Week 15 NFL Capsules
Fri Dec 12 4:27pm ET
Field Level Media
New York Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Jaguars -13.5, Total 41.5
Series Rewind: The Jets have won two of the last three games over the Jaguars, including a 32-25 road win on Dec. 15, 2024. The all-time series is tied 9-9.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are riding high, entering the week on a four-game win streak and in sole possession of first place in the AFC South after last week's 36-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts. QB Trevor Lawrence appears to have turned a corner when it comes to turnovers. After he had 11 interceptions in the team's first 11 games this season, he's been interception free the last two weeks, throwing for 473 passing yards and four touchdowns vs. the Colts and Titans. Lawrence (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday, but returned to full participation Thursday. He faces a Jets defense still looking for its first interception of the season. It appears likely New York will start its third different quarterback this season on Sunday after Tyrod Taylor (groin) left early in last week's game. Taylor and Justin Fields (knee) have both missed each of the first two practices of the week, likely lining up rookie Brady Cook for his first career start. Thrown into his first NFL action last week, Cook struggled as the Jets limped to a 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He completed 14 of 30 passes for 163 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. If Taylor and Fields are out, the Jets signed Adrian Martinez to the practice squad this week and he would step into the backup role.
Washington Commanders (3-10) at New York Giants (2-11)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Giants -2.5, Total 46.5
Series Rewind: With a 107-73-5 record all-time, the Giants own this storied division rivalry that dates to 1932. But the Commanders have won three straight meetings, including a 21-6 home victory back in Week 1.
Barring a tie, one of these teams will go home happy for the first time since early October, as Washington has dropped eight straight games -- the longest active losing streak in the NFL -- and New York has lost its last seven. The first matchup between young franchise quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart will have to wait. The Commanders have already ruled out the oft-injured Daniels, who fell hard on his previously dislocated left elbow and departed the 31-0 loss at Minnesota last Sunday. Instead, Marcus Mariota will make his seventh start of the season. Dart returned from a concussion in Week 13 and threw for 139 yards and a touchdown in a 33-15 loss to the Patriots. Despite similar records, New York and Washington have managed to lose in different ways. The Giants have lost five games in which they led in the fourth quarter while Washington's defeats have tended to be more definitive. The Commanders have lost by more than 20 points five times, including last week, when their 30th-ranked defense gave up 25 first downs and 313 yards to a Vikings team that had been shut out the previous week. The Giants rank 31st in total defense and yielded 34 and 33 points in their past two losses to the Lions and Patriots.
Baltimore Ravens (6-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Ravens -2.5, Total 51.5
Series Rewind: Cincinnati's 18-point victory last month ended a four-game skid against the Ravens. Baltimore's two victories last season were by a combined four points.
The Ravens have lost back-to-back games and fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-22 last week in the battle for the AFC North lead. Making the situation more dire is that Baltimore also stands two games out of the last AFC wild-card spot. The Ravens finish with three of four on the road, beginning with the visit to Cincinnati, where bone-chilling temperatures are in the forecast. The Bengals roughed up host Baltimore 32-14 on Thanksgiving as Cincinnati's Joe Burrow returned from a toe injury to pass for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Ravens-killer Ja'Marr Chase had seven receptions for 110 yards and has 28 catches for 567 yards and five touchdowns in his last three games against Baltimore. If the Bengals lose, they will be eliminated from playoff contention. Baltimore's Lamar Jackson passed for 246 yards and committed three turnovers (one interception, two fumbles) in the recent meeting with the Bengals. Jackson threw one TD pass against Pittsburgh after failing to throw one in three consecutive games. Assorted leg injuries this season also have prevented him from being a running force. He had 307 yards and two scores. Derrick Henry has 1,025 rushing yards, marking the seventh time he has topped 1,000 in his superb 10-year career. Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith has reached 100 tackles in all eight seasons of his career. Safety Jordan Battle leads the Bengals with three interceptions and 101 tackles.
Arizona Cardinals (3-10) at Houston Texans (8-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Texans -9.5, Total 42.5
Series Rewind: The Texans and Cardinals have played just six times and are tied 3-3 in the series. Two of those games have been in the last four seasons, with Houston winning 21-16 at home in 2023 and Arizona cruising to a 31-5 home win in 2021.
