Wilson, GB 6
60 Isaiah Davis, NYJ 12 NR if Hall misses multiple games, Davis’ value would go up
61 Jaylen Wright, MIA 6
62 J.K. Dobbins, LAC 5 on IR w/ a knee injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 17
63 Sean Tucker, TB 11 NR he has talent if he gets the opportunity
64 Khalil Herbert, CIN 12
65 Dameon Pierce, HOU 14
66 Kenneth Gainwell, PHI 5 NR
67 Ezekiel Elliott, DAL 7
68 Chris Rodriguez, WAS 14 UP70
69 Tyler Goodson, IND 14
70 Raheem Blackshear, CAR 11 NR enters the rankings w/ Brooks out for the year; he’s dealing w/ a chest injury
Wide receivers
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Ja’Marr Chase, CIN 12
2 Justin Jefferson, MIN 6
3 Puka Nacua, LAR 6
4 Nico Collins, HOU 14
5 Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET 5 DN2 has topped 70 yds just 5 times in 13 gms
6 Mike Evans, TB 11
7 Cooper Kupp, LAR 6 UP10
8 CeeDee Lamb, DAL 7
9 Tee Higgins, CIN 12 DN8 did little in Wk 14
10 Tyreek Hill, MIA 6 UP11 he rejoins Tier 1
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
11 Drake London, ATL 12
12 Terry McLaurin, WAS 14
13 A.J. Brown, PHI 5 DN6 that passing game just isn’t clicking
14 Zay Flowers, BAL 14
15 Courtland Sutton, DEN 14
16 Jerry Jeudy, CLE 10 UP19
17 George Pickens, PIT 9 DNP in Wk 14 w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
18 Davante Adams, NYJ 12 UP21 that was about as good as NYJ’s passing game has looked this year
19 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA 10
20 Malik Nabers, NYG 11
21 Darnell Mooney, ATL 12
22 DK Metcalf, SEA 10 DN17 he may still be WR1, but JSN has been more productive
23 Jordan Addison, MIN 6 UP39
24 Garrett Wilson, NYJ 12 UP27
25 DJ Moore, CHI 7
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
26 DeVonta Smith, PHI 5 DN24 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a hamstring injury
27 Ladd McConkey, LAC 5 DNP in Wk 14 w/ a knee injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
28 Juaun Jennings, SF 9 UP33 he’s clearly the No. 1 WR target for SF
29 Calvin Ridley, TEN 5 DN23
30 Jayden Reed, GB 10 has less than 100 yds combined in his last 4 gms
31 Brian Thomas Jr., JAC 12
32 Amari Cooper, BUF 12 UP41 14 targets in Wk 14
33 Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI 11 DN30
34 DeAndre Hopkins, KC 6
35 Deebo Samuel, SF 9 DN29 w/ so many key injuries, Samuel’s lack of production has been disappointing
36 Khalil Shakir, BUF 12
37 Jaylen Waddle, MIA 6 UP37 playing better recently
38 Jameson Williams, DET 5
39 Christian Watson, GB 10 UP42 yards in his last 4 gms: 150, 0, 67, 114; a total feast or famine play
40 Jakobi Meyers, LVR 10 DN35
41 Michael Pittman Jr., IND 14
42 Tank Dell, HOU 14
43 Adam Thielen, CAR 11 UP47
44 Cedric Tillman, CLE 10 missed 2 gms w/ a concussion; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
45 Keenan Allen, CHI 7
46 Xavier Worthy, KC 6
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
47 Rome Odunze, CHI 7 UP55
48 Josh Downs, IND 14 DNP in Wk 13 w/ a shoulder injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
49 Romeo Doubs, GB 10 missed 2 gms w/ a concussion; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
50 Xavier Legette, CAR 11
51 Rashod Bateman, BAL 14 suffered a knee injury in Wk 13; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
52 Marquez Valdes-Scantling, NO 12 DN50
53 Devaughn Vale, DEN 14
54 Quentin Johnston, LAC 5
55 Tyler Lockett, SEA 10 DN51 targeted once w/o a catch in Wk 14
56 Elijah Moore, CLE 10 DN53
57 DeMario Douglas, NE 14
58 Michael Wilson, ARI 11
59 Keon Coleman, BUF 12 DN52 missed 4 gms w/ a wrist injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
60 Jalen McMillan, TB 11 UP76 he scored twice in Wk 14, perhaps signaling a bigger role down the stretch
61 Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG 11 UP65
62 Parker Washington, JAC 12
63 Alec Pierce, IND 14
64 Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, TEN 5 DN58 if he doesn’t score TDs, his value is almost nonexistent
65 Dontayvion Wicks, GB 10
66 Ray-Ray McCloud, ATL 12 NR has an 18-239-0 line in his last 3 gms
