Updated 12/20 at 12:00 PM ET. Added Spencer Ware and Karlos Williams, but ranked Charcandrick West as it Ware is active in emergency role only. Moved Ronnie Hillman down, moved C.J. Anderson up.
A third-round rookie out of FCS Northern Iowa, David Johnson got his first NFL start two weeks ago. He doesn’t seem to be looking back. Johnson cleared 120 yards from scrimmage twice in five days, finishing as the RB5 and RB13 in Weeks 13 and 14, respectively.
A cut up 6-foot-1, 224 pounds, Johnson has a receiver’s hands and breakaway speed. Carson Palmer has called Johnson “probably as natural of a catcher as there is,” while he hit 20.15 miles per hour as a runner against the Vikings. As NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling points out, that’s as fast as John Brown was on his 65-yard touchdown. Johnson hit 22.05 MPH in Week 1, the top speed for any running back this season.
Johnson’s hands and speed were his calling cards coming into the league, but his power was viewed as a question mark despite his Adrian Peterson-esque frame. Johnson ran stiff and upright in college, often ducking hits. It’s yet to be an issue in Arizona. Johnson has shed only 10 tackles all season, but hasn’t shied away from contact in his starts. He’s done everything asked of him, even turning in some nice blocks in pass protection. There’s a chance the Cardinals have found themselves a real deal every-down runner, one who could lead their backfield for years to come.
The years to come aren’t a concern for fantasy owners, of course, but Johnson’s Week 15 matchup is mouthwatering in an Eagles defense allowing the fifth most rushing yards per game, and eighth most yards per carry. Even if Andre Ellington (turf toe) is active, Johnson is an elite RB1 for the fantasy semifinals.
Editor’s Note: This is your chance to try FanDuel risk free! Sign up today and if you lose your first contest, you’ll be refunded the entry fee up to $10. Play now.
Week 15 Quarterbacks
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Russell Wilson | vs. CLE | - |
| 2 | Tom Brady | vs. TEN | Probable (illness) |
| 3 | Carson Palmer | at PHI | - |
| 4 | Cam Newton | at NYG | - |
| 5 | Aaron Rodgers | at OAK | - |
| 6 | Blake Bortles | vs. ATL | - |
| 7 | Ben Roethlisberger | vs. DEN | - |
| 8 | Drew Brees | vs. DET | - |
| 9 | Matthew Stafford | at NO | - |
| 10 | Tyrod Taylor | at WAS | - |
| 11 | Derek Carr | vs. GB | - |
| 12 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | at DAL | - |
| 13 | Philip Rivers | vs. MIA | Questionable (flu) |
| 14 | Alex Smith | at BAL | - |
| 15 | Ryan Tannehill | at SD | - |
| 16 | Eli Manning | vs. CAR | - |
| 17 | Matt Ryan | at JAC | - |
| 18 | Jay Cutler | at MIN | - |
| 19 | Kirk Cousins | vs. BUF | - |
| 20 | Marcus Mariota | at NE | - |
| 21 | Jameis Winston | at STL | - |
| 22 | Brock Osweiler | at PIT | - |
| 23 | A.J. McCarron | at SF | - |
| 24 | Sam Bradford | vs. ARZ | - |
| 25 | Johnny Manziel | at SEA | - |
| 26 | Teddy Bridgewater | vs. CHI | Probable (shoulder) |
| 27 | T.J. Yates | at IND | - |
| 28 | Matt Hasselbeck | vs. HOU | Probable (ribs) |
| 29 | Blaine Gabbert | vs. CIN | - |
| 30 | Matt Cassel | vs. NYJ | - |
| 31 | Case Keenum | vs. TB | - |
| 32 | Jimmy Clausen | vs. KC | - |
| 33 | Matt Schaub | vs. KC | Probable (chest) |
QB Notes: You’re not “chasing points” with Russell Wilson. You’re chasing the best month by any quarterback this season. Fresh off back-to-back road dominations of the Vikings and Ravens, Wilson returns home against a Browns pass defense in wholesale disintegration. The only concern is that Wilson doesn’t have to do much as Seattle builds a huge early lead. … With Rob Gronkowski back in the fold, Tom Brady had his most efficient game in over a month against the Texans. Now Julian Edelman (foot) could be returning against the Titans, whose previously overachieving pass defense has been throttled by Ryan Fitzpatrick, Blake Bortles and Derek Carr over the past three weeks. … Operating on 10 days’ rest, QB3 Carson Palmer will do battle with an Eagles pass defense that’s allowed the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks. With his elite receiver trio finally 100 percent healthy at the same time, Palmer has been dead-eye deadly. … Cam Newton has been the MVP of the league. Newton has shot off into the stratosphere over the past month even though his No. 2 pass catcher is Ted Ginn. If there’s a concern, it’s that the 13-0 Panthers might start playing with one eye on the postseason. Greg Olsen (knee) is expected to be active against the Giants, but will he play a full complement of snaps? Fire Newton up, but don’t be surprised if his most explosive stretch is behind him as his team’s focus shifts to January.
