Beyond the Waiver Wire: Fantasy Football Moves to Make (Week 15)

FANTASY FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS ARE HERE LFG.

Week 14 and the fantasy football regular SZN is in the books, and the fantasy football playoffs have arrived. The focus now shifts to rest-of-season takeaways and fantasy strategy once those first waiver runs clear.

This means we’re zeroing in on what really matters: playoff stashes, injury fallout, drop candidates, player usage shifts, and schedule advantages — plus the key questions that were answered this week and the new ones we still need to figure out.

And I’m holding myself accountable to the name of this column — to truly go beyond the box score. No regurgitated stat dumps here (aside from the advanced ones provided by Next Gen Stats). Just the signal, not the noise.

I want to save time. You want to save time. Win-win, baby. Less is more.

Here goes nothing. Beyond the Waiver Wire. We are OFF.

And consider this your Strength of Schedule ROS cheat sheet to help with transactions off the waiver wire ROS.

Also, check out the ROS rankings.

1. Week 15
   1. Best QBs: Browns, Vikings, Giants
   2. Worst QBs: Packers, Cardinals
   3. Best RBs: Texans, Patriots, 49ers, Saints, Commanders, Vikings, Bengals
   4. Worst RBs: Lions, Rams, Chargers, Jets
   5. Best WRs: Vikings, Giants
   6. Worst WRs: Raiders
   7. Best TEs: Chiefs, Ravens
   8. Worst TEs: Raiders, Bucs, Commanders, Lions, Bears, Chargers
2. Weeks 15-17 (Fantasy Football Playoffs)

1. 1. Best QBs: Giants, Vikings, Browns, Buccaneers, Saints
   2. Worst QBs: Jaguars, Texans, Chiefs, Panthers, Raiders, Broncos
   3. Best RBs: Bengals, Patriots, Saints, Commanders, Raiders, Browns, 49ers, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Eagles
   4. Worst RBs: Bears, Lions, Colts, Broncos, Rams, Steelers, Bills, Jets
   5. Best WRs: Steelers, Vikings
   6. Worst WRs: Raiders
   7. Best TEs: Dolphins, Ravens
   8. Worst TEs: Raiders, Bills, Chargers
   9. Best Ks: Patriots, Texans, Bengals, Commanders
   10. Best DSTs: Buccaneers, Saints, Texans, Cowboys, Giants
   11. Worst DSTs: Chargers, Broncos, Vikings, Colts, Rams

Arizona Cardinals

Buy Trey McBride | Hold Michael Wilson | Hold Zonovan Knight

Michael Wilson caught 11 of 17 targets for 142 yards and two touchdowns in the Cardinals’ Week 14 matchup against the Rams. Three games without Marvin Harrison Jr., and Wilson has seen no fewer than 17 targets in any of those games.

He was heavily targeted in the intermediate area (10-19 air yards), seeing a season-high eight such targets and catching six for a season-high 98 yards and two touchdowns. Since Week 11, Wilson has accounted for 30.6% of the Cardinals’ target share and 49.8% of their air yards share, both team highs. He also matched up against Ahkello Witherspoon on 11 routes in the game, catching six of eight targets for 91 yards in those matchups (Next Gen Stats).

Trey Benson (knee) won’t play in Sunday’s game against the Rams and isn’t sure to return this season. And even so, TB is still just a projection. Not a definite bet to hit even if he is healthy. If he is not activated this Wednesday…his 2025 season is over.

Typical backfield split in Week 14 between Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight in his absence. Emari Demercado should return next week, likely supplanting Carter as the primary pass-catching back. Knight is worth holding onto just for future matchups in Weeks 16-17. And Knight isn’t a total zero in the passing game with six targets in Week 14. Helps that his QB drops back 50-plus times per game.

DT Bilal Nichols (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday’s contest against the Rams. OT Paris Johnson also got hurt (56% snap share after leaving with a knee injury).

Brutal timing, giving next week, Arizona has to play at Houston in Week 15.

Schedule

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Atlanta Falcons

Sell Darnell Mooney | Buy Kyle Pitts

What a tale of two halves. The Falcons’ defense kept the game tight in the first half. But then they got blown out in the second half, stemming from a Rashid Shaheed kick-return TD, a Bijan Robinson fumble, and multiple Kirk Cousins interceptions.

Darnell Mooney had a TD wiped off after stepping out of bounds before the catch. Just that kind of year for the deep threat WR. Finished with one catch for six yards.

Kyle Pitts remained Kirk Cousins‘ top option with 10 targets, going 6 for 90. Locked-and-loaded fantasy TE1 as long as Drake London is out.

He has been by far Kirk Cousins‘ most-targeted pass catcher this season.

Per Next Gen Stats: Pitts had led Atlanta in targets in all three games with Cousins under center entering Week 14 and did so again, seeing 10 targets against the Seahawks and catching 6 for a season-high 90 yards (15.0 PPR points). Across Cousins’ four starts (Weeks 8, 12, 13, 14), Pitts has 16 more targets (32), 12 more receptions (24), and 137 more receiving yards (256) than any other teammate in those games. London has missed all four contests due to a knee injury.

Back in Week 1 versus the Buccaneers, Pitts went 7-59 on eight targets.

Raheem Morris did call London day-to-day last week, so that bodes well for a potential return in Week 15. Fantasy managers need London back BADLY.

Jalon Walker (quadriceps) was questionable to return to Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. Kaden Eliss also got nicked up.

Also, WR Dylan Drummond drew three red zone targets.

Schedule

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Baltimore Ravens

Hold Mark Andrews | Add Isaiah Likely | Hold Lamar Jackson

Derrick Henry recorded a season-high 25 carries for 94 rushing yards in Week 14 against the Steelers, his most carries in a game since Week 17, 2023, at Houston (27). With 1,025 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season, Henry has become just the fourth player in NFL history to record 1,000+ rushing yards and 10+ rush touchdowns in at least seven career seasons, joining Hall of Famers LaDainian Tomlinson, Emmitt Smith, and Adrian Peterson.

Henry rushed for 94 yards on 25 carries against the Steelers, running to the left on 64.0% of his carries, totaling 73 yards and forcing six missed tackles when doing so—both season-high marks. The Ravens’ running back room collectively generated 154 yards after contact and 88 yards from missed tackles, the most allowed by the Steelers defense this season (Next Gen Stats).

Henry fell short of the end zone, though, despite three goal-line carries and six carries in the red zone.

Spoiler: The Steelers cannot stop the run.

Note that Derrick Henry‘s playoff schedule is tougher—something to file away before the fantasy football trade deadline. Weeks 16-17 are Pats/Packers. The Pats matchup is the one I am most concerned about, given that they allowed only four RBs to go over 50 rushing yards against them (but they have been worse in recent weeks due to injuries). And since Henny is not used as a receiver (although coming off strong receiving usage the last four weeks with Justice Hill injured), he can’t take advantage of their defense’s main weakness. Being nit-picky, but something to keep top of mind regarding Henry ROS.

Lamar Jackson got out of his fantasy funk with 21.1 fantasy points versus the Steelers (a fantasy QB1 on the week). He rushed for 43 yards and 1 TD, but two drops by Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely stopped him from finishing inside the top 5.

Likely went 4-25-1 on six targets, while Mark Andrews (fresh off a newly signed extension) caught one pass on five targets. Bengals are next, so both guys are back on the fantasy radar… particularly Likely, given how involved he has been the last two games (especially in the red zone area). 9 catches to Andrews’ 5 in the last two games. He has been a top 12 TE the last two weeks, despite two TDs that didn’t convert. Andrews had two end-zone targets versus the Steelers but didn’t score.

At least fantasy managers can acknowledge that Jackson is running, and the hope is that positive TD regression will cash in during the fantasy postseason.

Zay Flowers was used in motion at the snap 20 times in Week 14, the 2nd-most such instances by any player in a game this season. Flowers traveled 227 yards from motion usage, the most of any Ravens receiver in a game this season. When in motion, Flowers caught 2 of his four targets for 38 yards. When not used in motion, Flowers caught 6 of 7 targets for 86 yards. With 124 total receiving yards, he was the only Raven to have more than 25 on the day (11 targets) per Next Gen Stats.

Would expect his production to come back down next week versus Cincy – given how great they have been No. 1 WRs this season.

Keaton Mitchell was forced out of Sunday’s game against the Steelers with a knee injury. Listed as day-to-day.

Schedule

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Buffalo Bills

Hold/Sell James Cook

The Bills outrushed the Bengals 183-62 (+121 rushing yard differential) in their Week 14 win. James Cook led the way with 18 carries for 80 yards (but he also fumbled again). He also had a 24-yard TD nullified (didn’t cross the plane, and the ball went out of bounds).

Note that Cook’s playoff schedule is pretty bad. Two road games against two elite run defenses, then Philly at home. Bottom-10 playoff schedule for RBs.

However, the Eagles’ defense is not nearly as scary without DT Jalen Carter. The Browns’ run defense also looked to lose a step without Maliek Collins. So perhaps the matchups won’t be as bad as previously forecasted.

Dawson Knox (6-93) and Dalton Kincaid (4-41-1) dominated the Bengals’ defense. They cannot stop tight ends. It’s so bad.

The Bills attacked the Bengals’ weaknesses – run defense and TEs – making their WRs obsolete. Khalil Shakir scored, but nobody besides the TEs had more than three targets.

Safety Cole Bishop (undisclosed) is questionable to return to Sunday’s contest against the Bengals. Reports were that he was just cramping on Sunday and left the game.

The Patriots are next – a rematch from Week 5.

