Updated 12/18 at 12:00 PM ET. Ticked Ty Montgomery up at running back. Added Zach Zenner and Shane Vereen.
Matt Ryan is missing Julio Jones. Russell Wilson is missing consistency. Aaron Rodgers is road tripping with two injuries to play in near-zero degree weather. Tom Brady is headed to Denver, Andrew Luck is headed to Minnesota and Drew Brees is headed to Arizona.
Which leads us to Kirk Cousins, QB1. Cousins is the only member of this year’s Steady Producers Club playing at home without any question marks. Cousins has scored at least two touchdowns in eight straight starts, averaging 327 yards in the process. He’s as consistent as they come, and facing a Panthers defense surrendering 272 weekly passing yards. QB1 Cousins is a freak occurrence, but how the stars have aligned for the fantasy semifinals.
Week 15 Quarterbacks
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Kirk Cousins | vs. CAR | - |
| 2 | Matt Ryan | vs. SF | - |
| 3 | Russell Wilson | vs. LAR | - |
| 4 | Aaron Rodgers | at CHI | Questionable (calf) |
| 5 | Tom Brady | at DEN | - |
| 6 | Ben Roethlisberger | at CIN | - |
| 7 | Drew Brees | at ARZ | - |
| 8 | Andrew Luck | at MIN | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 9 | Derek Carr | at SD | - |
| 10 | Carson Palmer | vs. NO | - |
| 11 | Philip Rivers | vs. OAK | - |
| 12 | Tyrod Taylor | vs. CLE | - |
| 13 | Jameis Winston | at DAL | - |
| 14 | Dak Prescott | vs. TB | - |
| 15 | Cam Newton | at WAS | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 16 | Joe Flacco | vs. PHI | - |
| 17 | Trevor Siemian | vs. NE | - |
| 18 | Marcus Mariota | at KC | - |
| 19 | Matthew Stafford | at NYG | - |
| 20 | Eli Manning | vs. DET | - |
| 21 | Alex Smith | vs. TEN | - |
| 22 | Andy Dalton | vs. PIT | - |
| 23 | Sam Bradford | vs. IND | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 24 | Colin Kaepernick | at ATL | - |
| 25 | Matt Moore | at NYJ | - |
| 26 | Carson Wentz | at BAL | - |
| 27 | Matt Barkley | vs. GB | - |
| 28 | Bryce Petty | vs. MIA | - |
| 29 | Brock Osweiler | vs. JAC | - |
| 30 | Blake Bortles | at HOU | - |
| 31 | Robert Griffin III | at BUF | - |
| 32 | Jared Goff | at SEA | Sidelined (concussion) |
QB Notes: Playing at home against a horrendous 49ers team that seemingly doesn’t want to win any of its final three games, Matt Ryan has a strong claim to QB1 overall status with or without Julio Jones (toe). Kirk Cousins’ floor is higher, but Ryan will have a towering ceiling even if his superstar teammate doesn’t play. … The Seahawks are averaging 16 more points per game at home than they are on the road. Back in Seattle after a stinging, embarrassing defeat in Green Bay, they’ll be hosting a Rams team that fired its coach on a short week. This is the same Rams team that’s allowed 117 points over its past three games. Hot-and-cold Russell Wilson should be piping on Thursday night. … Aaron Rodgers has 23 total touchdowns over his past eight starts. He just ripped the Seahawks’ elite pass defense. The problem is, he’s headed on the road to play with a pair of soft-tissue injuries in temperatures that might not rise above zero degrees. Rodgers will find a way to score two touchdowns, but anything beyond that could be gravy in weather that could freeze gravy.
Even with Rob Gronkowski injured or sidelined for the past four games, Tom Brady has averaged 310 yards while passing for 10 touchdowns. He dismantled the Ravens’ stout defense on Monday Night Football. The Broncos are a different kind of opponent, but the same is true of Brady. Granted, it came with Gronk, but Brady averaged 295 yards and two touchdowns in his two 2015-16 starts against Denver. With everyone around him having equally odious questions, I’m starting Brady with confidence. … I hate my Ben Roethlisberger ranking. It’s a duty, not an honor. With this week completely off the rails at quarterback, I’m simply putting my faith in a good player against a team allowing the 11th most quarterback fantasy points. … The owner of a 0:6 TD:INT ratio over his past two starts, Drew Brees is headed on the road to face the Cardinals’ shutdown pass defense. In a normal week, Brees might not even be in the top 10. As we’ve established, this is not a normal week, so good players have to get the benefit of the doubt. Michael Thomas’ (foot) return would be a massive boost.
