Congratulations on reaching the fantasy football playoffs. You and the other heavy hitters in your league (and perhaps a few lucky interlopers) ran the regular-season gauntlet and made it through intact.
Obviously, you aspire to more than just a playoff berth. You want a championship and all the spoils that go with it. A fat winner’s check, a shiny trophy, eight months of bragging rights — those are the rewards you’re after. It’s just a matter of putting together a two- or three-game winning streak.
Here’s hoping your core players are all healthy going into the playoffs. There were a few significant Week 14 injuries. But with the bye weeks finally behind us, at least you’ll be able to leverage your entire roster.
Still, you might have one or two holes that need to be filled. Or maybe you need to add depth at a troublesome position. Or perhaps you’re going to be streaming defenses and/or kickers.
We’ll discuss some widely available fantasy football waiver wire options in just a moment.
First, a quick note about this week’s waiver article. Throughout the season, we’ve listed stashes at each position. But now that we’ve reached the playoffs, there are no more stash lists. Stash season is over. We need immediate playability from our waiver additions now that only three weeks remain in the fantasy season. We’re also doing away with our drop recommendations since we’re now focused solely on the short term.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work on winning some championships.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 15
Week 15 Waiver Grade: B
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings
Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.
(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues; Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)
Running Backs
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Blake Corum (RB – LAR): 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: DET, @SEA, @ATL
- True Value: $24
- Desperate Need: $37
- Budget-Minded: $15
Analysis: Blake Corum has become a weekly contributor in one of the league’s most potent offenses. Rams head coach Sean McVay said last week that Corum and Kyren Williams would be splitting touches evenly ahead of the playoffs. With this increased involvement, Corum has three scores in his previous two games. In Week 14, Corum had 12 carries for 128 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ 45-17 win over the Cardinals, plus one catch for three yards. Williams had 13 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown, adding two catches for 13 yards. Unfortunately, the Rams’ schedule is grueling for running backs over the next two weeks, with matchups against the Lions and Seahawks. Those defenses were allowing the second-fewest and eighth-fewest fantasy points to the running back position, respectively, going into Week 14. Still, a talented timeshare back in one of the NFL’s best offenses might be able to give your fantasy team a boost for the playoffs.
Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA): 2% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @PIT, CIN, TB
- True Value: $11
- Desperate Need: $18
- Budget-Minded: $6
Analysis: One of my biggest misses this season was being in on Jaylen Wright. Or was it? Starting the season injured, Wright lost his backup job to rookie Ollie Gordon. Since returning from his knee injury in Week 3, Wright had 65 rushing yards and one reception for one yard before Week 14. However, after De’Von Achane left with a rib injury on Sunday, Wright exploded for 24 carries, 107 yards and a touchdown against the Jets. Although he failed to catch any of his three targets, the explosive second-year back made a splash. Monitor Achane’s status and bid on Wright accordingly. Typically, players can play through rib injuries with some painkillers. But if Achane doesn’t suit up in Week 15, Wright could be in for another solid day. This week, the Dolphins take on the AFC North-leading Steelers, who allow the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. It’s a tough matchup, but Wright’s 24 carries from Week 14 suggest he would have a decent fantasy floor if Achane is ruled out.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB – WSH): 37% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYG, PHI, DAL
- True Value: $10
- Desperate Need: $15
- Budget-Minded: $5
Analysis: For the fourth consecutive game, Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the Commanders’ backfield in fantasy scoring. In a Week 14 shutout loss to the Vikings, Rodriguez had a team-high 10 carries for 52 yards. Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), he played the most snaps (22) and led the backfield in routes (seven). Although both Jeremy McNichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt were involved, neither made a significant impact. With a great Week 15 matchup against the Giants, Rodriguez can be a functional Flex play. The Giants have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, allowing a ridiculous 6.1 yards per carry to backs. Rodriguez has a low ceiling because he’s only caught one pass all season, but he provides a decent rushing floor and has touchdown potential as the Commanders’ goal-line back.
Devin Singletary (RB – NYG): 24% Rostered
- Next Opponents: WSH, MIN, @LV
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $7
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: The Giants have a split backfield, with both Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. involved. Before the Giants’ Week 14 bye, Singletary finished as the RB8 in Week 13 fantasy scoring, with 12-68-1 rushing and 3-34-0 receiving lines against the Patriots. Singletary and Tracy split snaps nearly 50-50 in that game, with Singletary playing 28 snaps to Tracy’s 27. Tracy left the game with a hip injury, but later said he sustained a stinger and is fine. All in all, this is about as even a split as it gets. With Singletary being the primary goal-line back and between-the-tackles ball-carrier, he is the safer play of the two. However, Singletary is still a risky start due to Tracy’s continued involvement, even against the Commanders, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position.
