Guest of the League
Cashing Checks Est. 2022
Dynasty $250 - FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

Raiders' Kenny Pickett, an ex-Eagle, to face former club

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).

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
DeVonta Smith Dec 13 12:50pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is coming off of back-to-back weeks where his production didn't quite meet expectations. It's not due to a lack of looks-Smith is averaging nine targets per game since Week 12-the issue is more because of his yardage. Over the same three-game span, he's averaging just 6.4 yards per target. For comparison, his counterpart A.J. Brown has averaged 9.8 during that time. However, Smith does have a favorable matchup this Sunday against the Raiders. Las Vegas gives up the third-most fantasy points to wideouts this season, and the Eagles should have little trouble putting this team away in what feels like a must-win game. Smith isn't the most comfortable option for fantasy playoffs, but he's done enough to be slotted as a decent WR3/FLEX in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Darius Cooper Dec 13 12:50pm ET
Darius Cooper

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper logged his second-most snaps in a single game last week, as he was on the field for 21 offensive plays-29.6% of total opportunities. The increased action allowed for Cooper to haul in his third career catch-a 19-yard gain in the fourth quarter. After failing to record any statistics through the first 10 weeks of the season, the undrafted wideout has now found himself in the box score twice in the past three weeks. While it's encouraging for him to step up a bit recently, he's still too far down the depth chart in an offense that's already not very WR-dependent. Cooper shouldn't be in fantasy lineups for his upcoming game against the Raiders, but hopefully some more chances are in store for him on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Dec 13 12:50pm ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has played better in the final stretch of the 2025 campaign. He was much improved as a runner leading up to the Week 14 loss to the Bills, amassing at least 5.2 yards per carry in five of his previous six appearances. Although the 25-year-old struggled on the ground in snowy Buffalo, he made up for it by finding the end zone twice. Brown has been back in the must-start conversation for weeks, which will continue to apply to Sunday's meeting with the Baltimore Ravens. With Tee Higgins (concussion) out, Brown could see even more attention on the receiving end, increasing his fantasy ceiling. He caught all seven of his targets for 35 yards when these clubs met in Week 13, a game in which Higgins also wasn't available.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Dec 13 12:50pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert keeps managers guessing as he registered one of his best performances of the season last week against the Chargers. After a frustrating four-week stretch, Goedert racked up eight receptions for 78 yards on 10 targets against Los Angeles, all of which would be season highs if not for his Week 6 game against the Giants. This upcoming Sunday, the eight-year veteran will face off against the Raiders, who allow the fourth-least amount of fantasy points to his position. The last time Las Vegas let an opposing tight end record more than 50 receiving yards was eight weeks ago when Travis Kelce had 54. Goedert is the definition of a boom-or-bust player, so this week comes down to a toss-up decision: do managers ride the momentum of last week's Goedert, or do they see the tight end trend against the Raiders and hold off? He's a risky start for fantasy playoffs, and should be seen as a fine TE2 for Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 13 12:50pm ET
Jayden Reed

After missing 10 games due to collarbone and foot injuries, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed returned to the field for his team's Week 14 matchup against the Chicago Bears. In his first game back, the 25-year-old played 47% of Green Bay's offensive snaps and hauled in four receptions for 31 yards on four targets. Now that he's back in the fold, Reed profiles as the Packers' WR3 alongside Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. However, Green Bay also has wideouts Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, and Bo Melton as capable pass-catchers in reserve roles. The Packers' deep wide receiver room limits Reed's playing time and target upside. Additionally, Green Bay has a very difficult matchup in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos. Entering the week, Denver ranks 4th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.3). Between the matchup and the playing time ceiling, Reed profiles as a low-end WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Dec 13 12:40pm ET
Xavier Legette