Here’s the excerpt from the BWW Week 6:

Dalton Kincaid continues to deliver strong performances. The usage is middling – 54% snap rate in Week 5, but Kincaid’s hyper-target rate makes him fantasy viable. Being attached to Josh Allen also helps.

With the Bills’ rotation of WRs extending to four-five guys…Kincaid is emerging as the Bills’ pass-catcher to own. Khalil Shakir did see three red-zone targets versus the Patriots. Shakir also led the team with a 29% target share.

Schedule

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Carolina Panthers

Hold Tetairoa McMillan | Sell Rico Dowdle & Add Chuba Hubbard & Add Jalen Coker

Per Next Gen Stats…the Panthers called a run play on 38 of 62 offensive plays (61.3%), their highest rate under coach Dave Canales back in Week 13.

Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard were effective on inside runs, averaging 4.2 yards per carry (19 carries for 80 yards) compared to 3.8 yards per carry on outside runs (16 carries for 61 yards). Hubbard recorded a season-high six first downs and generated +16 rushing yards over expected in the contest (Next Gen Stats).

Hubbard was on a heater in this game, and I do think he was the better of the two Panthers RBs. Scored early on a pass from Bryce Young. The camera also panned to Dowdle on the sideline, looking at his shoulder. But obviously, he was fine.

But Chuba Hubbard had the hot hand in Week 13 (58% snap share) – and that is concerning for Dowdle investors long term.

In Week 12, Rico Dowdle totaled just 10 touches to Chuba Hubbard‘s 7. Dowdle only played 65% of the snaps – his lowest mark since Week 8.

In Week 13, touches were 19-18 in favor of Hubbard. And he has already been playing more on third downs because of his proficient pass-protection.

If we are going back to a closer committee, Dowdle can’t be trusted as a fantasy RB1 ROS, given some of the tougher matchups that include the Buccaneers and Seahawks. In the last four weeks, Dowdle has not finished higher than RB14 on the week. In fact, Dowdle only has one RB1 finish since Hubbard returned to the lineup in Week 7.

After a strong Hubbard showing…we might see this backfield go back to 50/50. Worked out in this last game for the Panthers.

Dave Canales confirmed as much, noting he likes the balance between the two backs. Dowdle on early downs, Hubbard on passing downs, etc.

Jalen Coker (6, 4-74-1) out-targeted Tetairoa McMillan (2) for the first time all season. However, T-Mac saved his day with a big 43-yard TD catch – his only catch on the day. But given the rain and how run-heavy Carolina was (20 pass attempts)…not always the expectation. Again, superstars make superstar plays even when the situation is not ideal.

The rookie WR is 18th in XPPG this season.

Week 11 BWW excerpt in first matchup versus New Orleans:

Bryce Young completed 17 of 25 passes for 124 yards with an interception, posting a 62.8 passer rating. The Panthers leaned heavily on quick throws and checkdowns, leading to another week without explosive passing plays (just one completion over 20 yards).

Rico Dowdle operated as a full-fledged workhorse, playing 78% of the offensive snaps and handling 18 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown. He added three receptions for 10 yards on three targets, showing involvement in both early downs and passing situations.

Despite inefficient rushing (2.9 YPC), Dowdle dominated usage — Chuba Hubbard played just three carries and four total touches — confirming that Dowdle is Carolina’s clear lead back. His red-zone role also remains secure, having handled all of the Panthers’ goal-line work.

Rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan continues to look like the offensive focal point, earning a team-high 32% target share. He caught 5 of 8 targets for 60 yards, working effectively in all areas.

Second-year tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was hyper-targeted, drawing five targets on just 11 routes run (20% target share) and catching all five passes for 32 yards (4 catches in the first half). Mitchell Evans also got hurt in this game, opening up snaps for Sanders – although Tommy Tremble will still be involved. Evans also returned to game action.

CB Jaycee Horn had one of the worst games of his career, allowing four receptions on five targets for 150 yards and two touchdowns. He was burned by both Juwan Johnson (2 big plays totaling 82 yards and a score) and Chris Olave (62-yard TD). It marked the first game of Horn’s career where he surrendered over 100 yards and multiple TDs in coverage (Next Gen Stats).

Schedule

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Chicago Bears

Add Luther Burden & Colston Loveland | Sell Caleb Williams

After completing just 6 of 14 passes in the first half for 32 yards (25.0% success rate), Caleb Williams completed 13 of his last 21 passes for 154 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception in the second half (56.5% success rate). Despite trailing for nearly the entire game, Williams used play action on a career-high 61.5% of his dropbacks, with 134 of his 144 yards off of play action coming in the second half. Williams was under constant duress, but was sacked just once across 16 pressures. He threw a career-high 42.9% of his passes on the run, including both touchdowns and the interception to end the game (Next Gen Stats).

After recording a 35.7% success rate and zero explosive plays in the first half, the Bears recorded a 62.5% success rate and five explosive plays in the second half of the Week 14 matchup against the Packers.

The Bears’ zero explosive plays in the first half were their first such game this season, and their 35.7% success rate was their 3rd-lowest. The Bears were much better on the ground in the second half, recording a 68.4% rushing success rate, their 2nd-highest of the season. The Bears have now generated a league-high 49.5% rushing success rate in second halves this season, 1.9% higher than the next closest team (Vikings, 47.6%).

Rookie tight end Colston Loveland had another 17-yard gain overturned to an incomplete pass. Finished the day with 4-29-1 on five targets.

Without Rome Odunze – week to week with a foot fracture – Luther Burden led the Bears with six targets, going four for 67 yards.

Per Next Gen Stats: Burden played a career-high 70.6% of snaps with Rome Odunze sidelined. Odunze missed the game with a foot injury and has reportedly been playing through a fracture throughout the season, but he is considered week-to-week moving forward. With Odunze out, Burden played 48 of 68 snaps and ran a route on 24 of Caleb Williams‘ 39 dropbacks (61.5%).

Backfield was a split in the typical two-headed monster fashion. Per usual, Swift was more involved as a receiver (four targets resulting in a 57% snap share), but Kyle Monangai scored the 2-point conversion. Although Swift did see his fair share of red-zone rushes (4), neither was able to score a rushing touchdown. Monangai runs like a bowling ball, and you can see why the Bears like him so much. Runs super hard and plays physically.

Monangai has 12-plus carries in four straight games.

Still, the schedule is challenging in the playoffs. The Bears have a tougher schedule for RBs in the playoffs: CLE, GB, and SF. However, Chicago has shown it can and is willing to run on anyone. The Browns also have allowed 184 rushing yards in two of their last four games.

WR DJ Moore was a non-factor with one catch for -4 yards on three targets. Missed Moore on the final play of the game that could have been the game-tying touchdown. Ben Johnson said they had more plays designed for Moore – so he was equally as surprised about his lack of involvement, although that has been the constant theme with Moore all season.

CB Kyler Gordon suffered a groin injury in warmups and has been ruled out for Sunday’s contest against the Packers. Nahshon Wright also got hurt after taking a kick to the head.

As for the schedule, it is worth noting that this Bears’ playoff/late-season schedule could be tough on Caleb Williams.

Up next from Week 15 onward: Packers, Browns, and then 49ers in Week 17.

Tied for the bottom-10 schedule for QBs ROS.

Schedule

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Cincinnati Bengals

Add Mike Gesicki | Hold Chase Brown | Add Samaje Perine

Joe Burrow threw 25 completions on 36 attempts for 284 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions against the Bills on Sunday.

On passes thrown 10+ air yards, Burrow completed 8 of 15 for 150 yards and all four of his scores, while both his interceptions came on passes under 10 air yards. Facing pressure, Burrow went 10 for 13 for 121 yards and three touchdowns, while only taking one sack. In the fourth quarter, Burrow threw interceptions on back-to-back offensive plays, the first one a pick-six to Christian Benford and the second a tipped pass caught by A.J. Epenesa. The Bengals’ win probability dropped from 83.8% to 8.2% following these two turnovers (Next Gen Stats).

Chase Brown‘s 100 yards from scrimmage came to a crashing halt. Just 12 carries for 23 yards and three catches for 12 yards. He did score twice (one receiving and one rushing touchdown) and had a potential third TD one in the end zone that he couldn’t haul in.

Samaje Perine out-gained him on six carries for 31 yards.

However, nothing new to report as the snaps and touches were close to that 60/40 split. Although closer to a 65/35 split in this particular game. Brown played 67% of the snaps and had 16 opportunities.

Again, it takes some of Brown’s shine off, but he’s good enough with favorable matchups to still be a low-end fantasy RB1 ROS given the schedule.

From Weeks 15-17, the Bengals face the Ravens, Dolphins, and Cardinals. Tied with the Patriots for the No. 1 RB schedule in the playoffs.

Tee Higgins dominated this game – 6-92-2 – on a team-high 11 targets. Higgins looked like he had taken a shot to the head on the cold field, but he didn’t miss much time. Just worth monitoring given he just missed a game due to a head injury.

Mike Gesicki also looked fantastic despite a brutal matchup. A perfect 6-86-1 (38% target rate per route run), including one-handed catches in the snow. However, given that Ja’Marr Chase won’t often finish with just eight targets…Gesicki is a fragile bet to make in Week 15 unless Higgins’ concussion symptoms return.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins is re-entering concussion protocol.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2025

Gesicki did see two red-zone targets (one in the end zone) back on Thanksgiving night versus the Ravens, suggesting he might have more to offer in the rematch than his final Week 13 box score: 2-19 on four targets.

Schedule

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Cleveland Browns

Hold Harold Fannin Jr. | Add Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders posted career highs across the board with 364 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 29 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown in the Week 14 loss to the Titans (Next Gen Stats).