No team may be hotter at the moment than the Houston Texans, who won their fifth straight game Sunday night at Kansas City to rise into the playoff picture as the No. 7 seed entering Week 15. They're positioned at the moment to be just the seventh team in NFL history to make the playoffs after an 0-3 start. The Texans' defense has played a huge part in this surge, ranking No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense (16.0 points per game) and total defense (266.3 yards). And yet, it could be CJ Stroud and the offense who lead the charge this week against an Arizona defense which has allowed 40-plus points in three of the last five games. Houston could be without running back Nick Chubb (ribs) this week after he missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices. The Cardinals have been eliminated from playoff contention since Nov. 30 and enter on a five-game losing streak fresh off a 45-17 home loss to the Rams. While the defense has been consistently gouged of late, QB Jacoby Brissett has been putting up numbers in place of Kyler Murray, who it was announced last week was done for the season with a foot injury. Brissett has passed for 2,459 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games as a starter. He has Trey McBride, who is tied for the NFL lead with 93 receptions and leads all tight ends with 937 yards. However, it appears Arizona will be without receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) will miss another game this week after missing the first two practices.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Eagles -11.5, Total 38.5
Series Rewind: The teams have split the 14 previous meetings, including the Raiders' 27-10 victory in Super Bowl XV. The Raiders haven't won in Philadelphia since 2001.
Las Vegas brings a seven-game losing streak to Philadelphia to face an Eagles team trying to avoid a repeat of 2023. The last time the Eagles lost three in a row was in December two years ago, part of an epic 1-5 collapse following a 10-1 start. Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts has turned the ball over seven times in his last two games, including a career-high four interceptions in Monday's overtime loss to the Chargers. Eagles wideout A.J. Brown is tied for the longest active streak in the NFL with three straight 100-yard games. With Raiders signal-caller Geno Smith dealing with a right shoulder injury and Kenny Pickett gets the start against his former team. Pickett won a ring with the Eagles in February, got traded to Cleveland in March and got dealt again to Las Vegas in August. He was 14-10 as a starter for the Steelers from 2022-23 and 1-0 last season. Maxx Crosby needs one sack to reach double figures for the fourth time.
Buffalo Bills (9-4) at New England Patriots (11-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bills -1.5, Total 49.6
Series Rewind: New England beat Buffalo 23-20 on Oct. 5 and eyes its first season sweep of the Bills since 2019, when Tom Brady was the team's quarterback.
The Patriots can win their first AFC East title this decade by taking down the Bills, who have won the division five consecutive years. New England is seeking its 11th straight victory and is gunning to be the No. 1 seed for the AFC postseason. The Patriots were just 4-13 last season but have enjoyed a memorable campaign in coach Mike Vrabel's first season and quarterback Drake Maye's second with the club. Maye has emerged as an NFL MVP candidate. The 23-year-old has completed a league-best 71.5 percent of his passes and is on track to break Brady's franchise record of 68.9 percent set in 2007. Maye has thrown for 3,412 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. Of course, the reigning MVP is employed by the Bills. Josh Allen has passed for 3,083 yards and 22 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, while completing 70.1 percent of his throws. He also has rushed for 12 scores. In the first meeting, Maye passed for 273 yards while Allen threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns and was intercepted once. Buffalo has won five of its past seven games but a loss will leave the team battling for a wild-card berth. Bills running back James Cook (1,308) is second in rushing yardage but was held to 49 yards on 17 carries by the Patriots in the first meeting.
Cleveland Browns (3-10) at Chicago Bears (9-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: -7.5, Total 38.5
Series Rewind: This is the teams' 19th meeting. Cleveland leads the all-time series 11-7, and the home team has won 10 of the past 11 games. In the most recent meeting, the Browns eked out a 20-17 home win on Dec. 17, 2023.
