WEEK 15 RECAP

Raiders 63, Chargers 21: Joshua Palmer managed 113 yards and TD in his first game back, an embarrassing loss at Las Vegas. Palmer won’t have an elite quarterback throwing him the ball for the rest of this season, but Easton Stick appears to be competent enough, and he could be the top target if Keenan Allen misses more time with a heel injury.

Bengals 27, Vikings 24 (OT): Alexander Mattison was sidelined by an ankle injury against the Bengals and Ty Chandler took full advantage of his absence, running for 132 yards and a touchdown. Chandler’s rushing total was the best by a running back for Minnesota in a game this season. Mattison could return this week, but head coach Kevin O’Connell already said Chandler “is going to see a featured role” in the Vikings offense.

Colts 30, Steelers 13: Indianapolis remains the top defense in fantasy since Week 9, averaging 15.2 points per game, and fourth overall this season. The Colts face quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Aidan O’Connell the next two weeks. I’m honestly perplexed on why the roster percentage remains so low.

Lions 42, Broncos 17: Sam LaPorta needs 11 receptions, 319 yards and four touchdowns in the last three games of the season to break all three rookie NFL records for a tight end. Keith Jackson had 81 receptions for the Eagles in 1988. Mike Ditka had 1,076 yards and 12 TDs for the Bears in 1961.

Browns 20, Bears 17: Joe Flacco is the overall QB6 in his three starts this season, throwing for 939 yards and seven touchdowns the last three weeks. The veteran QB faces the Texans this week, who have allowed opposing signal-callers to surpass 20 fantasy points in five of the last six games.

Buccaneers 34, Packers 20: Rachaad White has at least 98 total yards in seven of the last eight games and has scored at least one TD in six of the last seven.

Texans 19, Titans 16 (OT): Noah Brown had eight receptions on 11 targets for 82 yards and a TD against Tennessee with Case Keenum throwing him passes. Both CJ Stroud (concussion) and Nico Collins (calf) were out. Even if Collins returns, Brown will see a healthy target share going forward and will face the Titans again in two weeks.

Dolphins 30, Jets 0: Tyreek Hill has gotten all the attention this season, and rightfully so, but Jaylen Waddle has quietly had another very productive season as the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) in 13 games.

Chiefs 27, Patriots 17: Rashee Rice has caught at least seven passes for 64 yards in each of his last four games, and he has a TD in three of those four. Rice is the overall WR6 in standard formats since Week 12, with only Deebo Samuel and CeeDee Lamb outscoring him in PPR over that span.

Saints 24, Giants 6: This seemed like a matchup ripe for a Taysom Hill explosion, but he only ran the ball once for one yard, caught one pass for four yards and threw one incomplete pass.

Panthers 9, Falcons 7: Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith hates your fantasy team.

Rams 28, Commanders 20: There’s an argument to be made that Curtis Samuel has been Washington’s most relevant receiver in fantasy when healthy. It’s been indisputable the last three games, where he is the overall WR23 in PPR formats with 18 receptions (26 targets) for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

49ers 45, Cardinals 29: Trey McBride had 10 receptions for 102 yards on 11 targets against San Francisco. McBride has surpassed 20 points in PPR four times in the last seven games.

Bills 31, Cowboys 10: James Cook’s 179 rushing yards surpassed his previous career-high by 56 yards and he scored multiple touchdowns for the first time in his career. Cook has at least 100 total yards in five straight games.

Ravens 23, Jaguars 7: Isaiah Likely is the TE4 in standard formats since Mark Andrews went down. Only Sam LaPorta, Evan Engram, David Njoku and Trey McBride are averaging more PPR points in that span at tight end. His ownership percentage should be north of 90 percent.

Seahawks 20, Eagles 17: Jaxon Smith-Njigba made a spectacular catch for the game-winning TD and finished with four receptions for 48 yards to go with the score. Smith-Njigba is the overall WR 35 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) since Week 6 with at least four receptions or a TD in eight of the last 10 games.

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’s my best bets for Week 16:

NEW ORLEANS AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Kyren Williams (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR).

Who to start: A short week favors Taysom Hill (NO). Derek Carr (NO) faces a defense that has allowed eight TD passes to quarterbacks in the last three games. Rashid Shaheed (NO) faces a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to wide receivers in the last two games.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Saints D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. Jamaal Williams (NO) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense that has only allowed three TD passes to quarterbacks in the last four games. Tyler Higbee (LAR) is TD-dependent with only 18 targets in his last five games.

