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Here’s a look back at Week 15’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 15 RECAP
Rams 12, 49ers 6: Cooper Kupp had no receptions for only the third time in his career in an ugly, rain-soaked game.
Chiefs 21, Browns 7: Nick Chubb broke his foot in the third quarter of Cleveland’s loss. Jerome Ford finished with 104 total yards on nine touches and scored the Brown’s only touchdown of the day. Ford has been the more explosive option this season, averaging 5.2 yard per carry compared to Chubb’s 3.3, and he has a premium matchup with the Bengals this week. Also, D’Onta Foreman got early-down and short-yardage work before Chubb made his debut in Week 7, so he could be in the mix as well.
Bengals 37, Titans 27: Tyjae Spears took advantage of Tony Pollard being banged up, producing 92 total yards and two TDs against Cincinnati. Spears was especially effective as a receiver with six receptions for 87 yards. Both the Colts and Jaguars (Tennessee’s next two opponents) are among the bottom eight teams at preventing fantasy points to running backs.
Commanders 20, Saints 19: Terry McLaurin caught seven balls for 73 yards and two TDs at New Orleans, giving him 11 scores this season. McLaurin is the first Washington wide receiver to have double-digit TD receptions in a season since Gary Clark in 1991 — Clark finished with 10. Tight end Jordan Reed is the only other Washington player with 10-plus receiving TDs in that span. Reed had 11 in 2015.
Ravens 35, Giants 14: I had Rashod Bateman as a sleeper last week, and he came through with three receptions for 80 yards and two TDs against the lowly G-Men. Bateman has at least 71 yards or a TD in seven of the last 12 games.
Cowboys 30, Panthers 14: Rico Dowdle finished with 149 yards on 25 carries at Carolina, becoming the first undrafted player with three straight games with at least 100 rushing yards since Mission Bay grad Arian Foster in 2014.
Jets 32, Jaguars 25: Aaron Rodgers finished as the QB4 in Week 15 with only Josh Allen, Jared Goff and Lamar Jackson outscoring him in fantasy. Believe it or not, he’s actually the overall QB12 through 15 weeks, completing 62.8% of his passes for 997 yards with eight TD passes and one interception and a passer rating of 101.1 in the last four games.
Texans 20, Dolphins 12: De’Von Achane is the overall RB13 in standard formats through 15 weeks despite only averaging 3.9 yards per carry, compared to the 7.8 yards per carry he averaged as a rookie last year.
Broncos 31, Colts 13: Denver’s defense has scored double-digit fantasy points in nine of 14 games this season, with at least 20 points three times, including in both of the Broncos last two games.
Bills 48, Lions 42: Jared Goff became the only player since 1950 to lose a game in which he finished with at least 400 passing yards, five TD passes and no interceptions.
Eagles 27, Steelers 13: A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith each had double-digit targets in the same game for the first time since Week 14 of last season, and only the fifth time in three years as teammates.
Cardinals 30, Patriots 17: Trey McBride had nine receptions for 87 yards against New England, and now has the most receptions (89) and receiving yards (938) in a season without catching a TD.
Buccaneers 40, Chargers 17: Mike Evans finished with season-highs in receptions (nine) and yards (159) in the blowout at SoFi, and scored two TDs for the third time this year. Evans needs 251 yards in the final three games to reach 1,000 yards for the 11th straight time — every season of a career that will certainly end in Canton, Ohio — and one more TD for his sixth season with double-digit scores.
Packers 30, Seahawks 13: All of Jordan Love’s principal targets in Green Bay’s passing game need to be rostered, especially with a potentially high-scoring matchup at Minnesota during fantasy championship week. Romeo Doubs had three receptions for 40 yards and two TDs in his return from a concussion at Seattle. Your guess is as good as mine on who Love decides to target on a weekly basis, but Doubs continues to lead the way in routes and snaps.