The forecast calls for single-digit temperatures along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Bears lost at Green Bay and forfeited the top spot in the NFC North last week. Cleveland has lost two straight and five of its past six, but the recent play of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has given the franchise reason for optimism. Sanders passed for 364 yards, three touchdowns and one interception last week in a 31-29 home loss against the Tennessee Titans. The Browns hope to see defensive end Myles Garrett make history. He enters the weekend with a league-high 20 sacks in 13 games. He is 2.5 sacks shy of the NFL's single-season record of 22 1/2, which Michael Strahan set in 2001 and T.J. Watt matched in 2021. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams knows that Garrett will be tough to stop. Williams wants no part of becoming the answer to a trivia question: Which quarterback did Garrett take down to break the sack record? "I'm going to try and make sure that he doesn't get the sack record on us and on me," Williams said. "... As a game plan ... everything is not allowing them to wreck the game.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chiefs -5.5, Total 41.5
Series Rewind: The Chargers beat the Chiefs in Brazil in Week 1, their first win in the past eight games in the series. Kansas City leads the all-time series 71-58-1.
A decade-long streak of playoff appearances is in dire jeopardy for the Chiefs will try to ignite their long-shot postseason chances when they play host to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The last time Kansas City was not a playoff participant was 2014, when Alex Smith was the quarterback. Patrick Mahomes has led each of the past seven playoff runs and not only has helped win three Super Bowls, but he has also never missed an AFC Championship Game as a starting QB. The Chiefs are on the outside of the playoff field, two games behind the Houston Texans, who hold the third and final AFC wild-card spot. The Chargers are playoff eligible as a wild-card qualifier. While Kansas City's defense was much better over the second half last week, dropped passes held Mahomes to a paltry 160 yards through the air while completing just 14 of his 33 throws in the Chiefs' third consecutive loss. Quarterback Justin Herbert had just 139 yards passing Monday and rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton returned to the lineup.
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) at Denver Broncos (11-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Packers -2.5, Total 42.5
Series Rewind: The home team has won nine of the past 10 meetings.
The Packers pack for Denver after plucking away the NFC North division lead from the Bears in Week 14. The Broncos are baffled that they are still considered to be on proving ground as underdogs in Sunday's home game. With a 10-game winning streak and two-game lead in the division the Broncos are still eyeing the top seed in the AFC. The Broncos (11-2) are two wins clear of the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West and can clinch a playoff berth with a win. The Packers have won four in a row, the last two against NFC North rivals Detroit and Chicago. Bo Nix has kept the Broncos on the right side of eight-one score victories this season. He has completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,954 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He is also third on the team in rushing (244 yards). The Broncos have leaned on their strong defense in more than a supporting role. Denver ranks fourth in the NFL in points allowed per game (18.1), second in rushing (89 yards), third in total yards per game (282) and first in total sacks (55). Green Bay can win a game with quarterback Jordan Love's deep and talented groups of wide receivers. The Packers also can throw a knockout punch defensively. They rank sixth in points allowed (19 per game) and fifth in total yards per game (287.2). Micah Parson leads the team with 12.5 sacks and Rashan Gary has 7.5. Love, in his third year as Green Bay's starter, has a career-high 67.1 completion percentage and has thrown 22 TD passes while only being intercepted four times. He has been sacked 18 times. Injuries the first two months of the season were a setback to strong protection, but not many blocking schemes are built to stonewall Denver's pressure defense. Nik Bonitto has a team-best 12.5 sacks but the Broncos' other three starters up front have 19 more combined, led by Jonathon Cooper (7.5).
Tennessee Titans (2-11) at San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: 49ers -12.5, Total 44.5
Series Rewind: The 49ers hold a 9-6 lead in the series, including a 4-3 record at home. Eight of the last 10 meetings dating back to 1987 have been one-score games.
The last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft goes head-to-head with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft when Brock Purdy and the 49ers host rookie Cam Ward and the Titans. Purdy won three straight starts before San Francisco's bye last week and has thrown at least one TD pass in all five games this season. Teammate Christian McCaffrey is on pace for his second season with 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards with 849 and 806, respectively, while 49ers WR Jauan Jennings has touchdowns in four of his last five games. Ward leads all first-year QBs in passing yards (2,468) and had his first game with multiple TD passes in last week's win at Cleveland. The Titans rank last in the NFL in total offense (246.2 yards per game) and 31st in scoring (15.5 points per game). Tennessee DT Jeffery Simmons will try to slow down a 49ers offense that ranks No. 2 in third-down conversions (48.2%).