Andrew Luck was awful in Week 14. He was also the QB2, checking in behind only Tom Brady. Fantasy owners are going to need some similar magic against the Vikings’ stingy pass defense. Such is the state of quarterback this week that Luck can’t be ranked any lower. … Derek Carr’s Week 14 was as pathetic as possible. It probably knocked you out of the fantasy playoffs if you started him. If you survived, he could provide an apology against the Chargers. “Could” because Carr hasn’t been the same since injuring his pinkie, completing just 47.3 of his passes over his past two appearances. Carr had previously converted at least 60 percent of his throws in every 2016 start. He’s a risk/reward proposition against the shootout-prone Chargers. … Carson Palmer has struggled this season, but his Week 14 in the pouring rain of Miami can’t be held against him. Before last Sunday, Palmer had thrown for at least 289 yards in 5-of-6 games, and two touchdowns in 4-of-6. He’ll be a usable option against the Saints. … With 12 turnovers over his previous four starts, Philip Rivers is melting down. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Nevertheless, it hasn’t torpedoed his fantasy value, as Rivers has been the QB8 by average points during his real-life collapse. Expect another part disaster, part fine fantasy day against the Raiders’ soft defense.
Editor’s Note: The FanDuel Single Entry Series is entering the homestretch, but it’s not too late to get expert strategy help to put your best lineup forward. Breakdown this week’s action with the “FanDuel Single Entry Series: Week 15 Player Pool.”
Tyrod Taylor’s downside is self-evident. Coach Rex Ryan has basically said he’s in danger of an in-game benching. He simply can’t fall any further for a home matchup with a Browns defense that’s allowed the most passing touchdowns in football (30). … Matthew Stafford has been the QB7 and QB3 over the past two weeks. The problem for Week 15 is the Lions’ slow-it-down offense meeting up with a Giants defense permitting the second fewest quarterback fantasy points. Stafford almost always hits his floor, but on paper, he has a nonexistent ceiling for the fantasy semifinals. … Jameis Winston has similar issues to Stafford. The Bucs like to play it slow and are facing the kings of slow in Dallas. A big fantasy day is highly unlikely. … Coming off his worst start of the season, Dak Prescott has a forbidding matchup in the Bucs’ white-hot defense. As Rich Hribar points out in his Worksheet, the Bucs have allowed just six passing touchdowns over their past five games. … Averaging 202 yards over his past four starts, Eli Manning doesn’t have much upside against the Lions’ improving defense.
It’s hard to believe how bad Cam Newton has been over his past four starts. Last year’s MVP has completed a sub-Tebow 42.9 percent of his passes. For Week 15, the QB2 faith comes in the form of Washington’s leaky pass defense. … Andy Dalton could be moving up if A.J. Green (hamstring) returns. … Zeroing in on Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas, Trevor Siemian is averaging 351 yards over his past two starts. … Joe Flacco has been resurrected the past two weeks. The comeback could continue against the Eagles’ fading defense. …. Coming off one of the worst games by any quarterback this season (in a win, somehow), Marcus Mariota should be in for a long afternoon in frigid Kansas City. … Benched literally in Week 13, Colin Kaepernick was benched figuratively in Week 14. He’s too risky to trust for the fantasy semifinals. … Matt Moore will be making his first start since 2011. It’s not a bad matchup, and he should be well coached. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal. … Blake Bortles vs. Brock Osweiler should be pre-stricken from the record. … Jared Goff doesn’t deserve this.
Don’t forget, for the latest on everything NFL, check out Rotoworld’s Player News, or follow @Rotoworld_FB or @RotoPat on Twitter.