Vikings 30, Bears 12: Caleb Williams is the overall QB9 since Week 12 completing 62.1% of his passes for 921 yards and eight TD passes with no interceptions and a passer rating of 100.3 in the last four games despite Chicago losing every week. Williams has also added 102 yards on 18 carries over that span.
Falcons 15, Raiders 9: Brock Bowers finished with three receptions for 35 yards in a loss to Atlanta, and needs only 109 yards in Las Vegas’ final three games to break Mike Ditka’s 1961 record for most receiving yards (1,076) by a rookie tight end. Bowers broke Sam LaPorta’s record for receptions by a rookie tight end last week.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 16:
DENVER AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST, Ladd McConkey (LAC).
Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB7 since Week 5 with multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. Stone Smartt (LAC) finished with five receptions (six targets) for 50 yards in a lopsided loss to the Buccaneers last week, and now has at least 50 yards in two straight games with Will Dissly out.
Who to sit: Javonte Williams (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Audric Estime (DEN) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 10. Devaughn Vele (DEN) only has five targets in the last two games. Justin Herbert (LAC) is the overall QB20 since Week 12 with only three TD passes in the last four games. Quentin Johnston (LAC) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of his last 10 games. Gus Edwards (LAC) remains TD-dependent and hasn’t topped 10 carries since Week 2. Joshua Palmer (LAC) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of the last eight games. There are streaming options with higher upside than the Chargers D/ST this week.
Sleeper: Marvin Mims (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to wide receivers in the last six games.
HOUSTON AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC).
Who to start: The Broncos are the only defense averaging more fantasy points than the Texans D/ST since Week 10. DeAndre Hopkins (KC) is the overall WR17 across most fantasy formats since Week 9. Xavier Worthy (KC) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 19 TDs to wide receivers in 14 games.
Who to sit: C.J. Stroud (HOU) hasn’t surpassed 300 passing yards since Week 5, and only has seven TD passes (against five interceptions) in the last eight games. Tank Dell (HOU) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only six receptions in the last three games. Isiah Pacheco (KC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Kareem Hunt (KC) is TD-dependent with Pacheco back. Noah Gray (KC) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. The Chiefs D/ST face an offense that has only allowed double-digit fantasy points to opposing defenses twice since Week 4.
Sleeper: Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
PITTSBURGH AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL).
Who to start: The Steelers D/ST held the Ravens to 16 points and forced three turnovers in Week 11. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) is the overall TE6 since Week 10 with a TD in four of the last six games.
Who to sit: George Pickens (PIT) has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Jaylen Warren (PIT) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Russell Wilson (BAL) faces a defense that has only allowed two TD passes and 183.5 passing yards per game since Week 11. Mike Williams (PIT) only has five receptions in six games with the Steelers. Rashod Bateman (BAL) was spotted with a walking boot on his foot Thursday. Isaiah Likely (BAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer targets in three of his last five games. Justice Hill (BAL) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR leagues. The Ravens D/ST face an offense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: Calvin Austin (PIT) has flex appeal with Pickens out against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
N.Y. GIANTS AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL).
Who to start: Malik Nabers (NYG) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee/foot). Tyrone Tracy (NYG) is the overall RB20 across most fantasy formats since Week 8. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and 20 targets in the last two games. Michael Penix (ATL) deserves streaming consideration at home in his first professional start against a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal in deeper standard leagues against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. The Falcons D/ST are a premium streaming option against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Devin Singletary (NYG) remains TD-dependent and hasn’t topped 50 total yards since Week 3. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only five receptions in the last four games. Darnell Mooney (ATL) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games. Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Ray-Ray McCloud (ATL) has three-or-fewer receptions in six of the last nine games.
Sleeper: Drew Lock (NYG) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 27 TD passes in 14 games.
DETROIT AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), D.J. Moore (CHI), D’Andre Swift (CHI).
Who to start: Keenan Allen (CHI) is the overall WR9 across most fantasy formats since Week 12 with 23 receptions (41 targets) for 271 yards and four TDs in the last four games. Caleb Williams (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed six TD passes in the last three weeks after only giving up seven in its first 11 games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Jared Goff (DET) outside against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jameson Williams (DET) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m also fading a depleted Lions D/ST on the road. Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Rome Odunze (CHI) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
CLEVELAND AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Jerry Jeudy (CLE), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN).