Xavier Legette caught only one pass for a single yard in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams before the Week 14 bye. He finished with 1.1 PPR points, marking the seventh game this year in which he scored under five points. Legette has a rather unfavorable matchup in Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints rank 11th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs this season. Legette's volume has been inconsistent, with only three games since Week 5 where he had 5+ targets. Considering his underwhelming fantasy output and varying volume, Legette should not be considered for the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Dec 13 12:40pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley broke free for a 52-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of last week's game against the Chargers, finally snapping his four-game scoreless streak. This play also boosted him to his second-highest rushing yards count in a game this season with 122, his second time surpassing 100 yards on the ground. He'll try to carry this momentum into Week 15's matchup with the Raiders, who allow the ninth-most fantasy points to RBs in the league. Las Vegas is also tied for the second-most rushing touchdowns given up this year, letting up 18 scores to runners over 13 games. While he has left some to be desired in the passing game lately, Barkley is primed to find the end zone this weekend, which should make up for any lack of catches. Consider him a low-end RB1.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 13 12:40pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Jacobs was held out of practice on both Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee issue, but he was able to practice in a limited capacity on Friday, giving him a chance to play. The 27-year-old has been one of the NFL's most consistent running backs so far this season. Across 12 games, Jacobs has logged 206 carries for 817 yards and 12 touchdowns. If active in Week 15, Jacobs will face a difficult matchup in the Broncos' defense. Entering Sunday, Denver ranks first among NFL defenses in yards per carry allowed (3.7) and second in total rushing yards allowed (1,157). Jacobs has proven the ability to find the end zone against pretty much every unit he has matched up against so far this season. However, the Denver defense, combined with a potentially limited workload due to the knee injury, should likely lead fantasy managers to slightly downgrade expectations. If active, Jacobs profiles as a high-end fantasy RB2 in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Dec 13 12:40pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby finished last week's game against the Chargers with just one carry for four yards. Bigsby played an equal amount of snaps to Will Shipley (seven), who had no rushing attempts but did manage a single catch for three yards. The trend has continued between these backup RBs in Philly, with A.J. Dillon taking a back seat while Shipley is more of an option in the passing game and Bigsby helps relieve Saquon Barkley of carrying duties every now and then. With fantasy playoffs beginning and many fantasy lineups solidified, Bigsby may be beneficial to have as a handcuff now more than ever if managers are cleaning out their benches. However, he still shouldn't be starting while Barkley is in the mix in Week 15 against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Dec 13 12:40pm ET
Adam Thielen

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen earned just one target in Week 14 but could be in line for additional opportunities against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. Thielen surprisingly logged the second-most snaps of any Steelers receiver in his debut with the team last week, trailing only DK Metcalf. With Calvin Austin III (calf) popping up on the injury report late in the week, Thielen could emerge as the unquestioned WR2 in Pittsburgh on Monday night. Still, this isn't a particularly easy matchup, as the Dolphins are surrendering the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season. He can't be trusted to provide consistent fantasy value down the stretch, but Thielen's role and developing chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers are worth monitoring in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Dec 13 12:40pm ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Ja'Tavion Sanders did not see a single target in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, Sanders was mainly utilized as a blocker and played on 48% of the snaps. In 10 games played this year, Sanders has averaged 4.3 PPR Points Per Game. New Orleans ranks 12th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the TE position. Notably, Sanders had his second-best performance of the season against the Saints in Week 10, when he totaled 8.2 PPR points with five receptions on 32 receiving yards. Still, Sanders does not see enough consistent volume to warrant being rostered during the fantasy playoffs. Sanders has been targeted 5+ times in a game only twice this season, and he has no receiving touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Dec 13 12:40pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had his third straight game recording 100+ receiving yards last week against the Chargers as his hottest stretch of the season continues. It was also the fourth contest in a row that Brown was targeted at least 10 times. The stud wideout is perfectly set up to keep it rolling as the Raiders visit Philly on Sunday, as Las Vegas allows the third-most fantasy points to WRs this year. The one piece of concern is that in their last three outings, the Raiders have not allowed a receiver to finish with more than 62 yards. However, with Brown in the form he's been in over the last four weeks, managers can't turn away from him now. Although his 2025 has been a rocky road, he's a solid WR2 as fantasy playoffs kick off this week.

From RotoBaller

Van Jefferson Dec 13 12:30pm ET
Van Jefferson

Across 13 games this season, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson has recorded 23 receptions for 237 yards and a touchdown on 42 targets. The 29-year-old has earned consistent playing time in Tennessee since Titans wideout Calvin Ridley (leg) first started dealing with injury issues this season. Across seven games since Week 6, Jefferson has played at least 73% of Tennessee's offensive snaps in every contest. Despite the consistent snap share, Jefferson has recorded no more than four receptions or 75 receiving yards in a game this season. His production upside appears capped by both his own lack of explosiveness and the Titans' larger offensive struggles. In Week 15, Tennessee will take on a San Francisco 49ers defense that has held two straight opponents to fewer than 10 total points. Jefferson should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Tetairoa McMillan Dec 13 12:30pm ET
Tetairoa McMillan

Tetairoa McMillan was targeted only twice, but still made a notable impact in the Panthers' 31-28 surprise victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. The rookie WR caught one pass, but it was for a 43-yard touchdown, boosting him to a total of 11.3 PPR points. This game was also McMillan's third in a row with a receiving touchdown. After going on bye in Week 14, the Panthers will face the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. New Orleans ranks 11th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the WR position. In Week 10 against the Saints, McMillan had five receptions for 60 yards, totaling 11.0 PPR points. McMillan has seen enough volume as Carolina's leading receiver to usually maintain a solid fantasy floor. He should be started as a WR3 or flex start for Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 13 12:30pm ET
Jalen Coker

