It’s playoff time! Andy, Mike, and Jason are here to help you advance one week closer to that fantasy championship! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
News
Justin Herbert is expected to play after getting surgery just a few days ago. Omarion Hampton will be activated for Monday night, and if you need points, you ride with him. Daniel Jones tore his Achilles, forcing Riley Leonard into action and tanking the outlook for Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman right as the fantasy playoffs begin. Jayden Daniels hurt his arm again, but reportedly could’ve returned. Expect pain management, not a shutdown, unless Washington waves the white flag. Zach Ertz suffered another torn ACL, likely ending his career.
Geno Smith left with a shoulder injury, and Pete Carroll’s baffling field goal decision while down 10 was a head-scratcher. De’Von Achane left with a rib injury but was cleared to return and should be available with a flak jacket. DK Metcalf spent the night in the hospital with stomach pains, but nothing appears serious. David Njoku left with a knee injury. Harold Fannin, aka Harold Fantastic Jr., continues to surge and now leads all TEs in forced missed tackles.
Fantasy Studs
QB
Josh Allen unleashed a nuclear performance. He dominated through the air and on the ground. The snow produced some fantasy goodness. Shedeur Sanders followed with 364 yards and three TDs, dragging the Broncos into a shootout. Joe Burrow posted 284 and four TDs, but followed it with two back-breaking throws that may sink their playoff chances unless everything breaks perfectly. Matthew Stafford coasted with 281 and three TDs, barely breaking a sweat against Arizona. Sam Darnold and Tyler Shough also delivered strong fantasy weeks, with Shough adding 55 rushing yards and two scores. Lamar rebounded with a rock-solid line, mixing a rushing TD with efficient passing. J.J. McCarthy played it safe with all three TDs going to TEs, much to the chagrin of Justin Jefferson managers.
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RB
Jahmyr Gibbs looks like the best RB in football right now. Tony Pollard and Blake Corum both started against Andy and finished as RB2 and RB3, despite brutal matchups. Travis Etienne scored twice. RJ Harvey stayed hot. De’Von Achane had eight touches and still dominated. Chase Brown and Devin Neal delivered as starts of the week. Woody Marks dominated touches with Nick Chubb hurt and now profiles as a legitimate playoff starter.
WR
Puka Nacua continues to be unstoppable, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba in points on the season despite modest TD totals. Michael Wilson, JSN, Tee Higgins, and Christian Watson made up the next tier. Watson has changed the Packers’ identity since returning—Jordan Love looks like a different QB with him active. DK Metcalf and Zay Flowers finally rewarded the faithful with season-best lines. Ryan Flournoy (with CeeDee Lamb out) drew 13 targets and outplayed George Pickens.
TE
Harold Fannin led the position again as his breakout continues. Mike Gesicki, Josh Oliver, Dawson Knox, Brock Bowers, and Kyle Pitts followed. Brock Bowers delivered early, then disappeared. Pitts produced again with Drake London out, but managers should be cautious if London returns.
Fantasy Duds
QB
Patrick Mahomes was smothered by Houston’s elite defense, throwing three picks with no TDs. Bo Nix delivered the most efficient dud of the year: 31 of 38 for zero TDs. Baker Mayfield collapsed in the rain with 122 yards as the entire Bucs offense spiraled.
RB
Breece Hall, Ashton Jeanty, Quinshon Judkins, and Kenneth Walker all struggled. Hall is the biggest concern with the Jets’ offense broken. Jeanty faces a brutal schedule (PHI, HOU) and potentially worse QB play if Geno Smith is out.
WR
Stars everywhere disappointed: Ja’Marr Chase, Emeka Egbuka, Justin Jefferson, Chris Olave, Rashee Rice, and more. Jefferson has a QB who doesn’t push the ball. Dallas is up next, however, deeming him startable, but terrifying. Davante Adams posted his worst game of the year despite early end zone looks.
TE
Darren Waller barely saw work as Miami ran wild. Tyler Warren posted two for 15 and now carries real playoff risk without Daniel Jones the rest of the way. Mark Andrews also disappointed.
