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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.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Dec 12 4:50pm ET
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional game against the New York Giants. Rodriguez was a non-participant on Wednesday, but he was able to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. The third-year running back has operated as Washington's lead back in recent weeks, handling double-digit carries in four of the past games. He exited early with a shoulder injury during the first half of the Week 10 game against the Lions after recording six carries for 16 yards and a touchdown. Rodriguez has totaled 54 carries for 253 yards with three rushing scores since then. He'll profile as a solid flex option in a favorable Week 15 matchup against the Giants if he's active, while rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols would handle the work if Rodriguez is unable to go.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Dec 12 4:50pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught three passes for 55 yards to lead the team in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. The Texans focused their defensive attention on Rashee Rice, which allowed Worthy to emerge with the most receiving yards on the team in Week 14. Worthy has quietly strung together three games with at least three catches and 55 yards, giving him a serviceable fantasy floor, albeit without much of a ceiling. The speedy wideout has only topped 70 yards once this season and has one receiving touchdown in 10 games. Things may not get easier as Worthy faces the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Chargers defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making it a tough spot for Worthy to succeed. Fellow receiver Marquise Brown has already been ruled out for this week's contest, which could open up more opportunities for Worthy, but the matchup is difficult nonetheless. Worthy is ranked WR45 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in the first week of the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 12 4:40pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) was cleared from the injury report Friday and will play in Week 15's divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. McConkey was limited every day in practice this week with a foot injury, but he will head into Sunday without an injury designation. The second-year wideout is coming off one of his least productive games of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles, recording just one catch for 12 yards on five targets. It marks his second game this season with just one catch, with the other coming back in Week 4. McConkey will look to rebound against the Chiefs, whom he faced back in Week 1 and tallied six catches for 74 yards on nine targets. The second-year wideout will have a higher fantasy ceiling if receiver Quentin Johnston (calf) is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Dec 12 4:40pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Coming off the best game of his young NFL career, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will see another quality fantasy matchup when the Vikings travel to Dallas in Week 15. The former Michigan star has been particularly hot-and-cold, even for a young quarterback, but managers in Superflex formats can consider him an option this week against the Cowboys' defense. While Dallas leads the NFL in pressure percentage, the Cowboys rank 31st in passing yards allowed, 30th in net yards per attempt, and 32nd in passing touchdowns surrendered. The biggest issue for McCarthy has been turnovers, but he's coming off a week in which he played turnover-free ball and set a career-best mark for passer rating in a decisive win against Washington. McCarthy is rushing for nearly five yards per attempt and still has an excellent collection of weapons, giving him lineup potential if he can continue to build upon last week's blueprint.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Dec 12 4:40pm ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was held in check by the Houston Texans in last week's loss. The Chiefs WR1 caught four passes for 34 yards, finishing third on the team in receiving yardage. Despite his lackluster performance, Rice still finished with a team-high eight targets, demonstrating the team's determination to keep him involved. The 26-year-old may once again struggle to find success this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making them one of the most difficult matchups at the position. Rice has been the team's focal point on offense since his return, so he should continue to be heavily involved despite the matchup. Rice was also listed on the injury report with a hamstring injury this week, but was a full participant in every practice and does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a top-end WR1 option again this week despite his recent struggles.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 12 4:30pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) was cleared from the injury report Friday and is good to go for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Herbert broke his left hand during the Chargers' Week 13 win over the Raiders and played through the injury last week against the Eagles. The team will continue to manage his reps during practice, but he isn't expected to miss any game action. The 27-year-old signal-caller wasn't at his best in the overtime win over the Eagles, completing just 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding 10 carries for 66 yards. He took a career-high seven sacks as he continues to operate behind a makeshift offensive line. Herbert's fantasy upside is capped due to his injury while working with poor protection from his offensive line. He profiles more as a QB2 in the Week 15 divisional matchup against the Chiefs on the road.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Dec 12 4:30pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (Achilles) should be considered a high-risk, high-reward WR3/flex candidate with the Vikings set to travel to Dallas in Week 15. Minnesota's typically dangerous passing game has taken a significant step back in 2025 as second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy has faced both injuries and periods of struggle, prompting the Vikings to simplify the offense and prioritize their running attack. McCarthy has favored Addison, however, as the receiver has 17 targets in the past two weeks. That offers breakout potential against a Dallas defense that ranks 30th in net yards per attempt allowed, 32nd in passing touchdowns allowed, and 32nd against fantasy wide receivers. Off the injury report and now facing a quality matchup, Addison has a pathway to a big week, albeit with risk, given the Vikings' offensive volatility this year.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 12 4:30pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Week 15, which marks the start of the fantasy playoffs in many leagues, brings about an especially difficult call for fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of a primetime game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. On one hand, Jefferson remains one of the game's best; he's healthy, and he's up against a Cowboys defense that has allowed more points to fantasy receivers than any other team. On the other hand, the superstar receiver's recent lack of production is staggering. Jefferson hasn't finished among the top 20 PPR receivers since Week 9, and he has just 15 combined receiving yards in Minnesota's past two games. Managers who have been burned surely feel cautious; however, the matchup is favorable, and Jefferson is still too good to completely overlook. Factoring in the offense's struggles as they break in quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Jefferson is more of a WR2/high-end flex, but there is serious potential against a Dallas defense that has given up a ton of production to wide receivers this season.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 12 4:30pm ET
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is coming off a solid performance last week, but remains a risky, mid-tier option when his team travels to Dallas in Week 15. The first-year Viking has been solid when called upon, but has only finished better than 20th among PPR running backs one time this season. The Vikings have favored the run more than usual as they attempt to acclimate second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, though Mason has drawn double-digit touches only once in the past five weeks as Minnesota has continued to favor Aaron Jones Sr. The Cowboys rank a lowly 28th against PPR running backs, but Mason has just 13 catches on the season and has become a touchdown-dependent fantasy play. Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 41 running back for Week 15, Mason is likely best saved for deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 12 4:30pm ET
Aaron Jones