Sanders became just the second rookie quarterback since at least 1970 to record 350+ passing yards, 3+ passing touchdowns, and 1+ rushing touchdowns in a single game, joining Joe Burrow (Week 7, 2020 vs. CLE). Despite his prolific output, Sanders holds the distinction of being the only quarterback in 2025 to lose a game in which he had 350+ passing yards, 4+ total touchdowns, and fewer than two interceptions.

Great schedule ROS for the rookie QB. Add him.

Harold Fannin Jr. led the Browns with eight receptions for 114 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown against the Titans (12 targets).

Fannin Jr. has accumulated 619 receiving yards in 2025, the most by a rookie tight end in Browns history, surpassing Ozzie Newsome’s previous record of 589 receiving yards set in 1978 (Next Gen Stats).

David Njoku was ruled out after leaving Sunday’s loss to the Titans with a knee injury, and Cedric Tillman suffered another concussion.

Fannin is the target leader with Sanders in the last four games, and injuries are concentrating the targets around him. High-floor player who has flashed a high ceiling at multiple points this season.

Center Ethan Pocic is feared to have suffered an Achilles injury during Cleveland’s loss to the Titans (out for the rest of the season). CB Denzel Ward (calf) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s contest against the Titans.

Jack Conklin is still in concussion protocol, and Wyatt Teller will be out again versus San Fran with a calf injury.

The Browns’ OL is pretty banged up, hence Quinshon Judkins‘ 1.9 YPC (14 for 26 yards) in Week 14. He also only played 46% of the snaps, ceding a 38% snap share to Dylan Sampson (who also fumbled and played 39% of the snaps). Judkins also had a failed pass attempt on a 2-point attempt.

The Browns have a top-10 schedule ROS for RBs. Judkins has 16-plus RB opportunities in nine of his last 11 games played.

Schedule

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Dallas Cowboys

Add Ryan Flournoy & Cowboys DST

Jake Ferguson had a game to forget, filled with back-breaking penalties and a lost fumble. He salvaged the day with a 2-point conversion catch and five catches for 58 yards (7 targets).

In the last six games, Ferguson has averaged just over 14% target share.

Also, his routes have dropped off a bit, from 80-plus percent to closer to 70%. It did increase in Week 14 (85%). ROS is solid for the Cowboys’ tight end, especially in the playoffs, ranking No. 1 in the SOS tool. The Chargers’ matchup isn’t great, but the other two are very strong.

Before this game, Pickens had been a monster for fantasy this season – and his high-end production was actually hurting CeeDee Lamb. When the two have played together, Pickens has shown the highest ceiling. Pickens has four top 5 finishes…two with Lamb and two without Lamb in the lineup. Lamb has two after his eruption on Thanksgiving.

But after suffering a scary concussion, his status is in doubt for Week 15 and beyond. Dallas’ playoff chances are all but gone after losing to Detroit.

Lamb scored 18.1 PPR points before leaving the game with a concussion early in the third quarter.

Lamb was dominating on Thursday night, catching 6 of 8 targets for 121 yards just two minutes into the second half, but on his final target, he went up for a ball in the end zone, couldn’t secure it, and suffered a concussion on the play.

Meanwhile, Pickens will be primed to rebound after a lackluster and low-effort showing on TNF. He did still see 85 incomplete air yards (nine targets) and drew a long DPI call (negated due to an offensive penalty). 12 targets altogether, including flags.

Still a quiet night for Pickens in the box score, with just five catches for 37 yards.

If Lamb is out, Pickens will be a top-5 WR option versus the boom-or-bust Minnesota Vikings’ defense.

Ryan Flournoy might also be a FLEX-viable option. The Dallas No. 3 WR posted a 28% target share (13 targets) in Week 14, catching nine balls for 115 yards and 1 TD (multiple end-zone targets).

In his last two games without Lamb in the lineup, Flournoy commanded 6-plus targets and had another 100-yard game (6-114 versus the Jets).

Hopefully, Dallas will get OT Tyler Guyton back after their mini bye week (missed the last two games).

Add the Cowboys DST with them taking on the Vikings (5-star matchup).

The Chargers also aren’t bad, given the state of their OL/QB.

Schedule

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Denver Broncos

Add Pat Bryant | Sell Troy Franklin

RJ Harvey recorded 13 rush attempts for 60 yards and a touchdown when the Raiders stacked the box with 8+ defenders in Week 14 (Next Gen Stats). His 60 yards against stacked boxes were the 2nd-most by any Broncos rusher in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016). Harvey was successful on 10 of his 13 stacked box rush attempts (76.9%), generating the highest success rate against stacked boxes by any player since the start of 2022 (min. 10 such carries).

The rookie RB dominated the snaps (68%) and caught all six of his targets for 62 yards. 23 touches.

Per Next Gen Stats, Harvey posted his second straight 20+ point performance in the Broncos’ win over the Raiders. Harvey has operated as Denver’s workhorse since J.K. Dobbins went down with a foot injury, and that role continued in Week 14 against Las Vegas. He carried 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown while adding six receptions for 25 yards, finishing with 21.9 PPR points. Since Week 11, with Dobbins sidelined, Harvey has out-carried every other teammate by at least 25 (41 carries) and has logged 3+ receptions in every game. With the backfield essentially to himself, he offers consistent 20+ touch upside each week and one of the most valuable roles in the league when the Broncos are playing with a lead.

Troy Franklin‘s discouraging usage from last week continued into Week 14. Snaps plummeted to 26% – 5th among Denver WRs. 3 catches for 11 yards on four targets.

Courtland Sutton (10 targets and 65% air yards share) has reclaimed his rightful seat on the Broncos’ WR1 throne.

I was concerned that Franklin would maintain WR1 usage despite poor efficiency. And that has come full circle. Not only is Sutton out-targeting him, but so is rookie Pat Bryant. 40-plus receiving yards in four of the last six games.

With Denver’s tough playoff schedule (GB, JAX, KC), Franklin will be a tough click. He’s scored four TDs in the last seven games—8-plus targets in five of seven, but just two games with more than 40 receiving yards. A red flag that suggested targets might go elsewhere – and that has been 100% evident the last two weeks.

Schedule:

Detroit Lions

Sell David Montgomery

Jahmyr Gibbs recorded 43 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 12 carries against the Cowboys, with all three touchdowns coming out of jumbo formations (6+ offensive lineman) according to Next Gen Stats.

Aside from his 3 rushing touchdowns, Gibbs made a large impact in the passing game, catching all 7 of his targets for 77 receiving yards. Across his 19 total touches, Gibbs forced 9 missed tackles, tying his season high, with 7 of those missed tackles coming in the first quarter (the most by a player in the first quarter of a game this season).

David Montgomery was super efficient (6 for 60 yards and 1 TD). He also played just 30% of the snaps (tying the lowest of the season). He has not cracked north of 10 opportunities in the last four games.

It’s been inconsistent in recent weeks (15-plus opps in just two of last six games), but the Lions’ slight offensive regression in 2025 is hurting Monty (especially with OL injuries). And like I said before…just a clear RB2 behind Gibbs in the pecking order of who the Lions need to feature on offense. Monty is also still game script-dependent. Wouldn’t trust him next week at the Rams (3^rd-best defense versus RBs this season). The Lions’ interior offensive line remains a major weakness.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was highly questionable to play on Thursday night after suffering a low ankle sprain on Thanksgiving. He toughed it out and delivered 6-92 on nine targets (26.5% target share) playing his normal allotment of snaps.

Jameson Williams also drew nine targets, going 7 for 96. He also had a rushing TD, but it was overturned upon review. Williams tied his career high again in Week 14 with 7 receptions against the Cowboys per Next Gen Stats.

After posting 7-144-1 on Thanksgiving, Williams followed it up with 7 catches for 96 yards (17.3 PPR points) against Dallas. Many expected St. Brown to miss the week after suffering an ankle injury against the Packers, but he was able to play and tied Williams with a team-high 9 targets, catching 6 for 92 yards (15.2 PPR points). Since the Lions’ Week 8 bye, Williams leads Detroit in receiving yards with 417, even with a 0-yard outing in Week 12 against the Giants.

Isaac TeSlaa scored on one of his three targets (2 EZ targets). If you streamed him…you got lucky.

The Lions have a good schedule ROS for QBs. Their last outdoor game was at Philly in Week 11. Other than that, they are playing indoors until Week 18. You need at least one Lion (hopefully Jamo) on your roster ROS.

The defense projects to be in even more shootouts after safety Brian Branch was placed on IR. Safety Thomas Harper also got injured. However, safety Kerby Joseph should be back for Week 15.

Side note…Anthony Firkser played ahead of Ross Dwelley as the Lions’ No. 1 TE.

Schedule

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Green Bay Packers

Add Jayden Reed | Hold Emanuel Wilson | Sell Romeo Doubs

Christian Watson led the Packers with 89 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns on four receptions in a win over the Bears. Watson became just the fourth player in Packers history with 5+ receiving touchdowns in at least three of his first four career seasons, joining Hall of Famer Don Hutson (4 of 4), Antonio Freeman (3 of 4), and Max McGee (3 of 4). This marks the first time in Watson’s career that he has recorded 80+ receiving yards in back-to-back games (Next Gen Stats).

He has now recorded five touchdowns over the past four games. Against man coverage, Watson caught all three targets for 72 yards and both touchdowns. He now has four touchdowns against man coverage this season, tied for the 4th-most among wide receivers despite playing in just seven games.

Watson has been running RED HOT. WR16 in PPG since Week 8. However, he is performing well above expectations as the WR41 in XPPG. Again, just four targets in Week 14 with Reed back in the fold.

Eventually, the lack of true WR1 usage will burn Watson – and that’s very much a possibility against the tough Broncos’ defense in Week 15.

