As we step into Week 15 of the fantasy football season, the gravity of this moment is palpable. For many, the season's fate hangs in the balance — win and advance, lose and bid farewell. It's a journey that began on draft night, and now, as we find ourselves on the cusp of the playoffs, the realization is both surreal and exhilarating. If you're reading this, it means you're still in contention. The time has come to fortify our lineups, summon all the football gods, and embark on the quest for fantasy greatness.
Starts
QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (WSH)
Matthew Stafford's recent performance has been nothing short of a fantasy spectacle. He's transformed from a bottom-tier quarterback to a potential top-15 contender in the last three weeks. Three consecutive games with three or more touchdowns and a remarkable 802 combined passing yards will do that. Facing the Washington Commanders, who sport a historically weak secondary, Stafford's trajectory is set for another stellar outing. Lock him into your lineup; a 300-yard, 2-TD game seems inevitable.
RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (Chi)
Jerome Ford has been quietly consistent for many weeks, sporting 8 or more fantasy points in six straight contests. Not only that but he’s also been a solid threat out of the backfield, corralling 13 catches and a receiving TD over his last three games. With Ford also averaging 4.7 yards a carry, it’s clear he’s taking advantage of the situation and is the number-one back for the Browns. Facing the Chicago Bears, he stands as a confident start for Week 15.
WR Odell Beckham Jr., Baltimore Ravens (@Jax)
In a season marked by relative quietness, Odell Beckham Jr. has recently become a beacon of fantasy hope. After averaging a mere 27 yards per game until Week 9, Beckham exploded, tallying 343 yards, 17 receptions, and three touchdowns in his last five games. This resurgence positions him as a potential league-winner, especially against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who recently allowed Joe Flacco to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. Beckham is poised to be a top-20 play in Week 15.
TE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (Chi)
It’s clear Browns tight end David Njoku took things personally being on the sit-list last week. With a monster 2 TD game he bounced back from his pathetic 17-yard performance in Week 13. Njoku now has 50-plus yards in six of his last eight games, and that currently makes him one of the most consistent TEs in the league. Njoku’s target share hasn’t dropped with Joe Flacco at the helm either. With five-plus targets in eight straight games, Njoku checks all the boxes to make the lineup for this critical week.
Defense New Orleans Saints (NYG)
The New Orleans Saints endured an uncharacteristic slump in the lead-up to Week 14, amassing a meager three fantasy points in their previous three games. However, Week 14 served as a statement game for the Saints, shutting down the Carolina Panthers, sacking Bryce Young four times, and forcing three turnovers. Now, with a favorable home matchup against the New York Giants, the Saints are poised to be a top-five play in Week 15. Don't hesitate to scoop them up and give them the start; they are still available in over 35% of leagues.
Sits
QB Justin Fields, Chicago Bears (@Cleveland)
During the first half of the season, the Bears seemed to forget that Justin Fields can run the football. In the first six games before his injury, he was averaging just 39.5 rushing yards a game. In his three games back from injury, he’s averaging 73.6 rushing yards. He also reached the endzone in Week 14. This bodes well for owners down the stretch because it’s Fields' best brand of football. The problem is he gets the Browns in Cleveland in Week 15. Against top defenses this season the young signal caller has struggled mightily. In what could be considered his toughest matchup against the Chiefs earlier this year he threw for just 99 yards. Fields is back to flashing explosive plays but this game makes him far too risky. Keep him sidelined.
RB Zach Moss, Indianapolis Colts (Pit)
Zach Moss, once considered a potential league-winner, has faltered in his recent outings as the lead back for the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the opportunity created by Jonathan Taylor's injury, Moss has managed just 78 rushing yards on 32 carries over the last two games. With less than 60 yards rushing in six straight games, Moss might not be the optimal choice for such a crucial week in the fantasy playoffs.
WR Noah Brown, Houston Texans (@Ten)
For a couple of weeks now there was some thought that Noah Brown would be a steal on the waiver wire, and with the injury to Tank Dell, many managers rushed to grab him. After all, with the way CJ Stroud has led the Houston offense, who could blame them? Well, it’s been quite a disappointing last two weeks, as Brown has just 7 targets for 0 catches. We're a long way from Weeks 9 and 10 where Brown combined for 325 receiving yards. I know the Titans' defense is far worse than the Jets but regardless of the matchup, Brown can’t be trusted.
TE Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (Dal)
Dalton Kincaid, stepping into the starting role in the absence of Dawson Knox, has experienced mixed results. Despite five-plus catches in all four games Knox was absent, Kincaid faces the challenge of splitting time with Knox when both are healthy. The Bills' offense, characterized by Josh Allen's penchant for spreading the ball, also poses a risk for Kincaid. In a lineup, trust is paramount, and a tight end sharing time might not be the most reliable option. Look for other options in Week 15.
Defense Jacksonville Jaguars (Bal)
All year long the Jaguars have been a solid option on the defensive side of the ball. They will most likely finish in the top half of fantasy units at the end of the year. That said, the last few weeks they’ve been more than a bit underwhelming. With back-to-back matchups against 2nd string quarterbacks, the hope was that this unit would feast. Instead, both Jake Browning and Joe Flacco combined for 665 yards and 4 TDs. That is just flat-out embarrassing. Now they have Lamar Jackson coming off a 3 TD performance on the slate. Stay away from this defense for the rest of the season.
As we navigate the intricate landscape of Week 15, the decisions we make on the waiver wire could shape the destiny of our fantasy rosters. The inspirational starts and cautious sits presented here aim to provide a harmonious blend of optimism and prudence. In this crucial week, where the quest for fantasy greatness reaches its zenith, trust your instincts, make bold yet informed decisions, and may your journey through the playoffs be filled with triumph and glory. Good luck!