Bam Knight (RB – ARI): 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @HOU, ATL, @CIN
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: It’s still unclear whether Trey Benson will play another game for the Cardinals this season. If the team doesn’t open his practice window by Wednesday, he will be shut down for the season. There have not been a ton of reports regarding Benson’s status. As a result, I personally don’t think he will be back this week. Bam Knight has done an admirable job in Benson’s absence, scoring double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four games. Although Michael Carter has pitched in, Knight has been the lead back for an Arizona offense that has performed reasonably well over the last few weeks. But the Cardinals face the Texans this week, so it will be hard to start Knight even if Benson remains out. However, Knight gets a much more favorable matchup with the Falcons in Week 16, and the matchup with the Bengals in the fantasy championship is very intriguing.
Wide Receivers
Written by Derek Brown
Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU): 42% Rostered
- Next Opponents: ARI, LV, @LAC
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $5
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: In Weeks 10-13, Jayden Higgins was the WR24 in fantasy points per game with an 18.5% target share, a 30% target per route run rate, 50 receiving yards per game, 2.15 yards per route run and a 22.2% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those four games, he had four red-zone targets and five deep targets. Higgins had a quieter night against the Chiefs on Sunday with a 16.1% target share and 34 scoreless receiving yards. That doesn’t change my view that he’s a strong WR3/Flex moving forward. Higgins has two fantastic matchups upcoming. Since Week 9, the Cardinals and Raiders have allowed the fourth-most and eighth-most PPR points per target, respectively, to perimeter wide receivers.
Darius Slayton (WR – NYG): 35% Rostered
- Next Opponents: WSH, MIN, @LV
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Since Week 5, Darius Slayton has a 13.9% target share with 45.3 receiving yards per game, 1.80 yards per route run, a 14.5-yard average depth of target and a 17.5% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those six games, he has had one red-zone target, eight deep targets and three top-36 finishes in weekly scoring (WR34, WR27, WR19). Slayton is a strong Flex play this week against the Commanders. His downfield role should come in handy for Jaxson Dart. Since Week 9, Washington has allowed the highest completion rate and passer rating on deep passes.
Luther Burden III (WR – CHI): 17% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, GB, SF
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: With Rome Odunze sidelined against the Packers, Luther Burden had a 71.4% snap share, a 69% route share, a 17.1% target share and 67 receiving yards. Burden led the Bears in receiving yards and targets. Odunze is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot and has been labeled week-to-week. It’s possible we don’t see Odunze again in the regular season. I’m not in love with Burden’s rest-of-season schedule, but with DJ Moore looking cooked and Odunze on the shelf, Burden will remain a volume-based Flex play over the rest of the fantasy season.
Adonai Mitchell (WR – IND): 27% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @JAX, @NO, NE
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Unfortunately, Adonai Mitchell couldn’t follow up his Week 13 boom game with another strong performance. It wasn’t all his fault, though. Tyrod Taylor left the Jets’ Week 14 game early with a groin injury, and the Jets’ offense cratered with Brady Cook thrust into action. In Weeks 11-13, Mitchell had a 28.4% target share, a 61.4% air-yard share and a 41.8% first-read share with four red-zone targets and seven deep targets, per Fantasy Points Data. Against the Dolphins, Mitchell had a 17.6% target share that he turned into only one reception and 24 scoreless receiving yards. If Taylor and Justin Fields (who missed Week 14 with knee soreness) can’t play in Week 15, Mitchell is a low-end Flex play you’re avoiding unless you’re out of options. Since Week 9, Jacksonville and New Orleans, respectively, have allowed the 10th-most and ninth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers. But if Mitchell doesn’t have competent quarterback play, he won’t be able to take advantage of the soft matchups.
Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE): 29% Rostered
- Next Opponents: BUF, @BAL, @NYJ
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Kayshon Boutte has been a boom-bust Flex play this season, tied to one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Drake Maye. Boutte is the WR42 in fantasy points per game with five top-24 finishes in weekly scoring. He has an 11.5% target share with 43.7 receiving yards per game, 1.77 yards per route run and a 14.4% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Boutte has six receiving touchdowns this season despite having only two red-zone targets. He can thank his 10 deep targets and amazing quarterback play for that. Of his remaining three matchups, none jump off the page as amazing must-play matchups, but Boutte could return solid Flex value in any of them if Maye hits him for chunk gains downfield.