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Week 15 Running Backs
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Le’Veon Bell | at CIN | - |
| 2 | David Johnson | vs. NO | - |
| 3 | LeSean McCoy | vs. CLE | - |
| 4 | Ezekiel Elliott | vs. TB | - |
| 5 | Devonta Freeman | vs. SF | - |
| 6 | Latavius Murray | at SD | Questionable (ankle) |
| 7 | DeMarco Murray | at KC | - |
| 8 | Jay Ajayi | at NYJ | - |
| 9 | Jordan Howard | vs. GB | - |
| 10 | Carlos Hyde | at ATL | - |
| 11 | Thomas Rawls | vs. LAR | - |
| 12 | LeGarrette Blount | at DEN | - |
| 13 | Lamar Miller | vs. JAC | - |
| 14 | Bilal Powell | vs. MIA | - |
| 15 | Spencer Ware | vs. TEN | - |
| 16 | Jonathan Stewart | at WAS | - |
| 17 | Jeremy Hill | vs. PIT | - |
| 18 | Kenneth Farrow | vs. OAK | - |
| 19 | Tevin Coleman | vs. SF | - |
| 20 | Doug Martin | at DAL | - |
| 21 | Todd Gurley | at SEA | - |
| 22 | Rob Kelley | vs. CAR | - |
| 23 | Frank Gore | at MIN | - |
| 24 | Kenneth Dixon | vs. PHI | - |
| 25 | Isaiah Crowell | at BUF | - |
| 26 | Mark Ingram | at ARZ | - |
| 27 | Adrian Peterson | vs. IND | - |
| 28 | Ty Montgomery | at CHI | - |
| 29 | Ryan Mathews | at BAL | Questionable (knee) |
| 30 | Dwayne Washington | at NYG | Questionable (ankle) |
| 31 | Rashad Jennings | vs. DET | - |
| 32 | Justin Forsett | vs. NE | - |
| 33 | Jerick McKinnon | vs. IND | - |
| 34 | Matt Forte | vs. MIA | - |
| 35 | Terrance West | vs. PHI | - |
| 36 | T.J. Yeldon | at HOU | Questionable (ankle) |
| 37 | Tim Hightower | at ARZ | - |
| 38 | Devontae Booker | vs. NE | - |
| 39 | Christine Michael | at CHI | Questionable (illness) |
| 40 | Charles Sims | at DAL | - |
| 41 | Mike Gillislee | vs. CLE | - |
| 42 | Dion Lewis | at DEN | - |
| 43 | Paul Perkins | vs. DET | - |
| 44 | Ronnie Hillman | vs. OAK | - |
| 45 | Rex Burkhead | vs. PIT | - |
| 46 | Chris Ivory | at HOU | - |
| 47 | James White | at DEN | - |
| 48 | Duke Johnson | at BUF | - |
| 49 | Matt Asiata | vs. IND | - |
| 50 | Jalen Richard | at SD | - |
| 51 | Charcandrick West | vs. TEN | - |
| 52 | Derrick Henry | at KC | - |
| 53 | Zach Zenner | at NYG | Questionable (concussion) |
| 54 | Shane Vereen | vs. DET | - |
| 55 | Chris Thompson | vs. CAR | - |
| 56 | Damien Williams | at NYJ | - |
| 57 | Travaris Cadet | at ARZ | - |
| 58 | Kenjon Barner | at BAL | - |
RB Notes: David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell both have choice matchups. I’ll give the edge to Bell, who is facing a Bengals team allowing 4.51 yards per carry. Cincinnati has also coughed up the seventh most running back receptions (72). … I’ll break with tradition and insert LeSean McCoy in the top three. Ezekiel Elliott remains matchup proof, but Shady’s matchup is too good to ignore. It’s no secret that the 0-13 Browns are allowing the second most rushing yards and running back fantasy points. 150 is McCoy’s over/under for yards from scrimmage. … Devonta Freeman had the week from hell last Sunday, rushing six times for six yards. He’ll try to make it up to you against the 49ers. It’s been hard to comprehend just how awful Chip Kelly’s ground defense is. Allowing 4.90 yards per carry and 171 yards per game, the 49ers are bad enough that there’s little reason Tevin Coleman shouldn’t join Freeman in the top 20. Coleman is capable of providing RB2 numbers on 8-10 touches. It might only take 6-8 this week.
The RB5 by average points over the past five weeks, Latavius Murray has 185 yards rushing and three touchdowns in his past two contests. He had RB1 numbers before, but has become a much safer bet since he started dominating snaps in the Raiders’ backfield three games ago. … I might have DeMarco Murray too low. I’m just expecting life to be very tough for the Titans on the frozen tundra of Arrowhead Stadium. Murray has really cooled since he started playing through his toe injury in Week 9. … I’m going all in on Bilal Powell. The Jets’ backfield has been a high-end RB1 situation whenever one player dominates touches. Powell will have no competition against a Dolphins defense surrendering 4.79 yards per carry and 134 yards per game. … Straight up laying down, the Jets’ defense allowed 11.4 yards per carry to Carlos Hyde in Week 14. It’s been a minute since Jay Ajayi had a big game, but he’s still averaging 4.95 yards per carry and receiving no fewer than 18 weekly touches. With Matt Moore under center, Ajayi could get the ball 25-plus times.