Jalen Coker came through with his best performance of the year in Week 13 against the Rams before going on bye. The Carolina WR registered 74 yards on four receptions with one touchdown. Coker finished the game with 17.4 PPR points, his highest total of the year. It was the second time in three weeks that he scored 11 or more PPR points. The Panthers will face the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. The Saints rank 11th in Fantasy Points Per game allowed to WRs this season. In Week 10, Coker finished with 5.1 PPR points on three receptions for 21 yards. Coker has not seen enough consistent volume to warrant a roster spot as the fantasy playoffs open. The WR has only been targeted more than four times in a game once this year. If your team advanced to the fantasy playoffs, you likely did not clinch a berth with Coker on the team.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 13 12:30pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is having a down year compared to last. However, he still ranks among the top wideouts in the National Football League, which isn't much of surprise to anyone. The former LSU Tiger is coming off a rough showing in the Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, catching only five passes (eight targets) for 44 yards. Instead, it was Tee Higgins (concussion) who led the way on the receiving end, finding the end zone twice. Unfortunately, Higgins won't play in Sunday's meeting with the Ravens, just like when these clubs met in Week 13. Chase was certainly more productive in that one, ending with seven grabs for 110 yards. More importantly, he was targeted 14 times. While Chase is always a must-start, his ceiling is much higher without Higgins in the mix in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Dec 13 12:30pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a shambolic showing in his worst game of the season this past Monday, turning the ball over five times and barely reaching a 50% completion rate in a loss to the Chargers. It was a new low for Hurts, who will try to bounce back in an upcoming meeting with the Raiders. Las Vegas' pass defense is nothing to write home about, allowing the 16th-most passing yards per game (211.8) and being tied for the 19th-most passing touchdowns given up (19) in the league. Hurts has just been dealt a slap in the face, setting his career high for turnovers and losing his third straight game, so Sunday's contest against the 2-11 Raiders should be a layup opportunity to get Philly back on track with NFL playoffs right around the corner. There's just about nowhere to go but up from here for the reigning Super Bowl MVP, so expect him to lead his offense to a more productive day in Week 15. Put trust in Hurts as a mid-tier QB1 as fantasy playoffs get underway.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Loop Dec 13 12:20pm ET
Tyler Loop

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop bounced back in Week 14 with another placement in K1 territory as he finished up as the K7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made two 36-yarders and a 28-yarder while making one of his two extra point attempts. Since the Ravens' offense put up an abysmal performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving, Loop's first outing against them was a disappointment. Lamar Jackson and company should be able to get back on track this time around, which lends to Loop being projected as the K10 in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Dec 13 12:20pm ET
Rico Dowdle

In Week 13, Rico Dowdle totaled 58 rushing yards on 18 carries and 21 receiving yards on two receptions against the Rams. Dowdle finished the game with 9.9 PPR points, which was his lowest since being named the starting RB for Carolina in Week 9. Chuba Hubbard also outperformed Dowdle in that game, registering 20.4 PPR points on 124 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. Hubbard also took the most snaps (59%) between the RBs. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Dowdle would be the featured back on early downs and at the goal line. This week, the Panthers face the New Orleans Saints for the second time this season. Against the RB position, the Saints rank 18th in Fantasy Points Per Game Allowed. In Week 10 against the Saints, Dowdle had 53 rushing yards on 18 carries with one touchdown. With a continued shared workload, he is likely to remain an RB2 starter with a decent statistical fantasy floor. Over the last four weeks before the bye, Dowdle averaged 12.9 PPR points per game.

From RotoBaller

Gunnar Helm Dec 13 12:20pm ET
Gunnar Helm

After earning at least five targets across three straight games from Week 11 through Week 13, Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm hauled in just one catch for eight yards on two targets in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Across 13 games overall this season, the 23-year-old rookie has recorded 37 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown on 46 targets. On the bright side, Helm played a season-high 67% of Tennessee's offensive snaps against Cleveland. However, the Titans continue to split tight end snaps between Helm and veteran Chig Okonkwo, limiting the ceiling for both players. In Week 15, the Titans will take on a San Francisco 49ers defense that ranks as a mid-pack unit against the pass. Still, Helm is difficult for fantasy managers to trust and should likely be avoided as a starter in Week 15.

From RotoBaller