Devaughn Vele (WR – DEN): 20% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CAR, NYJ, @TEN
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Weeks 12-13, Devaughn Vele had an 18.1% target share with 65 receiving yards per game, 1.55 yards per route run and a 16.7% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those two games, Vele had two red-zone targets and two deep targets. Vele didn’t have a monster game in Week 14, but he did tie for the team lead in target share (25%) and led the team with 40 receiving yards. Vele is a decent Flex play in two of his next three games, with favorable matchups against the Panthers and Titans, who, since Week 9, have allowed the 14th-most and seventh-most PPR points per target, respectively, to perimeter wide receivers.
Quarterbacks
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Justin Fields (QB – NYJ): 28% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @JAX, @NO, NE
- True Value: $5
- Desperate Need: $8
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: Just when it seemed as if the Jets had something going with quarterback Tyrod Taylor, a groin injury forced him from Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. Taylor gave life to the Jets’ offense, giving young wideouts John Metchie and Adonai Mitchell a chance to make plays. If Taylor isn’t able to play in Week 15, Justin Fields would most likely start for the Jets, even though it was Brady Cook who relieved Taylor on Sunday. Fields was a Week 14 scratch due to knee soreness, so you’ll have to monitor his status this week if you’re interested in streaming him. The last time we saw Fields, he finished as the QB5 in Week 11. The equation is simple: In positive matchups, Fields has the athletic ability to come through for fantasy. Thankfully, this week delivers a great matchup against the Jaguars, who have a pass-funnel defense. While the Jags are stingy to opposing running backs, they have been tormented through the air. Although he has struggled as a passer this season, even Fields might be able to give Mitchell and Metchie some opportunities. Fields has QB1 upside for Week 15.
Marcus Mariota (QB – WSH): 8% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYG, PHI, DAL
- True Value: $5
- Desperate Need: $8
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: The Commanders welcomed back their star sophomore signal-caller from an elbow injury in Week 14, but Jayden Daniels didn’t make it through the game. After throwing an interception in the third quarter of the Commanders’ 31-0 loss to the Vikings, Daniels injured his left elbow while trying to make a tackle. Backup Marcus Mariota stepped in with the game already out of hand and finished with two completions for 30 yards and an interception. But in each of Mariota’s three previous starts, he finished as a top-13 fantasy quarterback. If Daniels misses Week 15 — and it seems reasonable to think the Commanders will be more conservative with his return this time around — Mariota will be a very solid streaming option against the Giants. The Giants are allowing the second-most fantasy points and the most rushing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks.
J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN): 30% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @DAL, @NYG, DET
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: Sometimes it’s obvious when the real NFL doesn’t align with fantasy. A great example of that is when J.J. McCarthy and Justin Fields are decent waiver wire pickups. In a dominant 31-0 win against the Commanders in Week 14, McCarthy came through with three passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. After the disastrous Max Brosmer experiment in Week 13 while McCarthy recovered from a concussion, it was surprisingly refreshing to see McCarthy back under center for the Vikings. In Week 15, he has another plus-matchup against an exploitable Dallas defense. The Cowboys also have a high-flying offense, so McCarthy will need to try to keep up, which is great for fantasy (but also a little terrifying). It’s hard to trust McCarthy, but his six rush attempts in Week 14 and the projected shootout game script should make him a decent streaming option in Week 15.
C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU): 42% Rostered
- Next Opponents: ARI, LV, @LAC
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: After lighting the league on fire as a rookie, C.J. Stroud has taken a step back, at least for fantasy purposes. Still, he remains a competent game manager for a defensive juggernaut of a team, providing a decent fantasy floor despite a limited ceiling. In Week 15, Stroud takes on the Cardinals, who have played better defense than most people expected for much of the season. The Cardinals entered Week 14 having allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to the quarterback position, but Matthew Stafford shredded them for 281 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday. With a dominant receiver in Nico Collins, Stroud may be able to come through for fantasy. On the other hand, the Texans’ defense will be a tall order for Jacoby Brissett, so the Texans may be able to lean on their defense and running game, limiting Stroud’s ceiling.
