Fantasy football Week 15: Start, sit and sleepers

Here's a look back at Week 14's action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 14 RECAP

Lions 44, Cowboys 30: Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 120 total yards and three rushing touchdowns on 19 touches (seven receptions) in a victory over Dallas. Gibbs is on pace to produce 2,009 total yards and 21 total TDs on 321 touches, including 76 receptions. All four numbers would be a career high.

Seahawks 37, Falcons 9: Darnell Mooney is the antithesis to Michael Wilson. Mooney has six receptions for 105 yards and a TD on 12 targets in three games without Drake London.

Bills 39, Bengals 34: Cincinnati continues to hemorrhage fantasy points to the tight end position. Buffalo’s Dawson Knox, Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes combined for 11 receptions for 137 yards and 2 TDs on 13 targets in the victory.

Titans 31, Browns 29: Harold Fannin Jr. had season highs in targets (11), receptions (eight) and yards (114) plus a TD against Tennessee. In his rookie season, Fannin is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) through 14 weeks. Since Week 6, he’s the overall TE5 in standard (TE4 in PPR) with at least four receptions or a TD in seven of the last eight games. He should be universally rostered.

Vikings 31, Commanders 0: Coach Kevin O’Connell finally simplified the offense against Washington, and J.J. McCarthy played looser. McCarthy completed 16-of-23 passes for 163 yards, and three TD passes with no interceptions. The 69.6 completion percentage is his best rate to date and it was his first game without throwing an interception. There’s still a long ways to go in his development. McCarthy’s footwork was still atrocious in the rout, but this Sunday night he’ll deserve streaming consideration against the Cowboys.

Dolphins 34, Jets 10: Jaylen Wright had his best game as a pro against New York with 107 yards and a TD on 24 carries after De’Von Achane suffered a rib injury. It sounds like Achane will be fine for Monday Night Football against the Steelers, but it looks like Wright might have surpassed Ollie Gordon as the handcuff if you’re rostering Achane.

Saints 24, Buccaneers 20: Devaughn Vele tied a banged-up Chris Olave for the lead in targets (five) and led New Orleans with 40 receiving yards in the win at Tampa Bay. Vele has 14 receptions for 170 yards and a TD on 20 targets in the last three games. He’ll have flex appeal in a premium matchup against the Titans during championship week.

Jaguars 36, Colts 19: A broken fibula couldn’t stop Daniel Jones, but there’s not much you can do with a ruptured Achilles. Believe me, I know.

Steelers 27, Ravens 22: Darnell Washington suffered a concussion against the Ravens. Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith essentially split time without Washington, but Smith played more in running situations with Freiermuth handling the majority of passing situations. Pittsburgh plays Miami on MNF this week, and the Dolphins are allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

Broncos 24, Raiders 17: Pat Bryant has replaced Troy Franklin as Denver’s No. 2 wide receiver the last two weeks. Only Courtland Sutton has a higher route rate since the Broncos’ bye in Week 12.

Packers 28, Bears 21: Jayden Reed looked good in his return, producing 31 yards on four receptions and 22 yards on two carries. Don’t worry about Green Bay’s traffic jam at wide receiver. Reed usually operates outside of that mess because of his playmaking ability, and how coach Matt LaFleur schemes up specific opportunities just for him. Obviously, he carries boom-or-bust potential, but Reed will have WR3/flex upside most weeks.

Rams 45, Cardinals 17: Michael Wilson did it again! Wilson produced 11 receptions for 142 yards and two TDs on 16 targets against L.A. He has 36 receptions for 445 yards and two TDs on 49 targets in three games without Marvin Harrison Jr. Wilson has received at least 15 targets in each game, while the most targets Harrison has received in a game during his two seasons in Arizona is 12. In fact, MHJ has only received double-digit targets six times in his 27 career games.

Texans 20, Chiefs 10: Woody Marks had 68 yards on 26 carries with eight yards and a TD on two receptions to help Houston earn a big win at Kansas City in prime time. Marks is the overall RB28 in standard formats (RB32 in PPR) since Week 11 with at least 17 touches in four straight games. The rookie has at least 51 total yards or a TD in eight of his last 10 games.

