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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another start'em and sit'em piece as we look ahead to Week 15! This Week 15 matchups analysis and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em will help you make the right lineup decisions in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs.
It's wild to think we are already in Week 15 of the NFL season and the first week of the fantasy football playoffs. In most cases, this is a win-or-go-home scenario for fantasy managers over the next three weeks. That makes these start and sit decisions even more important.
So, let's dive into every Week 15 game (Sunday through Monday) and analyze the best starts and sits. This article will go through every player in every game to determine which players you should be starting in fantasy in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants
Spread: Ravens -16
Matchups We Love:
It always seems like Derrick Henry has the most favorable matchups in the fantasy football playoffs, and that's the case again in Week 15. Henry will go up against a Giants defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points and the fourth-most rush yards to the position this season. So, the veteran could be in for a strong fantasy day.
No more dreads hanging out of Derrick Henry’s helmet 🤯 He cut off his signature hairstyle during the bye week. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/Z6ONYRQMXg
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) December 9, 2024
WR Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers has provided fantasy managers with a high floor each week, scoring in double figures in PPR formats in six straight games. However, the rookie hasn't totaled over 15.5 PPR fantasy points since Week 4. Still, Nabers will come in as a high-end WR2 option in a great matchup against the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season.
Matchups We Hate:
Tyrone Tracy Jr. continues to be the Giants' top running back. He played 83% of the team's offensive snaps last week and saw 21 touches in the loss. However, he will be a risky RB2 option in Week 15 against the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to the position this year, and opposing backs are averaging only 3.4 yards per carry against this front seven this season.
TE Mark Andrews
Things have surely turned around for Mark Andrews in fantasy, as the tight end has finished as a top-8 option in three of the past four games. But he has a tough matchup in Week 15 against the Giants. New York has given up the second-fewest fantasy points to the position, and only three tight ends have scored above 10 PPR fantasy points against this secondary this season. So, Andrews will be a risky TE1 play this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Tommy DeVito
Tommy DeVito will draw the start against the Ravens, but he'll be a low-end QB2 option this weekend. Even though Baltimore has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, DeVito is just too hard to trust in most Superflex leagues in Week 15. The Giants quarterback scored just 10.8 fantasy points in his last start against the Buccaneers in Week 12.
Lamar Jackson will continue to be a strong QB1 option against the Giants in Week 15. Jackson is currently the QB1 of the year while averaging 24.95 fantasy points per game. Now, he'll face a New York defense that has allowed the fifth-most rush yards to opposing quarterbacks this season. So, he'll be the overall QB1 this week.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers has been hard to trust in fantasy in recent weeks. He has scored under 12 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and has caught four passes or fewer in three of the past four contests. Given that the Giants have also done a solid job against slot wideouts this year, Flowers will come in as a low-end WR2 play this week. New York has allowed only 10.3 PPR fantasy points per game to slot wideouts across the past six weeks.
Injuries:
None
New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Jets -3.5
Matchups We Love:
Aaron Rodgers might be coming off his best game of the season, throwing for a season-high 339 yards and finishing as the QB11 on the week. Now, he gets a great matchup against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Jacksonville has also given up a top-12 fantasy quarterback in nine of 13 weeks this season. So, Rodgers will be a high-end QB2 play in Week 15.
Jets RBs
It sounds unlikely that Breece Hall (knee) will be able to suit up in Week 15. That means both Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will be strong flex plays against the Jaguars. Allen played 54% of the team's snaps last week and saw 15 touches in the loss, while Davis played 53% of the team's offensive snaps and saw 13 touches. Now, they'll face a Jaguars defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to the position this year.
Update: Hall is expected to play after practicing in full on Friday. So, he'll be a solid RB2 play. As for Allen and Davis, they should not be started.
Davante Adams continues to be the Jets' top wideout. He has seen at least 11 targets in four of the past five games and is coming off a nine-catch, 109-yard, one-touchdown performance. So, he'll be a strong WR2 option in Week 15 against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season.
Although Adams has led the team in targets since arriving in New York, Garrett Wilson continues to be involved. He has seen 10 targets in back-to-back games and just totaled a season-high 114 receiving yards in last week's loss. With a matchup against the Jaguars now on deck, Wilson will be a strong WR2 play this weekend. Jacksonville has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season.
Matchups We Hate:
It might be hard to sit Brian Thomas Jr. in Week 15, considering he has seen 22 targets over the past two games. However, this matchup against the Jets isn't a favorable one for him this weekend. New York has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, and there's a good chance Sauce Gardner (hamstring) returns for this game. So, Thomas will be a low-end WR2 option.
TE Evan Engram
Evan Engram has finished outside the top 10 at the tight-end position in six of the past seven weeks. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in Week 15 against the Jets. Only one tight end has scored above 11.5 PPR fantasy points against this New York defense this year, and that was Jonnu Smith last week after scoring all 13.4 of his PPR fantasy points in overtime. So, Engram is a riskier TE1 option this week.
Update: Engram is out for the season due to a shoulder injury. Brenton Strange will be a risky play in his place this week.