Carolina Panthers (7-6) at New Orleans Saints (3-10)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Panthers -2.5, Total 40.5
Series Rewind: New Orleans earned its second win of the season and snapped a four-game losing streak with a surprising 17-7 win at Carolina on Nov. 9. The Saints have won four of the last five over the Panthers to lead the all-time series 33-29.
The Panthers benefited greatly during their bye week, watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to New Orleans to fall into a tie atop the NFC South at 7-6. Seeing that may have caused some deja vu for Carolina's players and staff after the Saints stunningly upset the Panthers back in Week 10. Avenging that loss on the road this time feels close to essential for Carolina's chances at snapping the franchise's seven-year playoff drought as the NFC South co-leaders are two games back of a wild-card spot. The Panthers' last five games have been hard to get a read on, with wins at Green Bay and over the Rams last time out, but also with that home loss to New Orleans. Carolina comes out of the bye exceptionally healthy, with every active player fully participating in Thursday's practice. All that's left for New Orleans this season is the chance to play spoiler and continue to build for 2026 under rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. The Carolina game was Shough's second start and first win and saw him throw for what remains a career-high 282 yards and two touchdowns. In last week's win at Tampa Bay, Shough completed just 13 of 20 passes for 144 yards and an interception. However, he ran the ball seven times for 55 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns. Shough may be without one or two of his top running backs this week. Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) appears poised to miss his third straight game after not practicing Wednesday or Thursday while rookie RB Devin Neal (abdomen) has been limited this week due to an injury he sustained in last week's game.
Indianapolis Colts (8-5) at Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Seahawks -13.5, Total 42.5
Series Rewind: The Seahawks can even the all-time series at 7-7 by registering a third straight win against the Colts, who haven't won a game in Seattle since the 2000 season. One of the big stories in the NFL this week was the Colts' signing of 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers after Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury. Sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard replaced Jones in last weekend's loss at Jacksonville and could be in line for his first career start if Rivers isn't ready for his first game since Jan. 9, 2021. Indy's Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,356) and TDs from scrimmage (18) but faces a Seattle defense that ranks No. 4 against the run. The game also features the NFL's No. 1 receiver in Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,428 yards). Two of Seattle's three losses have come at home this season, but the team pitched a 26-0 shutout against the Vikings in their most recent game at Lumen Field in Week 13.
Minnesota Vikings (5-8) at Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Cowboys -5.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: The Cowboys have won five of the past six meetings with Minnesota, including a 40-3 road victory in 2022 in the most recent matchup.
Both the Cowboys and Vikings face long playoff odds and a loss will eliminate Minnesota. Dallas has been receiving help from the NFC East-rival Philadelphia Eagles, who have lost three straight games to keep Dallas in the mix in the division race. The Cowboys have won three of their past four games as they ride the arm of Dak Prescott, the NFL leader with 3,637 passing yards. He also is tied for second with 26 passing touchdowns. Prescott has outputs of 354, 320 and 376 yards over the past three games. Standout receiver CeeDee Lamb (865 receiving yards) hasn't cleared concussion protocol but should do so by Sunday night. Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has career highs of 1,022 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with the club. The Vikings staved off elimination last weekend with a 31-0 shellacking of the Washington Commanders but can't lose again and needs help from other teams to make the playoff field. J.J. McCarthy threw a career-high three touchdown passes against Washington and didn't throw an interception for the first time in his seven NFL starts. Star receiver Justin Jefferson had just two catches for 11 yards against the Commanders one week after having two receptions for 4 yards in a 26-0 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 15
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 15
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Injury Status: Week 15
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Lineup Prep: Week 15
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 14
- Week 15 NFL Capsules
- Steelers' T.J. Watt has surgery for collapsed lung
- Jets rookie QB Brady Cook to start vs. Jaguars
- Jets sign C Josh Myers to contract extension
- Week 15 TNF: Falcons-Buccaneers Preview, Props, Prediction
- NFL fines and suspends Texans' Javier Loya for off-field conduct
- Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb practices, still in protocol