With Mike McCarthy once again calling the Packers’ plays, Aaron Rodgers posted his highest quarterback rating in seven weeks. Big plays were still lacking, but rhythm seemed to return against an underrated Cowboys defense. Now Rodgers gets a Raiders team allowing the fifth most passing yards in the league. There’s more to fix, but still somehow the QB8 on the season, Rodgers is worth betting on. … You don’t have to believe in Blake Bortles’ tape — lord knows Pro Football Focus doesn’t — but after 14 weeks, you should probably be buying into his numbers. The QB4 by average points, Bortles has 10 scores over his past three games, and a Jaguars record 30 on the season. He’ll get the job done against the collapsed Falcons. … Part of me wants to make Ben Roethlisberger the QB1. He’s been that good. But I’ll opt for caution against a Broncos defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Matchups have scarcely mattered for Ben — see his 351 yards in New England or 456 yards in Seattle — but he offers more floor than ceiling against Denver’s truly elite defense.
Drew Brees vs. Matthew Stafford in New Orleans — who ya got? The quarterback who’s averaged a score every 15 passes at home, or the quarterback getting a defense that’s allowed seven more passing touchdowns than any other team? I’ll lean Brees, who has compiled 13 scores over his past three home starts. That includes three against the Panthers in Week 13. It’s obviously a dream matchup for Stafford, but the Saints’ defense is coming off its best effort of the season. New DC Dennis Allen seems to be making a difference, limiting Brian Hoyer and Jameis Winston to a combined three scores and 387 yards … with getting dominated by Cam Newton in between. Stafford’s upside is obviously appealing, but he’s managed more than two touchdowns just twice in 13 games. The Saints give him a great floor, but his ceiling might be more elusive than people think. … Tyrod Taylor in six games since returning from his knee injury: QB21, QB23, QB25, QB5, QB7 and QB11. It’s been the “No Middle Ground” rollercoaster. Week 15 seems a peak rather than a valley, with Buffalo traveling to Washington to take on a Redskins defense that’s smack dab in the middle of the pack.
Editor’s Note: This is the most important weekend of your FanDuel career. Top-ranked expert JM “JMtoWin” Tohline explains why, plus provides you with some of the players he thinks will help you have a successful fantasy NFL weekend in his weekly RotoGrinders column. Check it out.
Playing the best football of his career, Ryan Fitzpatrick is the QB3 over the past three weeks, but has a tougher-than-it-looks matchup in the Cowboys, who have quietly permitted the fifth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Fitz is all but guaranteed to get two scores, but three or four seems unlikely. … Derek Carr has a FitzMagic-ian floor, but has seen his ceiling limited by tough matchups of late, with the Packers being another. Carr gets two scores in his sleep, but a monster day probably isn’t in the Week 15 cards. … Alex Smith has cleared 20 fantasy points in only 6-of-13 games, but will almost certainly make it 7-of-14 against the Ravens, who are being dominated for a 101.3 QB rating against. … Philip Rivers has become entirely matchup dependent, but has a mouthwatering one in a Dolphins defense that just allowed an 87.1 completion percentage to Eli Manning. With emotions sure to be running high in what could be the final game in San Diego, look for Rivers to bounce back from his dismal Weeks 13 and 14.
Which brings us to Eli. He literally couldn’t have been better against the Dolphins — he had as many touchdowns as incompletions (four) — but the Panthers have allowed the third fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, and the lowest QB rating in the league (69.6). Odell Beckham guarantees weekly QB2 status for his quarterback, but Manning doesn’t have much of a Week 15 ceiling. … Coming off his best fantasy effort in a month, Jay Cutler should be good for two TDs against the Vikings’ injury-ravaged defense. … The matchup is right for Matt Ryan in a Jags team allowing the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks, but it’s hard to trust a player with more turnovers (18) than touchdowns (17). Ryan hasn’t had a multi-score day since before Thanksgiving. … Marcus Mariota has started making big plays on the reg’ — including as a receiver against the Jets — but anything other than a sleepy afternoon in New England would be a surprise. … A.J. McCarron has a nice matchup for his first NFL start, but with Tyler Eifert likely to join Andy Dalton on the bench, expect a run-heavy approach against the 49ers’ sieve-like defense.
Don’t forget, for the latest on everything NFL, check out Rotoworld’s Player News, or follow @Rotoworld_FB or @RotoPat on Twitter.