Other Matchups:
QB Mac Jones
Even though the Jets have allowed a top-5 fantasy quarterback finish in three of the past four games, it's going to be tough to rely on Mac Jones in Superflex formats this week. He has scored fewer than eight fantasy points in all three of his starts this season, and this Jets secondary has allowed only 11 passing touchdowns all year. As a result, Jones should only be an option in extremely deep leagues.
Jaguars RBs
After last week's loss, it is apparent that Tank Bigsby is the team's go-to rusher. He played 53% of the team's offensive snaps and carried the ball 18 times. As for Travis Etienne Jr., he might be more of a receiving back moving forward. So, Bigsby will come in as a solid flex play this week, and Etienne will be a low-end flex option against a Jets defense that has allowed over 16 PPR fantasy points to six different backs since Week 6.
Injuries:
- Trevor Lawrence (concussion)
- Christian Kirk (collarbone)
- Gabe Davis (knee)
- Evan Engram (shoulder)
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers
Spread: Panthers -3
Matchups We Love:
QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young has looked better in recent weeks and now has a great matchup in Week 15 against the Cowboys. Dallas has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing at least 17 fantasy points to the position in six of the past eight games. So, Young has some potential in deeper Superflex leagues this weekend.
QB Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush hasn't exactly been a strong fantasy option in his five starts this year, averaging only 12 fantasy points per game. However, he has some QB2 potential in deeper Superflex leagues this weekend. The Panthers have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season and have given up multiple passing touchdowns in four of the past seven games.
With Jonathon Brooks (knee) going down last week, Chuba Hubbard handled 30 touches en route to a 20.7 PPR fantasy point day. Now, he has a fantastic matchup in Week 15 against the Cowboys. Dallas has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season while allowing a top-10 fantasy running back finish in five of the past eight games. So, Hubbard is an RB1 play this weekend.
RB Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle has certainly turned a corner for this Cowboys offense, rushing for over 100 yards in back-to-back games. As a result, he'll be a strong RB2 option in Week 15 against a Panthers defense that is allowing the most rush yards per game this season (170.1). Given that Carolina has also given up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, make sure to get Dowdle in your lineups.
WR Adam Thielen
Adam Thielen has been Young's favorite target in the passing game as of late, and that shouldn't change in Week 15 against the Cowboys. Thielen has caught 17 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown across the last two games. As a result, he'll be a high-end WR3 option this week against a Dallas secondary that is allowing 13.6 PPR fantasy points per game to slot wideouts over the last six weeks.
Jake Ferguson has struggled to put up solid fantasy numbers with Cooper Rush under center. He has scored under 6.5 PPR fantasy points in all three of his games with Rush and has only caught eight passes for 67 yards during that span. But Ferguson could be a TE1 option this weekend against a Panthers defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
WR CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb will remain a WR1 option in Week 15 against the Panthers. Lamb has finished as a top-12 fantasy wideout in three of five games with Rush under center and just caught six passes for 93 yards and one touchdown in last week's loss. So, make sure to keep him in lineups this week against the Panthers.
It's best to probably stay away from Xavier Legette in fantasy this week. With Thielen emerging as Young's favorite target, Legette hasn't totaled more than 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games. Although the Cowboys are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to wideouts this season and just allowed Ja'Marr Chase to total 45.1 PPR fantasy points a week ago, Legette should only be a flex play in deeper leagues.
Injuries:
- Dak Prescott (hamstring)
Washington Commanders at New Orleans Saints
Spread: Commanders -7.5
Matchups We Love:
Brian Robinson Jr. will enter Week 15 as a strong RB2 play against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points and eighth-most yards to opposing running backs this season. So, Robinson should be in for a strong fantasy day. He has scored eight rushing touchdowns across his nine full games in 2024.
Terry McLaurin should be in all lineups this weekend against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, and McLaurin is currently the WR5 on the year. Given that he has scored above 15 PPR fantasy points in seven of the past eight games, he will be a WR1 play in Week 15.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Jayden Daniels will continue to be a QB1 option in Week 15 against the Saints. Although New Orleans has only allowed three top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes this season, it has allowed at least 45 rush yards to three different quarterbacks since Week 7. So, Daniels' rushing could play a big factor in this game. The rookie has rushed for 590 yards and six touchdowns this season.
QB Jake Haener
Jake Haener will start for the Saints in Week 15. However, he should be avoided in most cases this weekend. The Commanders have allowed the fifth-fewest pass yards per game this season, and Haener doesn't have much fantasy upside -- even in Superflex formats.
RB Alvin Kamara
With Derek Carr out for this week's game against the Commanders, Alvin Kamara could have a lower fantasy floor in Week 15. Kamara hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, and Washington has only allowed one top-18 fantasy running back finish since Week 9. Still, the veteran back will be a solid RB2 play this week due to his receiving upside. He has caught 64 passes this season.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught a season-high four passes in last week's win, but he shouldn't be an option in most fantasy leagues in Week 15. With Carr out this week, Valdes-Scantling will be catching passes from Haener on Sunday. As a result, he'll have an extremely low floor against the Commanders.