Sleeper: Juwan Johnson (NO) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

CINCINNATI AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Diontae Johnson (PIT).

Who to start: Only Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey have scored more fantasy points than Jake Browning (CIN) the last three weeks. Tyler Boyd (CIN) should get a boost in target share with Ja’Marr Chase out. Tanner Hudson (CIN) has at least four receptions or a TD in seven straight games. Najee Harris (PIT) maintains flex appeal with at least 12 touches in 12 straight games. Jaylen Warren (PIT) is the overall RB14 across all formats since Week 7. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends. I’m rolling with the Steelers D/ST at home in a must-win game against a division rival it only allowed 10 points to in Week 12.

Who to sit: The Bengals D/ST only had two sacks and created one turnover against the Steelers in Week 12. George Pickens (PIT) is the overall WR51 in standard formats (WR49 in PPR) since Week 8.

Sleeper: Chase Brown (CIN) is averaging 10 touches and 72 total yards in the last three games as an explosive compliment to Mixon.

BUFFALO AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST.

Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Austin Ekeler (LAC) maintains flex appeal in PPR with a potential negative game script that could lead to a bunch of targets with the Chargers chasing points. Gerald Everett (LAC) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) since Week 12. Joshua Palmer (LAC) has WR3/flex upside if Keenan Allen is out again.

Who to sit: I’m fading a less-than 100 percent Dalton Kincaid (BUF), who’s currently dealing with a nagging shoulder injury. Khalil Shakir (BUF) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only two targets in the last two games. I’m fading Keenan Allen (LAC), who may miss another game with a heel injury. Easton Stick (LAC) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Sleeper: Quentin Johnston (LAC) has scored double-digit fantasy points in PPR in three straight games.

INDIANAPOLIS AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Colts D/ST, Bijan Robinson (ATL).

Who to start: Both Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) and Jonathan Taylor (IND) have difficult matchups, but it’s hard to sit either one if they are active, considering their upside.

Who to sit: Zack Moss (IND) is banged up and faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Gardner Minshew (IND) faces a defense that has allowed two TD passes to quarterbacks in the last five games. I’m fading Josh Downs (IND) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, unless Pittman is out, then Downs would have WR3/flex upside. Kyle Pitts (ATL) is TD-dependent with only 12 receptions in the last four games. Drake London (ATL) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last five games.

Sleeper: The Falcons D/ST is the 10th-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 12, with an average of 8.3 points per game.

SEATTLE AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN).

Who to start: Kenneth Walker (SEA) is an obvious starter if he’s active — monitor Walker’s shoulder injury. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Seahawks D/ST faces an offense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) would have flex appeal if Walker is out or limited.

Who to sit: Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense that has only allowed three TD passes to quarterbacks in the last four games. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) is TD-dependent and hasn’t scored a TD this season. Treylon Burks (TEN) only has 11 targets in his last five games. Will Levis (TEN) or Ryan Tannehill (TEN) will only have value in superflex formats.

Sleeper: Tyjae Spears (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs.

DETROIT AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Justin Jefferson (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN).

Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB7 since Week 10 with 14 TD passes against only five interceptions in the last six games. Jordan Addison (MIN) faces a defense that has allowed nine TD receptions to wide receivers in the last six games.

Who to sit: Josh Reynolds (DET) has topped two receptions in a game once since Week 6. Alexander Mattison (MIN) is trending towards missing a second straight game with an ankle injury. Ty Chandler (MIN) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Vikings D/ST against an explosive Lions offense. Nick Mullens (MIN) faces a defense that has allowed a single TD pass to quarterbacks in four of the last five games.

Sleeper: Jameson Williams (DET) faces a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

WASHINGTON AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ), Jets D/ST.

Who to start: Antonio Gibson (WAS) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs, including five touchdowns in the last four games.

Who to sit: Sam Howell (WAS) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Terry McLaurin (WAS), Curtis Samuel (WAS) and Jahan Dotson (WAS) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m also fading Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) if he’s active with a nagging hamstring injury. Logan Thomas (WAS) is TD-dependent with only three receptions in the last three games. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) is TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed 17 receptions to tight ends in the last five games.

Sleeper: The Commanders D/ST faces an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

GREEN BAY AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Aaron Jones (GB).

Who to start: Tucker Kraft (GB) is the overall TE7 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) since Week 12. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) is the overall RB8 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) since Week 12.