Who to start: David Njoku (CLE) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). Jerome Ford (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed at least one TD to running backs in 11 of 14 games this season. Jordan Akins (CLE) deserves streaming consideration if Njoku is out against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. Tee Higgins (CIN) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). The Bengals D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Cedric Tillman (CLE) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol after missing the last three games. Elijah Moore (CLE) has three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games.
Sleeper(s): Dorian Thompson-Robinson (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed 13 TD passes in the last five games to quarterbacks with at least 290 passing yards in four of those five. Mike Gesicki (CIN) deserves streaming consideration (and has flex appeal) if Higgins it out.
TENNESSEE AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND).
Who to start: Calvin Ridley (TEN) had 18 receptions (32 targets) for 258 yards in Mason Rudolph’s previous three starts. Tyjae Spears (TEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) maintains flex appeal with at least five receptions and seven targets in four straight games. Josh Downs (IND) had seven receptions (nine targets) for 66 yards and a TD against the Titans in Week 6. Anthony Richardson (IND) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. The Colts D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: I’m fading a banged-up Tony Pollard (TEN) on the road. Mason Rudolph (TEN) was the overall QB14 in three starts against the Bills, Lions and Patriots. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) has three receptions (five targets) for 28 yards the last two games. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (concussion). Adonai Mitchell (IND) only has two receptions (11 targets) in the last four games.
Sleeper: Chig Okonkwo (TEN) is the overall TE13 across most fantasy formats since Week 12 with 15 receptions (21 targets) for 164 yards and a TD in the last four games and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends.
L.A. RAMS AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Davante Adams (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ).
Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) is the overall QB10 since Week 8 completing 66% of his passes for 2,071 yards and 16 TD passes against only three interceptions and a passer rating of 104.6 in the last eight games.
Who to sit: Blake Corum (LAR) has yet to top eight carries in a game this season. Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with a single target in two straight games. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last five games. Allen Lazard (NYJ) has only one reception and five targets in two games since returning from injury. I’m fading the Jets D/ST against an offense that hasn’t allowed double-digit fantasy points to an opposing defense since Week 5. Both Braelon Allen (NYJ) and Isaiah Davis (NYJ) are TD-dependent with Hall healthy.
Sleeper: Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
PHILADELPHIA AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).
Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least four receptions or a TD in five of his last six games. The Eagles D/ST sacked Daniels three times, intercepted him once and held the Commanders to 18 points in Week 11.
Who to sit: Grant Calcaterra (PHI) remains TD-dependent with only four targets in the last two games without Dallas Goedert. I’m fading Brian Robinson (WAS) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Zach Ertz (WAS) is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Sleeper: Dyami Brown (WAS) has produced seven receptions for 65 yards in six quarters of action since taking over for Noah Brown (kidney), and Ertz might be out this week too.
ARIZONA AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Chuba Hubbard (CAR).
Who to start: Trey Benson (ARI) has flex appeal in deeper standard leagues if he’s active (ankle) against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. Adam Thielen (CAR) is the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) since returning from injury in Week 12.
Who to sit: Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) is the overall WR43 in standard formats (WR40 in PPR) since Week 12 with 14 receptions (32 targets) for 188 yards and a TD in the last four games. Michael Wilson (ARI) has three-or-fewer receptions in five of the last six games. Xavier Legette (CAR) is doubtful with a hip injury.
Sleeper: The Cardinals D/ST are the 12th-highest scoring defense in fantasy through 15 weeks and the Panthers just committed four turnovers and allowed six sacks against the Cowboys last week.
MINNESOTA AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN), T.J. Hockenson (MIN), Vikings D/ST, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA).