Jordan Howard has at least 77 yards rushing in six straight games. Averaging 4.99 yards per carry, he should be leaned on heavily in a game set to be played in polar bear-like conditions. The Packers will probably have issues pulling away, safeguarding Howard’s floor and boosting his ceiling. … Coming off a stunning 200-yard effort against the Jets, Carlos Hyde gets a Falcons squad allowing the seventh most running back fantasy points. No team has surrendered more RB receptions (95). The 49ers remain committed to the ground game no matter the score, protecting Hyde’s floor even in a probable blowout. … Thomas Rawls is popping on film. He’s yet to see more than 15 carries, but that should probably change against the Jeff Fisher-less Rams. It would be disappointing if Rawls didn’t finish at least one drive with a touchdown. … This is probably too low for LeGarrette Blount. It’s a good matchup. Blount has scored in 10-of-13 appearances. … Lamar Miller reminded of his upside last week. He could hit it again in a game the Texans will either completely control or keep extremely close.
Spencer Ware seems to have run out of gas, averaging 3.38 yards per carry over his past six games. He’s averaged a modest, by his standards, 69 yards from scrimmage in the process. He’s been an RB2 for a while now. It might become necessary for the Chiefs to get Charcandrick West more involved. … The Redskins are allowing the third most fantasy points to enemy running backs. It’s looking like a rare “Jonathan Stewart week.” … Jeremy Hill was unconscionable in Week 13, productive in Week 14. Locked into major volume, he should split the difference against the Steelers. … Kenneth Farrow is a Week 15 X-factor. He’s a plug-and-play RB2, though he does have downside. The San Diego Union-Tribune believes he could be “platooned” with Ronnie Hillman, whom the Chargers evidently trust more in pass protection. You can feel good about starting Farrow, especially if you’re missing Melvin Gordon (hip, knee), but he’s not exactly foolproof. … Doug Martin is struggling since returning, averaging 2.85 yards on his 103 carries. With Charles Sims back in the fold, he’s no longer a three-down player, and could strain for volume against the Keepaway Cowboys. He’s a touchdown-dependent RB2. … With Jeff Fisher fired and the Rams resetting, Todd Gurley is an ironclad lock for 20-plus carries against the Seahawks. There’s just no guarantee he does anything with them.
The Saints’ backfield has become a full-blown tirefire. With his toe seemingly still an issue, Mark Ingram has a scarily-low floor against the Cardinals’ stout run defense. … The guard might finally be changing in the Ravens’ backfield. Kenneth Dixon out-touched Terrance West 19-6 against the Patriots, out-gaining him 81-26. He has RB2 appeal for the fantasy semifinals. … Yeah, let’s see Isaiah Crowell do that again. The Bills, allowing the fifth most weekly rushing yards (126), are an attackable matchup. … The Giants are tough against the run, but Dwayne Washington will be in for a big workload if both Theo Riddick (wrist) and Zach Zenner (concussion) sit. … Ryan Mathews might finally have the Eagles’ backfield to himself. Naturally, it’s against the league’s best run defense, Baltimore. Mathews will be touchdown or bust. … The Packers have finally admitted Ty Montgomery is a running back. Christine Michael could see a similar amount of touches, but more of Montgomery’s should be catches, which is a solid tiebreaker even in standard leagues. … My guess is that Justin Forsett has the upper hand on Devontae Booker, and will not relinquish it. … The Jaguars, the Giants … your guess is as good as mine.