Tight Ends
Written by Derek Brown
Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – CLE): 39% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CHI, BUF, PIT
- True Value: $5
- Desperate Need: $9
- Budget-Minded: $3
Analysis: In Weeks 12-13, Harold Fannin Jr. finished as the TE15 and TE12 in weekly scoring. He led the Browns in those two games with a 23.9% target share, 41.5 receiving yards per game and 2.02 yards per route run. He ranked second on the team with a 19.2% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Fannin exploded in Week 14 against the Titans with a 26.1% target share, eight receptions, 114 receiving yards and a score. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will continue to lean on his rookie tight end to close the regular season, especially with Fannin drawing favorable matchups against the Bears and Steelers, who have, respectively, allowed the 14th-most and fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Dalton Schultz (TE – HOU): 46% Rostered
- Next Opponents: ARI, LV, @LAC
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: In Weeks 3-13, Dalton Schultz was the TE12 in fantasy points per game with an 18.6% target share, 1.62 yards per route run, 49.5 receiving yards per game and a 19.3% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those 10 games, he had seven red-zone targets and five deep targets. On Sunday, Schultz had a quiet night with a 12.9% target share and 22 scoreless receiving yards as the Texans sat on a lead against the Chiefs. He should have a strong bounce-back game in Week 15. The Cardinals have given up the ninth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Theo Johnson (TE – NYG): 42% Rostered
- Next Opponents: WSH, MIN, @LV
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: With Jaxson Dart under center, Theo Johnson has had five top-12 finishes among tight ends in weekly scoring. Since Week 4, Johnson has a 19.1% target share with 40.7 receiving yards per game, 1.49 yards per route run and a 22.5% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those 10 games, he has had nine red-zone targets, four deep targets and five receiving touchdowns. Johnson could flirt with TE1 production again in each of the next two weeks against the Commanders and Vikings, who have, respectively, allowed the fourth-most and 13th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Colston Loveland (TE – CHI): 40% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, GB, @SF
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Weeks 10-13, Colston Loveland had one TE1 weekly finish (TE3) with a 54.8% route share, a 13.7% target share, 43 receiving yards per game, 2.02 yards per route run and a 14.9% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In those four games, he had two red-zone targets and zero deep targets. Against the Packers last week, Loveland had a 58.5% snap share, a 58.9% route share, a 14.2% target share, 29 receiving yards and a touchdown. None of his upcoming matchups screams must-play, but if you’re in a pickle, he isn’t the worst streaming option at tight end. Loveland is insanely talented, but he’s being held back by up-and-down quarterback play and capped playing time.
AJ Barner (TE – SEA): 12% Rostered
- Next Opponents: IND, LAR, @CAR
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: I could wax poetic about AJ Barner‘s per-route stats, but you know what you’re getting with him: A tight end who plays in a run-centric offense with a passing attack that revolves around Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There’s very little volume to go around after Smith-Njigba, with Seattle content to smother opponents with its suffocating defense. Barner makes the article this week as a solid streaming option for two of the next three weeks solely based on his upcoming matchups. The Colts and Panthers have allowed the second-most and 10th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends, respectively.
Defenses
Written by Pat Fitzmaurice
Jacksonville Jaguars: 36% Rostered
- Next Opponents: NYJ, @DEN, @IND
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: Jacksonville’s top-five fantasy defense wreaked more havoc in Week 14, intercepting Colts quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard once apiece, recovering a fumble and taking down Leonard in the end zone for a safety. The Jaguars have forced 26 turnovers this season to rank second in that category behind only the Bears. Jacksonville’s defense is a terrific Week 15 option against the Jets, who are likely to be quarterbacked by Justin Fields after Tyrod Taylor sustained a groin injury on Sunday. Fields has been sacked 27 times in nine 2025 starts and took 99 sacks over two seasons with the Bears in 2022 and 2023. The Jaguars’ defense has a reasonably playable Week 16 matchup against the Broncos, followed by an appealing Week 17 matchup against the Colts, who just lost quarterback Jones to an Achilles injury.
San Francisco 49ers: 22% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TEN, @IND, CHI
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: Despite ranking dead last in the league in sacks (16) and pressure rate (14.4%), the 49ers are a highly attractive streaming option for Weeks 15 and 16. San Francisco gets a scrumptious home matchup against Tennessee this week. Titans quarterback Cam Ward has been sacked an NFL-high 49 times, has coughed up nine fumbles and has thrown seven interceptions. Tennessee has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. In Week 16, the 49ers take on the Colts, who just lost quarterback Daniel Jones to a season-ending Achilles injury. Indianapolis will start either Riley Leonard or Anthony Richardson at quarterback in that game.