Who to start: Jordan Addison (MIN) is the overall WR4 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 9 with at least seven receptions, 54 yards or a TD in six of the last seven games. Only Josh Allen, Jared Goff, and Saquon Barkley have more fantasy points than Sam Darnold (MIN) since Week 11. D.K. Metcalf (SEA) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: I’m fading Kenneth Walker (SEA) if he’s active (calf) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Walker seems more likely to play than Zach Charbonnet (SEA) this week, who is dealing with an oblique injury. A banged-up Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed only five TD passes in the last seven games. Noah Fant (SEA) remains TD-dependent with exactly three receptions in his last four games.
Sleeper: The Seahawks D/ST are the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 12.
NEW ENGLAND AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Khalil Shakir (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) has RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Drake Maye (NE) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 14 TD passes in the last six games, after allowing nine in the first eight. Ray Davis (BUF) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB30 in standard formats (RB34 in PPR) since Week 6.
Who to sit: Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense that has only allowed nine receptions to tight ends in the last three games. Antonio Gibson (NE) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 6. Amari Cooper (BUF) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in four of his last five games. Keon Coleman (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of his last nine games.
Sleeper: DeMario Douglas (NE) has at least six receptions, 50 yards or a TD in seven of the last 10 games.
JACKSONVILLE AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC), Brock Bowers (LV).
Who to start: Travis Etienne (JAC) maintains flex appeal with at least 15 touches in three of the last four games. The Jaguars D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Brenton Strange (JAC) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Jakobi Meyers (LV) has at least nine targets in five of the last six games and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Aidan O’Connell (LV) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: Mac Jones (JAC) is the overall QB16 since Week 13. It’s a good matchup, but you’d be scrapping the bottom of the barrel with Alexander Mattison (LV) or Ameer Abdullah (LV). Tre Tucker (LV) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in nine of the last 10 games.
Sleeper: Tank Bigsby (JAC) has flex appeal against a defense allowing an average of 154 rushing yards in its last two games.
SAN FRANCISCO AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: George Kittle (SF), De’Von Achane (MIA), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jonnu Smith (MIA).
Who to start: Isaac Guerendo (SF) is the overall RB8 in standard formats (RB7 in PPR) as a starter the last two weeks. Jauan Jennings (SF) maintains flex appeal with at least seven targets in five of the last six games.
Who to sit: Deebo Samuel (SF) hasn’t topped 35 total yards since Week 10 and hasn’t scored a TD since Week 6. Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Jaylen Waddle (MIA) if he’s active (knee) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Raheem Mostert (MIA) hasn’t seen double-digit touches since Week 9.
Sleeper: The 49ers D/ST are a sneaky streaming option against an offense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including double-digits twice in the last four games.
TAMPA BAY AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Bucky Irving (TB), CeeDee Lamb (DAL).
Who to start: Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Rachaad White (TB) is the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB10 in PPR) since Week 7 with nine total TDs in the last eight games. The Buccaneers D/ST is the ninth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 12. Rico Dowdle (DAL) is the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB11 in PPR) since Week 9. Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. The Cowboys D/ST is the highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 12.
Who to sit: Cade Otton (TB) is TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last four games. Brandin Cooks (DAL) is TD-dependent with only seven receptions in three games since returning from injury. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) remains TD-dependent and hasn’t had double-digit carries since Week 8.
Sleeper: Jalen McMillan (TB) is finally embracing the Chris Godwin role, and has nine receptions (13 targets) for 134 yards and three TDs in the last two games.
NEW ORLEANS AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Packers D/ST.
Who to start: Jayden Reed (GB) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to wide receivers in three of the last four games. Romeo Doubs (GB) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: Alvin Kamara (NO) is doubtful to play with a thigh injury. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (chest). Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of the last nine games. Jordan Love (GB) is the overall QB13 since Week 11, and there’s a wintry mix of weather expected at Lambeau Field on Monday night. Tucker Kraft (GB) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games. Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in 10 of his 13 games this season. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 11 receptions in the last six games.
Sleeper: Kendre Miller (NO) will almost certainly carry the load in a cold weather game with Kamara sidelined.
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