Jordan Love threw for 234 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in the Packers’ Week 14 victory over the Bears. Love now leads the NFL in EPA per dropback on the season (+0.22) according to Next Gen Stats. Love was excellent against the blitz, completing 8 of 11 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns, recording a season-high 63.6% success rate vs the blitz. The Packers’ skill position players helped keep Love clean in protection against extra pass rushers, allowing zero pressures across 13 combined pass blocks. The Packers were able to exploit the Bears’ back end of their secondary, as all three of their safeties allowed a touchdown in coverage, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson allowed all 8 of his targets to be completed for 97 yards (Next Gen Stats).

Jayden Reed also made his return to the lineup, and immediately, he was thrust into action – 4 for 4 with 31 receiving yards, with two carries for 22 yards. He only played 47% of the snaps (Packers WR3), but his 65% route participation is pretty typical of his deployment in this offense. Possibly, the usage and playing time tick up after his first game action since his injury in Week 2.

Dontayvion Wicks also played just six offensive snaps as he is dealing with another ankle injury. Matthew Golden played just five after missing the last few games.

And since Christian Watson returned, Romeo Doubs has seen his production nose-dive. One game with more than 55 yards in his last seven played. Zero catches in Week 14 (two targets).

Schedule

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Houston Texans

Hold Woody Marks & Dalton Schultz | Add Jayden Higgins & C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud completed 15 of 31 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown in the Texans’ Week 14 win over the Chiefs.

Stroud was pressured 19 times for a 54.3% pressure rate, the 2nd-highest of his career, completing 6 of 16 passes under pressure for 114 yards and a touchdown while taking three sacks. He was effective on play action early in the evening, finishing 5 of 7 for 107 yards on such dropbacks, all of which occurred in the first half (Next Gen Stats).

Nick Chubb missed the rest of the Texans’ game with a groin injury. In his absence, Woody Marks got FED. 26 total carries for 68 yards (2.6 YPC on 87% snap share). He did lose out on a rushing TD to Dare Ogunbowale (Marks got hurt and had to come off the field). However, he scored a receiving touchdown earlier in the game.

Nico Collins feasted (4-121 on eight targets), and Jayden Higgins remained involved (3-34 on five targets).

Per Next Gen Stats, Collins went for over 100 receiving yards and scored 16.1 PPR points on Sunday night against the Chiefs. Collins saw a team-high eight targets, catching 4 for 121 yards, marking his third 100-yard game of the season. He hauled in a 46-yard reception against top corner Trent McDuffie in the first quarter, and McDuffie was injured on the play and did not return. With McDuffie out, Collins matched up 17 times against Jaylen Watson, who did not allow a reception on two targets. He took advantage of five matchups against Nohl Williams, catching 2 of 3 targets for 57 yards.

Dalton Schultz ended with just three catches for 22 yards. However, he did catch a 16-yard TD that was called back on an illegal shift call and ended with six targets, with two being called back on flags.

The Texans DST/Kicker has the No. 1 schedule in the fantasy postseason: Cardinals, Raiders, and Chargers.

However, it is conversely bad for QBs (bottom-3) and WRs (bottom-10). Leave C.J. Stroud on waivers unless you need him just for Week 15 (versus Arizona).

In three of the last five games Stroud started and finished, he threw for at least 230 yards.

Schedule

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Indianapolis Colts

Hold/Sell Alec Pierce & Michael Pittman Jr. & Tyler Warren

A day to forget for the Colts.

Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season.

Rookie QB Riley Leonard stepped in as Anthony Richardson is still recovering from his eye injury. The Notre Dame product went 18-for-29 for 145 yards and 1 INT, while also adding a rushing TD.

The team is hopeful Richardson can return this season, but there is no timetable for his return. Technically, he could return in Week 15 if he is healthy enough to do so. However, Shane Steichen said it won’t be this week.

In the short term, Leonard will be the Colts’ QB1. He offers a ton of mobility and has been praised by his coaches for his leadership. Very familiar with the RPOs – per Sports Info Solutions – and a QB that is willing to put everything on the line for his team. Also, not a turnover-worthy, prone QB.

Alec Pierce also got hurt in this contest toward the end. He drew a DPI call and had another 21-yard catch wiped away on a flag. Also, an 18-yard TD catch was overturned upon review as an incomplete pass. Still managed a 5-80 outing.

Pierce has 65 yards or more in eight of his 11 games played this season.

It was reported after the game that Pierce left the final drive of Sunday’s loss at Jacksonville with an undisclosed injury but was not in the concussion protocol despite a broadcast report saying he was being evaluated for a concussion, the Indianapolis Star reports. “You can ask the trainers,” Pierce said. “Not going to talk about injuries.”

The Colts did, however, lose OT Braden Smith to a concussion. DE JT Tuimoloau was also being evaluated for a possible concussion.

Michael Pittman recorded nine receptions for 79 yards on 12 targets against the Jaguars, being targeted on 35.3% of his routes (12 of 34), his highest target rate in a game this season.

Pittman was particularly effective in the short passing game, catching 8 of 10 targets for 55 yards on passes thrown under 10 air yards (Next Gen Stats). He also caught a 16-yard TD, but it was called back on an OPI call.

Future matchups against the 49ers are solid, but the overall schedule suggests some volatile play with the Colts’ No. 1 WR (along with the new QB under center).

Josh Downs had three red-zone targets. Tyler Warren saw a 2-point conversion and three more red-zone targets.

That being said, a young, inexperienced QB is more likely to go right to his first read or tuck-and-run, forecasting high volume for Pittman ROS. 10 of his 12 targets came from Leonard in Week 14. Nobody else had more than five targets from Leonard (Alec Pierce/Tyler Warren).

Regardless, next week in Seattle is no easy matchup for a 6th-round rookie QB to make his rookie debut. Just ask Max Brosmer…

To add insult to injury, Leonard is also dealing with a knee injury. Apparently, the Colts are kicking the tires on Philip Rivers to get a healthy QB in the building…Brett Rypien is the next man up.

Obviously, the QB downgrade is substantial this week, so I think fantasy managers would be wise to err on the side of caution in the toughest of the next three matchups for Indy’s offense.

Now, admittedly, the Colts WR playoff schedule ROS isn’t great—bottom-10 SOS for WRs. The Jags haven’t been terrible versus all WRs, but Seattle is always tough.

Schedule

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne ran for 74 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, with 75.0% of his attempts coming outside the tackles, tying a season high. Etienne rushed for 55 yards across 15 outside carries, along with one TD, while his remaining five carries between the tackles produced 19 yards and his second touchdown (Next Gen Stats). Played 72% of the snaps.

Bhayshul Tuten got hurt early in this game on a kickoff return – although he did return. He also fumbled twice – once on the kickoff return and on one of his few carries (recovered by the Colts). Brutal scene for the rookie RB, who struggled with fumbles in college.

Tight end Brenton Strange scored, but it was called back on a Jakobi Meyers OPI call. Still drew six targets (3-27) but busted without the score.

Brian Thomas Jr. totaled 87 yards, catching three balls on six targets, with a long of 39 yards. 43% air yards share but 74 incomplete air yards (24.1 air yards per target). Looked better than in the past weeks, giving fantasy managers some confidence ROS.

Meyers was still the target leader (10) with Parker Washington inactive. Tim Patrick operated as the WR3.

The Jags’ fantasy playoffs feature Denver/Colts, both of whom rank in the top 8 vs. RBs this season. The Jets are a layup after their mass exodus of players before the NFL trade deadline – Travis Etienne could flirt with RB1 overall status in Week 15 – but the other two matchups are more challenging for the Jags RBs. Although being fully transparent, the Colts’ run defense has not fared as well since they lost DeForest Buckner (neck injury). But he should return in the Colts-Jags rematch later this season.

Last FOUR RBs to face the Jets:

• Achane – RB8
• Bijan – RB1
• Henry – RB4
• Henderson – RB3

Etienne has been inside the top-10 RBs in 6/7 games (including top-7 in 3/4 games).

Schedule

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Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs were without four offensive linemen after the first offensive play of the game (Wanya Morris). Per Next Gen Stats, playing his first career NFL snaps, Chiefs reserve left tackle Esa Pole matched up with Danielle Hunter 21 times and allowed just one pressure, which was not generated until 4.2 seconds after the snap.

Pole was the first player to match up with Hunter more than 20 times in a game and allow one pressure or fewer during Hunter’s 2 seasons with the Texans.

They also lost star CB, Trent McDuffie.

So, the outcome of the game was not too shocking.

The Texans’ defense dominated Patrick Mahomes, limiting him to 160 passing yards with three interceptions. He salvaged some fantasy production with 59 rushing yards (also had a catch on a batted pass for -10 yards, WOOF).

Kareem Hunt scored the lone Chiefs’ TD. But he split carries with Isiah Pacheco (12 versus nine), with each Chiefs RB hitting 30 yards on the ground.

Drops plagued the Chiefs’ pass-catchers. Travis Kelce had two, resulting in his third straight game with fewer than 50 receiving yards. Rashee Rice had a massive drop on a 4th-down must-have play (8 total targets).

Xavier Worthy led the team with 55 yards on three catches and four targets.

This whole game was a terrible spot for KC’s offense, but now their playoff hopes are on life support. For fantasy purposes, this might be the best-case scenario, given they will be throwing the kitchen sink to win out.

Schedule

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Las Vegas Raiders

Add Jack Bech

Geno Smith exited Sunday’s game against the Broncos after sustaining a right hand injury. Later confirmed by HC, Pete Carroll, as a shoulder injury. Kenny Pickett would presumably be the next man up at QB to start if Smith can’t play next week.