Week 15 Running Backs
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Adrian Peterson | vs. CHI | - |
| 2 | LeSean McCoy | at WAS | - |
| 3 | David Johnson | at PHI | - |
| 4 | Devonta Freeman | at JAC | - |
| 5 | DeAngelo Williams | vs. DEN | Probable (illness) |
| 6 | Lamar Miller | at SD | Questionable (ankle) |
| 7 | Doug Martin | at STL | - |
| 8 | Todd Gurley | vs. TB | - |
| 9 | Chris Ivory | at DAL | - |
| 10 | Charcandrick West | at BAL | Probable (hamstring) |
| 11 | Eddie Lacy | at OAK | - |
| 12 | Matt Forte | at MIN | - |
| 13 | Jeremy Hill | at SF | - |
| 14 | Denard Robinson | vs. ATL | - |
| 15 | Latavius Murray | vs. GB | - |
| 16 | Tim Hightower | vs. DET | - |
| 17 | Shaun Draughn | vs. CIN | - |
| 18 | Buck Allen | vs. KC | - |
| 19 | Frank Gore | vs. HOU | Probable (knee) |
| 20 | Darren McFadden | vs. NYJ | - |
| 21 | Matt Jones | vs. BUF | - |
| 22 | Brandon Bolden | vs. TEN | - |
| 23 | Giovani Bernard | at SF | - |
| 24 | Ryan Mathews | vs. ARZ | - |
| 25 | Melvin Gordon | vs. MIA | - |
| 26 | James Starks | at OAK | - |
| 27 | Jeremy Langford | at MIN | - |
| 28 | Ameer Abdullah | at NO | - |
| 29 | James White | vs. TEN | - |
| 30 | Darren Sproles | vs. ARZ | - |
| 31 | C.J. Anderson | at PIT | Questionable (ankle) |
| 32 | Charles Sims | at STL | - |
| 33 | Danny Woodhead | vs. MIA | - |
| 34 | Theo Riddick | at NO | - |
| 35 | Isaiah Crowell | at SEA | - |
| 36 | Bryce Brown | vs. CLE | - |
| 37 | DeMarco Murray | vs. ARZ | - |
| 38 | Rashad Jennings | vs. CAR | - |
| 39 | Ronnie Hillman | at PIT | Probable (foot) |
| 40 | Chris Polk | at IND | Probable (knee) |
| 41 | Duke Johnson | at SEA | - |
| 42 | Bilal Powell | at DAL | - |
| 43 | Mike Tolbert | at NYG | - |
| 44 | Fozzy Whittaker | at NYG | - |
| 45 | Joique Bell | at NO | - |
| 46 | Jonathan Grimes | at IND | - |
| 47 | Fred Jackson | vs. CLE | - |
| 48 | Antonio Andrews | at NE | - |
| 49 | Alfred Morris | vs. BUF | - |
| 50 | Spencer Ware | at BAL | Questionable (ribs) |
| 51 | Shane Vereen | vs. CAR | - |
| 52 | C.J. Spiller | vs. DET | - |
| 53 | Jay Ajayi | at SD | Probable (elbow) |
| 54 | Karlos Williams | at WAS | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 55 | Christine Michael | vs. CLE | - |
| 56 | Bishop Sankey | at NE | - |
| 57 | Robert Turbin | vs. NYJ | - |
| 58 | Cameron Artis-Payne | at NYG | - |
| 59 | Dan Herron | vs. HOU | - |
| 60 | Mike Gillislee | at WAS | - |
| 61 | Alfred Blue | at IND | Probable (back) |
| 62 | Zurlon Tipton | vs. HOU | - |
| 63 | Juwan Thompson | at PIT | - |
| 64 | Tevin Coleman | at JAC | - |
RB Notes: Adrian Peterson has just 87 yards on his past 31 carries (2.80 YPC), but has a get-right matchup in a Bears team allowing 4.65 yards per carry and 126 weekly rushing yards. … LeSean McCoy’s “revenge game” dudded out in Philadelphia, but he’s still the RB4 over the past five weeks. Shady has cleared 100 yards from scrimmage in seven straight contests. Allowing the fourth most yards per carry, the Redskins are an appetizing matchup. … Babies learn. Animals learn. Even computers learn. So why can’t the Dolphins learn that Lamar Miller is their best bet to move the ball? Miller rushed seven times for 69 yards and two touchdowns in the first half on Monday night, but received only five carries after the break in a game the Dolphins would go on to lose 31-24. It appears an ankle issue may have played a part, but Miller was never announced with an injury. And that doesn’t explain the fact that Miller has cleared 20 carries just once all season. I’m projecting sanity onto an insane franchise, but here’s guessing Miami finally got the memo, and will feed Miller all day long against a Chargers defense allowing the fifth most fantasy points to enemy running backs.