Juwan Johnson had his best fantasy game of the season last week, catching four passes for 50 yards and one touchdown. However, fantasy managers shouldn't trust him in Week 15 against the Commanders, especially with Haener starting at quarterback on Sunday. Therefore, Johnson will come in as more of a TE2 option in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs.
TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz will come in as a low-end TE1 option in Week 15 against the Saints. Ertz has seen at least six targets in four straight games and has scored at least 12.5 PPR fantasy points in each of the last three contests. So, he has some fantasy potential this week against a New Orleans secondary that has allowed a top-12 fantasy tight end in four of the past five games.
Injuries:
- Noah Brown (rib)
- Austin Ekeler (concussion)
- Chris Olave (concussion)
- Derek Carr (hand/concussion)
- Taysom Hill (knee)
Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans
Spread: Bengals -5
Matchups We Love:
QB Will Levis
Will Levis has some QB2 potential in Week 15 against the Bengals. Cincinnati has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing over 24 fantasy points to four different quarterbacks over the last six weeks. As a result, Levis will be a QB2 play in Superflex formats this weekend. The Titans quarterback has thrown seven passing touchdowns since Week 10.
Matchups We Hate:
TE Mike Gesicki
Mike Gesicki continues to not be involved in Cincinnati's offense. He played just 28% of the team's offensive snaps last week while catching only three passes for 24 yards. Therefore, Gesicki should be avoided in most fantasy leagues this weekend against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed only two top-12 fantasy tight-end finishes this season.
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Burrow
At this point, you can't sit Joe Burrow in fantasy. He is the QB3 of the year and has scored over 20 fantasy points in five straight games. On top of that, he gets a great matchup in Week 15 against the Titans. Although Tennessee has allowed the fewest passing yards per game this season, this defense has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in three of the past four weeks. So, Burrow is a strong QB1 option.
RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard has been a true workhorse running back this season, and he'll continue to be a strong RB2 option for fantasy managers in Week 15. The Bengals just allowed 131 rush yards to Rico Dowdle a week ago, and this defense has allowed at least 15 PPR fantasy points to three different running backs over the last three games.
Update: Pollard is questionable this week due to an ankle injury.
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown should remain in all fantasy lineups this week against the Titans. Although opposing backs are averaging only 3.9 yards per carry against this Tennessee defense this year, Brown has finished as a top-10 fantasy running back in five straight games. During that span, he is averaging 22.3 PPR fantasy points per game.
Bengals WRs
Both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins should be in lineups this week. Starting Chase is self-explanatory, considering he ranks as the WR1 of the year. As for Higgins, though, expect him to bounce back in Week 15 against the Titans. He has seen at least seven targets in six of his past seven games and is currently averaging 16.6 PPR fantasy points per game this season.
Even though Calvin Ridley has scored under 15 PPR fantasy points in four straight games, it was encouraging that he saw 12 targets last week. That helped him finish with 12.9 PPR fantasy points. As a result, Ridley will come in as a high-end WR3 in Week 15 against a Bengals secondary that has allowed over 16 PPR fantasy points to wideouts like CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ladd McConkey, and Rashod Bateman in recent weeks.
Injuries:
- Tony Pollard (ankle)
Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns
Spread: Chiefs -4.5
Matchups We Love:
Jameis Winston is a sneaky QB1 option in Week 15 against the Chiefs. Winston has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of his six starts this season and has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in three of the past four weeks. Now, he goes up against a Kansas City secondary that has allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of the past five games.
DeAndre Hopkins has scored at least 13 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and will be a solid flex play in most leagues this weekend against the Browns. Cleveland has given up the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season and has allowed over 16 PPR fantasy points to eight different wideouts since Week 7.
TE David Njoku
David Njoku is dealing with a hamstring injury and could miss Sunday's game. If he does play, though, he should be started in almost all lineups this weekend. He has finished as a top-4 fantasy tight end in three of the past four games and has seen 30 targets over the last two weeks. Now, Njoku will go up against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.
Update: Njoku is listed as questionable for Week 15.
WR Elijah Moore
Elijah Moore has been a solid flex play in recent weeks, scoring at least 15 PPR fantasy points in three of six games with Winston under center. With a matchup against the Chiefs secondary now, Moore will continue to have flex appeal this weekend. Kansas City has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to slot wideouts over the last six weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Nick Chubb
Fantasy managers should think twice about starting Nick Chubb in all formats this week. He has played under 40% of the team's offensive snaps in back-to-back games and is currently averaging 3.1 yards per carry this season. Unfortunately, he'll have to go up against a Chiefs defense that is allowing only 3.36 yards per carry on the ground. So, Chubb will be a risky flex option in Week 15.
Other Matchups:
Patrick Mahomes hasn't necessarily been a strong fantasy option this season. He is currently the QB11 on the season and has scored under 18 fantasy points in four of the past five games. However, Mahomes will come in as a low-end QB1 option in Week 15 against the Browns. Cleveland has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in six of the past eight games.
