It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached Week 15 of the NFL season. Time flies. If you’re reading this, you’re still searching for a playoff spot, and with the regular season wrapping up, now is the time to make crucial moves. Let’s finish strong and make sure your team stays in contention.
Last week was a blast, with 8 teams scoring 30 or more points! It’s been an exciting, high-scoring year, and 23 out of 32 NFL teams are currently averaging over 20 points per game. Let’s hope for one more high-scoring week to fuel that final push you need to secure your championship run. For those on the outside looking in....well....let's just say that even though you're out of the running, there's always next year. Onward!
Starts
QB - Aaron Rodgers - New York Jets (@Jax)
For most of the year, I would have advised steering clear of this offense, but if you need a high-risk, high-reward QB for Week 15, Jets QB Aaron Rodgers might just be the answer. Despite the Jets' offensive struggles, Rodgers has maintained a solid floor, scoring 13 or more fantasy points in 7 of his last 8 games. Recently, he delivered his highest passing total of the year, throwing for 339 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. With star running back Breece Hall still nursing an injury, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jets lean more heavily on the passing game against Jacksonville, which has given up the second-most passing yards on the year. Additionally, Rodgers has thrown two or more touchdowns in 8 games, and I’m confident that number will rise to 9 after Week 15. If you’re looking for a QB with upside and a favorable matchup, Rodgers could be just the player to give you a playoff boost.
RB - Tyrone Tracy Jr. - New York Giants (Bal)
If you’ve followed my advice in the past, you know I typically avoid recommending players in tough matchups. This week, Giants RB Tyrone Tracy faces the league's top-ranked run defense, the Ravens, which would normally steer me away. However, I still believe he deserves a spot in your lineup. The reason is simple—outside of star receiver Malik Nabers, no other player has shown any offensive consistency, as the team has been relying heavily on either the rookie WR or Tracy. Case in point: just last week Tracy was tied for the team lead with 10 targets. Additionally, over his last 6 games, he has averaged 17 touches per game with 4 touchdowns. Even against a tough Baltimore defense, Tracy has remained a focal point and should be in your lineup.
WR - Adam Thielen - Carolina Panthers (Dal)
Panthers WR Adam Thielen is a veteran I haven’t discussed much, but he’s quietly been making a big impact. After missing part of the year, it didn’t take him long to get back into form, as he’s caught 17 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown over his past two games. QB Bryce Young has also taken a step forward since the team's bye, averaging 250 passing yards and a touchdown over his last three games. Additionally, during that stretch, Young has targeted Thielen a whopping 25 times. Now, with a matchup against a middle-of-the-pack defense, expect the Panthers' offense to continue improving, and look for Young to keep building chemistry with his veteran receiver. This makes Thielen a solid option for your Week 15 lineup.
TE - Zach Ertz - Washington Commanders (@NO)
Sticking with the theme of veterans, if you’re looking for a reliable tight end Washington's Zach Ertz is your guy. Ertz has quietly had an impressive season, staying involved in the offense with five or more targets in seven of his last eight games. Additionally, over that stretch he’s consistently racked up 30 or more yards, providing a dependable floor that many tight ends have struggled to obtain. Also, while his recent three-game touchdown streak has been nice, the real value is in his consistent role in the team's offense. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' trust placed firmly in the hands of the veteran, Ertz is a solid, trustworthy option for your Week 15 lineup.
Defense - Washington Commanders (@NO)
This pick wasn’t initially on my radar, but with Saints QB Derek Carr sustaining a serious hand injury in Week 14, it looks like the team will be turning to backup Spencer Rattler. The Commanders' defense was a must-start regardless, but now, facing the Saints without Carr, the matchup looks even more promising. While they haven't been spectacular, Washington has already had two double-digit fantasy performances, and with a backup QB under center and both teams fresh off the bye, it’s shaping up to be a strong opportunity for another big showing from the Washington defense.
Sits
QB - Geno Smith - Seattle Seahawks (GB)
Seattle QB Geno Smith had a strong start to the year, posting 17 or more fantasy points in 4 of his first 5 games. However, since the team's Week 10 bye, his performance has taken a downturn. Over the last 4 games, Smith has averaged just 229 passing yards per game with only 3 touchdowns and 2 turnovers—showing a significant lack of upside at a critical time. Additionally, Smith's mobility, which played a major role in his production (146 rushing yards through his first 5 games), has been nearly nonexistent lately, as he's totaled just 33 rushing yards in his last 4 games. With little ceiling and a lack of consistency, it's best to look for a better quarterback option for Week 15.
RB - D’Andre Swift - Chicago Bears (@Min)
Bears RB D'Andre Swift has had some impressive moments this year but has struggled to stay consistent and is in a bit of a slump heading into Week 15. Over the past 3 weeks he has been largely absent in the Chicago ground game, rushing for under 40 yards in each of those matchups while going up against strong defenses. This week, he faces another tough challenge against a Vikings squad that has allowed the second fewest rushing yards in the league. With the Bears likely needing to play catch-up to the Minnesota high-powered offense, they’ll probably abandon the run early. As a result it's best to keep Swift on your bench.
WR - Deebo Samuel Sr. - San Francisco 49ers (LAR)
At this point in the year you want to be starting players who are on a hot streak, and unfortunately, San Fran WR Deebo Samuel is trending in the opposite direction. Over the past four weeks he’s been a major disappointment, totaling 22 or fewer yards in each of those games. Additionally, lately he seems to be the odd man out in the 49ers' passing game, and while he might see a few extra carries due to the team's running back injuries, there's no guarantee he will be involved enough to be relevant. While you may have drafted him high, this is crunch time and you can’t afford to trust a player who isn't getting involved. Make sure he stays on your bench.
TE - Cade Otton - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@LAC)
Early in the year, Tampa TE Cade Otton showed promise, and for a brief stretch looked like a potential league-winner. During a three-game span, he hauled in 25 receptions for 258 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, his production has significantly cooled off. In his last three games, Otton has just 8 catches for 120 yards and zero touchdowns while receiving only 14 targets during that same timeframe. To make matters worse, he faces a tough matchup against a Chargers defense that has allowed the 5th fewest points to tight ends. Look for a more consistent option to help push you into the playoffs.
Defense - New Orleans Saints (Wsh)
The Saints defense has been impressive recently, including their strong performance in holding the Giants to just 11 points last week. Additionally, over their last four games they’ve allowed only 16 points per game. However, this week I would recommend keeping them on the bench as they face a well-rested Washington Commanders squad, and with how productive Washington has been it makes for a tough matchup. The Commanders are averaging the 5th most yards and the 4th most points per game, showcasing a high-powered offense that’s a far cry from their past struggles. While the Saints defense has been solid, this matchup could be a challenging one, so it's best to leave them on the bench.