Worth noting that Ashton Jeanty (70% snap share) was not targeted once by Pickett. Four of his 11 passes went to rookie WR Jack Bech. The first-year WR led the team with seven targets, operating mostly out wide. Bech played a career-high 80.9% of snaps in Week 14.

He had not played more than 65% of snaps in any game this season, but saw an uptick in involvement with fellow rookie D’Onte Thornton inactive (Next Gen Stats).

Brock Bowers did not catch a pass on a single target across 10 matchups against Pat Surtain II in coverage. Against all other defenders, Bowers hauled in all four of his targets for 46 yards and a touchdown. Bowers aligned in the slot or out wide on 22 of his 31 routes (71.0%), which created frequent matchups against Surtain. No other Broncos defender covered Bowers more than four times on the day (Next Gen Stats).

Rest-of-season fantasy outlook: Still a hold with Jeanty — particularly targeting a Week 17 matchup vs. the Giants, which could deliver a title-winning spike week. But in the short term, expectations should be tempered given the depleted O-line.

The Raiders face the No. 32-ranked QB schedule per the FantasyPros Strength of Schedule tool, which is brutal news for Geno Smith‘s rest-of-season.

The Raiders – per the SOS tool – have a decent playoff schedule for fantasy RBs.

Although being fully transparent, the Eagles/Texans aren’t amazing matchups even if they are somewhat plus spots on paper. It’s not perfect, but there are some decent spots for a three-down workhorse like Jeanty.

The Eagles and Texans aren’t ideal – even if the Giants are GREAT on paper. And as I have noted throughout this week’s BWW piece, no Jalen Carter might make all the difference when it comes to the Eagles’ run defense (as evidenced by the Chargers RB performances on MNF).

Schedule

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Los Angeles Chargers

Drop LAC DST | Hold/Sell Keenan Allen & Quentin Johnston

Justin Herbert was pressured on 28 of 41 dropbacks (68.3%) in the Chargers’ Week 14 win over the Eagles, the highest pressure rate any quarterback has faced this season.

He has been pressured at least 28 times in three games this season, while the rest of the league has combined for just one such game. Herbert completed 6 of 14 pass attempts for 112 yards and an interception under pressure, taking a career high seven sacks and scrambling to run 7 times for 40 yards, including three first downs (Next Gen Stats).

Gutsy performance by the Chargers QB – who made so many plays with his legs despite constant pressure. Team lost OT Trey Pipkins midway through.

But that will likely be the same scenario versus KC…

C.J. Stroud was pressured 19 times for a 54.3% pressure rate, the 2nd-highest of his career in Week 14 versus KC.

The Eagles generated a 68.3% pressure rate in Week 14, the highest by any team this season and 6th-highest in any game since 2018. Eight Eagles defenders generated at least three pressures, the most by any team in a game this season. Jaelen Phillips and Nolan Smith led the team with seven pressures apiece (NGS).

And as a result…this pass attack may continue to underwhelm in the box score – especially with some many mouths to feed. In Week 14, the Chargers’ pass rate over expectation was -12%. Weeks 1-13: +4%.

Kimani Vidal drew the start even though Omarion Hampton made his return to the lineup. Vidal opened the first drive with a 60-yard catch-and-run.

The splits favored Vidal (69% snap share, 15 touches for 94 yards), but Hampton was plenty involved with 15 touches of his own (31% snap share for 67 yards). The rookie also caught a TD.

Would expect Hampton to see a larger snap share moving forward, but Vidal has been too good for LA to be completely supplanted. Vidal played more snaps as he ran the majority of routes (26 vs 7), playing 84% of the third-down snaps. Hampton dominated the red zone usage (5 versus 1).

That could be problematic next week versus a stout Chiefs defense on the road at Arrowhead Stadium.

Ladd McConkey was the target leader (6, 19% target share), but he caught just one pass for 12 yards. Quentin Johnston also struggled, going 2 for 8 yards on four targets (drew a DPI).

Keenan Allen‘s route participation was back down to 71% in Week 14 (3 targets).

Oronde Gadsden was held to just one catch for 7 yards (four targets). He has been under 42 yards in four straight games, with no more than three receptions in any game. It was a brutal matchup versus Philly that he could not overcome.

Basically, the only good matchup left on their schedule for the Chargers is against the Cowboys in Week 16.

Worst schedule ROS for the Chargers DST.

Tough to start any Chargers’ pass catcher not named McConkey in Week 15 (6-74-0 last matchup versus KC in Week 1 as the WR25).

The Bolts also lost safety Elijah Molden to an injury.

Schedule

Los Angeles Rams

Hold Kyren Williams | Add Blake Corum & Colby Parkinson

Puka Nacua scored two receiving touchdowns for the first time in his career in the Rams’ blowout win over the Cardinals.

Nacua was phenomenal in Arizona, catching 7 of 11 targets for 167 yards and two touchdowns, good for 35.7 PPR points. He dominated from both out wide and the slot, hauling in 3 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown on the outside while catching 4 for 90 yards and a score from the slot. His 90 slot yards are tied for the most in a single game of his career. He now ranks 4th in the NFL in receiving yards from the slot (436) and is tied for 11th from out wide (613) in 2025 (Next Gen Stats).

The Rams rushed for 253 yards and three touchdowns on designed runs in their Week 14 win over the Cardinals, their 3rd-most in a game in the NGS era (since 2016).

They posted a 69.7% success rate, 4th-highest over that span, after recording their 3rd-highest success rate of the era just last week against the Panthers (70.0%). They also gained a first down on 48.5% of designed runs, the highest rate in the NGS era. Kyren Williams rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown, while Blake Corum added 128 yards and two touchdowns, both career highs. Corum also produced 99 yards after contact and four explosive runs of 10+ yards (Next Gen Stats).

Kyren played 51% of the snaps to Corum’s 31%. First-half touches were 10 to six in favor of Williams. True to his words, Sean McVay is keeping Williams fresh for the postseason by rotating Corum/Williams every other drive.

We have acknowledged that the split between Corum and Williams has been greater this year, but admittedly, it has made Williams a more effective rusher. And this game should be a reminder of the high upside Corum has if Williams actually does get hurt. And in positive game scripts…Corum can be a deep league FLEX option.

Albeit, the Cardinals are becoming the No. 1 matchup for RBs.

The schedule gets slightly tougher in the fantasy playoffs (DET, SEA) – toughest for RBs ROS. With sheer volume no longer on Williams’ side, he will have to be efficient to be a low-end fantasy RB1 ROS.

Colby Parkinson was the most productive tight end for the Rams with Tyler Higbee out another week. 3-32-1 on five targets (three in the red zone).

Davante Adams didn’t score, finishing with just four catches for 29 scoreless yards on six targets. Still two EZ targets.

Tutu Atwell (hamstring) wasn’t activated off IR.

Schedule

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Miami Dolphins

Add Jaylen Wright & Darren Waller

Coach Mike McDaniel noted after Sunday’s 34-10 win over the Jets that De’Von Achane (rib) was available to return to the contest in an emergency, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. With Achane out, the Dolphins turned the backfield over to Jaylen Wright. He has been eating into Ollie Gordon‘s status as Achane’s handcuff the last few games, and that was completely apparent versus the Jets.

Per Next Gen Stats…Wright rushed for a career-high 107 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries in the Dolphins’ Week 14 victory over the Jets. Wright stepped in for De’Von Achane, who exited with a rib injury midway through the second quarter. Wright forced five missed tackles on the ground, tying his career high, and gained 30 yards after missed tackles and 91 yards after contact, both career highs. He also recorded three explosive runs (10+ yards) in the game after having only one such play entering today this season.

Gordon botched the handoff on his first carry but scored late in the game. Always a threat in the red zone regardless of the availability of the other Miami RBs.

Both guys need to be added…but Wright is the “right” Dolphins RB to add off waivers. It’s handcuff szn, after all… and this isn’t the first time Achane has been a bit banged up this season. Also, given that it’s a rib injury, pain tolerance will likely influence Achane’s snaps/touches. Also, the risk of re-injury seems highly likely.

The Dolphins rushed for 239 yards in Week 14 against the Jets, the most since Week 3, 2023, against the Broncos (350). The Dolphins have recorded 160+ rushing yards in each of their last four games, the first time with 160+ rushing yards in four straight games in the same season since Weeks 2-5 in 1977. The Dolphins have averaged 192.3 rushing yards per game since Week 10, the most in the NFL (Next Gen Stats).

Darren Waller‘s usage dipped a bit in a blowout win for the Dolphins. Just one catch on three targets with a carry on an end around for 4 yards. All three of his targets were 10-plus air yards. But he finished third in TE snaps behind Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill (tied in TE routes run with Dulcich).

Wouldn’t panic too much on Waller, given that Tua Tagovailoa attempted six passes in the entire second half. His four opportunities all came in the first quarter and into the early second quarter. Mike McDaniel doubled down on Waller having opportunities moving forward ROS (s/o Coachspeak Index).

Also, the schedule: No.1 for TEs rest of the season.

Jaylen Waddle has topped 82 yards in five of his nine games this season without Hill, averaging nearly seven targets and 71 yards per contest when Hill plays fewer than 50% of snaps or misses entirely (13-game sample size). He’s cemented himself as an auto-start WR1 with Hill out.

33% target share in Week 14.

Miami also lost two LBs in this game – Caleb Johnson and Tyrel Dodson. Safety Elijah Campbell also left with an injury.

Schedule:

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Minnesota Vikings

Add J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings shut out the Commanders 31-0 in Week 14 after the Vikings were shut out by the Seahawks 26-0 in Week 13. They became the first team to be shut out and then shut out their opponent in their next game since the 1992 Broncos. The Vikings also made NFL history as the first team ever to be shut out by 25-plus points and then shut out their opponent in their next game by 25-plus points (Next Gen Stats).

