

Fri Dec 12 9:51pm ET
Field Level Media
The Las Vegas Raiders made it official Friday, naming backup Kenny Pickett the starting quarterback for their Sunday game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pickett played for the Super Bowl champion Eagles in 2024, backing up Jalen Hurts and starting one game, a 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.
Regular starter Geno Smith has been nursing a right shoulder injury and couldn't practice this week after sustaining the injury in the Raiders' 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Pickett, 27, received first-team reps in practice this week after relieving Smith in the Broncos game, going 8 of 11 for 97 yards with a touchdown pass.
The Raiders (2-11) acquired Pickett from the Browns after training camp was completed in August. Cleveland previously acquired Pickett from the Eagles but ran out of room at the position.
Pickett has completed 481 of 769 passes (62.5%) for 4,870 yards, 16 TDs and 14 picks in 33 games (25 starts) for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-23), Eagles (2024) and Raiders. He is 15-10 as a starter.
The Steelers selected him 20th overall in the 2022 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.
The Raiders have lost seven straight heading into Sunday against the Eagles (8-5).
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins remains a steady depth contributor ahead of Sunday's Week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Hollins continues to be a dependable target for Drake Maye and has made numerous big plays to move the chains or advance the ball downfield this season. He capitalized on increased opportunities when Kayshon Boutte missed time with a hamstring injury, and he has maintained a pretty consistent role ever since then. The 32-year-old has played at least 75% of the snaps in each of his last four contests, averaging 6.3 targets, 3.8 catches, and 55.8 yards per game during that span. Although he's third on the depth chart behind Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte, Hollins could carve out low-end flex value in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams this week. He's a fine streamer for managers looking to replace injured receivers in Week 15. As it stands, he ranks as the overall WR72 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is heading into Week 15 after a full week of assurance and confidence as the Cardinals' starting quarterback for the first time this season. The Cardinals announced last week that Kyler Murray (foot) will not return this season, allowing Brissett to focus on playing football instead of worrying about Murray's return. Brissett enters Week 15 as RotoBaller's 20th-ranked quarterback in a nightmare matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans' defense has been the toughest defense for quarterbacks to face this season, allowing only 12.2 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, according to FanDuel. The Texans' pass defense has surrendered the fewest passing touchdowns and has forced the second-most interceptions in the league, going into Week 15. Brissett will also be without his top wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel), for a second straight week. In an unfavorable situation, Brissett will be a risky streaming option for fantasy managers heading into the first round of the fantasy football playoffs.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams has struggled to emerge as a consistent fantasy threat in his first NFL campaign. He does have two touchdowns over his last four games, but he also has just three catches during that span and only five catches this entire season. With Kayshon Boutte healthy again, Williams has returned to a depth role. He played just 22% of the offensive snaps in New England's last game and is likely headed for a similar snap share in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. Williams is a talented receiver who has shown that he is capable of making big plays, but in order to do so, he'll have to capitalize on limited playing time. The odds of Williams carving out a fantasy-relevant role are slim, so he should remain on waivers in all redraft leagues. He can be stashed on the bench in dynasty formats. As it stands, Williams ranks as the WR91 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for this week.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had a down year in 2024. However, he's turned it around this season. In 13 appearances, the 28-year-old has 69 catches (94 targets) for 699 yards. While he could have a tough time surpassing his mark from the 2023 campaign (109 receptions), he has already amassed a career-high seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Colts have struggled of late, with the team losing their last three contests. To make matters worse, Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a result, Indy will turn to Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee), who no longer carries an injury designation, in Sunday's meeting with the Seahawks. As expected, many feel that neither player will do enough to get Indianapolis back to the top of the AFC South. With that in mind, Pittman's fantasy ceiling might be at its lowest point of the season, especially with a challenging contest on tap. Although he's still a must-start in any setup, considering he's been a top fantasy wideout, managers should expect the worst and hope for the best in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte continues to handle a large volume of snaps, but it has resulted in inconsistent production thus far. He has six games with single-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues, and five games with double-digit points. His results have been somewhat unpredictable, but he faces an uphill battle to produce in Week 15 against a solid Buffalo Bills defense. The Bills have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to perimeter wide receivers in 2025, which limits Boutte's fantasy upside since he has played more than 90% of his snaps out wide. In his last outing against the Bills, he was held to a modest three catches for 43 yards. The 23-year-old is headed for a tough matchup this week and could quite possibly be outperformed by both Stefon Diggs and Hunter Henry in the passing game. As a result, Boutte is the overall WR40 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, which means that he can be benched in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn has been locked in all season, making 29 of 32 field goal attempts and 18 extra points. The fact that he has almost twice as many field goals as extra points shows how conservative the Texans typically are on offense, as they lean into the strength of their defense to win most matchups. Fairbairn converted both of his field goals and both of his extra points in last week's win in Kansas City, and he'll have