Isiah Pacheco didn't quite play over 50% of the team's offensive snaps last week but did see 16 touches in the contest (14 carries and two receptions). That's certainly a good sign for his fantasy value moving forward. However, he'll come in as more of a flex option in Week 15 against the Browns. Cleveland has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the position this year.
Xavier Worthy has been a more consistent fantasy option in recent weeks, scoring above nine PPR fantasy points in four straight games. During that span, the rookie has seen at least five targets in every game. However, he'll be a low-end flex option in most leagues this weekend. Worthy has finished outside the top 40 at the wide receiver position in five of the past six games.
WR Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy has been on another level in fantasy since Winston took over in Week 8. Jeudy is the WR5 in PPR formats over the last seven weeks while averaging 21 PPR fantasy points during that span. So, Jeudy will be a solid WR2 play in Week 15 against the Chiefs. Even though cornerback Trent McDuffie might follow the Browns wideout in this game, he's been too hot to not start in your lineups.
TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce will remain a strong TE1 play in Week 15 against the Browns. Although Kelce hasn't totaled over 14 PPR fantasy points in four straight games, his high floor will make him almost a must-start this weekend. Cleveland has also allowed four different tight ends to finish top-12 at the position over the past six games.
Injuries:
- David Njoku (hamstring)
Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans
Spread: Texans -3
Matchups We Love:
Dolphins WRs
Things are surely trending up for both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Hill has scored over 20 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games, and Waddle has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in two of the past three weeks. Now, both wideouts will go up against a Texans secondary that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season.
As a result, Hill will be a WR1 option in Week 15, while Waddle will be more of a WR3/flex play this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
QB C.J. Stroud
After being drafted as a top-6 fantasy quarterback in drafts this past summer, C.J. Stroud has been one of the more disappointing options at the position this year. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback just once since Week 5 and now goes up against a Dolphins defense that has allowed only three top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes all season. So, Stroud is a risky QB1 play in Week 15.
WR Tank Dell
It might be hard to trust Tank Dell in your lineups this week. He has finished with less than 10.5 PPR fantasy points in four straight games and has only seen nine combined targets over the past two contests. So, Dell will be a risky flex play in Week 15 against the Dolphins. The second-year wideout only caught one pass for 23 yards in a great matchup against the Jaguars before the team's bye.
Other Matchups:
Tua Tagovailoa has played really good football lately and has emerged as a solid QB1 option in fantasy. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in four straight games while averaging 25.2 fantasy points during that span. So, Tagovailoa does have some potential in one-quarterback leagues this week against a Texans defense that has allowed at least 17 fantasy points to the position in four of the past five games.
Fantasy managers shouldn't be thinking about sitting De'Von Achane in fantasy this week. He has scored over 18 PPR fantasy points in four straight games and has caught 14 passes over the last two weeks. So, even though the Texans are allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs this season, Achane should remain a strong RB1 option in Week 15.
RB Joe Mixon
Joe Mixon has turned out to be one of the best value picks in fantasy drafts this past summer. He is averaging 21.2 PPR fantasy points per game this season and has finished as a top-12 fantasy running back in seven of 10 games this season. So, Mixon will remain a strong RB1 option in Week 15 against the Dolphins.
WR Nico Collins
Nico Collins will be a strong WR1 option in Week 15 against the Dolphins. Although Miami is allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, Collins should still be in for a strong fantasy day. Both Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson totaled over 100 receiving yards against this secondary a week ago.
TE Jonnu Smith
Things certainly switched for this Dolphins offense last week, as Smith was almost nonexistent in the first four quarters. He didn't catch any passes in regulation last week before winding up with 13.7 PPR fantasy points in overtime. But fantasy managers can still rely on him as a solid TE1 option in Week 14 against the Texans. Houston has allowed over 11 PPR fantasy points to the position in four straight weeks.
Dalton Schultz had his best game of the season last week, catching five passes for 61 yards and one touchdown. Now, he'll face a Dolphins defense that has allowed a top-12 fantasy tight-end finish in three of the past four weeks. However, Schultz should only be an option in deeper leagues this weekend. He has scored above 10 PPR fantasy points just once this season.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos
Spread: Broncos -4
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Anthony Richardson has finished as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in two of the past three weeks while rushing for at least 45 yards in back-to-back games. However, Richardson will be a risky QB1 option in Week 15 against the Broncos. Denver has allowed only three top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes since Week 2, and this defense has given up the sixth-fewest rush yards to the position this season.
Michael Pittman Jr. will likely draw the Patrick Surtain II shadow on Sunday, and that makes him a risky flex play in Week 15. Surtain ranks fourth in yards allowed and sixth in passer rating allowed this season. So, Pittman will likely see limited opportunities this weekend, given the tough matchup on the outside.
Other Matchups:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix has been a consistent quarterback option for fantasy managers over the past few weeks, finishing as a top-12 option in six of the past nine games. As a result, Nix will have some QB1 potential in Week 15 against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed at least 20 fantasy points to three different quarterbacks since Week 10. The rookie will be a low-end QB1 play this weekend.