Justin Jefferson was held to 11 receiving yards on two receptions in Week 14 against the Commanders. This marks Jefferson’s second-fewest receiving yards in a game in his career, following his career-low 4 receiving yards in Week 13 against the Seahawks. The superstar WR did have another catch for 10 yards wiped off on a holding call: 47 incomplete air yards and one end-zone target.

Jefferson has to fall closer to the WR2 range in the rankings. Zero top-8 finishes this season—zero 20-point games. The “upside” has not been there for Jefferson this season.

But it’s all about Week 15 onward schedule:

• QBs: No.1
• RBs: Average
• WRs: Top-10

Jordan Addison led with seven targets (4-62, 30% target share).

J.J. McCarthy threw three touchdowns for the first time in his NFL career against the Commanders, completing 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards.

Two TDs to Josh Oliver (helping no one) and one TD to T.J. Hockenson. Oliver out-snapped Hockenson.

McCarthy averaged 2.56 seconds to throw, his quickest in any game this season by more than a quarter of a second. He completed 10 of his 11 quick throws for 85 yards and two touchdowns (Next Gen Stats). An efficient day for the second-year QB versus a terrible defense, where he wasn’t asked to do too much.

The hope is he can build confidence after this game…and build on it against a bad Cowboys secondary in Week 15.

Aaron Jones ran 14 times for 76 yards in Week 14 against the Commanders, posting a 57.1% rushing success rate, while Jordan Mason added 52 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries (5 RZ carries).

The Vikings relied heavily on their under-center run game, running 23 times for 101 yards (both season highs) and a touchdown from that alignment.

Jones led the backfield with a 45% snap rate, but Mason scored the TD. Neither was involved as a receiver in a positive game script (Jones finished with two targets).

Schedule

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New England Patriots

Hold TreVeyon Henderson & Stefon Diggs | Add Kayshon Boutte | Drop Hunter Henry | Add Andres Borregales

Drake Maye completed 24 of his 31 pass attempts for 282 yards and two touchdowns in the Patriots’ Week 13 win over the Giants (Next Gen Stats).

He was blitzed on 38.9% of his dropbacks and finished 9 for 12 for 148 yards and both of his TDs against the blitz. Maye’s 2.57-second average time to throw was his quickest of the season, yet he completed 12 of 16 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown when holding the ball for longer than 2.5 seconds. He completed six passes beyond 10 air yards for 117 yards, extending his NFL lead in both categories (88 completions, 1,865 yards on downfield passes).

Despite missing two starters (LT Will Campbell and LG Jared Wilson), the Patriots allowed a pressure rate of 25.0%, the 2nd-lowest mark of Drake Maye‘s career (NGS). Left tackle Vederian Lowe, in for the injured Campbell, was the only player on the line to allow more than two pressures (Lowe: 5 pressures allowed), while replacement guard Ben Brown allowed just one pressure (2.8%) on the night. From a clean pocket, Maye completed 21 of 25 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

Rhamondre Stevenson started this game and led the backfield with 12 carries for 40 yards (58% snap share). He also caught three passes for 40 yards (3 targets).

TreyVeon Henderson carried the ball 11 times for 67 yards (6.1 YPC) and also caught three passes for 19 yards (four targets). 49% snap share.

Terrell Jennings also got hurt in this game.

The days of Henderson seeing 90-plus percent of the work are probably over with Stevenson back in the fold. However, the rookie RB still benefits from great matchups ROS – so I think his fantasy value should be solid. Hendo did get both goal-line carries versus Big Blue, but didn’t convert.

For the fantasy playoffs, the Pats have Bills/Ravens/Jets. The Patriots have the 1 schedule ROS for RBs.

Hunter Henry led the Pats with four catches and 73 yards (19% target share) – and he also had a long 30-yard TD called back on a flag (second week in a row HH has had a TD called back on a flag). The NE TE led the team in routes run to go with 4 RZ targets.

Kayshon Boutte was the most productive Pats WR – going 4 for 35 yards and 1 TD on six targets (two EZ targets, 16% target share). Tied Mack Hollins in WR snaps (75%) while running the most WR routes.

Stefon Diggs was an afterthought again, catching just three passes for 26 yards. He was back under 50% of the snaps. Womp. With Boutte back, Diggs just isn’t running enough routes to be an automatic start. However, with Buffalo up next – I’d imagine he can at least be a fantasy WR2 (revenge game part 2).

The Bills’ deletion of TEs might move the targets elsewhere in the Pats’ passing attack.

I know that last week, Gesicki was productive against Buffalo… but safety Cole Bishop missed some time with cramps. Gesicki is also more of a slot WR than a traditional TE – and Buffalo has been bad versus slot WRs all season.

If you really want to think ahead (landmine SZN), Henry could be dropped potentially, given how bad he might play versus Buffalo in Week 15.

If you have to make a roster move, I could see Henry as expendable because I don’t think he will help you over the next two weeks. Obviously, this is really only recommended in shallower leagues or if you are in dire straits with Week 14 byes. Henry will obviously be involved in Weeks 16-17.

Kyle Williams also scored a long TD – flashing his speed and big-play ability that made him a third-round pick in last year’s draft.

The Pats also have one of the best schedules ROS for kickers. Add kicker Andres Borregales if he was dropped this week and is available on waivers.

BWW Week 6:

The universe is doing everything in its power to get TreyVeon Henderson more involved. Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled again. Antonio Gibson is going to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Henderson continues to be a buy – even if the statistics say otherwise. With the backfield down to just 2 RBs…(with one having a serious fumbling problem), it’s not hard to see how this works out for the rookie RB. Buy.

In Week 5, Henderson played 50% of the snaps to Stevenson’s 52% snap share. Stevenson got the red-zone touches, but we know his role is on extremely thin ice.

Stefon Diggs continues to dominate in the Pats offense…after he broke out in Week 4. 10-146 on 12 targets (40% target share). He’s back to pre-injury form and is the WR1 for the rest of the season for New England. And he is so overdue for a TD score. He seemed to fall just short of the end zone on multiple occasions versus Buffalo despite looks near the end zone. Diggs is PFF’s 5th-highest graded WR this season.

Schedule

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New Orleans Saints

Hold Devin Neal | Add Tyler Shough

Tyler Shough scored go-ahead rushing touchdowns in both the 3rd and 4th quarters of Week 14, including a 34-yard rushing touchdown that stands as the longest by a Saints quarterback (excluding Taysom Hill) in franchise history (Next Gen Stats). Shough finished with 55 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the game after entering with just 51 career rushing yards and zero touchdowns.

Shough rushed 7 times for a career-high 55 yards and two touchdowns in Week 14 against the Buccaneers, becoming the first player this season with touchdowns on both a designed run and a scramble in the same game. On his scramble score, Shough was hit 9.5 yards behind the line of scrimmage, the furthest distance behind the LOS on any touchdown run since Week 5, 2022. Shough totaled 45 yards on four designed runs after entering the game with just 6 yards on 10 career designed runs. Shough also completed 13 of 20 passes for 144 yards and an interception in the win (NGS).

If the rushing holds – six carries or more in the last three games – Shough is a viable option for QB-needy teams in Week 15 (and beyond if need be given the easy SOS for the Saints QB). Scored 19 fantasy points (QB10) in a road matchup versus Carolina in Week 10.

More analysis on that matchup from Week 11’s BWW article:

Shough completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns in the Saints’ Week 10 win over the Panthers.

Much of his production was directed outside the numbers, as he finished 11 of 16 for 202 yards and both of his TDs on such attempts. His yardage total outside the numbers was the 2nd-most by a Saints quarterback in the last 8 seasons and most by any rookie in 2025. Shough completed 6 of 10 downfield attempts of 10+ air yards for 191 yards and two touchdowns after having produced just 149 yards and an interception on his 18 downfield attempts entering Week 10 (Next Gen Stats).

Chris Olave erupted for five receptions on eight targets for 104 yards and a 62-yard touchdown, once again proving he’s the heartbeat of the Saints’ aerial attack.

Juwan Johnson caught all four of his targets for 92 yards and a touchdown in the Saints’ Week 10 win, generating all of his production on 13 routes aligned in the slot. Johnson averaged 6.9 yards of separation on his targets, the 3rd-most in a game in his career, and generated a career-high 51 yards after the catch (Next Gen Stats).

Alvin Kamara totaled 25 touches for over 100 yards (64% snaps). 22 carries for 83 yards (3.8 YPC) and catching three passes for 32 yards, totaling 115 yards from scrimmage

The Saints’ defense played man coverage at a season-high 37.1% rate in their Week 14 win over the Buccaneers, holding Baker Mayfield to 3 completions for 19 yards on 11 pass attempts against man. After generating just two pressures on the first eight drives (9.1% pressure rate), they forced six pressures (46.2%) on the final three drives of the game, holding Mayfield to a lone 3-yard completion on four pass attempts against pressure on those drives (Next Gen Stats).

Devin Neal‘s high-end snap share (71%) is a reminder that volume is KING. If an RB can seize a large number of touches/snaps, the path to upside is there for them. 20 Touches for the rookie in Week 14 with a TD and 84 yards from scrimmage.

Shough attempted only 20 passes for 144 yards, so the receivers suffered from a lack of volume. Nobody saw more than five targets. Shough also missed Chris Olave deep to start the game (25% target share and 51 incomplete air yards). These receivers were all productive in the first matchup versus the Panthers, so we should see this passing attack rebound.