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Week 15 Receivers
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Antonio Brown | at CIN | - |
| 2 | Odell Beckham | vs. DET | - |
| 3 | Mike Evans | at DAL | - |
| 4 | Jordy Nelson | at CHI | - |
| 5 | Dez Bryant | vs. TB | Questionable (back) |
| 6 | T.Y. Hilton | at MIN | - |
| 7 | Larry Fitzgerald | vs. NO | - |
| 8 | Emmanuel Sanders | vs. NE | - |
| 9 | Doug Baldwin | vs. LAR | - |
| 10 | Amari Cooper | at SD | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 11 | Demaryius Thomas | vs. NE | - |
| 12 | Michael Crabtree | at SD | Questionable (finger) |
| 13 | Davante Adams | at CHI | - |
| 14 | Julian Edelman | at DEN | - |
| 15 | Brandin Cooks | at ARZ | - |
| 16 | Michael Thomas | at ARZ | - |
| 17 | Sammy Watkins | vs. CLE | Questionable (foot) |
| 18 | Tyrell Williams | vs. OAK | - |
| 19 | Tyreek Hill | vs. TEN | - |
| 20 | Jamison Crowder | vs. CAR | Questionable (hip) |
| 21 | Jordan Matthews | at BAL | Questionable (ankle) |
| 22 | Golden Tate | at NYG | - |
| 23 | DeSean Jackson | vs. CAR | - |
| 24 | Alshon Jeffery | vs. GB | - |
| 25 | Taylor Gabriel | vs. SF | - |
| 26 | Jarvis Landry | at NYJ | - |
| 27 | Steve Smith Sr. | vs. PHI | - |
| 28 | DeAndre Hopkins | vs. JAC | - |
| 29 | Stefon Diggs | vs. IND | Questionable (knee) |
| 30 | Dontrelle Inman | vs. OAK | - |
| 31 | Ty Montgomery | at CHI | - |
| 32 | Terrelle Pryor | at BUF | - |
| 33 | Robby Anderson | vs. MIA | - |
| 34 | Adam Thielen | vs. IND | - |
| 35 | Willie Snead | at ARZ | Questionable (-) |
| 36 | Rishard Matthews | at KC | - |
| 37 | Mike Wallace | vs. PHI | - |
| 38 | Brandon Marshall | vs. MIA | Questionable (foot) |
| 39 | J.J. Nelson | vs. NO | Questionable (knee) |
| 40 | Pierre Garcon | vs. CAR | - |
| 41 | Ted Ginn | at WAS | - |
| 42 | Kelvin Benjamin | at WAS | Questionable (back) |
| 43 | Kenny Britt | at SEA | - |
| 44 | Malcolm Mitchell | at DEN | - |
| 45 | Marqise Lee | at HOU | - |
| 46 | Anquan Boldin | at NYG | - |
| 47 | Randall Cobb | at CHI | Questionable (ankle) |
| 48 | Allen Robinson | at HOU | - |
| 49 | Tyler Lockett | vs. LAR | - |
| 50 | Tyler Boyd | vs. PIT | - |
| 51 | Cole Beasley | vs. TB | - |
| 52 | Brandon LaFell | vs. PIT | Questionable (knee) |
| 53 | Mohamed Sanu | vs. SF | - |
| 54 | Marvin Jones | at NYG | Questionable (quadriceps) |
| 55 | DeVante Parker | at NYJ | Questionable (back) |
| 56 | Corey Coleman | at BUF | - |
| 57 | Sterling Shepard | vs. DET | - |
| 58 | Cameron Meredith | vs. GB | - |
| 59 | Kenny Stills | at NYJ | - |
| 60 | Jeremy Maclin | vs. TEN | - |
| 61 | Dorial Green-Beckham | at BAL | Questionable (abdomen) |
| 62 | Chris Hogan | at DEN | - |
| 63 | Will Fuller | vs. JAC | Questionable (hip) |
| 64 | Quincy Enunwa | vs. MIA | Questionable (ribs) |
| 65 | Robert Woods | vs. CLE | Questionable (knee) |
| 66 | Tavon Austin | at SEA | - |
| 67 | Breshad Perriman | vs. PHI | - |
| 68 | Phillip Dorsett | at MIN | Questionable (groin) |
| 69 | Jermaine Kearse | vs. LAR | - |
| 70 | Eli Rogers | at CIN | - |
| 71 | Josh Bellamy | vs. GB | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 72 | Tajae Sharpe | at KC | - |
WR Notes: Odell Beckham has at least 94 yards in 4-of-5 games. … Mike Evans is in his first slump of the season. Allowing the fifth most weekly passing yards (268), the Cowboys seem poised to break it. … Jordy Nelson has either scored or posted 90 yards in all but two games this season. The weather is scary, but Nelson will still be better than 50-50 to have an excellent day in it. … Dez Bryant’s Week 14 was a nightmare come true. He caught 1-of-9 targets, with the grab immediately negated by a game-ending fumble. Two of his missed connections were interceptions. Awful, but it doesn’t erase the excellent work Dez and Dak Prescott had done over their previous four games (21/352/4). They’ve earned the benefit of the doubt. … T.Y. Hilton has 18 catches for 261 yards and a touchdown the past two weeks. As Lord Reebs points out, Hilton runs enough of his routes of the slot that he shouldn’t get wiped out by Xavier Rhodes and the Vikings’ secondary. … With Michael Floyd an ex-Cardinal, Larry Fitzgerald’s target floor is 10. Making his matchup with the Saints even rosier is Delvin Breaux’s (shoulder) questionable health.