Broncos RBs
Even though the Colts are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, fantasy managers should stay away from this Broncos backfield in Week 15. Javonte Williams has seen fewer than 10 carries in four straight games, Jaleel McLaughlin is averaging only 4.4 PPR fantasy points per game since Week 9, and Audric Estime has played fewer than 15% of the team's offensive snaps in consecutive games.
Jonathan Taylor has certainly been an inconsistent fantasy option recently, but he'll be a high-end RB2 play in Week 15 against the Broncos. Although opposing running backs are averaging only 3.76 yards per carry against Denver this season, this defense has allowed a top-10 fantasy running back in three of the past five games. So, fantasy managers should continue to start Taylor in most cases this weekend.
WR Josh Downs
There's a good chance that Josh Downs returns in Week 15 after missing his last game due to a shoulder injury. However, he will be a riskier flex option against the Broncos. Even though this Denver secondary has allowed some big games to slot wideouts in recent weeks, Richardson has completed just 23 passes over the past two games. So, it might be hard to trust him in most lineups this weekend.
Update: Downs is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Courtland Sutton will be a must-start wide receiver in fantasy this week against the Colts. Sutton is averaging 20 PPR fantasy points since Week 8 and hasn't totaled under 14.8 PPR fantasy points in any game during that span. As a result, Sutton will be a strong play. As for Devaughn Vele, he'll be a risky flex play in deeper leagues after catching just one pass in his last game while only playing 47% of the team's offensive snaps.
Injuries:
- Josh Downs (shoulder)
New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals
Spread: Cardinals -6
Matchups We Love:
QB Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray will enter Week 15 as a low-end QB1 option in Week 15 against the Patriots. New England has let up a top-10 fantasy quarterback in three straight games while also allowing over 17 fantasy points to the position in five of the past six contests. So, Murray could be in for a solid game against a secondary that has 14 passing touchdowns since Week 8.
Rhamondre Stevenson has scored under 13 PPR fantasy points in four straight games. However, he'll still come in as a solid RB2 play in Week 15 against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, and Stevenson has totaled over 20 touches in three of the past four games.
DeMario Douglas will be a low-end flex play in deeper formats this week against the Cardinals. Douglas has caught at least four passes in five straight games while also finishing as a top-40 fantasy wideout in four of those five weeks. Given that Arizona has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to slot wideouts over the last six weeks, the Patriots wideout has some potential in 14-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
Marvin Harrison Jr. has scored less than 10 PPR fantasy points in six of the last nine games. As a result, he'll come in as a risky flex play in Week 15 against the Patriots. The good news for Harrison is that he has seen 20 targets over the past two weeks. The bad news, though, is that the rookie will likely be shadowed by Christian Gonzalez in this game. Gonzalez ranks fifth in passer rating allowed and 21st in catch rate this season.
Other Matchups:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has been a solid quarterback option for fantasy managers since he took over the starting job in Week 6. In his seven full starts this season, Maye has finished with above 17 fantasy points five different times. However, he will be more of a QB2 play in Week 15 against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed only one top-12 fantasy quarterback finish since Week 7.
RB James Conner
James Conner will be a strong RB2 option in Week 15 against the Patriots. The veteran has seen at least 17 carries in five of the past seven games, and New England has allowed the sixth-most rush yards to running backs this season. So, Conner could be in for a strong game. New England has allowed over 80 rush yards to eight different running backs since Week 4.
Michael Wilson has scored in double figures in PPR formats in back-to-back games. However, he will be a low-end flex play in Week 15 against the Patriots. Wilson only saw three targets in last week's loss, and the Cardinals wideout has caught three passes or fewer in six of the past eight games. Therefore, it might be hard to rely on him in most leagues this weekend.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry will be a TE1 option in Week 15 against the Cardinals. Henry has caught at least five passes in three straight games while seeing at least eight targets in four of the last five contests. Although Arizona has not allowed a top-12 fantasy tight-end finish since Week 7, Henry still has some TE1 appeal in most leagues this weekend -- given his recent usage in the passing game.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride has still not caught a touchdown pass this season, but he'll enter Week 15 as the TE3 of the year. As a result, he should continue to be in fantasy lineups this weekend against the Patriots. McBride has seen 41 targets over the past three weeks and has finished as a top-10 fantasy tight end in six straight games.
Injuries:
None
Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions
Spread: Lions -2.5
Matchups We Love:
Lions RBs
Both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are must-starts in Week 15 against the Bills. Buffalo has given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season and the second-most receptions to the position through 14 weeks. That means both Gibbs and Montgomery should be in all lineups this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
RB James Cook
After a disappointing fantasy day last week against the Rams, James Cook is not necessarily a must-start in Week 15. The Lions have given up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs this season while allowing only three top-20 fantasy running back finishes since Week 6. As a result, Cook will be a riskier RB2 option this week.
Dalton Kincaid will return in Week 15 after missing the past three games due to a knee injury. However, fantasy managers should think twice about starting him this week against the Lions. Detroit has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, and only two tight ends have finished as a top-12 fantasy option since Week 5 against this secondary. So, Kincaid is a riskier TE1 play.
Update: Kincaid is questionable due to a knee injury.
