Fantasy Football Heat Index: Buy or Sell Surprise Performances

Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy football teams.

Fantasy Football Heat Index

Quarterback

Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAX)

Stats:

20-of-32 for 330 Passing Yards
5 Passing Touchdowns
5 Rushing Attempts
51 Rushing Yards
1 Rushing Touchdown

Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB1 (44.3 fantasy points)

Analysis: Trevor Lawrence carved up the Jets in Week 15, piling up 381 yards of total offense and six touchdowns in the opening round of the fantasy playoffs. The Jaguars quarterback was sharp from start to finish, throwing five scores and adding another on the ground to showcase his dual-threat ability. His command of the offense and ability to exploit mismatches made him the driving force behind one of the most dominant fantasy performances of the season.

Lawrence’s eruption translated to 44.3 fantasy points, making him the overwhelming QB1 for the week and a decisive factor in playoff matchups. Fantasy managers who trusted him were rewarded with a ceiling game that highlighted his traits as both a passer and runner. As impressive as the outing was, a tough matchup with the vaunted Broncos defense looms, serving as a reminder that replicating this level of production will be far more challenging in the next round.

Heat Index: 4

Running Back

Tony Pollard (RB – TEN)

Stats:

14 Rushing Attempts
104 Rushing Yards
1 Touchdown
1 Receptions
8 Receiving Yards

Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB9 (17.7 fantasy points)

Analysis: Tony Pollard has reentered the weekly Flex conversation after consecutive strong fantasy outings for the Titans. In Week 15 against the 49ers, he rushed 14 times for 104 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 17.7 half-PPR points. That effort followed a 28.1-point explosion against the Browns in Week 14, signaling a timely return to form at a crucial stage of the fantasy playoffs.

Pollard’s burst and efficiency on limited carries have reminded managers of the upside he can provide when given space to operate. His ability to generate chunk plays and finish drives has re-established the running back as a viable lineup option, especially for managers navigating injuries. With 265 rushing yards and three scores across the past two games, he has proven capable of delivering starter-level production even amid Tennessee’s offensive struggles.

Heat Index: 3

Wide Receiver

Jauan Jennings (WR – SF)

Stats:

3 Receptions
37 Receiving Yards
2 Touchdowns

Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR11 (17.2 fantasy points)

Analysis: Jauan Jennings continued his late-season surge in Week 15, finding the end zone twice against the Titans. While his yardage was modest, Jennings has now scored six touchdowns over his past six games, carving out a consistent role as a red-zone threat and trusted target in the passing attack.

Over that stretch, Jennings has averaged 12.55 fantasy points per game and has emerged as a steady contributor with Brock Purdy back under center. Jennings’ knack for finishing drives makes him a viable WR3 option, providing dependable production at a time when reliability is in short supply.

Heat Index: 4

Tight End

Colby Parkinson (TE – LAR)

Stats:

5 Receptions
75 Receiving Yards
2 Touchdowns

Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE4 (22 fantasy points)

Analysis: Colby Parkinson broke out in Week 15 against the Lions with five catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns, extending a run that has seen him post TE1 numbers in five of his past six games. The Rams have leaned heavily on 2-TE and 3-TE sets this season. Parkinson’s size and red-zone usage have made him a steady fantasy option at a position often lacking consistency.

That role could expand with Davante Adams reportedly aggravating his hamstring injury, potentially opening up more opportunities over the next two weeks. If Adams misses time, Parkinson’s usage should remain strong, giving him a chance to keep delivering starter-level production in the fantasy playoffs.

Heat Index: 4