an even better matchup this week against the Cardinals, who have given up the third-most points to kickers this season. Fiarbairn also gets to kick indoors in NRG Stadium, so the weather won't be a factor. In a great environment and a favorable matchup, Fairbairn is ranked as the No. 4 kicker in RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is gearing up for another potential revenge game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. When these two teams last faced each other in Week 5, Diggs exploded for his best game of the season, amassing 12 targets, 10 catches, and 146 receiving yards. The veteran receiver had an impressive stretch of performances near the middle of the season, but he came back down to earth over the last two weeks, totaling just five catches and zero touchdowns during that span while playing fewer than half of the offensive snaps. Despite recently failing to live up to his expectations, Diggs is still a very talented receiver who has repeatedly earned Drake Maye's trust. He has a strong chance to bounce back against his old team in Week 15. As it stands, he ranks as the overall WR21 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was quiet in his first game back from injury, but in the following game, he returned to the lead-back role and delivered double-digit fantasy points (full-PPR). As long as he continues to handle at least 50% of the offensive snaps, Stevenson figures to remain a solid RB3/flex option for Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. In his last outing, the 27-year-old played 58% of the snaps with 12 carries, 40 rushing yards, three receptions, and 40 receiving yards. Teammate TreVeyon Henderson played just 49% of the snaps, and while he was far more efficient on the ground, he mustered a lower total of 19 receiving yards. We expect Stevenson to carve out a sizable role in the passing game once again. Not only has he been a very solid pass-catcher this year, but his impressive pass-blocking skills will earn him additional snaps on passing downs. While Henderson has greater yardage and touchdown upside, Stevenson's ability to catch passes makes him a top-36 running back in half-PPR and full-PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has racked up 62 catches this season but only scored one touchdown, making him a deep-league PPR option but not a reliable, regular starter in standard-sized leagues. Schultz had three catches on four targets for 22 yards last week against the Chiefs, and he has at least three catches in all but two of his games this season. His only touchdown came against the Jaguars from Davis Mills, but C.J. Stroud looks his way often on short-yardage targets as well. His consistent volume gives him a high floor, but his ceiling is limited since he hasn't scored as many touchdowns. Schultz is the No. 17 TE this week in RotoBaller's rankings, as he faces the Cardinals, who have allowed six touchdowns and an average of 61 yards per game to tight ends this season. Even with a boost from the matchup, Schultz is better used as a TE2 than a starter in standard-sized leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins continues to have a solid rookie season, and he has been able to establish himself as the team's second receiver during their current winning streak. Last week, Higgins had three catches on five targets for 34 yards. He has at least five targets and at least three catches in five straight games and has scored two of his four touchdowns this season during that span. Higgins hasn't posted huge yardage totals, but he's a big target by the goal line and is in a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who have allowed four wide receiver touchdowns in the last two weeks. Higgins is a touchdown-dependent option this week, but he does bring some upside as the team's second receiver in a game where it should put up plenty of points. Higgins is the No. 46 WR in RotBaller's rankings for Week 15, making him a stretch even as a flex play outside of very deep formats. He is a player on the rise, though, so he definitely is worth monitoring as he finishes out his rookie year.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has had a stellar season. The 26-year-old leads the league in several rushing categories, including yards (1,356) and touchdowns (16). He also ranks second in attempts (247), two behind James Cook III (249). At this point, Taylor appears to be well on his way to having the best season of his career. Unfortunately, the 2020 No. 41 overall pick has cooled since finding the end zone three times versus the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin back in Week 10, scoring only once in his last three appearances. With four regular-season games left on the schedule, Indianapolis is looking for a much-needed win over Seattle on Sunday in hopes of climbing back to the top of the AFC South. However, the Colts have to figure out a way to win without Daniel Jones (Achilles), who will miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign. That means Indy will turn to the recently un-retired Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee) to take over under center in Week 15. All things considered, both quarterbacks could have a tough time getting anything going against a formidable Seahawks defense, meaning Taylor may get his number called even more than usual. Granted, JT might not have the easiest day either, considering Seattle has allowed just four rushing touchdowns this season. Still, despite the challenging matchup on the horizon, Taylor remains a must-start in all season-long fantasy formats. On the other hand, DFS managers should consider alternative options.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson's ascension into the lead-back role has come at the perfect time, as he continues to face off against a string of below-average run defenses. This week, Henderson's Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills, who have allowed the most rushing touchdowns, sixth-most rushing yards, and sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. The rookie has fared quite well since replacing Rhamondre Stevenson atop the depth chart. Even in Stevenson's two games since returning from injury, Henderson has totaled 35 touches, 133 rushing yards, and 34 receiving yards. He has double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last five games, and against a Bills defense that has allowed 18 touchdowns this year, Henderson has a good shot at breaking his two-game streak without a trip to the end zone. He continues to rank as a low-end RB1 for Week 15 against Buffalo.