TE Sam LaPorta
Things appear to be trending up for Sam LaPorta. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three of the past four games and has seen at least six targets in five of the past six weeks. However, fantasy managers should be hesitant to start the Lions playmaker in Week 15. Only two tight ends have scored more than 10 PPR fantasy points against this secondary this year.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff will be more of a high-end QB2 option in Week 15, but he has some QB1 potential in deeper leagues this weekend. Although the Bills have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, Goff has been on a roll lately. He has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in four of the past five games and Detroit's implied team total currently sits at 28.5.
QB Josh Allen
Josh Allen will continue to be a strong QB1 play in Week 15 against the Lions. Over the past two weeks, Allen has thrown five passing touchdowns, rushed for four touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown pass. So, make sure to keep Allen in your lineup this week.
Bills WRs
All three Bills wideouts (Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, and Keon Coleman) have great matchups in Week 15 against the Lions. However, Shakir is the only wideout who is almost a must-start this week. Shakir has scored in double figures in 10 of 12 games this season and is coming off a 21.6 PPR fantasy point performance last week. So, he will be a high-floor WR2 option on Sunday.
Khail Shakir is going to have a day on Sunday.
He'll be lining up against Amik Robertson (52.4 PFF Coverage Grade)
I'm taking the over on EVERYTHING Khalil Shakir.
— Dan Mitchell (@realdanmitchell) December 12, 2024
As for Cooper, he'll be a potential flex play in 12-plus team leagues. He saw a season-high 14 targets in last week's loss and played 53% of the team's offensive snaps (his most in Buffalo since arriving in Week 8). Now, he gets a Lions secondary that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Coleman, though, should be avoided in most cases after missing the past four games due to a wrist injury.
Amon-Ra St. Brown will come in as a strong WR1 option in Week 15 against the Bills. Buffalo has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing slot wideouts since Week 9, and St. Brown has caught at least five passes in six straight games. So, keep him in lineups this weekend.
In a game that has a high over/under (54.5), Jameson Williams does have some flex appeal in Week 15. He has caught at least five passes in three straight games while scoring in double figures in PPR formats in three of the past four weeks. Given that Williams has also seen 22 targets over the last three games, he has a lot of fantasy potential in a game that could be headed toward a shootout.
Injuries:
- Dalton Kincaid (knee)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: Chargers -3
Matchups We Love:
Justin Herbert will be a strong QB1 play in Week 15 against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Although Herbert has scored under 14 fantasy points in back-to-back games, this is a fantastic matchup for the young signal-caller. Tampa Bay has let up a top-12 fantasy quarterback in nine of 13 weeks this season.
WR Ladd McConkey
Ladd McConkey was unable to play last week due to a shoulder/knee injury. But if he can return in Week 15, he is a strong WR2 option against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, and McConkey has totaled over 80 receiving yards in three straight games. So, get the rookie in your lineups this weekend.
Update: McConkey is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Quentin Johnston will be a potential flex play in deeper leagues in Week 15. The Buccaneers have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts, and Johnston has seen at least five targets in three of the past four games. The second-year wideout has also caught a touchdown pass in four of the last six weeks. If he doesn't get into the end zone, though, expect a rough fantasy day from him.
Matchups We Hate:
Buccaneers RBs
It remains to be seen if Bucky Irving (hip/back) will play in Week 15. He left last week's game early and has yet to practice this week. If he doesn't play this week, Rachaad White would be a much better RB2 play. He saw 19 touches in last week's win. However, if Irving does play, both running backs would be risky low-end RB2s against a Chargers defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position this year.
Update: Irving is questionable for Sunday.
TE Cade Otton
Since Mike Evans has returned from his hamstring injury, Cade Otton has been a non-factor in the passing game. He is averaging only 6.66 PPR fantasy points over the past three games and now faces a tough Chargers secondary in Week 15. Los Angeles has allowed only one top-12 fantasy tight-end finish since Week 5.
Other Matchups:
Baker Mayfield will be a low-end QB1 option in Week 15 against the Chargers. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in nine of 13 games while averaging 20.9 fantasy points per game this season. Now, Mayfield will go up against a Los Angeles secondary that has allowed a top-8 fantasy quarterback finish in three of the past five weeks.
RB Gus Edwards
Gus Edwards will be a very touchdown-dependent flex option in Week 15 against the Buccaneers. Despite playing over 42% of the team's offensive snaps in consecutive games, Edwards is only averaging 6.95 PPR fantasy points across those two weeks. Given that the veteran is also a non-factor in the passing game, there are likely better flex options to roll with this week.
WR Mike Evans
Mike Evans continues to deal with his hamstring injury, but he will suit up in Week 15 against the Chargers. Evans has scored in double figures in PPR formats in all three of his games back from injury and will come in as a WR2 option this weekend. Los Angeles has allowed at least 75 receiving yards to six different wideouts since Week 9.
Injuries:
- Bucky Irving (back/hip)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: Eagles -5.5
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Russell Wilson will be a risky QB2 option in Week 15 against the Eagles. Not only will he be without George Pickens (hamstring) in this game, but this is also a tough matchup for him. Philadelphia has given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing only three top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes since Week 5.