Devonta Freeman’s effectiveness has waned on the ground, but only Theo Riddick has caught more passes amongst running backs. Still getting 12-15 carries per game, Freeman might finally bust back out against a Jaguars defense that’s allowed the second most receptions to RBs (84). … DeAngelo Williams continues to get the ball as much as anyone in football, but has a brutal matchup in the Broncos. There will be carries and scoring chances, but D-Will’s Week 15 RB1 status is all about floor, not ceiling. … Doug Martin is No. 2 in the league in rushing, but just 14th in rushing touchdowns. He’s found pay dirt in back-to-back weeks, but the Rams have allowed just seven ground scores all year. Throw in the fact that he’s playing on a short week on the road, and Martin is only a mid-range RB1. … Facing off against Martin will be Todd Gurley, who finally shook his slump against the Lions. Gurley has matchup-winning capability on a weekly basis, but facing a defense allowing the second fewest yards per carry (3.37), his downside is considerable for the fantasy semifinals.
Chris Ivory has 10.7 or fewer fantasy points in three of his past four games, but is the RB5 amongst healthy backs. 15 carries is his absolute floor against a Cowboys defense allowing the sixth most fantasy points to runners. … In the three weeks leading up to his Week 11 hamstring issue, Charcandrick West finished as the RB7, RB2 and RB2. With Spencer Ware (ribs) looking doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Ravens, West immediately reassumes RB1 status. … Matt Forte has been in a near-even timeshare with Jeremy Langford since returning, but still finished as the RB14 and RB3 over the past two weeks. His matchup is A grade in a Vikings defense that looks like it will be without NT Linval Joseph and SLB Anthony Barr for another week. … Jonathan Stewart (foot) has already been declared out. So who’s replacing him? Your guess is as good as Fozzie Bear’s. Some combination of Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne will mind the store against the Giants. Whittaker will probably lead in touches, but Tolbert is the best bet to score. Neither is a recommended RB3 for the fantasy semifinals. … James Starks isn’t going away, but Eddie Lacy’s past three non-suspension shortened starts have all produced 100-yard days. He better-late-than-nevering it for fantasy owners.
We might finally have ourselves a genuine “Jeremy Hill day.” Starting a backup quarterback, the Bengals are facing a 49ers defense that’s allowed the most fantasy points to opposing runners. Hill’s downside is well established, but 15-20 carries is the most likely outcome on Sunday. … In line for an every-down role, Denard Robinson gets a Falcons defense that’s allowed both the most touchdowns and catches to rival running backs. He’s a plug-and-play RB2 with RB1 upside. … Tim Hightower won’t get 29 touches again, but is miles ahead of C.J. Spiller on the depth chart. 15-20 carries is a reasonable expectation against a Lions defense that’s allowed the most overall rushing touchdowns (18) in football. … I won’t pretend to know what’s going on in Bill Belichick’s head — old movies? new Christmas ham recipes? — but I know what he did on the field last week, giving Brandon Bolden as many carries (16) as James White has all season. Maybe Belichick will decide it’s a “White week” and we’ll all have to live with it, but especially since the Titans offer little resistance on the ground, it seems unlikely this will be one of those games where Tom Brady’s passing-down back gets 10 targets. White will be a part of the game plan, I just expect Bolden to be a bigger one. Bolden is a last-ditch RB2, White an upside RB3.
The Seahawks’ backfield is about as chaotic as possible. ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia expects Christine Michael and Bryce Brown to share early-down duties, with Fred Jackson changing the pace. Coach Pete Carroll has shed little light on the potential distribution. The early-week hype for Brown was deafening, but at this point, he’s little more than a high-risk RB3. … Shaun Draughn has cleared 10.0 fantasy points once. He isn’t turning his big workloads into anything more than low-end RB2 status. … Darren McFadden and Frank Gore are both running on fumes. They’re workload-based RB2s with low ceilings. … Finally seeing some steadier usage, Matt Jones is a safe top-25 option. … The Broncos’ backfield is back to full chaos mode. C.J. Anderson should be ready to go after only being available on an emergency basis last week, rendering Ronnie Hillman the shakiest of RB2s in a deceptively-tough matchup. … Same deal in Philly. Ryan Mathews is the best bet for both carries and touchdowns, but will cede plenty of work to Darren Sproles and DeMarco Murray. Mathews is a desperation RB3 for the fantasy semifinals. … If you need to shine a flashlight into the dark, fire up Ameer Abdullah against a Saints D that’s allowed the second most fantasy points to running backs. … Johnny Manziel opened up tractor trailer-sized running lanes for Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson last week, but that’s highly unlikely to be the case in Seattle.
