Here's a look back at Week 15's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 15 RECAP
49ers 21, Seahawks 13: Since Christian McCaffrey was traded to San Francisco in Week 7, only Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry and Tony Pollard have scored more fantasy points in standard formats — only Jacobs and Henry have outpaced CMC in PPR over that span.
Vikings 39, Colts 36 (OT): Jonathan Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain early against Minnesota. Deon Jackson has been productive when given an opportunity this season, including against the Vikings with 55 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown. Zack Moss produced 81 yards in a whopping 24 carries during Indy’s historic meltdown, but I like Jackson more going forward because of his usage in the pass game and his familiarity with the offense.
Browns 13, Ravens 3: In three games with Deshaun Watson under center, Amari Cooper has 10 receptions (22 targets) for 140 yards. Donovan Peoples-Jones has 15 receptions (19 targets) for 189 yards and two TDs (one punt return).
Bills 32, Dolphins 29: The Buffalo backfield is approaching a 50-50 split between Devin Singletary and rookie James Cook. Singletary has played 109 snaps the last three games, compared to Cook’s 84. Singletary has produced 164 total yards, four receptions and a TD since Week 13. Cook has 159 total yards, nine receptions and a TD.
Eagles 25, Bears 20: Unfortunately, Jalen Hurts sprained his throwing shoulder during his three rushing TD performance at Chicago and will likely miss a game or two. Obviously, this is the worst possible timing for fantasy investors he carried into the playoffs. The good news is — assuming you’re an optimist — Gardner Minshew is capable of producing at a high level and helping you stave off disaster. He finished as the QB10 (Week 13) and QB17 (Week 18) in his two starts for the Eagles last season. In 2020, Minshew began the season as Jacksonville’s starter and was the overall QB12 in fantasy through the first seven games before getting hurt himself.
Saints 21, Falcons 18: Tyler Allgeier appears to be getting stronger as the year goes on. Allgeier is the overall RB29 in standard formats (RB33 in PPR) since Week 9 with 419 yards and a TD on 64 carries — 6.55 yards per carry (!) — in the last six games.
Lions 20, Jets 17: CJ Uzomah cashed in on his two targets with two TDs and that’s what everyone will remember, but Uzomah remains Tyler Conklin’s backup. Conklin topped Uzomah in snaps (47 to 32), routes (22 to 11) and tied him in targets. His next two games are against the Jaguars (25th in fantasy points allowed per game to tight ends) and Seahawks (31st).
Steelers 24, Panthers 16: The sky was falling the first two months of the season if you drafted Najee Harris. If you hung on to him, Harris rewarded your patience. Since Week 10, he’s the overall RB7 in standard formats (RB11 in PPR) on the strength of 482 total yards and five TDs in the last six games.
Jaguars 40, Cowboys 34 (OT): Zay Jones is the overall WR7 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 10 — only Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb and Christian Watson have scored more fantasy points in PPR over that span .
Chiefs 30, Texans 24 (OT): Jerick McKinnon is the overall RB10 in standard formats (RB7 in PPR) since Week 9 on the strength of 468 total yards, 33 receptions and five total TDs (four receiving).
Broncos 24, Cardinals 15: Latavius Murray is the overall RB25 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) since Week 6 after Denver signed him off the Saints’ practice squad.
Raiders 30, Patriots 24: Rhamondre Stevenson is likely a top-10 pick in fantasy drafts next year with top-5 upside. Stevenson is on pace for 1,573 yards, 73 receptions and seven TDs.
Chargers 17, Titans 14: The Bolts face the Colts (last in fantasy points allowed per game to opposing defenses) and Rams (31st) the next two games after playing their best two games of the season defensively despite not being at full strength.
Bengals 34, Buccaneers 23: The last month or so, it appeared rookie Rachaad White had surpassed Leonard Fournette as the lead back in Tampa Bay’s offense, but Fournette led the backfield in snaps, rushing yards and receiving yards against Cincinnati.
Giants 20, Commanders 12: Curtis Samuel was the overall WR25 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) through the first five games this season. Since then, Samuel is the overall WR37 in standard (WR43 in PPR).
Packers 24, Rams 12: Rookie receiver Romeo Doubs played for the first time since Week 9 and rotated throughout the game with Randall Cobb. Despite limited playing time, Doubs had five receptions for a team-high 55 yards.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here’s an in-depth look at the NFL matchups for Week 16 and how they’ll affect your fantasy football lineup, with players you should start, sit and a sleeper for each game:
JACKSONVILLE AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST.