QB Jalen Hurts
You're likely still starting Jalen Hurts as your QB1 this week, but this is a tougher matchup for him. The Steelers have given up the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and have not allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback this season. However, it's hard to sit Hurts in fantasy, considering he has scored 11 rushing touchdowns since Week 7.
RB Najee Harris
Najee Harris has been a solid RB2 option in recent weeks, finishing as a top-24 option in seven of the past eight weeks. However, Harris will be a low-end RB2 play in Week 15 against the Eagles. Philadelphia has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. The good news, though, is this defense has allowed over 14 PPR fantasy points to four different running backs over the last four games.
Other Matchups:
Saquon Barkley will continue to be a strong RB1 play in Week 15 against the Steelers. He has rushed for over 100 yards in four straight games and is currently the RB1 of the year. So, he should remain in lineups this week.
DeVonta Smith has been one of the bigger disappointments in fantasy this season. He has caught four passes or fewer in six of the past seven games and is no longer a must-start in fantasy lineups. With Jalen Hurts averaging only 17 completions per game, Smith will be more of a WR3 in Week 15 against a Steelers secondary that has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts.
WR A.J. Brown
A.J. Brown will likely draw the Joey Porter Jr. shadow in this game, but he'll still be a solid WR1 play in Week 15. While things haven't been great for Brown in fantasy in recent weeks, it's hard to sit him with your season on the line. He has totaled at least 65 receiving yards in eight of nine full games this season. Therefore, Brown should remain in lineups as a low-end WR1.
Pat Freiermuth could be a TE1 option in deeper leagues this weekend. With George Pickens not playing in this game due to a hamstring injury, Freiermuth could see more opportunities in the passing game. That should help him put up solid fantasy numbers against an Eagles secondary that has allowed over 14 PPR fantasy points to three different tight ends since Week 11. So, he's worth a look in 16-plus team leagues.
Injuries:
- George Pickens (hamstring)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
Spread: Packers -3
Matchups We Love:
WR Jayden Reed
It might be tough to rely on Jayden Reed in fantasy this week after his dud in Week 14 against the Lions. However, he'll be a solid flex play in Week 15 against the Seahawks. Seattle has been allowing 13.9 PPR fantasy points per game to slot wideouts since Week 9, and slot wideouts like Cooper Kupp (104 yards) and Khalil Shakir (107 yards) have had strong fantasy days against this secondary in recent weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love has been more of a QB2 option in recent weeks, finishing outside the top 12 at the position in five of the past six games. As a result, Love will be more of a high-end QB2 play in Superflex formats in Week 15. The Seahawks have allowed only one top-12 fantasy quarterback finish since Week 7.
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith will come in as a QB2 option in Week 15 against the Packers. Although Green Bay has allowed a QB7 fantasy finish in back-to-back games, Smith has been hard to rely on in recent weeks. He has scored under 17 fantasy points in four straight games. So, he's likely only a solid option in Superflex formats on Sunday.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is coming off a three-touchdown game in Week 14 and will continue to be a strong play in fantasy. Jacobs has scored 10 touchdowns over the past six games while finishing as a top-5 fantasy running back in five of those weeks. So, he should be in all lineups this week against a Seahawks defense that just allowed 90 rush yards to James Conner a week ago.
Seahawks RBs
It remains to be seen if Kenneth Walker III (calf) will be able to suit up in Week 15. If he doesn't, Zach Charbonnet is a must-start after scoring 38.3 PPR fantasy points last week. If Walker can suit up, he will come in as a middle-of-the-pack RB2 option against a Packers defense that has allowed four top-14 fantasy running back finishes since Week 11.
Update: Walker is listed as doubtful for Sunday. So, Charbonnet should be in all lineups this week.
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf has been quiet in fantasy in recent weeks, scoring under 11 PPR fantasy points in three straight games. But he'll be a low-end WR2 play this week against the Packers. Tim Patrick just torched this Green Bay secondary on the outside a week ago and scored 22.3 PPR fantasy points. Even if Jaire Alexander (knee) returns this week, Metcalf will be a fine play in most 12-plus team leagues in Week 15.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba deserves to be in almost all lineups this week against the Packers. He has scored more than 19 PPR fantasy points in four of the past five games and ranks as the WR6 in PPR formats since Week 8. So, it'll be hard to sit a wideout who has totaled more than 70 receiving yards in five straight contests.
WRs Romeo Doubs/Christian Watson
Both Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson will be riskier flex options in Week 15 against the Seahawks. Doubs will likely return from a concussion this week, but he finished outside the top 45 at the wide receiver position in four straight games before his concussion. As for Watson, he is an extremely boom-or-bust play on Sunday night. He hasn't caught more than four passes in a game this season.
TE Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft will come in as a low-end TE1 option in Week 15 against the Seahawks. Kraft has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three straight games and has seen 12 targets over the last two weeks. Now, he'll go up against a Seattle secondary that has allowed seven top-12 fantasy tight-end finishes this season.