Week 15 Receivers
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Julio Jones | at JAC | Probable (knee) |
| 2 | Odell Beckham | vs. CAR | - |
| 3 | Alshon Jeffery | at MIN | Questionable (calf) |
| 4 | Brandon Marshall | at DAL | - |
| 5 | Calvin Johnson | at NO | Questionable (ankle) |
| 6 | DeAndre Hopkins | at IND | Probable (hamstring) |
| 7 | Antonio Brown | vs. DEN | - |
| 8 | A.J. Green | at SF | Probable (back) |
| 9 | Allen Robinson | vs. ATL | - |
| 10 | Sammy Watkins | at WAS | - |
| 11 | Demaryius Thomas | at PIT | Probable (neck) |
| 12 | Doug Baldwin | vs. CLE | - |
| 13 | Eric Decker | at DAL | Probable (knee) |
| 14 | Mike Evans | at STL | - |
| 15 | Jeremy Maclin | at BAL | - |
| 16 | Jarvis Landry | at SD | Probable (knee) |
| 17 | Larry Fitzgerald | at PHI | Probable (ankle) |
| 18 | Brandin Cooks | vs. DET | - |
| 19 | Michael Floyd | at PHI | - |
| 20 | Martavis Bryant | vs. DEN | Probable (hip) |
| 21 | Randall Cobb | at OAK | - |
| 22 | Amari Cooper | vs. GB | Probable (foot) |
| 23 | John Brown | at PHI | - |
| 24 | Danny Amendola | vs. TEN | Questionable (knee) |
| 25 | T.Y. Hilton | vs. HOU | - |
| 26 | Golden Tate | at NO | - |
| 27 | Allen Hurns | vs. ATL | Probable (thigh) |
| 28 | Emmanuel Sanders | at PIT | Probable (ankle) |
| 29 | Michael Crabtree | vs. GB | - |
| 30 | Dez Bryant | vs. NYJ | Probable (knee) |
| 31 | Tyler Lockett | vs. CLE | - |
| 32 | Kamar Aiken | vs. KC | - |
| 33 | Brandon LaFell | vs. TEN | - |
| 34 | Willie Snead | vs. DET | - |
| 35 | Ted Ginn | at NYG | Probable (knee) |
| 36 | DeSean Jackson | vs. BUF | Probable (knee) |
| 37 | Marvin Jones | at SF | - |
| 38 | Malcom Floyd | vs. MIA | Probable (shoulder) |
| 39 | Travis Benjamin | at SEA | - |
| 40 | Anquan Boldin | vs. CIN | Probable (hamstring) |
| 41 | Tavon Austin | vs. TB | - |
| 42 | Rueben Randle | vs. CAR | - |
| 43 | James Jones | at OAK | - |
| 44 | DeVante Parker | at SD | - |
| 45 | Stefon Diggs | vs. CHI | - |
| 46 | Jordan Matthews | vs. ARZ | Probable (back) |
| 47 | Pierre Garcon | vs. BUF | - |
| 48 | Dontrelle Inman | vs. MIA | Probable (neck) |
| 49 | Donte Moncrief | vs. HOU | - |
| 50 | Dorial Green-Beckham | at NE | - |
| 51 | Cecil Shorts | at IND | Probable (hamstring) |
| 52 | Jermaine Kearse | vs. CLE | - |
| 53 | Robert Woods | at WAS | Probable (hip) |
| 54 | Roddy White | at JAC | - |
| 55 | Marques Colston | vs. DET | Probable (-) |
| 56 | Rishard Matthews | at SD | Questionable (ribs) |
| 57 | Nate Washington | at IND | Probable (hip) |
| 58 | Dwayne Harris | vs. CAR | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 59 | Markus Wheaton | vs. DEN | - |
| 60 | Keshawn Martin | vs. TEN | - |
| 61 | Torrey Smith | vs. CIN | Questionable (back) |
| 62 | Davante Adams | at OAK | Probable (foot) |
| 63 | Jeremy Butler | vs. KC | - |
| 64 | Seth Roberts | vs. GB | - |
| 65 | Albert Wilson | at BAL | - |
| 66 | Kenny Stills | at SD | Probable (ankle) |
| 67 | Kenny Britt | vs. TB | - |
| 68 | Nelson Agholor | vs. ARZ | - |
| 69 | Terrance Williams | vs. NYJ | - |
| 70 | Jared Abbrederis | at OAK | Probable (ribs) |
| 71 | Javontee Herndon | vs. MIA | - |
| 72 | Devin Funchess | at NYG | - |
| 73 | Harry Douglas | at NE | Probable (ribs) |
| 74 | Eddie Royal | at MIN | Questionable (knee) |
WR Notes: Julio Jones hasn’t scored in his past five games, but has averaged 8/107 in the process. The Jaguars don’t have the horses to stop him. … Odell Beckham/Josh Norman might be the matchup of the year. Far and away Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 coverage corner, Norman is tasked with slowing a receiver averaging 7/133/1.3 over his past six games. Thankfully for Beckham’s owners, he lines up all over the field, including the slot, where Norman rarely roams. Beckham spends 23.7 percent of his time in the slot (per PFF), a number that could increase dramatically this week. … Back to dominating on monster target totals, Alshon Jeffery should go to work against a banged up Vikings secondary he torched for 10/116/1 in Week 8. … Remarkably consistent, Brandon Marshall is the WR2 by both average and total points. He’s cleared 125 yards in three straight games, and has seven touchdowns over his past six starts. The Cowboys have a strong pass defense, but will be stretched to their limit by Marshall.