Chargers 22, Eagles 19 (OT): Jalen Hurts only completed 21 of 40 passes for 240 yards with a career-worst four interceptions, and only ran for eight yards on four carries in the loss at SoFi Stadium. It was possibly the worst start of Hurts’ career. In November of 2021, he only completed 14 of 31 passes for 129 yards with three interceptions in a 13-7 road loss against the Giants, but at least he had 77 yards on eight carries.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 15:

ATLANTA AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Bucky Irving (TB).

Who to start: With Drake London out (knee) the last three games, Kyle Pitts (ATL) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE5 in PPR). Emeka Egbuka (TB) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least eight targets in seven straight games vs. a defense that has allowed 12 TDs to wide receivers in its last seven games. Chris Godwin (TB) has flex appeal as the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) the last two weeks with at least five targets and 55 yards in back-to-back games. The Buccaneers D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense allowing an average of 11.3 fantasy points to opposing defenses the last three games.

Who to sit: Darnell Mooney (ATL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in nine straight games. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is TD-dependent against a defense that held the Falcons to 69 rushing yards in Week 1. Baker Mayfield (TB) hasn’t thrown multiple TD passes since Week 10. I wish I could say start Mike Evans (TB) if he’s active (collarbone), but there’s just no way to know what his usage will be on a short week in his first game back. Both Rachaad White (TB) and Sean Tucker (TB) are TD-dependent with Irving back. Tez Johnson (TB) is TD-dependent with only five receptions in the last four games.

Sleeper: Kirk Cousins (ATL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TD passes in four of the last five games.

CLEVELAND AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: Quinshon Judkins (CLE), Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE), D’Andre Swift (CHI).

Who to start: Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Kyle Monangai (CHI) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB10 in standard formats (RB16 in PPR) since Week 7. Colston Loveland (CHI) is the overall TE3 across most fantasy formats since Week 9. The Bears D/ST faces an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Browns D/ST on the road against an offense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. David Njoku (CLE) is TD-dependent if he’s active (knee) with two-or-fewer receptions in five straight games. Cedric Tillman (CLE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in eight straight games. Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Rome Odunze (CHI) if he’s active with a stress fracture in his foot. DJ Moore (CHI) is TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games. Luther Burden III (CHI) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: Shedeur Sanders (CLE) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 27 TD passes in 13 games this season.

BALTIMORE AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN).

Who to start: Mark Andrews (BAL) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points (by far) to tight ends.

Who to sit: I’m fading Zay Flowers (BAL) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers — Flowers only had two receptions for six yards on seven targets against the Bengals on Thanksgiving night. Rashod Bateman (BAL) has two-or-fewer receptions in eight straight games. I’m fading a Ravens D/ST on the road against Burrow, especially considering how much it's regressed the last two weeks. Tee Higgins (CIN) has returned to the NFL’s concussion protocol for the second time in the last three weeks. Samaje Perine (CIN) remains TD-dependent with Brown receiving at least 15 touches in six straight games. Andrei Iosivas (CIN) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in six of his last eight games. Both Mike Gesicki (CIN) and Noah Fant (CIN) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Isaiah Likely (BAL) had five receptions for 95 yards on six targets against Cincy in Week 13, and the Bengals have allowed 15 TDs to tight ends in their last 11 games.

L.A. CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Omarion Hampton (LAC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Rashee Rice (KC).

Who to start: Ladd McConkey (LAC) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (foot). Kareem Hunt (KC) has RB2/flex upside as the overall RB16 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) since Week 8, and has scored at least one TD in five of the last six games.

Who to sit: Justin Herbert (LAC) is the overall QB26 since Week 10 with four TD passes in his last four games. Keenan Allen (LAC) hasn’t topped four receptions, 55 yards or scored since Week 7. Quentin Johnston (LAC) is TD-dependent with exactly three targets in three straight games. Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Kimani Vidal (LAC) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Chargers D/ST on the road against Mahomes. Both Xavier Worthy (KC) and Marquise Brown (KC) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Isiah Pacheco (KC) is TD-dependent with only 14 touches in two games since he returned from injury.

Sleeper: The Chiefs D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense that has allowed 24 sacks in the last five games.