Still slightly ahead of Demaryius Thomas in catches and yards, Emmanuel Sanders has 18 grabs for 262 yards and two scores over Trevor Siemian’s past two starts. With the run game in the gutter, coach Gary Kubiak is opening up the passing attack out of necessity. Thomas hasn’t been that far behind Sanders in Siemian’s past two appearances, going 15/186/0. Sanders has the edge, but Thomas is WR1 viable. … With at least six catches in 5-of-6 games, Doug Baldwin is long overdue for a ceiling game. The beleaguered Rams, changing coaches, headed on the road and potentially missing CB E.J. Gaines on a short week, are ripe for the picking. … Whereas Emmanuel Sanders/Demaryius Thomas has relative clarity, Amari Cooper/Michael Crabtree continues to have confusion. Cooper remains the higher-scoring player on the year. Crabtree remains the stabler option. I’ll let Cooper’s supposed WR1 upside serve as the tiebreaker, with Crabtree’s floor keeping him in the top 16. … The WR8 by average points, Davante Adams is a higher-upside, more-volatile Crabtree. Adams hit in last week’s tough matchup with the Seahawks. I wish I knew what he’ll do in sub-zero Chicago this weekend.
Julian Edelman has 55 targets over his past four games. He’s seeing more looks than ever with Rob Gronkowski sidelined. That’s enough volume to overcome even a healthy helping of Chris Harris Jr. … Michael Thomas (foot) is on track to return after missing Week 14. Of course, this is the Saints, so his status will be guarded like the Hope Diamond. If Thomas indeed suits up, he could draw Patrick Peterson’s shadow. Thomas is the Saints’ No. 1 receiver, but it’s setting up as more of a Brandin Cooks week. If Thomas is active, Willie Snead reverts to WR4 status. … Tyrell Williams is the gamebreaker in San Diego’s receiver corps. The problem is, he’s at far less than 100 percent as he battles through a shoulder injury. Frankly, I want to rank him lower, but this part of the board is just such a colossal mess. I’ll give Williams’ upside the benefit of the doubt in a plus matchup. … Alshon Jeffery is an excellent player … coming off suspension … with Matt Barkley at quarterback … in permafrost woolly mammoth temperatures. It’s a hopeful rank, if we’re being honest.
This feels aggressive for Tyreek Hill, but he’s established a bankable floor with relatively high touchdown odds. There are fewer “safe” options at this part of the board than there probably should be. … Sammy Watkins played 49-of-52 snaps against the Steelers, putting him back on the WR2 scene. He’s still a volatile option in what’s becoming an increasingly chaotic passing attack. The matchup is nice, of course. … Jamison Crowder has ebbed and flowed. All we really know is that he’s going to stay involved. He has a genuine connection with Kirk Cousins. … It stands to reason that No. 2 QB Matt Moore will lock onto target sponge Jarvis Landry. Already unstable options, DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills can’t be fired up as more than hopes or prayers with Ryan Tannehill sidelined. … Jordan Matthews has at least 10 targets in five of his past six games. The Ravens seem to be a forbidding matchup, but similar slot option Julian Edelman managed 15 looks on Monday evening. The Ravens have also coughed up the fifth most receiver fantasy points. Matthews is a little safer than he might appear at first glance.
Taylor Gabriel seems to be a more stable DeSean Jackson right now, though D-Jax still possesses more upside. Both have solid matchups. … Stefon Diggs has been a volume play all season. That’s become problematic with Adam Thielen really starting to cut into it. Thielen has a WR3 case of his own. … Brandon Marshall has underperformed all year. Bryce Petty has a bromance with Robby Anderson. I’m going to go with what we’ve seen instead of what seems to make the most sense on paper. … Rishard Matthews has himself a date with Marcus Peters. … Ted Ginn has been out-performing Kelvin Benjamin for weeks. Ginn is the higher-floor option right now, and arguably higher ceiling. … J.J. Nelson is going to play a ton of snaps in Michael Floyd’s absence. This is a conservative rank. I could see myself having Nelson a little higher by Sunday. … Malcolm Mitchell has been the real deal, but it’s hard to think of a worse matchup for a rookie boundary receiver than the 2016 Denver Broncos. … Tyler Lockett is coming out of hibernation. If you need maximum upside in a deeper league, he’s a home run waiting to be hit.