Who to start: Only Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen have more fantasy points than Trevor Lawrence (JAC) since Week 12. Zay Jones (JAC) has at least eight receptions, 68 yards or a TD in four of the last five games. The Jaguars D/ST is a mediocre option most weeks, but so are the Lions and they produced four sacks, two turnovers and less than 20 points against Zach Wilson — and the weather could be a factor. Both Michael Carter (NYJ) and Zonovan Knight (NYJ) are sneaky flex plays in deeper leagues with a positive matchup on a short week in what could be wet and windy conditions. Wilson (NYJ) is a sneaky streaming option if you’re desperate, surpassing 300 yards with two TDs in two of his last four games and the Jaguars are allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: Marvin Jones (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust option having surpassed three receptions once since Week 8. James Robinson (NYJ) has been a healthy scratch three of the last four games. Elijah Moore (NYJ) has been playing better of late and Corey Davis (NYJ) has exited the NFL’s concussion protocol, but neither deserve trust in your playoff matchup this week.
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
BUFFALO AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST, Justin Fields (CHI), David Montgomery (CHI).
Who to start: Both Devin Singletary (BUF) and James Cook (BUF) deserve flex consideration against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: Gabe Davis (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust option failing to surpass three receptions in eight of 13 games this season. Dawson Knox (BUF) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Chase Claypool (CHI) is still dealing with a knee issue that’s keeping him from practicing.
Sleeper: Khalil Herbert (CHI) returns from injured reserve and could be a sneaky flex option if you’re desperate.
NEW ORLEANS AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Nick Chubb (CLE), David Njoku (CLE).
Who to start: Juwan Johnson (NO) has seven TDs in the last seven games — Johnson is the overall TE3 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) since Week 7. The Saints D/ST and Browns D/ST are streaming options in what should be the worst weather conditions on the docket. Kareem Hunt (CLE) could receive a bump in usage and be a lottery ticket-type play in deeper leagues.
Who to sit: I’m fading Chris Olave (NO), Andy Dalton (NO), Amari Cooper (CLE), Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) and Deshaun Watson (CLE) due to weather.
Sleeper: If there were ever a week where we could count on Taysom Hill (NO) being involved, it’s this week with sub-freezing conditions and wind gusts of 30-40 miles per hour.
HOUSTON AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN).
Who to start: Brandin Cooks (HOU) returns to face a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Titans D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Nico Collins (HOU) still hasn’t practiced. Chris Moore (HOU) has 19 targets the last two games, but his usage could be diminished with Cooks active. You’re not starting Rex Burkhead (HOU) or Dare Ogunbowale (HOU) with anything on the line. Robert Woods (TEN) has two-or-fewer receptions in six of the last eight games. Treylon Burks (TEN) should clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in time to play, but he’s a high-ceiling/low floor option this week. Both Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) and Austin Hooper (TEN) are touchdown-dependent options with a rookie under center.
Sleeper: Malik Willis (TEN) will start and could produce a big day on the ground for those in superflex formats.
SEATTLE AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Geno Smith (SEA), Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC).
Who to start: Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Jerick McKinnon (KC) face a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. The Chiefs D/ST deserves streaming consideration as the eighth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 11.
Who to sit: Noah Fant (SEA) and Will Dissly (SEA) remain touchdown-dependent options with inconsistent usage. Both Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) and Kadarius Toney (KC) are boom-or-bust options against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: Marquise Goodwin (SEA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers with Tyler Lockett sidelined after finger surgery.
N.Y. GIANTS AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN).
Who to start: Daniel Jones (NYG) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Adam Thielen (MIN) has at least four receptions, 52 yards or a TD in 11 of 14 games. Kirk Cousins (MIN) is the overall QB5 since Week 12.
Who to sit: Daniel Bellinger (NYG) is touchdown-dependent with only nine receptions for 47 yards in the last three games since returning from injury. Despite the great matchup, Richie James (NYG) and Isaiah Hodgins (NYG) only have value in the deepest leagues.
Sleeper: Darius Slayton (NYG) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
CINCINNATI AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Patriots D/ST.
Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (NE) has at least four receptions, 55 yards or a TD in nine of 11 games this season.
Who to sit: Tyler Boyd (CIN) is touchdown-dependent with only 13 receptions in the last five games. Even if Damien Harris (NE) is active (he’s missed the last three games), Stevenson is the featured back now — Harris has only surpassed double-digit carries once since Week 4. Hunter Henry (NE) remains touchdown-dependent with only 11 receptions in the last five games. Nelson Agholor (NE) remains a boom-or-bust option with only eight receptions for 52 yards despite receiving 19 targets in the last three games.
Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (CIN) will likely return from a calf injury this week and faces a defense that has allowed nine TDs to tight ends this season.
DETROIT AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), D'Andre Swift (DET), Jamaal Williams (DET), DJ Moore (CAR).
Who to start: I normally fade Jared Goff (DET) on the road, but he’s the overall QB8 since Week 12 and deserves streaming consideration if you lost Jalen Hurts this week. The Lions D/ST are the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 9. Both D'Onta Foreman (CAR) and Chuba Hubbard (CAR) deserve flex consideration despite the Lions toughening against the run recently.
Who to sit: Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust option with only four targets in three games. Both Sam Darnold (CAR) and Terrace Marshall (CAR) are boom-or-bust options despite the premium matchup.