Juwan Johnson played just 52% of the snaps, seeing a season-low 61% route rate – likely due to the run-heavy game script. Likely an outlier for a player who has provided a high floor this season. Still finished with four catches for 38 yards.

OT Asim Richards (ankle) is questionable to return for Sunday’s matchup versus Tampa Bay, Katherine Terrell of ESPN reports.

ROS schedule. Decent overall, and top 10 for RBs in the playoffs: Jets/Titans Weeks 16-17. I talked about stashing/adding Neal in case Alvin Kamara was thoroughly checked out by then (given his recent injury and week-to-week diagnosis, it seems to be trending in that direction for a team that is currently 3-10).

The Saints have the No. 1 schedule ROS for RBs.

Also, their DST schedule is fantastic: Panthers, Jets, Titans, etc.

Schedule

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New York Giants

Add Devin Singletary & Theo Johnson

Devin Singletary scored a season-high 19.1 PPR points in the Giants’ loss to the Patriots. Tyrone Tracy Jr. left the game early in the fourth quarter and still out-snapped Singletary 27 to 25, but Singletary out-touched him 15 to 11. Singletary totaled 101 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown, his first 100+ yard scrimmage game of the season, far outpacing Tracy’s 33 total yards. The extent of Tracy’s injury is not currently known, but if he were to miss time, Singletary would appear to be the Giants’ lead back with Eric Gray mixing in when needed (Next Gen Stats).

Tracy said last Tuesday that he suffered a hip contusion/stinger during Monday’s loss at New England, but he expects to be “fine,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports. So don’t go crazy for Singletary, especially with the Giants on a bye week.

Jaxson Dart did not record a single designed rush in his first game back from his concussion on Monday night. According to Next Gen Stats…despite not making his first official start until Week 4, Dart led all quarterbacks in carries (25), yards (131), and touchdowns (6) on designed rushes in Weeks 1-10. However, in his return after missing the last two weeks, he did not have one designed rush attempt after recording at least two in all seven of his previous starts. He did scramble 4 times for 20 yards, but designed rushes have been the key to his fantasy production. He finished with just 13.6 fantasy points, his fewest in any of his eight starts in 2025.

Even so, the schedule is great for fantasy QBs (particularly Weeks 15-17)

Wan’Dale Robinson remained the Giants’ target leader (8, 30% target share) but was not efficient in converting the volume into just 34 yards (7 catches). Theo Johnson also drew a ton of volume (9, 33% target share), but most of the attempts fell incomplete (3 for 29). Add the Giants TE if he got dropped over the bye week. Commanders are the second-worst defense versus TEs this season.

Schedule

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New York Jets

Sell Breece Hall

Tyrod Taylor was forced out of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins with a groin injury after attempting four passes and as a result…bad things.

Per Next Gen Stats, the Jets offense posted a season-low -0.52 EPA per play in their Week 14 loss to the Dolphins.

Rookie quarterback Brady Cook entered in the first quarter in relief of the injured Tyrod Taylor, completing 14 of 30 passes with two interceptions in his NFL debut. He was sacked six times on 11 pressured dropbacks. Chop Robinson recorded a team-high five pressures for Miami, while Bradley Chubb added four.

John Metchie had another brutal drop. He was the target leader (8) tied with Mason Taylor. MT’s target share was high, but his route participation was low (65%). Metchie also drew the most targets (7) with Cook under center.

Adonai Mitchell was highly inefficient on six targets, with just one catch (albeit a great one) late in the fourth quarter for 24 yards. Had two red-zone targets but also had a drop (59 incomplete air yards).

With still no exact timetable for Garrett Wilson‘s return, Mitchell/Metchie look like the top two WRs for New York the rest of the way. Great schedule for WRs ROS.

TBD on which QB will play for New York in Week 14. It could be Taylor, Justin Fields, or Cook. We will all find out together.

Good on-paper matchup versus the pass-funnel Jags in Week 15. The next 3 weeks are also great for the Jets’ passing attack.

But the schedule is tough for Breece Hall. Weeks 15-16 are both on the road (Jags also great versus the run), and Week 17 is the Pats. Love Hall, but there’s a lot of risk being too heavily invested in the Jets in the fantasy postseason (bottom-10 ROS for RBs).

Schedule

Philadelphia Eagles

Buy DeVonta Smith

Jalen Hurts completed 5 of 20 passes for 99 yards and four interceptions when holding the ball for longer than 2.5 seconds in the Eagles’ Week 14 overtime loss (Next Gen Stats).

His 25.0% completion percentage on such attempts tied for the lowest by any quarterback this season (min. 10 such attempts), while his four interceptions tied for the most in any game since 2018. He completed 16 of 20 quick throws for 141 yards. Hurts faced a blitz 13 times, the most the Chargers have sent in a game this season, finishing 5 for 12 for 41 yards and an interception against the blitz. Hurts threw 11 incompletions to the left half of the field and did not throw a single one directed to the right, but all four of his interceptions occurred on throws to the right half.

A.J. Brown had a solid game – 6 for 100 yards – but it could have been even better. Had a red-zone TD wiped away on a holding call. Jalen Hurts failed to connect with Brown on multiple deep ball occasions. 13 total targets.

Ever since I buried AJB three weeks ago, naturally, he’s gone en Fuego. You are welcome to those who needed a spark lit under the Eagles’ WR.

Brown posted his third consecutive 100-yard game in the Eagles’ overtime loss to the Chargers (Next Gen Stats).

Brown saw a team-high 13 targets, catching 6 for 100 yards to finish with 16.0 PPR points. He got the best of Tarheeb, still, torching the Chargers’ corner for three receptions and 64 yards across just seven matchups. Across 16 matchups with Cam Hart, Brown added three catches for 36 yards. Brown has been on fire over the Eagles’ last three games, clearing 100 yards and 15+ PPR points in all three.

DeVonta Smith finished with 4-37 on eight targets. After barely going over his receptions prop with some catches late versus the Bears, he fell just short of 4.5 receptions in Week 14. Noted last week, this wasn’t an awesome matchup for Smith.

Through 12 games, the Eagles’ WRs have close target shares (but AJB has taken the lead with his recent performances).

I still think Smith can finish the season on a high note. Great schedule for WRs rest of season – specifically to slot WRs.

The three remaining defenses that Philly faces rank inside the top-8 in fantasy points allowed to WRs, going to slot WRs.

Buy Dallas Goedert – the Eagles TE has a strong SOS rest of the season for TEs. Was heavily involved versus the Chargers, catching 8-78 on 10 targets.

The Raiders are okay, but the Commanders should be very solid. However, that concludes the run as the Bills’ matchup is a no-fly zone for TEs.

Saquon Barkley rushed 20 times for 122 yards and 1 TD – highlighted by a 52-yard long rush. No catches on two targets.

Still, the Lane Johnson injury doesn’t help Barkley for the rest of the season. So even though there are good matchups, I think Barkley is more of a volume play. OG Landon Dickerson also got hurt in this game, but he did return. Monitor his status.

Schedule

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Pittsburgh Steelers

Sell Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell | Hold DK Metcalf

Aaron Rodgers completed all three deep passes (20+ air yards) for 121 yards against the Ravens in Week 14, with all deep targets going to DK Metcalf. Rodgers had not completed a deep pass in the entire month of November and had just seven deep completions on the season entering Week 14. Rodgers also passed underneath at a league-leading rate (72.6%) prior to Week 14, but today, he completed 5 of 9 passes over 10+ air yards for a season-high 165 yards (Next Gen Stats).

DK Metcalf was targeted a season-high 12 times in Week 14 against the Ravens, with seven receptions for 148 yards. Metcalf caught all 3 of his deep targets for 121 yards, his most deep receptions in a game in his career. Metcalf was targeted on half of his routes when facing man coverage, hauling in 3 receptions for 87 yards on seven targets.

Worth noting that Metcalf was hospitalized with a stomach issue following Sunday’s victory over the Ravens, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Still about time for Metcalf to show up.

Still a WR2/FLEX option with a strong schedule ROS: Through Weeks 15-17 (Fantasy Playoffs): Dolphins, Lions, Browns — the No. 1 WR schedule per FantasyPros’ SOS tool.

No. 2 Schedule overall for fantasy WRs. Hopefully, a healthy Rodgers can boost Metcalf’s fantasy output like in Week 14. As long as this downfield usage holds (been hit-or-miss most of this season), Metcalf can be “trusted” in some solid matchups. They were also trying very hard to get him in the end zone, as he commanded two end-zone targets (4 in the red zone overall).

Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell split the backfield near 50/50 in snaps and touches. Neither was effective as a rusher, but both produced as receivers out of the backfield. They also both scored (Gainwell from inside the RZ, whereas Warren scored on a big pass play).

And admittedly, the playoff matchups aren’t good (bottom-of-the-barrel for RBs), so anticipate this production to fall off for the Steelers RBs.

Warren is coming off a season low in opportunities (11).

Miami is just 18th vs RBs now in FPPG allowed on defense. Vastly improved. Zero RB1 finishes allowed since Week 7.

Weeks 16-17 are the worst matchups for RBs. If this stays a committee between Warren and Gainwell, it could be brutal for all parties.

Adam Thielen stepped in and immediately played the second-most WR snaps (48%).

Andrus Peat (head) is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return to Sunday’s contest in Baltimore, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Darnell Washington (concussion) won’t return to Sunday’s game against the Ravens—significant loss to run-blocking up front.

Pat Freiermuth saw a spike in usage with Washington out. Desperation TE streamer in a plus matchup versus Miami in Week 15 if Washington is out. Two red-zone targets in Week 14.

LB Malik Harrison was also knocked out with a concussion.