News
The wildest news of the year is that the Colts are bringing in Philip Rivers for a workout. With Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson on IR, rookie Riley Leonard with a sprained knee, and Brett Rypien being Brett Rypien, Indy is exploring the truly unthinkable. Pee Rivers is 44 years old and hasn’t played since 2020!
Tee Higgins is back in concussion protocol after multiple hard hits, and he should’ve been taken out of the game multiple times. Fantasy managers should prepare to be without him. De’Von Achane avoided fractures and insists he will play. Jayden Daniels is sore but fine. Keaton Mitchell is day to day. Shedeur Sanders remains the starter and continues to improve.
Mike Evans may return on Thursday. Emeka Egbuka’s slump is tied to both his own drops and Baker Mayfield’s decline in accuracy; he ranks near the bottom of the league in catchable targets since Week 5. Trey Benson must be activated by Wednesday, or he will miss the rest of the year. Drake London logged another DNP and may sit again.
Waiver Wire
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RBs:
It’s thin, but Chris Rodriguez is usable with 10+ touches coming against the Giants. He is TD-dependent, but playable as an RB2/FLEX. Blake Corum remains involved but draws Detroit. Devin Singletary is sneaky and may be the top pickup if Tyrone Tracy Jr. is limited. He has run well and earned high-value touches. Jaylen Wright is the Achane insurance, and Bam Knight may be worth a stash with great matchups in Weeks 16–17 (ATL, CIN) if Trey Benson’s out.
WRs:
Ryan Flournoy is a start only if CeeDee Lamb sits. He is volatile but has flashed top-12 upside. Jayden Reed has guaranteed usage and is the preferred pickup despite a tough matchup. Jayden Higgins is a strong option with five top-36 finishes in his last seven games, and Arizona up next. Adonai Mitchell continues to see 6+ targets but is extremely dependent on who starts at QB.
TEs:
Check for Harold Fannin, the top waiver pickup of the week. Darren Waller is a bounce-back candidate with a dream week 16 matchup against the Bengals’ historically bad TE defense. Brenton Strange remains relevant. Theo Johnson is streamable after near-miss TDs and a strong role. Ben Sinnott is a potential late-season league-winner if Mike’s dark magic continues.
DSTs:
The 49ers are widely available coming off the bye and draw TEN and IND. That’s a strong two-week play. The Saints have the best playoff stretch (CAR, NYJ, TEN). The Jaguars vs the Jets are viable, and the Seahawks become elite if they face Brett Rypien Farts.
Plan ahead if you earned a bye, and don’t be afraid to roster two defenses!
Full Stream Ahead
Jason: CJ Stroud vs ARI – It’s a dome game, an elite matchup, and the Cardinals’ defense has collapsed over the past month. Stroud should have efficiency and have TD opportunities.
Mike: Trevor Lawrence vs NYJ – Lawrence has quietly been the QB7 since the bye, mixing efficient passing with rushing scores. The Jaguars’ offense is trending upward.
Andy: JJ McCarthy at DAL – Dallas consistently allows QBs to outperform expectations, and Minnesota should be forced into higher volume. The floor is shaky, but the matchup is attractive.
Backup Options
Kayshon Boutte remains widely available despite strong TD production and an expanding role with Drake Maye. His snap share has returned, and he enters a plus matchup against a Bills defense ranked near the bottom in deep passing efficiency. Just be aware that Stefon Diggs could potentially soak up more targets due to contract incentives. Darren Waller appears on the most dropped list but carries the easiest remaining schedule among TEs and leads the league in target rate inside the ten. Brenton Strange is also worth checking after landing on the drop list. Isaiah Likely profiles as a high-ceiling start against Cincinnati. He has had multiple TDs erased in recent weeks and draws a defense that routinely allows massive production to TEs, including secondary options.
News
Philip Rivers has officially signed with Indianapolis and may start in Week 15 against Seattle after five years away. His opening passing prop sits at 152.5 yards with plus odds to throw a TD.