67 Ricky Pearsall, SF 9
68 Kendrick Bourne, NE 14
69 Kayshon Boutte, NE 14
70 Jalen Tolbert, DAL 7 DN64
71 Noah Brown, WAS 14 suffered a hip injury in Wk 13; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
72 Tim Patrick, DET 5 NR last 3 gms: 12-146-2
73 Darius Slayton, NYG 11
74 Brandin Cooks, DAL 7
75 Chris Olave, NO 12 DN68 on IR w/ a concussion; he’s eligible to return, but he may be done for the year
76 Sterling Shepard, TB 11 NR he’s been targeted 20 times in the past 3 gms
77 Demarcus Robinson, LAR 6
78 Allen Lazard, NYJ 12 DN72 activated from IR and returned in Wk 14
79 Joshua Palmer, LAC 5 NR
80 Diontae Johnson, BAL 14 DN74 suspended for 1 gm; he’s eligible to return in Wk 16
Tight ends
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Brock Bowers, LVR 10
2 Trey McBride, ARI 11
3 George Kittle, SF 9 UP4 w/ so many RB injuries, Kittle’s role is more vital than ever
4 Travis Kelce, KC 6
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Mark Andrews, BAL 14
6 David Njoku, CLE 10 UP8
7 Jonnu Smith, MIA 6 continues to deliver
8 Tucker Kraft, GB 10 UP10 he’s been a bit more effective than LaPorta this season
9 Sam LaPorta, DET 5
10 Evan Engram, JAC 12 DN6 hard to trust Mac Jones to keep Engram as a top option
11 T.J. Hockenson, MIN 6
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
12 Jake Ferguson, DAL 7 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a concussion
13 Cade Otton, TB 11 UP15
14 Dalton Kincaid, BUF 12 missed 3 gms w/ a knee injury; his status for Wk 15 is TBD
15 Hunter Henry, NE 14
16 Pat Freiermuth, PIT 9 UP20
17 Zach Ertz, WAS 14
18 Cole Kmet, CHI 7
19 Kyle Pitts, ATL 12 DN13
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
20 Juwan Johnson, NO 12 UP24
21 Dalton Schultz, HOU 14
22 Mike Gesicki, CIN 12
23 Noah Gray, KC 6
24 Isaiah Likely, BAL 14
25 Noah Fant, SEA 10
26 Ja’Tavion Sanders, CAR 11 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a neck injury
27 Tyler Conklin, NYJ 12
28 Grant Calcaterra, PHI 5 NR w/ Goedert (knee) on IR, eligible to return in Wk 18, Calcaterra enters the rankings
29 Will Dissly, LAC 5 DN27
30 Tyler Higbee, LAR 6 designated to return from IR; he could make his season debut in Wk 15
Defensive teams
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Buffalo Bills 12 got torched in Wk 14; they close w/ NE, NYJ, NE
2 Pittsburgh Steelers 9 UP4 3 sacks, 3 takeaways in Wk 14
3 Denver Broncos 14
4 Minnesota Vikings 6 UP5 made life tough on Cousins in his return to MIN
5 Philadelphia Eagles 5
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
6 Los Angeles Chargers 5 UP8 put a lot of pressure on Mahomes
7 Houston Texans 14
8 San Francisco 49ers 9 UP11 they looked like last year’s Niners in Wk 14
9 Green Bay Packers 10 not quite as banged up as DET, but they need to get healthy, too
10 Detroit Lions 5 DN7 they’ve allowed 51 pts in their last 6 quarters; the injuries are a real issue
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
11 Seattle Seahawks 10 UP13
12 Baltimore Ravens 14
13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11 a lot to like about their final 4 opponents: LAC, DAL, CAR, NO
14 Miami Dolphins 6 DN9 failed to impress vs NYJ; now they face HOU/SF
15 Arizona Cardinals 11
16 Kansas City Chiefs 6
17 Washington Commanders 14
18 Chicago Bears 7 DN16 they were almost noncompetitive in Wk 15
19 Indianapolis Colts 14
20 Jacksonville Jaguars 12 first plus matchup resulted in 2 sacks, 0 takeaways; will the remaining 4 be any better?

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The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 226

Talking NFL news, lineup management for the playoffs, DFS tips, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, receiving handcuffs for the playoffs, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways, and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

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 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)

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