Schedule

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San Francisco 49ers

Hold/Add Brock Purdy, Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers DST & Ricky Pearsall

Tough matchup for the 49ers on the road versus the Browns in Week 13. Luckily, the guys we care about the most came through with TDs such as Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings.

George Kittle was also fine by TE standards with 4-67 on five targets. Jennings led the 49ers in total targets (6). In the last seven games, Jennings is the WR target leader for the 49ers.

He has a real connection with Purdy, and every passing day seems to improve his health.

You likely benched Brock Purdy versus the Browns. Now the 49ers are coming off their bye week. You will want him for the last three games. So, if he was dropped…stash/add him.

Top-5 schedule ROS for QBs.

The playoff schedule is fantastic for the 49ers… so hold guys, or add them if they get dropped, i.e., Ricky Pearsall.

FB Kyle Juszczyk (ribs), OG Ben Bartch, and LB Nick Martin also got nicked up against the Browns. Bartch will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.

The 49ers are reportedly committed to getting Brandon Aiyuk healthy and on the field this year, per Mike Garafolo. Kyle Shanahan confirmed as much, saying there was a potential for the WR to return and play.

But this seems more like a pipe dream, with some sources citing that Aiyuk is done in the Bay Area. Aiyuk, sources say via The Athletic, has failed to attend meetings and declined to participate in other team activities in recent months. The 49ers have grown increasingly frustrated with the receiver’s lack of communication.

They voided the contract guarantees as a result. I’d bet he doesn’t play for San Fran again this season. Get healthy and play for somebody else (Commanders) next year.

Schedule

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Seattle Seahawks

Hold/Buy Kenneth Walker

The Seahawks moved to 10-3 with their 37-9 win at the Falcons in Week 14.

They outscored Atlanta 31-3 in the second half after the game was tied 6-6 at halftime. The second half of Week 14 was the fourth time that Seattle scored 30+ points in a half this season. The only team with more than 30+ point halves since 2000 was the 2013 Broncos (6) — the team that lost to the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII (Next Gen Stats).

Jaxon Smith-Njigba led Seattle with seven receptions, 92 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns against the Falcons. This marks his 11th game of 2025 with 90+ receiving yards, tying Justin Jefferson (2022) for the most in a single season by a player before turning 24 years old (NGS).

Smith-Njigba matched up against A.J. Terrell 22 times, catching five passes on seven targets for 81 yards and a touchdown. JSN’s 81 receiving yards against Terrell are his 3rd-most such yards against a single defender in a game in his career. Terrell primarily shadowed Smith-Njigba in man coverage (14 of 22 matchups), while no other Falcons defender faced Smith-Njigba more than 4 times in the game, with Bates and Deablo both recording four matchups.

Elijah Arroyo (knee) will undergo more imaging in the near future to determine the severity of his injury. A.J. Barner (and his backyard tush push) will remain TE1 in Seattle.

As for the backfield, Kenneth Walker is seizing a larger role. Zach Charbonnet had one carry in the first half, while also seeing some carries in garbage time. Walker played 60% of the snaps with Darnold as the QB. He also drew two targets near the end zone but didn’t score (3 RZ carries).

Last 3 weeks, touches have been 42-29 in favor of KW3. Walker has 13-plus opportunities in seven straight games to Charbonnet’s four.

If DeForest Buckner remains sidelined for Indy… we could see a spike in week from Walker versus the Colts defense in a heavy positive game script.

In addition to Rashid Shaheed‘s kick-off return TD, he also had his most productive game as a Seahawk with 4-67 on five targets.

Schedule

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Add Mike Evans | Add Bucs DST

Baker Mayfield completed 14 of 30 passes for 122 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Week 14’s loss to the Saints. This marks Mayfield’s fourth consecutive game with fewer than 200 passing yards, the longest such streak of his career. After starting the game 8-for-8 in the first quarter, Mayfield completed just 6 of his final 22 pass attempts (Next Gen Stats).

The backfield was spearheaded by Bucky Irving (15 for 55) in rainy, wet Florida conditions. He also added 26 yards as a receiver with a 24-yard receiving TD. He split snaps with Rachaad White (49% each) while Sean Tucker chipped in a few nice runs with a rushing TD.

Chris Godwin led the team in yards for the 2^nd straight week – 5-55 on 8 targets (27% target share). He continues to look good, generating YAC (averaging 40 yards after the catch in back-to-back weeks). Also ran a route on 100% of the dropbacks.

Emeka Egbuka continued his downward turn in efficiency. Nine targets but just two catches for 15 yards, including a dropped TD and another catch wiped off by OPI.

After the hot start, the rookie WR has been BUNS. But the targets are there (30% target share in Week 14 with 121 incomplete air yards).

He is still the target leader (29-plus % target share in the last seven games). Hold. He is 3rd in XPPG since Week 7, WR42 in actual PPG. Nobody has scored fewer points versus expectation than the rookie WR among all RBs, TEs, and WRs (-55.1, -7.9/game).

And he crushed the Falcons back in Week 1 with two TDs. 67 receiving yards.

Maybe if Mike Evans returns in Week 15 and takes some of the pressure off Egbuka, he can deliver a bounce-back performance. The rookie averaged 16.3 PPG first three weeks of the season with Evans in the lineup.

Buccaneers’ wide receiver Mike Evans has been pushing to play as soon as Thursday night vs. the Falcons as he works himself back into football shape from the broken clavicle he suffered earlier this season. There’s a chance he will play then and if not, then the Sunday, Dec. 21…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 7, 2025

Keep this in mind.

Per Next Gen Stats…A.J. Terrell lined up against Mike Evans on 15 of Evans’ 29 routes in Week 1, pressing him on 13 of those 15 snaps (86.7%). Terrell limited Evans to 3 catches for 28 yards on 5 targets as the nearest defender in coverage, allowing only 1.1 yards of separation per target.

The yardage over has hit for 9/10 most comparable WRs to Egbuka versus Atlanta. They have also allowed the most fantasy points per game to perimeter WRs this season (2nd-most overall to fantasy WRs in PPG).

OC Josh Grizzard said last week Evans would likely be on a pitch count when he returns (similar to the plans they had with Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving).

Todd Bowles said that second-year WR Jalen McMillan could also return.

Haason Reddick (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday’s contest against New Orleans. Tykee Smith also got hurt (neck), and so did OG Ben Bredeson. OT Tristan Wirfs also did not play in this contest.

Does not help them on a short week (Thursday night hosting Atlanta).

The Buccaneers were also just 2 for 7 on fourth-down conversion attempts in a Week 14 loss to the Saints. Their five failed fourth-down attempts tied for the most by any team in a single game in 2025 and marked the most failed fourth-down attempts in a game by Tampa Bay since at least 1991. On the season, the Buccaneers are 11 for 27 (40.7%) on fourth downs in 2025, the fourth-worst conversion rate in the NFL (Next Gen Stats).

Weeks 16-17: Panthers/Dolphins. ROS? Top-10 schedule for WRs, RBs, and QBs.

Tampa Bay has the Top-3 schedule in fantasy playoffs for QBs. Also, add the Bucs DST.

Top-5 schedule ROS and in the playoffs.

Schedule

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Tennessee Titans

Add Gunnar Helm

Tony Pollard rushed for a career-high 161 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns in Week 14. This marked the most rushing yards by a Titans player in a game since Derrick Henry recorded 219 yards in Week 8, 2022. Pollard’s performance represented his first 100-plus rushing yard game since Week 14, 2024, against the Jaguars (102 rushing yards) and his first multi-touchdown rushing game since Week 1, 2023, with the Cowboys against the Giants (Next Gen Stats).

Was Browns’ DT Maliek Collins truly that good? His absence coinciding with Pollard’s blow-up game makes me believe so.

#Titans Tony Pollard vs Browns pic.twitter.com/0JkZbTIcft

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) December 8, 2025

The run game was the story of the Titans’ offense, while their passing game remained anemic.

Tyjae Spears led the way with 28 yards on two catches (4 targets).

Chimere Dike scored late, finishing 5 for 24 on a team-high 8 targets (29% target share).

The high-volume rushing attack also nuked Gunnar Helm‘s routes. I’d expect him to rebound next week in a much heavier pass-game script. Before this game, Helm led the team in catches. A DBro favorite, the former Texas TE has been carving out a nice role in the Titans’ offense.

Schedule

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Washington Commanders

Add Chris Rodriguez Jr. & Ben Sinnott

Coach Dan Quinn said after Sunday’s 31-0 loss at Minnesota that Jayden Daniels (left elbow) could have returned to the game (exited in the middle of the third quarter), but it was a coach’s decision to keep him on the sideline, Ben Standig of Big 100 Washington D.C. reports.

Quinn also noted after Sunday’s 31-0 loss to the Vikings that Ertz is feared to have torn his ACL, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. With Ertz out, John Bates and Ben Sinnott should see more playing time. Sinnott is the upside play as a second-year TE.

Chris Rodriguez led the backfield with 10 carries for 52 yards (5.2 YPC, 42% snap share). He saw all the carries in the first half (Jeremy McNichols had a first-half carry taken off by a flag).

Still, C-Rod looks like the lead of this 3-headed monster. Great schedule ahead for the Commanders RBs as well. Specifically in the fantasy playoffs, the Giants/Cowboys is very juicy.

And they also might get a boost from Jayden Daniels coming back next week if he is healthy enough. Hopefully, if he returns, he can be used against the Giants and Cowboys if you are hurting at QB—worth an add/hold —strong ROS schedule for fantasy QBs.

Terry McLaurin was the leading receiver (3-41) on just six targets with nearly 50% of the team’s air yards. All from Daniels.

Noah Brown led the team in routes run.

Schedule

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