DK Metcalf is trending toward playing in Week 15 and is expected to return against Miami. Jerome Ford has been placed on injured reserve, creating additional work for Cleveland’s remaining backs. Arizona will not activate Trey Benson, confirming his season is over. Cade Otton is doubtful for Thursday due to injury and is unlikely to play. Weather forecasts for several Week 15 games continue to call for extreme cold and heavy wind, including a Bears vs Browns matchup that may feature negative wind chills.
TNF Breakdown
4-9 ATL at 7-6 TB (TB -3, O/U 40.5)
Both offenses remain run-heavy, each ranking in the bottom five in pass rate over expectation over the past month. Baker Mayfield’s accuracy dip has stalled drives and decreased catchable targets for the WRS. Atlanta has struggled badly against WRS in recent weeks, however, making this one of the most favorable matchups on the slate for Tampa Bay’s passing game.
Mike Evans is expected to return and is playable in this matchup, though his role may be eased in. Emeka Egbuka projects as the strongest WR play for Tampa Bay due to stable target volume. Chris Godwin remains viable but secondary. Cade Otton is not expected to play. Baker Mayfield carries QB2 value in deeper leagues and is a fringe option in standard formats.
Kyle Pitts remains a strong play with real volume, including a 34% target share last week. Drake London is unlikely to play. Bucky Irving continues to produce and enters as a solid RB2. Bijan Robinson remains an every-week start. Tampa Bay takes control of the division with a win while Atlanta operates as a spoiler. Even with both offenses uneven, the WR environment strongly favors Tampa Bay.
News
Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan were activated from injured reserve and are both questionable for Thursday night. Evans is expected to play with a limited workload after his collarbone and concussion issues. Kyle Pitts is officially questionable but is expected to play with managed snaps. CeeDee Lamb still has steps remaining in concussion protocol, but was back at practice with optimism for Week 15. Woody Marks and Nick Chubb did not practice on Wednesday; Chubb is more likely to miss, and Marks is expected to handle a heavy workload if active.
Marvin Harrison Jr did not practice again and appears unlikely to play. Alvin Kamara did not practice. Devin Neal was limited. Pat Bryant did not practice and is expected to sit. Jayden Daniels was ruled out, and Marcus Mariota will start. Tee Higgins logged a limited practice while still in concussion protocol, a surprising development given his recent repeat head impacts. His Week 15 status remains doubtful.
Starts of the Week
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Mike
QB Jaxson Dart: Draws a vulnerable secondary and brings rushing upside that raises his weekly floor.
RB Woody Marks: The workload is secure, and Houston continues to funnel touches toward him in all game scripts.
WR Emeka Egbuka: Tampa Bay has struggled against perimeter receivers, and the target share remains strong with or without Mike Evans active.
TE Theo Johnson: He has become a primary read in the red zone and draws a friendly matchup for TE scoring.
Andy
QB Lamar Jackson: The matchup sets up for efficient production, and his rushing remains the safest differentiator at the position.
RB Chris Rodriguez: Washington leans on him near the goal line, and he has shown consistent efficiency in limited opportunities.
WR DK Metcalf: The matchup increases his explosive play potential, and the Seahawks have emphasized him in scoring areas.
TE Dalton Kincaid: He is the top pass-catching option in Buffalo, and NE is bottom-five against TEs.
Jason
QB Jared Goff: A favorable home environment with a high implied team total makes him a stable streaming option.
RB Travis Etienne: Jacksonville has one of its highest projected totals of the season, keeping Etienne positioned for multiple scoring chances.
WR Justin Jefferson: Even with QB uncertainty, he is still one of the best WRs, and he’s playing against the Dallas Cowboys‘ porous defense.
TE Mark Andrews: Andrews remains the first read in high-leverage situations and should benefit from a historically bad defense against TEs.
Fantasy Forecast
3-10 CLE at 9-4 CHI (CHI -7.5, O/U 38.5)
Chicago leads the league in rushing yards per game since Week 5 and faces a Cleveland defense that has quietly become one of the best RB matchups in the league. Cleveland remains elite against WRs, allowing only 13 fantasy points per game to the position. Bears RBs are in play, while Caleb Williams carries risk in extreme cold conditions. Chicago pass catchers are playable but not preferred. Cleveland’s offense runs through Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin, who have averaged a 28 percent target share with Shedeur Sanders under center.