- Raiders QB Kenny Pickett could start with Geno Smith hurting
- Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee) sits out practice again
- Deep freeze: Wind chill could hit 20 below for Browns-Bears on Sunday
- Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice
- Colts QB Riley Leonard healthy, on edge with role in limbo
- Steelers star LB T.J. Watt hospitalized with lung issue
- Ravens DT Travis Jones agrees to 3-year extension
- Seahawks RB coach Kennedy Polamalu takes leave of absence
- Bucs activate WRs Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan from IR
- QB Geno Smith unlikely to start vs. Eagles
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (elbow) out vs. Giants
- Cardinals RB Trey Benson (knee) will not return this season
- QB question marks abound as Jets prepare for Jaguars
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL DFS Week 15 Main Slate Game-by-Game Breakdown
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 15 Game Previews and Notes
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Start-Sit Week 15: Schwesinger, Sainristil And Other Key Decisions
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 15: Emeka Egbuka, Travis Kelce, and More Tough Calls
- Fantasy Life: Merry Week 15 Sunday Blitzmas for Fantasy Football: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Will Ride High Over the Colts
- Fantasy Life: Week 15 WR/CB Matchups: Who to Target and Who to Avoid
- Fantasy Life: Week 15 Fantasy Football Injury Report: The Latest on De'Von Achane, CeeDee Lamb and more
- Fantasy Life: Week 15 Smash Starts: Wan’Dale Robinson, Saquon Barkley and More Players Set To Score in Bunches
- Fantasy Life: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em For Week 15 Fantasy Football: Start Mike Gesicki, Sit Zay Flowers
- Fantasy Life: Is The Trendy RB Add Actually A Trap?
The Paur Report
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (ankle) was limited by an ankle injury earlier this week, but he practiced in full on Friday and has been removed from the Week 15 injury report. Lawrence will be active this Sunday when the New York Jets come to town. The 26-year-old former first overall pick is just outside the top 10 at the QB position in overall fantasy points this year, but he profiles as a low-end QB1 option in the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues with a juicy matchup against the Jets. The Jags may not end up having to throw the ball all that much on Sunday, but Lawrence has been more productive in recent weeks, throwing for at least two TDs in each of the last three games with at least 229 passing yards. At the very least, Lawrence will be a viable streaming option for fantasy managers in need at the position in Week 15. During Jacksonville's current four-game winning streak, Lawrence has completed 59.6% of his passes for 882 yards, eight TDs, and four picks while adding 79 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (calf) carries a questionable tag into Sunday night's contest against the Minnesota Vikings and would be viewed as a low-end TE1 if cleared for action. Ferguson opened the week as a limited participant but was downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday, putting his availability in jeopardy. However, on Friday, the veteran tight end was able to practice in a limited capacity, which keeps him in play to suit up. Additionally, Todd Archer of ESPN reported that HC Brian Schottenheimer said he is "relieved" that Ferguson was able to "answer the bell" on Friday, suggesting he should be in a good position to play. From Weeks 1 through 7, Ferguson was on pace to compete for the overall TE1, as he averaged an elite 17.2 PPR points per game and found the back of the end zone six times. However, since Week 8, Ferguson's production has dropped considerably, averaging only 8.7 PPR points per game. During this stretch, he has scored just one touchdown. Even though Ferguson's production has continued to decline, managers should still view him as a reliable low-end TE1 given his elite offensive environment. He should be primed for a bounce-back in a projected high-scoring affair (O/U 48.5) against the Vikings on Sunday evening.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey should be locked into all starting lineups in the opening week of the fantasy playoffs when the Cowboys face the Minnesota Vikings. The 30-year-old enters Week 15 sitting as the overall K2 in total fantasy points, trailing only Seattle's Jason Myers. Aubrey is coming off one of his most productive outings of the campaign, when he hit all five of his attempts during their loss to the Lions. In this contest, Aubrey hit three field goals from 50+ yards out and nailed his other two from within 49 yards. Following his brief four-game skid (Weeks 8 through 12), when he went 4-for-6 on attempts, Aubrey has rounded back into form, going 8-for-8 on attempts and 3-for-3 on extra points over his last two games. Overall, Aubrey continues to showcase an elite ceiling at the position, given his ability to convert from long range. He has hit nine field goals from 50+ yards, trailing only Tampa Bay's Chase McLaughlin. Playing in a dome on Sunday night, managers should feel great knowing they have an elite positional advantage over their league mates and