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Week 15 Tight Ends
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Travis Kelce | vs. TEN | - |
| 2 | Tyler Eifert | vs. PIT | - |
| 3 | Greg Olsen | at WAS | - |
| 4 | Jimmy Graham | vs. LAR | - |
| 5 | Cameron Brate | at DAL | - |
| 6 | Kyle Rudolph | vs. IND | - |
| 7 | Ladarius Green | at CIN | - |
| 8 | Delanie Walker | at KC | - |
| 9 | Zach Ertz | at BAL | - |
| 10 | Jordan Reed | vs. CAR | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 11 | Antonio Gates | vs. OAK | - |
| 12 | Martellus Bennett | at DEN | Questionable (ankle) |
| 13 | Eric Ebron | at NYG | Questionable (knee) |
| 14 | Jermaine Gresham | vs. NO | Questionable (knee) |
| 15 | Jason Witten | vs. TB | - |
| 16 | Dennis Pitta | vs. PHI | - |
| 17 | Charles Clay | vs. CLE | Questionable (knee) |
| 18 | Coby Fleener | at ARZ | - |
| 19 | Vernon Davis | vs. CAR | - |
| 20 | Hunter Henry | vs. OAK | - |
| 21 | Ryan Griffin | vs. JAC | - |
| 22 | Daniel Brown | vs. GB | - |
| 23 | Gary Barnidge | at BUF | - |
| 24 | Jack Doyle | at MIN | - |
| 25 | Jared Cook | at CHI | Questionable (chest) |
| 26 | Dwayne Allen | at MIN | Questionable (hip) |
| 27 | Will Tye | vs. DET | - |
| 28 | Lance Kendricks | at SEA | - |
| 29 | Trey Burton | at BAL | - |
| 30 | Garrett Celek | at ATL | - |
| 31 | Clive Walford | at SD | - |
| 32 | Dion Sims | at NYJ | - |
| 33 | Richard Rodgers | at CHI | - |
TE Notes: Even with the remains of Jeremy Maclin back in action, Travis Kelce had another 100-yard day in Week 14. Now the yardage leader amongst tight ends (916), Kelce has an unimposing Sunday date with the Titans. … As our Raymond Summerlin points out, Tyler Eifert has scored 31 percent of the Bengals’ passing touchdowns, and is second in tight end scores despite appearing in only seven games. Week 15 opponent Pittsburgh is weak up the seam. … All five of Jimmy Graham’s touchdowns have come at home. That’s because the Seahawks score over twice as many points in Seattle. The Rams are primed to get pulverized. … Somehow still second in tight end yardage (907), Greg Olsen began to awaken from his slumber last Sunday. His eyes could be all the way open against a Redskins defense tagged for a league-worst 94 tight end receptions. … Bucs No. 2 receiver Cameron Brate is all the way up to TE9 status on the year. The Cowboys are tissue soft up the gut.
Delanie Walker is the TE4 by average points, but has just 116 yards over his past three games. He has a tough assignment in the Chiefs’ No. 3 tight end defense in what’s supposed to be frigid temperatures. … Kyle Rudolph has 30 targets over his past three games. He’s been the TE9 in the process. The Colts’ injury- and suspension-depleted defense doesn’t have the bodies to guard the middle of the field. … Ladarius Green’s Week 14 dud was about the Bills’ horrific defense as much as anything else. With Le’Veon Bell averaging over six yards per carry, the passing game wasn’t a priority for OC Todd Haley. Green’s six targets, the second most on the team, were actually a positive. Cincinnati, who has allowed the most tight end yardage in football (937), is an attackable matchup. … Zach Ertz leads all tight ends in targets over the past three weeks (34). The problem is a Week 15 matchup with the Ravens’ perennially tough tight end defense. Just five teams are surrendering fewer fantasy points up the seam.
Jordan Reed has the matchup of a lifetime in the Panthers. The problem remains the painful shoulder injury that limited him to 10 snaps in Week 15. When Reed plays, it will be in scoring position, but still renders him boom or bust. With Reed still likely to be limited, Vernon Davis is a strong TE2 dart throw for the fantasy semifinals. Davis can produce a big day on only 2-3 catches. … Eric Ebron has been in a bit of a slump, but has at least four catches in 8-of-10 games, including his past two. The Giants have served up the fifth most tight end receiving yardage (864). … Antonio Gates was losing snaps to Hunter Henry against the Panthers until Henry got shaken up. Both Gates’ floor and ceiling are lower than they’ve been in a long time. … Martellus Bennett has only 10 catches for 110 yards since Rob Gronkowski first sat in Week 11. He did manage to score against the Ravens. Playing at far less than 100 percent, Bennett isn’t a strong TE1. … C.J. Fiedorowicz (concussion) could end up sitting. … For bold flavors, go Daniel Brown.
