Can't wait for Christmas? No need to worry; you've already got the gift that keeps on giving! Well, at least for three more weeks (and then on a more limited basis in the postseason). Enjoy the final stretch of the NFL regular season and the daily fantasy fun that comes with it.
The goal of this weekly column is to help find the most profitable DFS stacks, while avoiding the duds. Stacking, or pairing multiple players from the same NFL team, is an ideal way to maximize your point production, which is crucial in larger GPP (guaranteed prize pool) tournaments.
Let's take a look at some of the top DFS stacks for Week 15, loosely sorted by salary.
High-Priced Week 15 DFS Stacks
Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown vs. New England
Roethlisberger passed for 506 yards and two touchdowns in his last game, while the Patriots' defense allowed 263 passing yards and three touchdowns to Jay Cutler in its last action. Those developments don't exactly bode well for New England's defense in this clash of AFC heavyweights.
Brown has been on a staggering run over his last four games, drawing at least 12 targets and topping 100 yards in each contest, along with six touchdowns over that span. He should have little difficulty carving up the Patriots' 29th-ranked pass defense. This stack won't come cheap, but it's as close to a guarantee as you can find.
New Orleans QB Drew Brees and WR Michael Thomas vs. New York Jets
Thomas finally put together a monster game, finishing with 10 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown in last Thursday's loss to Atlanta. The 10 catches marked a season high, while the 117 yards matched his best for 2017.
Brees hasn't put up the video game-like numbers we've all become accustomed to, but he's been a decent source of fantasy value of late. The Jets, now without starting quarterback Josh McCown, enter this matchup as 15.5-point underdogs. Expect Brees and Thomas to shine.
Seattle QB Russell Wilson and WR Doug Baldwin vs. Los Angeles Rams
No matter the opponent, location, or situation, Wilson just produces. Even in a tough road matchup with Jacksonville, Wilson piled up more than 320 total yards and three touchdowns.
In fact, he's accounted for at least two touchdowns in eight straight games, a streak that should extend to nine this Sunday. Seattles need a win against the upstart Rams, and for that to happen, Wilson and his favorite target Baldwin will both have to play major roles.
Moderately-Priced Week 15 DFS Stacks
Carolina QB Cam Newton and WR Devin Funchess vs. Green Bay
Newton is not a reliable source of passing yards; he hasn't topped 200 yards since Week 10, or 300 yards since Week 5. But then again, Newton's fantasy value isn't tied to passing yards. He's rushed for at least 50 yards in six of his last eight games, which has boosted his value.
Funchess has four touchdowns over his last four games, and has emerged as Newton's top target since the trade of Kelvin Benjamin. That bodes well entering a home matchup against the NFL's 24th-ranked pass defense. Running back Christian McCaffrey is a nice stacking option as well.
Minnesota QB Case Keenum and WR Adam Thielen vs. Cincinnati
Thielen has scored four touchdowns in his last six games, a development that's elevated him from an elite PPR wide receiver to a bona fide fantasy star, period. His consistency this season has been remarkable; he's had at least five receptions in all but one game, and at least 50 yards in 10 games.
Keenum struggled at times last Sunday against Carolina, but draws an inviting matchup against a Bengals defense that was just shredded by Chicago. Expect Keenum to bounce back and, at his discounted price tag, return solid fantasy value.
Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Jordy Nelson at Carolina
Well, well, well; look who's back! It's Mr. Discount Double Check himself, and it couldn't come a moment sooner for the 7-6 Packers. A healthy Rodgers immediately elevates the entire Packers offense, including Nelson, Davante Adams, and Randall Cobb.
The 24-year-old Adams has had a better season, but the 32-year-old Nelson is an all-time favorite target for Rodgers. Nelson's price has plummeted as his fantasy production has dropped, but now's the time to buy back in at a ... wait for it ... discount!
Bargain-Priced Week 15 DFS Stacks
Philadelphia QB Nick Foles and TE Zach Ertz at New York Giants
Eagles fans would surely rather see Carson Wentz under center, but they've seen Foles produce a high level in the past. With Wentz sidelined for the rest of the season, Foles suddenly becomes a hot commodity.
A matchup with the woeful Giants' 31st-ranked pass defense is impossible to ignore. Factor in New York's struggles against opposing tight ends this season, and suddenly a Foles-Ertz stack stands out.
Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles and WR Marqise Lee vs. Houston
Don't look now, but Bortles has become useful for fantasy purposes again. The fourth-year quarterback has two passing touchdowns in each of his last two games, and had two rushing touchdowns in the game before that.
The Texans' pass defense ranks 26th in the NFL and has allowed 24 touchdown passes (tied for 27th), so Bortles offers sneaky upside. Lee, Dede Westbrook, and Keelan Cole are all viable stack options, but Lee offers the most upside.
More Week 15 DFS Analysis