Calvin Johnson has a dream date with the Saints’ historically bad defense, but has only four catches for 60 yards over his past two games. Obviously at far less than 100 percent health as he battles an ankle issue, Johnson has downside to match his towering upside. … Antonio Brown has a date with a Broncos secondary that’s allowed only two touchdowns to receivers, but Brown is a top-10 play whenever he takes the field. … DeAndre Hopkins scored a touchdown T.J. Yates’ last time out, but managed only four other catches. He can’t be benched in season-long leagues, but is a volatile DFS option. … The 49ers are not an imposing matchup for A.J. Green, but catching passes from a quarterback making his first career start, he could bust in a game where the Bengals may decide to go run heavy. … Coming off a baffling one-catch, four-yard performance, Allen Robinson will be in an angry mood against the Falcons. It’s worth noting that only Denver has allowed fewer fantasy points to receivers, rendering Robinson a boom-or-bust play in DFS. … Eric Decker has yet to finish outside the top 30 in any given week. He’s been almost as consistent as his teammate Brandon Marshall, but is more WR2 than WR1 against the Cowboys’ stingy defense.
The WR4 over the past three weeks, Sammy Watkins is beginning to make beautiful music with Tyrod Taylor. The Redskins have allowed the ninth most fantasy points to receivers. … No one has allowed more receptions to wide receivers than the Steelers (193). Even with Brock Osweiler beginning to struggle, Demaryius Thomas has one of Week 15’s highest floors. … On one of the more unbelievable receiver runs in recent history, Doug Baldwin is unlikely to be slowed by a Browns defense that’s been ripped for 16 touchdowns by enemy wideouts. … Mike Evans has been a WR1 whenever Vincent Jackson is sidelined, but coming off a bad game on a short week, WR14 feels right against Janoris Jenkins and the Rams. … Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown are all playing at high levels, which unfortunately makes them tough to predict in fantasy. Fitz has the highest floor, Brown the highest ceiling and Floyd the best combination of the two. Fitz figures to catch the most passes in a dream matchup with the Eagles, but Floyd and Brown will provide the big plays. Although it’s impossible to know who will have the best day, all three are legitimate WR2s for the fantasy semifinals.
The WR7 over the past three weeks, Jeremy Maclin is a safe WR2 against a Ravens defense allowing the most fantasy points to receivers. … Brandin Cooks is coming off his quietest game of the season, but should bounce back on the Superdome’s fast track. That’s provided he avoids Darius Slay’s shadow. … The Broncos are obviously a terrible matchup for Martavis Bryant, but the beauty of Bryant is that he only needs 1-2 catches to make your day. Fret if you must, but benching Bryant is not advisable. … It’s probably not a coincidence that Randall Cobb had his best game in over two months after Mike McCarthy resumed calling plays for the Packers. The kind of jitterbug wideout who has given the Raiders problems, Cobb is back to WR2 status. … Danny Amendola will probably drop 8-10 spots if Julian Edelman (foot) is cleared to return. … The WR2/3 borderline is the best T.Y. Hilton can do with one of Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst at the controls. … Amari Cooper hasn’t scored in six games, and the Packers are a tough matchup, leaving him on the WR2/3 borderline. … Julius Thomas has helped erode Allen Hurns’ upside, but he remains a weekly threat to find the end zone.