confidently start Aubrey in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams projects to be a must-start low-end RB1 on Sunday night when the Cowboys welcome the Minnesota Vikings. Last week, Williams continued his massive bounce-back campaign by punching in his ninth rushing score of the season and his 11th total score from scrimmage. Despite facing a Detroit defense that had allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season, Williams racked up 14.7 PPR points and was quite effective with his opportunities, tallying 67 yards on 17 attempts. Since Week 11, the former first-round pick has posted a solid 4.0 YPC and averaged 13.5 PPR points per game. While his ceiling may be limited, facing a Vikings defense that has allowed the 12th-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs, Williams carries high upside to find the back of the end zone, playing on one of the sport's top offensive units. In addition, his massive workload as the lead back (averaging 76% of the team's total snaps) gives him a high floor, making him a must-start, low-end RB1, in all formats.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has emerged as the primary No. 2 option behind workhorse Javonte Williams in the team's backfield. However, Davis has been unable to carve out a substantial role, which makes him a handcuff with RB4 value heading into a Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Since their Week 10 bye, Davis has been the only other running back Williams to log an offensive snap, suggesting he would see a massive workload in the event the former first-round pick misses time with an injury. However, during this four-game stretch, Davis has been unable to log over 20% of the snaps in a single game and has only logged more than three carries once. In Week 13, Davis made the most of his change-of-pace role, tallying 47 yards and a score on three attempts. However, in the other three games, Davis has totaled 50 yards on 10 carries. Given his current usage, managers should continue to view him as a top handcuff that should not be in their starting lineup outside of a cheap flier in a DFS single-game slate.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (knee) was able to practice in full on Friday and has been removed from the final Week 15 injury report. Marks will be active on Sunday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals and should have another heavy workload. Backfield mate Nick Chubb (ribs) is questionable after getting hurt in Sunday night's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. With Chubb getting hurt in Week 14, the 24-year-old Marks had a season-high 26 carries for 68 yards and caught two of three targets for eight yards and a touchdown. Marks was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice before slowly working his way to a full-go on Friday. Against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the fourth-most half-PPR points to RBs this year, Marks has plenty of upside for fantasy managers as an RB2 this weekend, even if Chubb is cleared to play. He has had double-digit carries in each of the last eight games and 16-plus carries in each of the last four contests.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) passed the league's concussion protocol and is off the injury report heading into their Sunday night tilt against the Minnesota Vikings. Lamb sustained this concussion during their Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. However, before exiting, the superstar wideout still made an impact, catching six of his eight targets for 121 yards on just 47% of the team's snaps. This was his second-straight game eclipsing the century mark. Since his three-game absence due to an ankle injury in Weeks 4 through 6, Lamb has returned to his high-end status at the position. During this seven-game stretch, Lamb has averaged a strong 17.6 PPR points per game and has continued to see a massive target share, earning 9.3 targets per game, despite playing alongside George Pickens. Given Dallas' high-octane passing game, QB Dak Prescott has been able to support both Pickens and Lamb as they have continued to produce WR1 stat lines on a weekly basis. Even though Lamb will face a formidable Minnesota secondary that has allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing WRs this season and just contained Terry McLaurin to 41 yards last Sunday, Lamb remains a must-start WR1 in all formats in the opening week of the fantasy playoffs.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is coming off one of the worst showings of his breakout season, but he is still worth viewing as a WR1 in all formats when he faces the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. Last Thursday, Pickens brought in just five of his nine targets for a mere 37 yards. This was his lowest total since Week 1, when he tallied only 30 yards on three receptions. His production last week was quite disappointing as the team's No. 1 WR, CeeDee Lamb, exited with a concussion. Still, Pickens was unable to connect with quarterback Dak Prescott. However, managers should continue to view Pickens as a must-start option as he enters Week 15 as the overall WR2 in PPR scoring despite his Week 14 dud. During Weeks 11 through 13, Pickens averaged an elite 24.6 PPR points per game and totaled 126 yards per game with two receiving scores. Overall, Pickens has found the back of the end zone eight times, which is the same number of times he found the end zone as a Steeler during the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined. Despite facing an elite Minnesota secondary that enters the fantasy playoffs allowing the fewest PPR points to opposing WRs, and Lamb cleared for action, Pickens still carries immense upside in all formats and is a must-start WR1 in all league types.