6-7 BAL at 4-9 CIN (BAL -2.5, O/U 52.5)
This projects as a high-scoring environment with major playoff implications. Lamar Jackson remains a confident start, and Derrick Henry draws a strong matchup. Cincinnati’s passing game hinges on Tee Higgins’ availability. If he sits, Andrei Iosivas and Mike Gesicki are the next men up, though Baltimore is one of the toughest TE matchups. Baltimore’s TEs are the focal point, with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely both startable against a Bengals defense that has allowed 24.8 fantasy points per game to the position.
9-4 LAC at 6-7 KC (KC -5.5, O/U 41.5)
A low-total divisional game with postseason impact on both sides. Kareem Hunt is viable because of his knack for finding the end zone. Rashee Rice remains the most reliable Chiefs pass catcher. Justin Herbert is not recommended due to offensive inconsistency. Omarion Hampton leads Los Angeles in TD equity, with Kimani Vidal expected to maintain a role. Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen project for limited volume in a run-heavy script.
9-4 BUF at 11-2 NE (BUF -1.5, O/U 49.5)
A pivotal AFC East matchup with MVP implications for Drake Maye. Buffalo’s defense has limited QB scoring all season, creating one of Maye’s toughest tests. Stefon Diggs’ snaps have dipped due to Kayshon Boutte’s emergence, though both remain playable. James Cook holds RB1 status. New England’s backfield stays split between TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, with Henderson favored for explosive plays. TEs remain the safest receiving options, with Dalton Kincaid projected for significant usage.
3-10 WAS at 2-11 NYG (NYG -2.5, O/U 47.5)
This is a rare high-total spot for the Giants, making Marcus Mariota a viable QB option with rushing upside. Chris Rodriguez remains a start if active, having scored four times since Week 7. Devin Singletary holds an edge over Tyrone Tracy Jr, but both stay involved. Theo Johnson is a strong TE start. Washington pass-catchers carry limited upside outside of Johnson.
2-11 LV at 8-5 PHI (PHI -11.5, O/U 38.5)
A lopsided matchup with a low total. Philadelphia’s offense leans on A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley, while DeVonta Smith remains volatile depending on early game script. Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty are playable due to volume consolidation. Las Vegas projects for minimal offensive production. Could this be a revenge game for Kenny Pickett (the current starter for LV)?
3-10 NYJ at 9-4 JAX (JAX -13.5, O/U 41.5)
Jacksonville carries its highest implied total of the season. Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, Brian Thomas Jr, Christian Kirk, and Brenton Strange are all strong starts. No Jets player is recommended, including Breece Hall, due to matchup difficulty and projected negative game script. The best play here might be the Jaguars’ DST.
3-10 ARI at 8-5 HOU (HOU -9.5, O/U 42.5)
Houston’s defense has become one of the toughest matchups in the league. Woody Marks and Nico Collins remain strong plays, while Jayden Higgins is a viable deeper option with a steady role. Arizona’s offense runs entirely through Trey McBride and Michael Wilson. McBride is an automatic start. Wilson is viable if Marvin Harrison Jr sits, but carries a capped ceiling due to pass protection concerns and the matchup.
TNF Reaction
Kyle Pitts scored the most fantasy points by a TE in history. There are three ways he could’ve affected you. You either started him and are basically on a bye now, left him on your bench and are kicking yourself, or played against him and are now praying for a miracle.
News
Woody Marks returned to a limited practice and is trending toward a strong workload with Nick Chubb out. Marvin Harrison Jr remained sidelined and was later ruled out. Tee Higgins missed Friday’s practice after two limited sessions, placing his availability back in question. Mark Andrews was added to the injury report with a glute issue and is now a true game-time decision. Theo Johnson stayed limited with a toe issue but is expected to play. Chris Rodriguez returned to a limited practice and should be active. CeeDee Lamb cleared concussion protocol and is ready for Sunday. Jake Ferguson was downgraded to a DNP with a calf injury and needs monitoring. Christian McCaffrey was marked questionable with an illness but is expected to play. Josh Jacobs returned in a limited capacity on Friday, and Matt LaFleur said he is feeling pretty good.