Who to sit: Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Christian Watson (GB) with a nagging hamstring injury and a difficult matchup. Jayden Reed (GB) is dealing with multiple injuries and faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Romeo Doubs (GB) is TD-dependent with only 14 receptions in the last four games. Too many questions surrounding his broken right thumb to trust AJ Dillon (GB) this week. Adam Thielen (CAR) is the overall WR52 in standard formats (WR38 in PPR) since Week 8. Miles Sanders (CAR) has failed to reach double-digit touches in six of the last nine games.

Sleeper: The Packers D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

CLEVELAND AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: David Njoku (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST.

Who to start: Jerome Ford (CLE) has scored double-digit fantasy points in PPR in eight of the last 10 games. Joe Flacco (CLE) is the overall QB6 in his three starts this season.

Who to sit: Kareem Hunt (CLE) is TD-dependent since he hasn’t topped 50 total yards since Week 8. Elijah Moore (CLE) is TD-dependent with only nine targets in the last two games. CJ Stroud (HOU) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. It’s hard to trust Nico Collins (HOU) with a nagging calf injury and a terrible matchup. Noah Brown (HOU) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Dameon Pierce (HOU) has six-or-fewer touches in three of the last four games.

Sleeper: It’s a difficult matchup for Devin Singletary (HOU), but the Browns have allowed at least one TD to running backs in five of the last six games.

JACKSONVILLE AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC), Mike Evans (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Chris Godwin (TB).

Who to start: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Calvin Ridley (JAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense that has allowed three TD receptions to tight ends in the last two games.

Who to sit: The Jaguars D/ST face an offense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Zay Jones (JAC) has at least five receptions and eight targets in three straight games.

ARIZONA AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: James Conner (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), DJ Moore (CHI), Justin Fields (CHI).

Who to start: Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends, but he has at least five receptions in six of the last seven games. The Bears D/ST is averaging 15 points in its last three games.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Marquise Brown (ARI), who has been dealing with a heel injury the last few weeks. Kyler Murray (ARI) is the overall QB15 since Week 10. Rondale Moore (ARI) only has six receptions in the last four games. It’s hard to trust either D’Onta Foreman (CHI) or Khalil Herbert (CHI) despite the matchup.

Sleeper: Roschon Johnson (CHI) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs and I anticipate the Bears increasing his usage down the stretch.

DALLAS AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Dak Prescott (DAL), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA).

Who to start: Jake Ferguson (DAL) has at least five receptions and eight targets in three straight games. De’Von Achane (MIA) is the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB11 in PPR) since Week 13 despite dealing with multiple injuries.

Who to sit: Brandin Cooks (DAL) is TD-dependent with only 15 receptions in the last five games. The Cowboys D/ST has failed to scored a point in two of the last three games and are one the road against one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) is the overall QB19 since Week 12.

Sleeper: The Dolphins D/ST is the top scoring option in fantasy since Week 11, averaging 16.2 points in the last five games.

NEW ENGLAND AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN).

Who to start: Both Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) — if active —and Ezekiel Elliott (NE) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. Javonte Williams (DEN) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB18 in PPR) since Week 7.

Who to sit: Demario Douglas (NE) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) face a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Russell Wilson (DEN) faces a defense that has only allowed five TD passes to quarterbacks in the last six games. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) is TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last four games.

Sleeper: The Broncos D/ST faces an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses at home.

LAS VEGAS AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Isiah Pacheco (KC).

Who to start: Josh Jacobs (LV) ran for 110 yards and a TD against the Chiefs in Week 12. Rashee Rice (KC) has at least eight receptions, 64 yards or a TD in four straight games.

Who to sit: Jakobi Meyers (LV) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading a surprising Raiders D/ST on the road against Mahomes. The Chiefs D/ST is averaging 4.8 fantasy points in the last five games.

Sleeper: Michael Mayer (LV) faces a defense that has allowed 21 receptions for 172 yards and two TDs to tight ends in the last three games.

N.Y. GIANTS AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Darren Waller (NYG), Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) is an obvious starter if he’s active, but he missed practice on Thursday with a knee injury. D’Andre Swift (PHI) has at least 15 touches in 11 of the last 13 games. Eagles D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Tommy DeVito (NYG) is the overall QB19 since Week 9. Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.

BALTIMORE AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Brock Purdy (SF).

Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) since Week 5. Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR36 in PPR) since Week 9. The 49ers D/ST is the second-highest scoring option in fantasy since Week 10, averaging 11.3 points in the last six games.

Who to sit: Gus Edwards (BAL) is TD-dependent with only 99 rushing yards in the last three games. I’m fading a good Ravens D/ST on the road against an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Isaiah Likely (BAL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed a TD reception to tight ends in two straight games.