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy is considered a low-end desperation FLEX play in all standard leagues in Week 15. Flournoy saw his fantasy stock climb in Week 14 when he took on a larger role with CeeDee Lamb (concussion) exiting early with a concussion. In his absence, Flournoy slid in as the team's No. 2 WR opposite of George Pickens and was quite productive, catching nine of his 13 targets for 115 yards and a score. However, with Lamb cleared to return, Flournoy quickly reverts to the No. 3 spot on the WR depth chart, and No. 4 option in the passing game, behind tight Jake Ferguson. During Weeks 11 through 13, with a full complement of Dallas pass catchers in the lineup, Flournoy brought in just four of his five targets for 36 yards and a score. Even if Ferguson (calf) were to face a setback and not suit up, Flournoy would still carry desperation low-end FLEX value in deeper 14-team formats, given his placement on the depth chart. Flournoy has yet to carve out reliable targets with both Lamb and Pickens on the field, and his matchup against the elite Minnesota secondary makes him a high-risk fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) was able to practice in full on Friday and has been removed from the Week 15 injury report, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Hall came down with some knee soreness following last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins and did not practice on Wednesday. He was limited on Thursday before being a full-go on Friday. Hall has averaged 4.4 yards per carry on 201 rushing attempts in 13 games in 2025, but New York's putrid offense has lowered his fantasy ceiling considerably. He comes into Week 15 as the RB17 in half-PPR scoring with 877 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, adding 30 receptions for 309 yards and another score. Things could get even worse this weekend, too, with rookie quarterback Brady Cook making his first career start. Hall needs to be downgraded in fantasy to a low-upside RB2 this weekend against a Jaguars defense that allows the fewest rushing yards per game.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is a must-start QB1 in all formats despite facing a tougher Minnesota Vikings defense. The Vikings enter Week 15, allowing the second-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs. However, Prescott has been a high-end option at the position all season and figures to carry a high ceiling with his top wideout, CeeDee Lamb, passing concussion protocol. Last week, Prescott totaled over 300 passing yards for the third-straight game. In their tough loss to the Lions on Thursday evening, Prescott went 31-for-47 with 376 yards and one score. Since his Week 10 bye, Prescott has averaged an elite 27.4 PPR points per game and totaled 10 total TDs with 329.5 passing yards per game. With two elite wide receivers at his disposal, Prescott carries a very safe floor with an elite ceiling if that game becomes a shootout. Given the high implied point total (O/U 48.5), fantasy managers should feel confident locking the Mississippi State product in their lineup in the opening week of the fantasy playoffs.
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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (illness) was a full-go in practice on Friday and was removed from the Week 15 injury report, according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. McCaffrey is fully expected to play on Sunday against the visiting Tennessee Titans after he came down with an illness this week and was limited in practice on Thursday. CMC is an absolute must-start in Week 15 against the Titans, a team that allows 122.5 rushing yards per game. The 29-year-old comes into Week 15 action as the RB2 in half-PPR points on the year, thanks to 849 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 237 carries. McCaffrey hasn't been that great on the ground, but where he excels is as a pass-catcher, as he leads all backs in catches (85), targets (107), receiving yards (806), and touchdowns (five), and it's not even close.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Raymond has missed the last two games after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 12 win over the New York Giants. If the 31-year-old veteran is able to play at SoFi Stadium, he'll merely be a depth option at the position for Detroit behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Rookie Isaac TeSlaa has seen more involvement in the Lions' offense with Raymond sidelined the last two weeks and will be an obstacle for Raymond if he returns, especially in the red zone. Raymond has not been worth rostering in most fantasy formats in 2025, as he comes into Week 15 with only 15 catches for 150 yards and no touchdowns on 19 targets in a Lions offense with lots of other mouths to feed.