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk has struggled with injuries in his first season with the Texans, and he has been in a minimal role coming into his Week 15 matchup against his former team, the Cardinals. Kirk played only 25 snaps (36%) last week in a big game against the Chiefs and caught only one of his three targets for six yards. Kirk did flash upside with five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown in Week 12 against the Bills, but he has only one catch in the two games since C.J. Stroud has been back at quarterback. With rookie Jayden Higgins as the team's second receiver and Nico Collins dominating the target share, Kirk is left sharing time in the slot with rookie Jaylin Noel. Even though he'll be facing his former team, he's only the WR77 in RotoBaller's rankings, so he can be left on the waiver wire in most standard-sized formats for this week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins remains the clear go-to option in the Texans' passing game, and he's in a great spot this week at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Collins hauled in four receptions on eight targets for 121 yards in last Sunday's 20-10 win over the Chiefs, and he now has 75+receiving yards in five of his last six games. Collins is up to 916 receiving yards for the season and can get to 1,000 with a good showing this week against the Cardinals, who have allowed four wide receiver touchdowns in the last two weeks and nine on the season, while giving up 146.8 yards per week to the position. Collins is the No. 7 WR in RotoBaller's Week 15 rankings, making him a top starting option in just about all formats in this matchup this week, as he continues to be C.J. Stroud's go-to option as the Texans make their playoff push.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye played quite well during his last meeting against the Buffalo Bills, and he'll get another opportunity to face off against the division rival on Sunday in Week 15. Last time he faced the Bills, Maye completed 22 of his 30 pass attempts for 273 passing yards. He rushed for 12 yards and took four sacks. The former No. 3 pick played turnover-free football in that Week 5 contest, but he also was held without a touchdown for the first and only time this season. He should have more fantasy success this time around while also keeping New England in a competitive battle against the Bills. Buffalo's defense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2025, and they allowed Joe Burrow to throw for 284 yards and four touchdowns last weekend. Maye remains in the mix as a high-end fantasy QB1 coming off his bye week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale made the most of his lone carry last week, scampering five yards for a touchdown against the Chiefs. The 31-year-old veteran played only one snap, filling in while Nick Chubb (ribs) and Woody Marks (knee) were temporarily unavailable. He has four carries for 23 yards and a touchdown, along with five catches for 36 yards all season long, but he could be the team's primary backup this week since Chubb is questionable for Week 15 against the Cardinals. The Cardinals are a great matchup for running backs, and if Ogubowale ends up playing meaningful snaps, he has some flier upside. He's only the RB61 in RotoBaller's rankings, though, so he's best left on the waiver wire in most formats. It is worth watching to see if he'll be the primary backup, though, since Marks usually works in a rotation.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) won't carry an injury designation into the Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Tracy was forced to exit early during the Week 13 loss to the New England Patriots with a hip contusion. The 26-year-old is ready to go after a week off during the team's bye. Tracy figures to handle the bulk of the carries in the backfield, while Devin Singletary gets mixed in as well. The second-year back has rushed for over 60 yards in three of his last four games. During that span, Tracy has also finished with 50 receiving yards or more in two of those games. The Commanders' defense ranks 27th in points allowed to running backs this season. With a full workload, Tracy should be able to offer RB2 value in 12-team formats in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (ribs) was forced to leave last week's big win over the Chiefs early with a rib injury, but there's still a chance he's available for Week 15 against the Cardinals. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was able to get in a limited session on Friday. If he does play, he'll get a great matchup against the Cardinals' porous run defense that has given up 18 touchdowns to running backs this season. While Woody Marks is likely to get most of the work even if Chubb is healthy, he would bring touchdown-dependent upside. He only had one carry for three yards last week before his injury, but in Week 13, he found the end zone against the Colts for his third score of the season. He's a high-risk flex play even if he's active, even though he does have the potential to get some work, especially if the Texans play from ahead against Arizona
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is hopeful for better results after a lackluster performance against the New England Patriots in Week 13. Dart made his return to the field before the bye after missing two games due to a concussion and completed 17 of 24 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown in the loss. The biggest takeaway is that Dart only rushed the ball four times for 20 yards. Before missing two games, Dart had scored a touchdown on the ground in five straight games. The Giants previously stated they want Dart to be smarter with the way he runs the ball. His passing stats alone are unlikely going to be able to carry him as a QB1 in fantasy, even with a plus matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 15. Dart has been held to under 200 passing yards in three of his last four games. The Commanders' defense has allowed 58 points over their previous two contests. That's good news for Dart, but he should still be viewed on the lower end of the QB1 spectrum for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (ankle) remains a solid streaming option in Week 15 against an Indianapolis Colts defense that allows 15.5 points per game to opposing tight ends in fantasy. Barner has been relatively inconsistent this season due to variable target volume. However, he has remained an every-down player, and he is always a threat to score a touchdown. Barner's ceiling is tapped by a lack of volume, but he retains a solid floor for the tight end position. With the Colts having trouble containing opposing tight ends, Barner could find room to work, especially with wide receivers Rashid Shaheed and Jaxon Smith-Njigba running wild on the outside. Look for the Seahawks to deploy an effective passing attack on Sunday. If you are dealing with an inconsistent starter or you have been streaming the position this year, you could do worse than Barner this week. Barner has been listed as a full participant on Seattle's injury report this week, but he should be good to go for Sunday.
From RotoBaller