The Minnesota Vikings may have developed a rest-of-season formula last week, which could mean continued RB3/flex potential for Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) against the Dallas Cowboys. In a 31-0 rout of Washington last week, the Vikings leaned on their running game, which led to 14 carries and 76 rushing yards for Jones. The veteran still hasn't had a breakout game this season, but has maintained a steady floor, even as the Vikings have struggled for much of the year. Additionally, he'll see a plus matchup against a Dallas defense that ranks 28th against PPR running backs and presents added potential for Jones, who has 31 targets in nine games. Jones has been battling a shoulder injury for over a month now, but has still appeared in all five games since sustaining the injury, so managers can consider him a high-floor flex option in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Dec 12 4:20pm ET
Will Reichard

Despite going up against a struggling Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 15, Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be considered an average fantasy kicker option this week. Reichard, the 12th-ranked fantasy kicker, has been mostly reliable despite the Vikings' struggles on offense. He's 22-for-24 on field-goal attempts, which includes eight makes from 50 or more yards. Ironically, Dallas has been one of the poorer matchups for fantasy kickers, but mostly because its defense is having such a hard time getting to fourth down. The Cowboys have allowed 29 passing touchdowns and a 47.8% third-down conversion rate, both the worst marks in the NFL, and they are allowing red-zone touchdowns at the third-highest rate in the league. While Reichard has been consistent, managers may want to consider a stronger option if they're in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Dec 12 4:20pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shin) is coming off a highlight-worthy touchdown last week, but a decrease in passing volume will once again keep him as a low-end TE2 option when the Vikings travel to Dallas in Week 15. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy played the best game of his NFL career last week, which coincided with a tight-end-friendly gameplan. All three of McCarthy's passing touchdowns went to tight ends -- two to Josh Oliver and one to Hockenson -- but just three overall targets went Hockenson's way as Minnesota prioritized its running game. The Cowboys have been abysmal against the pass overall, surrendering the most passing touchdowns and second-most yards, but receivers have done much more damage: Dallas ranks a respectable 11th against half-PPR tight ends. While Hockenson is off the injury report, he's averaging just 3.5 catches and 28.5 yards per game, so he's best saved for formats that start more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Dec 12 4:20pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco handled nine carries for 30 yards in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. In his second game back from injury, Pacheco's opportunities ticked up closer to Kareem Hunt, who handled 12 carries in the contest. Pacheco looked like the best back in the backfield before his knee injury, so the team may prefer to lean on him more as he gets healthier. Pacheco will have a chance to surpass Hunt this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense has been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, meaning that it should not be a difficult matchup for Pacheco. That said, splitting carries with Hunt in a divisional matchup could be a difficult situation to succeed in. Pacheco is ranked RB48 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a difficult player to trust until he shows more upside.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Dec 12 4:10pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled 12 carries for 30 yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. The veteran back once again found the endzone, but was inefficient with his opportunities. Hunt averaged 2.5 yards per carry and failed to bring in his only target of the contest. Hunt has been the unquestioned lead back in the absence of Isiah Pacheco and retained that role in Pacheco's first game back from injury in Week 13, but things shifted last. Hunt had 12 carries for 30 yards, and Pacheco had nine carries for 30 yards (3.3 yards per carry). Pacheco's opportunities ticked up in his second week back from injury, putting Hunt's grip on the backfield in jeopardy. That said, Hunt should remain the back most likely to score a touchdown given the team's trust in him for goal-line chances. Hunt will have to fend off Pacheco for opportunities while taking on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The Chargers have been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season, so it should not be a difficult matchup. Splitting touches with Pacheco in a game with a 40.5 O/U may lead to a lower ceiling for both players. Hunt is ranked RB31 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a RB3/Flex option for this contest in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Dec 12 4:00pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is coming off his worst game of the season in last week's 10-20 loss to the Houston Texans. Mahomes completed 14 of 33 pass attempts (42%) for 160 yards and three interceptions. Despite his ineffectiveness through the air, Mahomes was the team's leading rusher with 59 yards on the ground. The Kansas City Chiefs now sit at 6-7 with an 11% chance of making the playoffs, which hinges on them winning out the rest of the season. The Chiefs superstar will have to pull off a miracle to bring the team back from the brink of elimination, and he will have to start with the Los Angeles Chargers this week. The Chargers defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, which means another difficult matchup for Mahomes this week. Mahomes was also listed on the injury report with a knee injury, but he practiced all week fully and does not have an injury designation for the game. Mahomes is ranked QB10 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a low-end QB1 in a make-or-break game.