BUFFALO AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook III (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Drake Maye (NE), Stefon Diggs (NE)

Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) since Week 8 with at least seven receptions or a TD in five of the last seven games. TreVeyon Henderson (NE) is the overall RB9 in standard formats (RB8 in PPR) since Week 9. Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Kayshon Boutte (NE) has weekly finishes of WR4, WR18, WR7 and WR23 in standard formats across his last five full games.

Who to sit: Keon Coleman (BUF) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in his last six games. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading the Patriots D/ST against Allen. DeMario Douglas (NE) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer targets in four straight games. Mack Hollins (NE) has failed to top three receptions or 30 yards in three of his last five games. Kyle Williams (NE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only three receptions (two TDs) in his last four games.

Sleeper: The Bills D/ST deserves streaming consideration as the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 8.

WASHINGTON AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Jaxson Dart (NYG), Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG).

Who to start: Both Deebo Samuel (WAS) and Terry McLaurin (WAS) maintain WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) has RB2/flex upside if he’s active (groin) against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Marcus Mariota (WAS) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TD passes in six of the last seven games. Both Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) and Devin Singletary (NYG) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs, including six rushing TDs in the last four games. Darius Slayton (NYG) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Theo Johnson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: Jeremy McNichols (WAS) hasn’t topped 30 total yards since Week 8. Isaiah Hodgins (NYG) is TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in two of his three games with the Giants this season.

Sleeper: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) has RB2/flex upside if Rodriguez is out against a defense that allowed seven rushing TDs and an average of 159 rushing yards to running backs in the last six games.

LAS VEGAS AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV), Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Eagles D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Tre Tucker (LV) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five of his last six games. Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: The Raiders have allowed five rushing TDs in the last three games, and I can see Tank Bigsby (PHI) getting garbage time carries in a potential blowout.

N.Y. JETS AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Travis Etienne (JAC), Jaguars D/ST.

Who to start: Mason Taylor (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (neck) against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is the overall QB7 since Week 9. Jakobi Meyers (JAC) is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) since Week 11 with at least five receptions or a TD in four straight games. Brenton Strange (JAC) is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) in the three games since he returned from injury.

Who to sit: I’m fading Breece Hall (NYJ) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Both Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) and Justin Fields (NYJ) have yet to practice as of Thursday with a groin and knee injury respectively. Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in three of his four games with the Jets. Brian Thomas (JAC) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in his last four games.

Sleeper(s): John Metchie III (NYJ) has flex appeal with at least four receptions or a TD in four straight games. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs, including nine rushing TDs in the last four games.

ARIZONA AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), Nico Collins (HOU), Texans D/ST.

Who to start: It’s a difficult matchup, but McBride and Michael Wilson (ARI) are the only options for a team that throws a ton. Woody Marks (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs, including eight rushing TDs in the last five games. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Jayden Higgins (HOU) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) since Week 8.

Who to sit: Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) hasn’t practiced with his heel injury. Jacoby Brissett (ARI) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Both Bam Knight (ARI) and Michael Carter (ARI) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Christian Kirk (HOU) remains TD-dependent with one-or-fewer receptions in four of his last five games.

Sleeper: CJ Stroud (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed three TD passes in three of the last four games.

GREEN BAY AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), RJ Harvey (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Josh Jacobs (GB) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Christian Watson (GB) is the overall WR6 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) since Week 8.

Who to sit: Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense that has only allowed five TD passes in six home games this season. I’m fading Romeo Doubs (GB) and Jayden Reed (GB) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Luke Musgrave (GB) remains TD-dependent with only five receptions in the last four games. The Packers D/ST faces an offense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Bo Nix (DEN) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Troy Franklin (DEN) has topped 40 receiving yards once since Week 8. Evan Engram (DEN) has topped 42 receiving yards once this season and hasn’t scored since Week 5. Pat Bryant (DEN) is TD-dependent if he’s active (hamstring). Marvin Mims (DEN) remains the quintessential boom-or-bust candidate.

Sleeper: Despite the difficult matchup, Emanuel Wilson (GB) get see a lot of touches if Jacobs is out.