Week 15 Kickers
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Justin Tucker | vs. PHI | - |
| 2 | Matt Prater | at NYG | - |
| 3 | Steven Hauschka | vs. LAR | - |
| 4 | Matt Bryant | vs. SF | - |
| 5 | Adam Vinatieri | at MIN | - |
| 6 | Cairo Santos | vs. TEN | - |
| 7 | Dan Bailey | vs. TB | Questionable (back) |
| 8 | Sebastian Janikowski | at SD | - |
| 9 | Dustin Hopkins | vs. CAR | - |
| 10 | Brandon McManus | vs. NE | - |
| 11 | Caleb Sturgis | at BAL | - |
| 12 | Stephen Gostkowski | at DEN | - |
| 13 | Nick Novak | vs. JAC | - |
| 14 | Graham Gano | at WAS | - |
| 15 | Mason Crosby | at CHI | - |
| 16 | Josh Lambo | vs. OAK | - |
| 17 | Wil Lutz | at ARZ | - |
| 18 | Chandler Catanzaro | vs. NO | - |
| 19 | Robbie Gould | vs. DET | - |
| 20 | Kai Forbath | vs. IND | - |
| 21 | Chris Boswell | at CIN | Questionable (abdomen) |
| 22 | Roberto Aguayo | at DAL | - |
| 23 | Randy Bullock | vs. PIT | - |
| 24 | Ryan Succop | at KC | - |
| 25 | Andrew Franks | at NYJ | - |
| 26 | Dan Carpenter | vs. CLE | - |
| 27 | Connor Barth | vs. GB | - |
| 28 | Nick Folk | vs. MIA | - |
| 29 | Phil Dawson | at ATL | - |
| 30 | Jason Myers | at HOU | - |
| 31 | Cody Parkey | at BUF | - |
| 32 | Greg Zuerlein | at SEA | - |
Week 15 Defense/Special Teams
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Seahawks Def/Spec Team | vs. LAR | - |
| 2 | Texans Def/Spec Team | vs. JAC | - |
| 3 | Bills Def/Spec Team | vs. CLE | - |
| 4 | Falcons Def/Spec Team | vs. SF | - |
| 5 | Dolphins Def/Spec Team | at NYJ | - |
| 6 | Ravens Def/Spec Team | vs. PHI | - |
| 7 | Chiefs Def/Spec Team | vs. TEN | - |
| 8 | Vikings Def/Spec Team | vs. IND | - |
| 9 | Broncos Def/Spec Team | vs. NE | - |
| 10 | Patriots Def/Spec Team | at DEN | - |
| 11 | Lions Def/Spec Team | at NYG | - |
| 12 | Eagles Def/Spec Team | at BAL | - |
| 13 | Packers Def/Spec Team | at CHI | - |
| 14 | Cardinals Def/Spec Team | vs. NO | - |
| 15 | Steelers Def/Spec Team | at CIN | - |
| 16 | Giants Def/Spec Team | vs. DET | - |
| 17 | Raiders Def/Spec Team | at SD | - |
| 18 | Bengals Def/Spec Team | vs. PIT | - |
| 19 | Redskins Def/Spec Team | vs. CAR | - |
| 20 | Jets Def/Spec Team | vs. MIA | - |
| 21 | Buccaneers Def/Spec Team | at DAL | - |
| 22 | Panthers Def/Spec Team | at WAS | - |
| 23 | Jaguars Def/Spec Team | at HOU | - |
| 24 | Rams Def/Spec Team | at SEA | - |
| 25 | Chargers Def/Spec Team | vs. OAK | - |
| 26 | Bears Def/Spec Team | vs. GB | - |
| 27 | Saints Def/Spec Team | at ARZ | - |
| 28 | Cowboys Def/Spec Team | vs. TB | - |
| 29 | Titans Def/Spec Team | at KC | - |
| 30 | Browns Def/Spec Team | at BUF | - |
| 31 | Colts Def/Spec Team | at MIN | - |
| 32 | Fortyniners Def/Spec Team | at ATL | - |