Fantasy Forecast
8-5 DET at 10-3 LAR (LAR -6, O/U 54.5)
This is the highest total games of the week and is packed with fantasy starters. Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff are both in play as top options. Amon-Ra St Brown and Jameson Williams remain must-starts. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams both project well with consolidated volume. Blake Corum and David Montgomery are even in the mix, although both teams are solid against the run. Kyren Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs remain automatic starts.
7-6 CAR at 3-10 NO (CAR -2.5, O/U 40.5)
A low-scoring divisional matchup with two surprisingly strong defenses. Tyler Shough is only viable in deep formats. Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard remain flex level plays, with Dowdle holding the more stable role. Devin Neal and Chris Olave remain the preferred options on the other side. Tetairoa McMillan projects as a WR2, and Juwan Johnson is a viable floor play at TE.
2-11 TEN at 9-4 SF (SF -12.5, O/U 44.5)
A brutal spot for Tennessee with no recommended fantasy starters besides desperation plays. Tony Pollard was the RB2 last week with a 65-yard run, but don’t expect that again when playing from behind. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings remain good starts, but Ricky Pearsall can’t be trusted. Christian McCaffrey is expected to play through illness and stays locked into lineups.
8-5 IND at 10-3 SEA (SEA -13.5, O/U 42.5)
Philip Rivers faces an uphill battle as Indianapolis carries one of the lowest implied totals of the week. It will be the first game action in a half-decade for the 44-year-old Rivers, whose oldest son is older than Tyler Warren. Warren, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman remain starts based on volume, though expectations should be tempered. For Seattle, Sam Darnold is a viable streamer, Ken Walker is a flex, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the strongest play on the team.
9-3-1 GB at 11-2 DEN (GB -2.5, O/U 42.5)
Green Bay is getting respect as the favorite on the road. Jordan Love has been great in recent weeks. Josh Jacobs is expected to go but needs monitoring. Emmanuel Wilson becomes an option if Jacobs is inactive, even against Denver’s strong run defense. Jayden Reed is a volatile flex with explosive upside, with Christian Watson the best WR option for GB. RJ Harvey remains the best option on Denver’s side, including Courtland Sutton and the rest of the WRs.
5-8 MIN at 6-6-1 DAL (DAL -5.5, O/U 48.5)
A high-scoring environment where Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Justin Jefferson all project extremely well. Dallas gives up a ton of points to opposing WRs, making Jordan Addison a dart-throw option. Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones are bench considerations in tough matchups. Javonte Williams retains volume-based RB2 value. Jake Ferguson must be monitored with his calf issue.
6-7 MIA at 7-6 PIT (PIT -3, O/U 41.5)
A low-total Monday night game where Miami’s offensive talent remains playable. De’Von Achane should see the bulk of the work against a Watt-less Steelers defense. Pittsburgh leans on Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, who split touches in a difficult matchup. DK Metcalf sees a strong rebound opportunity against a secondary that bleeds explosive plays.
Fantasy Faceoff
Andy
QB Josh Allen: more than 20.5 completions
RB Jonathan Taylor: fewer than 71.5 rushing yards
WR Nico Collins: more than 74.5 receiving yards
TE Isaiah Likely: more than 1.5 receptions
Jason
QB Jared Goff: more than 33.5 pass attempts
RB Breece Hall: fewer than 68.5 rushing yards
WR Stefon Diggs: more than 4.5 receptions
TE Isaiah Likely: more than 1.5 receptions
Mike
QB Trevor Lawrence: more than 1.5 passing TDs
RB Chris Rodriguez: more than 47.5 rushing yards
WR Michael Wilson: more than 5 receptions
TE Harold Fannin: more than 3.5 receptions
Join a relaxed Mike this week for Sunday Live to get all of your last-minute lineup decisions answered.
Good luck in week 15, FootClan!