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Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Leonard was able to practice in full all week despite suffering a low-grade PCL sprain during last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was forced into action after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Leonard completed 18 of 29 passing attempts for 145 yards with an interception in relief of Jones and also rushed the ball twice for five yards and a touchdown on the ground. With Jones out for the year and Leonard hurt, the Colts went out and signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers this week. The Colts haven't revealed whether they'll go with Rivers or Leonard against Seattle. Given his ability to move the ball with his legs, Leonard is probably more appealing from a fantasy perspective. However, all signs are pointing to Rivers making his first NFL start since 2020 in Week 15 on the road in Seattle.
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Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) is officially listed as questionable ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans. Demercado is in danger of missing his fourth straight game due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 11. He has managed to get in limited practice sessions, but we'll see if that's enough to clear him for this game. If he sits out, Bam Knight and Michael Carter should continue splitting up the reps in the backfield in a bad matchup against the top defense in the NFL. Between the two, Knight is the better streaming choice for Week 15. Knight has scored a touchdown in three of his last four games, and his dual-threat ability should give him flex value for this weekend, assuming Demercado remains sidelined. If Demercado is active, he'll likely play a limited role as a pass-catcher for Arizona.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (shoulders) could not practice at all this week and has officially been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. Carter will miss his second straight game after having operations on both of his shoulders recently. It remains to be seen if the 24-year-old former ninth overall pick out of Georgia in 2023 will be able to return for the Eagles in Week 16 against the division-rival Washington Commanders. Carter's absence on the interior of Philly's defensive line is a downgrade for sure, but they shouldn't have much of a problem handling a bad Raiders offense that will be turning to backup quarterback Kenny Pickett this weekend with Geno Smith (shoulder, back) injured. With Carter out again for the Eagles, Byron Young will see more playing time. Philly's defense/special teams unit is a must-start in fantasy football.
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Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo (knee) has been ruled out for the upcoming Week 15 matchup versus the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Arroyo suffered a knee injury during last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike Macdonald has been referring to Arroyo as week-to-week, which doesn't bode well for his chances of returning anytime soon. In his absence, AJ Barner will have more opportunities to do damage in the passing game against a banged-up Colts team. Barner will be a more intriguing TE2 streamer in fantasy football with an expanded role this weekend. He's worth snagging off the waiver wire for fantasy managers seeking help at tight end in Week 15.
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Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Tory Horton (shin) is eligible to come off Injured Reserve for the team's crucial Week 16 divisional game against the Los Angeles Rams next Thursday night, but head coach Mike Macdonald made it sound like Horton could need more time. "It's still a process right now. We got some tests going on, not as we speak, but in the last day or two, and that'll be indicative of how fast we can accelerate everything," Macdonald said. The 23-year-old fifth-rounder out of Colorado State caught all four of his targets for 28 yards and two touchdowns in his last game on Nov. 2 against the Washington Commanders, which might end up being the last game that Horton plays in the regular season in his first NFL season. Any chances of Horton being a fantasy asset to close out the year also likely went out the window when Seattle acquired deep threat Rashid Shaheed from the Saints at the trade deadline.
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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) is officially questionable for Week 15 after being a non-participant during Friday's practice session. Bateman popped up with an ankle injury on Thursday's injury report. It appears to be serious enough to put his status in danger for the upcoming rematch against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Bateman has been a non-factor in fantasy formats for most of the season in a Ravens offense that has been a shell of its explosive 2024 self. If he sits out, DeAndre Hopkins and Devontez Walker would likely see expanded roles behind Zay Flowers. Neither wideout can be trusted as a starting option in 12-team fantasy formats for Week 15. The 26-year-old Bateman has only 18 receptions in 11 games in 2025 for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (calf) was added to the Week 15 injury report and was listed as limited in Friday's practice, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Austin's status for Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins is now in question, but we'll have a better idea of his availability after Pittsburgh's final practice of the week on Saturday. It's unclear if the 26-year-old sustained a calf injury during Friday's practice. Austin hasn't been a major contributor for the Steelers or fantasy managers in his third NFL season, catching 27 of 46 targets for 309 yards and only two touchdowns in 11 games. He has not found the end zone since Sept. 21 and has not cleared 50 receiving yards since Nov. 2 against the Colts. There is nobody for fantasy managers to trust in starting lineups in Pittsburgh's WR corps beyond DK Metcalf. If Austin cannot play against Miami, veteran Adam Thielen could have a bigger role in his second game with the team.
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