DETROIT AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Puka Nacua (LAR), Davonte Adams (LAR), Matthew Stafford (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: Jameson Williams (DET) is the overall WR4 in standard formats (WR5 in PPR) since Week 9. Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has allowed a combined five TD passes in the last two games to Bryce Young and Jacoby Brissett. Colby Parkinson (LAR) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE5 in PPR) since Week 10 with at least four receptions or a TD in five straight games.

Who to sit: David Montgomery (DET) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Blake Corum (LAR) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Rams D/ST against an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Isaac TeSlaa (DET) faces a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to wide receivers in the last three games — half of TeSlaa’s eight receptions this season have been a TD.

CAROLINA AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Rico Dowdle (CAR), Tetairoa McMillan (CAR), Chris Olave (NO).

Who to start: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs to running backs in its last seven games. Juwan Johnson (NO) is the overall TE8 across most fantasy formats since Week 7 with at least five receptions or a TD in six of the last seven games. Devin Neal (NO) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed nine rushing TDs to running backs in its last six games.

Who to sit: Bryce Young (CAR) faces a defense that has allowed only seven TD passes in the last seven games. Xavier Legette (CAR) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five of his last six games. Jalen Coker (CAR) is TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed two TD receptions to wide receivers in the last four games. Tyler Shough (NO) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Devaughn Vele (NO) has only topped three receptions and 40 yards once this season.

Sleeper(s): The Panthers D/ST faces an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Saints D/ST faces an offense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses that they held to seven points in Week 10.

TENNESSEE AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF).

Who to start: Tony Pollard (TEN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB25 across most fantasy formats through 14 weeks. Jauan Jennings (SF) is the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) in his last five games. Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in six of its last seven games. Ricky Pearsall (SF) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: Tyjae Spears (TEN) only has value in deeper PPR leagues. Chimere Dike (TEN) is TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in three of his last five games. Elic Ayomanor (TEN) has three-or-fewer receptions in eight of his last nine games. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) has three-or-fewer targets in three of his last five games.

Sleeper(s): Gunnar Helm (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed five TDs to tight ends in the last five games. The 49ers D/ST is at home, coming off a bye, against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

INDIANAPOLIS AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Seahawks D/ST.

Who to start: Both Kenneth Walker III (SEA) and Zach Charbonnet (SEA) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed nine rushing TDs to running backs in the last six games. Rashid Shaheed (SEA) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: I’m fading Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Alec Pierce (IND) and Josh Downs (IND) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m also fading whomever starts between Riley Leonard (IND) and Philip Rivers (IND) at QB for the Colts in a very difficult matchup. Sam Darnold (SEA) faces a defense that has only allowed five TD passes in its last six games. Cooper Kupp (SEA) has three-or-fewer receptions in seven straight games.

Sleeper: AJ Barner (SEA) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends.

MINNESOTA AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dak Prescott (DAL), George Pickens (DAL), Javonte Williams (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL).

Who to start: Aaron Jones (MIN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. Jordan Addison (MIN) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active (Achilles) against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 10 TD receptions in the last six games. Jordan Mason (MIN) has flex appeal against a defense that just allowed four rushing TDs to the Lions last week. CeeDee Lamb (DAL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion).

Who to sit: TJ Hockenson (MIN) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (shin). The Vikings D/ST are on the road against an offense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Even if Lamb is out, Ryan Flournoy (DAL) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper(s): J.J. McCarthy (MIN) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 29 TD passes in the last 12 games. Jalen Nailor (MIN) has flex appeal if Addison is out.

MIAMI AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), DK Metcalf (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: Darren Waller (MIA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Jaylen Warren (PIT) is the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) since Week 7. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) has flex appeal as the overall RB9 in standard formats (RB7 in PPR) since Week 11.

Who to sit: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) hasn’t topped 173 passing yards since Week 9, and only has three TD passes in his last five games. Malik Washington (MIA) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of his last five games. Both Jaylen Wright (MIA) and Ollie Gordon (MIA) are TD-dependent unless Achane is out (ribs). Aaron Rodgers (PIT) hasn’t thrown multiple TD passes since Week 8. Jonnu Smith (PIT) has three-or-fewer targets in five straight games.

Sleeper(s): The Dolphins D/ST is averaging the second-most fantasy points per game (11) for a defense since Week 10. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends with Darnell Washington likely out (concussion).