Golden Tate could see a healthy helping of Delvin Breaux, limiting his upside in what would seem to be a dream matchup with the Saints. … Mid-range WR3: This is where we’re at with Dez Bryant as the Cowboys play out their “Crying Jordan Meme” of a season. … Tyler Lockett’s recent play would be getting a lot more attention were it not for his teammate Doug Baldwin. Mike Pettine’s pathetic Browns have no answer for the big-play rookie. It’s just a matter of him getting the requisite targets. … Brandon LaFell is getting boffo targets, but doing extremely little with them. You should try to do better in your WR3 spot. … Kamar Aiken keeps chugging along. You probably don’t feel good about it, but he’s a legitimate WR3. … DeSean Jackson (knee) claims he’ll play, but his history suggests he’ll be ineffective if he does. … Becoming the ultimate boom-or-bust WR3, Ted Ginn is not for the faint of heart. … DeVante Parker isn’t doing enough to warrant WR3 consideration. … Malcom Floyd is boom or bust, but the Dolphins are an easy team to boom against. … Marvin Jones is hurt by Andy Dalton being sidelined, but helped by Tyler Eifert being sidelined. … There will be too much Richard Sherman for Travis Benjamin in Seattle.
Week 15 Tight Ends
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Rob Gronkowski | vs. TEN | Probable (-) |
| 2 | Greg Olsen | at NYG | Probable (knee) |
| 3 | Jordan Reed | vs. BUF | - |
| 4 | Antonio Gates | vs. MIA | Probable (hip) |
| 5 | Delanie Walker | at NE | - |
| 6 | Gary Barnidge | at SEA | - |
| 7 | Julius Thomas | vs. ATL | Probable (abdomen) |
| 8 | Ben Watson | vs. DET | - |
| 9 | Travis Kelce | at BAL | Probable (groin) |
| 10 | Richard Rodgers | at OAK | - |
| 11 | Zach Miller | at MIN | Questionable (illness) |
| 12 | Heath Miller | vs. DEN | Probable (ribs) |
| 13 | Jacob Tamme | at JAC | Probable (back) |
| 14 | Austin Seferian-Jenkins | at STL | - |
| 15 | Zach Ertz | vs. ARZ | - |
| 16 | Eric Ebron | at NO | - |
| 17 | Will Tye | vs. CAR | - |
| 18 | Jason Witten | vs. NYJ | - |
| 19 | Kyle Rudolph | vs. CHI | - |
| 20 | Vernon Davis | at PIT | - |
| 21 | Clive Walford | vs. GB | - |
| 22 | Coby Fleener | vs. HOU | - |
| 23 | Jordan Cameron | at SD | - |
| 24 | Jared Cook | vs. TB | - |
| 25 | Vance McDonald | vs. CIN | Probable (concussion) |
| 26 | Ryan Griffin | at IND | - |
| 27 | Luke Willson | vs. CLE | Probable (ribs) |
| 28 | Owen Daniels | at PIT | Probable (knee) |
| 29 | Chris Gragg | at WAS | - |
| 30 | Scott Chandler | vs. TEN | Questionable (knee) |
| 31 | Ladarius Green | vs. MIA | Questionable (ankle) |
TE Notes: He Is Risen. 43 snaps. That’s all Rob Gronkowski needed to catch four passes for 87 yards and a touchdown against the Texans. He has a dream Week 15 matchup in a Titans defense that’s allowed the fourth most touchdowns to enemy tight ends (nine). … For now, all appears hunky dory with Greg Olsen’s (knee) health, just be sure to double check his status before Sunday morning. Sitting at 13-0, the Panthers won’t take any risks with their No. 1 receiver’s health. If Olsen does play, as expected, he has a juicy matchup in a Giants defense that’s allowed the third most fantasy points to seam stretchers. … The TE5 by average points, Jordan Reed is averaging 8.5 targets over his past four games. With DeSean Jackson (knee) ailing, that should be considered Reed’s floor for Week 15. … Delanie Walker has been as hot as any player in football, but has a tough matchup in a Patriots defense permitting the fifth fewest fantasy points to tight ends. There’s also the matter of Bill Belichick selling out to stop his opponent’s No. 1 weapon. Walker obviously can’t be benched in re-draft, but has a lower floor than usual in DFS.
“Seahawks” looks imposing on paper, but Pete Carroll’s defense has actually surrendered the 10th most fantasy points to tight ends. With Brian Hartline (collarbone) done for the season, Gary Barnidge will get fed early and often in Seattle. … Antonio Gates has re-established his floor in recent weeks, but has still scored in only 2-of-8 games. His ceiling isn’t cavernous against a Dolphins team that’s defensed tight ends better than wideouts and running backs. … Julius Thomas has scored in four straight games, and has a nice matchup in a Falcons D that’s coughed up eight tight end scores in 13 contests. … Ben Watson is neck and neck with Travis Kelce on the season, and has a much better semifinal matchup. Watson gets a Lions defense that’s allowed the fifth most fantasy points to tight ends, while Kelce has to contend with a Ravens D bad at just about everything but guarding the seam.