Injuries:
- Kenneth Walker III (calf)
Matchups Analysis - Monday Night Football
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
Spread: Vikings -7
Matchups We Love:
RB Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones should be in for a strong game in Week 15. Opposing running backs are averaging 4.95 yards per carry against this Bears defense this season, and Jones just ran for 106 yards and one touchdown against this front seven back in Week 12. So, fantasy managers should start the veteran as a solid RB2 option this week.
Bears WRs
All three Bears wide receivers (DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze) are viable plays in fantasy this week. The Vikings have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, and both Moore and Allen scored over 20 PPR fantasy points against this secondary back in Week 12. So, Moore is a strong WR2 play, while Allen and Odunze will be potential flex plays in 12-plus team leagues this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
D'Andre Swift has been battling a quad issue over the past few weeks, which could be impacting his fantasy numbers. Swift has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games. Now, he'll go up against a Vikings defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Given he struggled on the ground last time against Minnesota, he will be a risky RB2 option.
Update: Swift has not practiced this week due to a quad issue.
Even though Justin Jefferson has a tough matchup this week, you likely aren't sitting him in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs. You should still be starting the studs that got you to this point of the season. However, Jefferson will be shadowed by Jaylon Johnson in this game, and the Bears corner held him to only two catches for 27 yards back in Week 12. So, expectations might need to be tempered for the Vikings wideout.
Other Matchups:
Although Caleb Williams scored 26.9 fantasy points against this Vikings secondary back in Week 12, he will be more of a QB2 option in Week 15. Minnesota has only allowed four top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes this season and has given up only four passing touchdowns since Week 9. As a result, he'll be a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option on Monday night.
QB Sam Darnold
Even though this might look like a tough matchup for Sam Darnold, he will come in as a low-end QB1 option against the Bears. Darnold has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in six of the past seven games, and the Bears defense has allowed over 20 fantasy points to the position in three of the past four weeks. So, Darnold will be a solid start in 12-plus team leagues in Week 15.
Jordan Addison has been on a roll lately, and with Jefferson being shadowed by Jaylon Johnson in this game, the second-year wideout could be in for another strong fantasy day. Addison has seen at least eight targets in three of the past four games while scoring 30-plus PPR fantasy points twice over the last three weeks. Given that he also finished as the overall WR1 against this Chicago secondary last time, he will be a solid flex play.
T.J. Hockenson had his best game of the season against this Bears defense back in Week 12, catching seven passes for 114 yards. As a result, he'll be a TE1 option in Week 15. Hockenson has played over 60% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight games while seeing at least five targets in four of the past five weeks.
Injuries:
- D'Andre Swift (quad)
Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders
Spread: Falcons -4
Matchups We Love:
QB Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins has struggled in recent weeks, but he can be a solid QB2 play in Week 15 against the Raiders. Las Vegas has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of the past five games. As a result, Cousins does have some potential in Superflex formats this week.
Desmond Ridder will likely draw the start in Week 15 after Aidan O'Connell left last week's game early due to a knee injury. Although Ridder has never really been a strong fantasy option, he does have potential in deeper Superflex formats this week. The Falcons have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks while allowing 26 passing touchdowns this season (tied for the most in the NFL).
Even with Ridder under center, Jakobi Meyers will continue to be a solid WR2 option in Week 15. This Falcons secondary just allowed both Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson to score over 30 PPR fantasy points a week ago, and Meyers has seen double-digit targets in three straight games. So, make sure to get him into your lineups this week against an Atlanta defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to wideouts.
TE Kyle Pitts
It might not be wise to start Kyle Pitts in fantasy this week. He has caught one pass or fewer in four of the past five games and just doesn't seem to be a major part of this Atlanta offense. However, Pitts could be a potential TE1 option in deeper leagues in a great matchup against the Raiders. Las Vegas has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
The buzz around Sincere McCormick is real. He is averaging 5.47 yards per carry on the ground this year and just totaled a career-high 78 rush yards against the Buccaneers last week. McCormick was also named the team's starter out of the backfield moving forward. As a result, he could be a potential flex play in Week 15 against a Falcons defense that is allowing almost 4.5 yards per carry on the ground this season.
Bijan Robinson will remain a must-start in Week 15 against the Raiders. Robinson has scored over 20 PPR fantasy points in seven of the past eight games and has seen 56 touches over the past two weeks. So, keep him in your lineups this week as a strong RB1 play.
Falcons WRs
Despite Kirk Cousins' struggles in the passing game in recent weeks, both Drake London and Darnell Mooney have remained solid options in fantasy. London has totaled at least 17 PPR fantasy points in two of the past four games, and Mooney just totaled 142 receiving yards in last week's loss. As a result, both wideouts will be viable plays this week.
London will be a low-end WR1 option following his second straight double-digit target game, while Mooney will be more of a high-end WR3 play against the Raiders.
TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers should remain in fantasy lineups this week against the Falcons. Bowers had a disappointing showing last week against the Buccaneers, only catching three passes for 49 yards. But he'll be a strong TE1 option in Week 15. The rookie has finished as a top-6 fantasy tight end in six of the past nine games.
Injuries:
- Aidan O'Connell (knee)
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