Sleeper: DJ Chark (DET) has at least five receptions, 98 yards or a TD in three of the last four games.
ATLANTA AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Drake London (ATL) has had at least six receptions, 70 yards and 11 targets in two straight games. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) deserves flex consideration with double-digit touches in 11 of 13 games this season. JK Dobbins (BAL) has at least 120 rushing yards in two straight games since returning from injury. Tyler Huntley (BAL) is another sneaky streaming option if you lost Hurts, especially considering the cold conditions.
Who to sit: Gus Edwards (BAL) has developed a decent floor (52 rushing yards in five of six games this season), but is essentially touchdown-dependent with Dobbins healthy.
Sleeper: Demarcus Robinson (BAL) has at least five receptions in four of the last five games and Devin Duvernay was recently placed on injured reserve.
WASHINGTON AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) is the overall WR12 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) since Week 6.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Antonio Gibson (WAS) and Brian Robinson (WAS) against the best defense in the NFL. Curtis Samuel (WAS) is touchdown-dependent with only 12 receptions in the last five games. Jahan Dotson (WAS) has played well recently, but remains a boom-or-bust option who has failed to surpass a single reception in four of his last six games. Taylor Heinicke (WAS) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: Brock Purdy (SF) is the overall QB10 since Week 13.
PHILADELPHIA AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Dalton Schultz (DAL).
Who to start: The Eagles D/ST and Cowboys D/ST are top-four scoring defenses in fantasy this season so don’t get cute. Dak Prescott (DAL) is the overall QB6 since Week 10.
Who to sit: Michael Gallup (DAL) has a difficult matchup and remains a boom-or-bust option having topped 50 yards once in 11 games this season.
Sleeper: Gardner Minshew (PHI) has been a borderline QB1 whenever he’s had the opportunity to start in his career and he’s never had this type of supporting talent around him.
LAS VEGAS AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Darren Waller (LV), Najee Harris (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT).
Who to start: Derek Carr (LV) has multiple TD passes in six of the last seven games. Mack Hollins (LV) is the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) since Week 7. George Pickens (PIT) is the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR32 in PPR) since Week 10. Kenny Pickett (PIT) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks if you’re desperate.
Who to sit: Jaylen Warren (PIT) has only received double-digit touches twice in 13 games this season.
Sleeper: Hunter Renfrow (LV) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
GREEN BAY AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Aaron Jones (GB), Christian Watson (GB), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA).
Who to start: Aaron Rodgers (GB) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. AJ Dillon (GB) is the overall RB8 in standard formats (RB13 in PPR) since Week 12. Raheem Mostert (MIA) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to running backs in the last five games.
Who to sit: Allen Lazard (GB) is a boom-or-bust option with four-or-fewer targets in three of the last five games. I’m fading both the Packers D/ST and Dolphins D/ST in a potential high-scoring affair. There’s more upside out there than you’ll find with Romeo Doubs (GB) and Randall Cobb (GB) this week. Jeff Wilson (MIA) remains limited by a hip injury.
Sleeper: Robert Tonyan (GB) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to tight ends in the last six games and the third-most fantasy points to the position this season.
DENVER AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Jerry Jeudy (DEN).
Who to start: Latavius Murray (DEN) has at least 61 total yards or a TD in four of the last five games. The Broncos D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Cam Akers (LAR) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB21 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR) since Week 11. The Rams D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: I’m fading Courtland Sutton (DEN) if he’s active coming off a hamstring injury. You’re only starting Russell Wilson (DEN) if you’re desperate and want to take a flier on a former elite option at QB. Tyler Higbee (LAR) is touchdown-dependent with only eight receptions in the last four games. Van Jefferson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust option having failed to surpass three receptions in a game this season. Baker Mayfield (LAR) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: Greg Dulcich (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed tight ends to score a TD in five of the last eight games.
TAMPA BAY AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Leonard Fournette (TB), DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), James Conner (ARI).
Who to start: Tom Brady (TB) has multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. The Buccaneers D/ST faces an offense that has committed five turnovers and allowed nine sacks the last two games and will be starting a third-string QB. Rachaad White (TB) faces a defense that has allowed nine TDs to running backs in the last seven games.
Who to sit: Russell Gage (TB) and Julio Jones (TB) remain boom-or-bust options. Marquise Brown (ARI) is the overall WR67 in PPR since returning from injury in Week 12.
Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends.
L.A. CHARGERS AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Gerald Everett (LAC), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: Joshua Palmer (LAC) maintains flex value in deep PPR leagues with at least four receptions and 49 yards in seven of the last eight games. Deon Jackson (IND) and Zack Moss (IND) deserve flex consideration against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: Parris Campbell (IND) is touchdown-dependent with only eight receptions for 70 yards in the last three games. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust option with only eight receptions in the last six games.
Sleeper: The Chargers D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing offenses.