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Denzel Ward Dec 12 3:50pm ET
Denzel Ward

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (calf) was unable to practice at all this week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 15 game in Chicago against the Bears on Sunday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. With Ward out, the Browns' secondary will be much more vulnerable against quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears' offense this weekend. This will be the first game that the 28-year-old Ward has missed in 2025. It's unclear if he'll be ready to return for a matchup against the visiting Buffalo Bills in Week 16 on Sunday, Dec. 21. Through 13 games played this year, Ward has posted 38 total tackles (29 solo), an interception, and eight pass breakups. The Browns' defensive unit has one of the best pass-rushers in football in Myles Garrett, but they allowed the Titans to score 30-plus points last week and will have their hands full in Chicago against one of the best rushing offenses in the league.

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Joey Bosa Dec 12 3:50pm ET
Joey Bosa

Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (hamstring, wrist) was upgraded to a full practice participant on Friday and has been removed from the Week 15 injury report. He will be active on Sunday when the team takes on the division-rival New England Patriots on the road. The 30-year-old was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Bosa missed one game due to hamstring and wrist injuries, but he'll return this weekend for a big divisional clash as the Bills look to slow down the 11-2 Pats and split the season series. Getting Bosa back is great news for the Bills' defense, but they are still a defensive unit to avoid in fantasy football in Week 15 against a super-efficient New England offense that has limited their turnovers this year. Bosa has a total of 26 tackles (15 solo) and five sacks on the year in 12 games in his first year in Buffalo.

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Sauce Gardner Dec 12 3:40pm ET
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) will not play in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Gardner will miss a second straight game with a calf injury, but he's expected to return before the end of the regular season, and he could make it back as soon as Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football on Dec. 22. The Colts paid a hefty price to land the 25-year-old defensive back from the New York Jets at the trade deadline, but he's only been able to play in three games for Indy. In 10 games this season, Gardner has 33 tackles (26 solo) and eight pass breakups. Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards will continue to see more playing time in the Colts' defensive backfield with Gardner out. Not having Gardner against Seattle receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba this weekend could prove costly.

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DeForest Buckner Dec 12 3:40pm ET
DeForest Buckner

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) will not be activated from Injured Reserve to play this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Buckner did have his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday, though, and he was limited on Wednesday and Thursday. If he can continue to improve going into next week, Buckner could make his return on Monday Night Football in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. The struggling Colts will be without Buckner, All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf), and cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (concussion) this Sunday for a tough road matchup against the Seahawks. Ward was placed on Injured Reserve this week after suffering his third concussion of the year. Buckner has recorded 42 total tackles and four sacks over 424 defensive snaps this season.

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T.J. Watt Dec 12 3:30pm ET
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt (lung) has officially been ruled out for the Monday night game in Week 15 against the visiting Miami Dolphins, according to Teresa Varley of the team's official website. Watt had surgery on Thursday to fix a partially collapsed lung and is at home resting comfortably. The 31-year-old outside linebacker will be missing his first game of the year, and it's unclear if he can make it back to face the Detroit Lions in Week 16. The Steelers' defense won't have its leader on the field this Monday, but they'll still be in play for fantasy managers as a streaming unit against the Dolphins in primetime. Nick Herbig will need to pick up the slack as a starter for Pittsburgh's defense with Watt sidelined. Watt has had a down year in 2025 with only seven sacks in 13 starts.

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