Week 15 Fantasy Takeaways

Burrow Held in Check, Game Script Falls Apart

With Joe Burrow and the Bengals providing little resistance, Lamar Jackson was never forced to push the ball downfield. Jackson finished with just 12 pass attempts, effectively eliminating upside across the Ravens’ pass-catching options. That included the tight ends, who entered the week with an ideal matchup but never saw meaningful opportunity. Zay Flowers managed to find the end zone on a snap where he was not shadowed by DJ Turner, but several drops kept him from capitalizing further in a low-volume environment. On the other side, Burrow’s zero-touchdown performance was devastating for fantasy managers in the opening week of the playoffs.

Rome Odunze Re-Aggravates Foot Injury

Although Rome Odunze was active, he re-aggravated his foot injury just before kickoff. That opened the door for Luther Burden, who delivered 6 catches for 84 yards on 7 targets while running just 16 routes — an absurd 44% target rate. Unfortunately, Burden exited in the third quarter with an ankle injury, explaining his limited route participation. If Burden is able to suit up moving forward, he earns a significant role boost. If not, DJ Moore and Colston Loveland would benefit after each saw five targets. Moore made the most of his opportunities, finishing with a 5/69/2 line.

Bam Knight Suffers Ankle Injury

Bam Knight exited early, leading Michael Carter to play 80% of Arizona’s snaps despite Emari Demercado returning. Carter handled all four goal-line snaps and dominated early-down work. If Knight misses time next week, Demercado should reclaim the passing-down role while Carter remains the early-down and goal-line option. Given the remaining schedule, Carter should be a waiver priority.

Woody Marks Continues to Get Banged Up

Woody Marks once again left a game early, exiting in the second quarter after scoring a touchdown. Jawhar Jordan stepped in and surpassed 100 rushing yards, but the Texans indicated Marks could have returned had the game remained competitive. As a result, Jordan remains more of a watch-list player than a priority add. Marks should be back in the RB2 conversation next week at home against the Raiders.

Trevor Lawrence Delivers a Masterclass

Lawrence dismantled the Jets with 330 passing yards and five touchdowns, three of which went to Travis Etienne. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. tied for the team lead with seven targets, but it was Thomas who found the end zone — just his second touchdown of the season. With a difficult matchup against Denver looming, expectations should be tempered. Monitor Bhayshul Tuten’s finger injury closely; if he misses time, Etienne receives a notable upgrade.

Adonai Mitchell Continues to Function as Jets WR1

Brady Cook’s first NFL start was serviceable enough to sustain Mitchell as the top option in the offense. Mitchell posted a 6/58/1 line on a 27% target share, firmly establishing himself as the WR1. He enters the flex discussion next week against the Saints.

Chargers Backfield Remains a Split

Omarion Hampton narrowly led the backfield in touches (16–13), but Kimani Vidal controlled the snap share (42–24) and continued to dominate passing-game work. Over the last two weeks, Vidal has run 46 routes compared to Hampton’s 16. That usage suggests Hampton’s early-season receiving production is unlikely to return. Both backs remain fringe RB2 options heading into a matchup with Dallas.

Patrick Mahomes Suffers Torn ACL

Kansas City’s season ended in brutal fashion, with confirmation that Mahomes suffered a torn ACL. While the injury should not meaningfully impact his dynasty value unless further damage is revealed, it caps a disappointing end to the Chiefs’ year. Gardner Minshew is expected to take over, which likely lowers offensive efficiency, but Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce remain startable next week.

TreVeyon Henderson Remains a Big-Play Machine

Rhamondre Stevenson played more snaps and ran more routes, but Henderson dominated on the ground, out-carrying him 14–6 and ripping off two 50+ yard rushing touchdowns. Henderson remains the preferred fantasy option, though Stevenson is trending back into relevance thanks to his role over the last two weeks — especially with a favorable Week 17 matchup against the Jets.

Tyrone Tracy Takes Control of the Giants' Backfield

Tracy played 76% of snaps and finished with 18 touches, 97 total yards, and two touchdowns. Devin Singletary was limited to just six touches and 14 yards, though he frustratingly remained on the field for all four goal-line snaps. While that caps Tracy’s ceiling slightly, this performance signals a backfield shift. The matchup against Minnesota is difficult, but Tracy remains playable as long as the role holds.

Bill Croskey-Merritt Capitalizes on Opportunity

With Chris Rodriguez sidelined by a groin injury, Croskey-Merritt delivered his best game since Week 5, totaling 18 carries for 96 yards and a score. If Rodriguez misses another week, Croskey-Merritt enters the flex conversation, though a potential negative game script against Philadelphia creates some risk.

RJ Harvey Scores Again, Leaves With Rib Injury

Harvey played 68% of snaps and scored for the fourth time in three games before exiting late with a rib injury. Despite running 18 routes, he failed to record a catch. If Harvey misses time, Jaleel McLaughlin becomes the priority waiver add.

Christian Watson Struggles, Then Exits Injured

Watson’s season continues to be derailed by injuries, this time leaving for the hospital with a chest issue. Details remain limited. If Watson misses time, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs benefit, with Reed standing out as the preferred option in a favorable slot matchup against Chicago.

Davante Adams Could Be Finished for the Fantasy Season

Adams aggravated his hamstring mid-route and is unlikely to play Thursday night. With the Rams already locked into the playoffs, the team may prioritize long-term health, potentially sidelining Adams through the fantasy season. Puka Nacua erupted with 9 catches for 181 yards, while Colby Parkinson emerged as a major beneficiary, posting 5/75/2 on seven targets. Parkinson should be rostered, especially with Seattle on deck. Adams remains a hold in case he returns for Week 17.

Rashid Shaheed Heating Up

Shaheed has now posted back-to-back productive outings, with lines of 4/67 and 5/74. In a potentially competitive matchup against the Rams, he becomes a stronger flex option. Los Angeles has struggled against perimeter receivers, a weakness that was exposed further by Detroit in Week 15. Shaheed should be added where available.

Philip Rivers Manages the Game

Rivers kept the Colts competitive but operated almost entirely near the line of scrimmage. Tyler Warren led with six targets, while Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Ameer Abdullah followed closely behind. Pittman and Warren remain the safest options heading into a more favorable matchup against San Francisco, though upside remains limited.

Rico Dowdle Leads Panthers Backfield

After a true split previously, Dowdle doubled Chuba Hubbard’s carry total (16–8) and played 60% of snaps. Route participation was even, and neither back saw more than one target. While Dowdle didn’t fully separate, his role inspires more confidence heading into next week, despite efficiency concerns.

Devin Neal Suffers Hamstring Injury

Neal scored before exiting, after which the backfield split evenly between Audric Estime and Evan Hull. Estime led in total touches due to his receiving role and would be the preferred waiver add if Neal misses time. With the Saints facing the Jets next week, this backfield remains worth monitoring for flex value.

Ricky Pearsall Breaks Out, Then Gets Dinged Up

Pearsall led the 49ers with 6 catches for 96 yards but left late after aggravating his knee, raising concerns about his prior PCL injury. Further imaging is expected. If Pearsall misses time, Jauan Jennings becomes the clear WR1 alongside George Kittle. Despite Pearsall’s volume, Jennings continued to dominate in the red zone, scoring twice.