Zach Miller has been a factor whenever Martellus Bennett hasn’t played this season, and that should remain the case against the Vikings. … Only four tight ends have more touchdowns than Richard Rodgers. He’ll be a good bet to find the end zone against a Raiders defense that’s silver plattered a league-worst 11 scores to TEs. … Austin Seferian-Jenkins has only six catches in two games since returning from his shoulder injury, but should be the Bucs’ No. 2 target with Vincent Jackson (knee) sidelined. The Rams stopped being an imposing matchup for rival tight ends when WLB Alec Ogletree went down. … Eric Ebron’s sophomore campaign has been immensely frustrating, but with Brandon Pettigrew (ACL) done for the season, he’ll play a ton of snaps against the Saints’ No. 32 overall defense. … Clive Walford has 12 targets over his past two games, and should continue to play a bigger role down the stretch. He has upside against a Packers defense that’s allowed the ninth most fantasy points to tight ends.
Week 15 Kickers
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Stephen Gostkowski | vs. TEN | - |
| 2 | Josh Brown | vs. CAR | - |
| 3 | Brandon McManus | at PIT | - |
| 4 | Graham Gano | at NYG | - |
| 5 | Steven Hauschka | vs. CLE | - |
| 6 | Chandler Catanzaro | at PHI | - |
| 7 | Mason Crosby | at OAK | - |
| 8 | Andrew Franks | at SD | - |
| 9 | Caleb Sturgis | vs. ARZ | - |
| 10 | Cairo Santos | at BAL | - |
| 11 | Adam Vinatieri | vs. HOU | - |
| 12 | Mike Nugent | at SF | - |
| 13 | Chris Boswell | vs. DEN | - |
| 14 | Matt Prater | at NO | - |
| 15 | Dan Carpenter | at WAS | - |
| 16 | Dustin Hopkins | vs. BUF | - |
| 17 | Blair Walsh | vs. CHI | - |
| 18 | Justin Tucker | vs. KC | - |
| 19 | Kai Forbath | vs. DET | - |
| 20 | Robbie Gould | at MIN | - |
| 21 | Ryan Succop | at NE | - |
| 22 | Shayne Graham | at JAC | - |
| 23 | Phil Dawson | vs. CIN | - |
| 24 | Dan Bailey | vs. NYJ | - |
| 25 | Travis Coons | at SEA | - |
| 26 | Josh Lambo | vs. MIA | - |
| 27 | Randy Bullock | at DAL | - |
| 28 | Sebastian Janikowski | vs. GB | - |
| 29 | Jason Myers | vs. ATL | - |
| 30 | Greg Zuerlein | vs. TB | Probable (-) |
| 31 | Connor Barth | at STL | - |
| 32 | Nick Novak | at IND | - |
Week 15 Defense/Special Teams
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Seahawks Def/Spec Team | vs. CLE | - |
| 2 | Chiefs Def/Spec Team | at BAL | - |
| 3 | Patriots Def/Spec Team | vs. TEN | - |
| 4 | Panthers Def/Spec Team | at NYG | - |
| 5 | Cardinals Def/Spec Team | at PHI | - |
| 6 | Jets Def/Spec Team | at DAL | - |
| 7 | Bengals Def/Spec Team | at SF | - |
| 8 | Texans Def/Spec Team | at IND | - |
| 9 | Rams Def/Spec Team | vs. TB | - |
| 10 | Buccaneers Def/Spec Team | at STL | - |
| 11 | Broncos Def/Spec Team | at PIT | - |
| 12 | Packers Def/Spec Team | at OAK | - |
| 13 | Bills Def/Spec Team | at WAS | - |
| 14 | Jaguars Def/Spec Team | vs. ATL | - |
| 15 | Bears Def/Spec Team | at MIN | - |
| 16 | Vikings Def/Spec Team | vs. CHI | - |
| 17 | Dolphins Def/Spec Team | at SD | - |
| 18 | Fortyniners Def/Spec Team | vs. CIN | - |
| 19 | Steelers Def/Spec Team | vs. DEN | - |
| 20 | Redskins Def/Spec Team | vs. BUF | - |
| 21 | Colts Def/Spec Team | vs. HOU | - |
| 22 | Lions Def/Spec Team | at NO | - |
| 23 | Cowboys Def/Spec Team | vs. NYJ | - |
| 24 | Giants Def/Spec Team | vs. CAR | - |
| 25 | Eagles Def/Spec Team | vs. ARZ | - |
| 26 | Ravens Def/Spec Team | vs. KC | - |
| 27 | Raiders Def/Spec Team | vs. GB | - |
| 28 | Chargers Def/Spec Team | vs. MIA | - |
| 29 | Browns Def/Spec Team | at SEA | - |
| 30 | Falcons Def/Spec Team | at JAC | - |
| 31 | Saints Def/Spec Team | vs. DET | - |
| 32 | Titans Def/Spec Team | at NE | - |