New Orleans Saints: 8% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CAR, NYJ, @TEN
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $3
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: The Saints are tied for 19th in defensive fantasy points per game with 5.8, but you could ride them throughout the fantasy playoffs thanks to three favorable matchups. In Week 15, the Saints get a home date with Bryce Young and the Panthers. Carolina can be run-heavy, and it’s hard for fantasy defenses to score points against run-heavy teams because there are fewer opportunities for sacks and interceptions. But the Panthers have still allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. In Week 16, the Saints get the Jets, whose quarterback situation could be in limbo with Tyrod Taylor dealing with a groin injury. In Week 17, the Saints take on sack-prone and fumble-prone rookie quarterback Cam Ward and the Titans.
Chicago Bears: 21% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, GB, @SF
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: After feasting on turnovers early in the season, the Chicago defense has averaged only 4.4 fantasy points over its last seven games. But the Bears get a favorable home matchup against the Browns this week. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders had 364 passing yards and three touchdown passes Sunday against the Titans. But in four games this season, Sanders has thrown three interceptions and has been sacked eight times.
Dallas Cowboys: 11% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIN, LAC, @WSH
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: The Dallas defense hasn’t been especially effective in real life or in fantasy this season. But the Cowboys host J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings this week. McCarthy acquitted himself well in Week 14, with 163 passing yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the Vikings’ 31-0 win over the Commanders. It was the first game this year in which McCarthy hasn’t thrown an interception. But McCarthy has been a mess for most of the season, with 24 sacks, 10 interceptions and five fumbles in seven games.
New York Giants: 2% Rostered
- Next Opponents: WSH, MIN, @LV
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Like the Saints, the Giants have favorable matchups throughout the fantasy playoffs. But you’ll have to overlook the inconvenient fact that the Giants’ defense is averaging 2.6 fantasy points per game, putting them dead last in defensive fantasy scoring. As you know, defensive fantasy scoring is often more about the opposing offense than the defense itself. If you buy that theory, you might be willing to hold your nose and add the Giants’ defense.
Kickers
Written by Pat Fitzmaurice
Cairo Santos (K – CHI): 23% Rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, GB, @SF
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Cairo Santos has been sharp this season, converting 20-of-24 field goals and 29-of-29 extra points. Since Week 4, Santos has averaged 10.6 fantasy points per game, which ranks third among kickers over that span. Santos hasn’t missed a kick at home since Week 1, and he’ll be back at Soldier Field this Sunday for a matchup against the Browns.
Andy Borregales (K – NE): 14% Rostered
- Next Opponents: BUF, @BAL, @NYJ
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Andy Borregales has been piling up points lately. He’s had double-digit fantasy points in three consecutive games, averaging 14.3 fantasy points per game over that stretch. Borregales and the Patriots host the Bills in a potential Week 15 shootout.
Eddy Pineiro (K – SF): 6% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TEN, @IND, CHI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Eddy Pineiro has missed the 49ers’ last two games with a strained hamstring, but he’s tentatively expected to return on Sunday. Double-check his status before putting in a claim on him. Pineiro is averaging 10.3 fantasy points per game and gets a favorable home matchup against the Titans this week.
Matt Prater (K – BUF): 42% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NE, @CLE, PHI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: When in doubt, go with a kicker on a high-scoring team. The Bills are averaging 28.8 points a game this season, and Matt Prater is averaging a respectable 7.7 fantasy points per game. The Week 15 game between the Bills and Patriots in New England should be a banger. Just check the weather forecast before placing a claim on Prater. (As of now, Sunday’s forecast looks chilly but playable.)
Harrison Mevis (K – LAR): 16% Rostered
- Next Opponents: DET, @SEA, @ATL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Rams’ burly new kicker hasn’t missed a kick in his first five games with the team. But Harrison Mevis has only had three field goal opportunities with the Rams and has mostly been living on extra points. Such are the hazards of rostering a kicker in a freakishly efficient offense. Mevis has already converted 23 extra points, while going 3-for-3 on field goals. Rams head coach Sean McVay doesn’t like settling for field goals, so Mevis might have a limited ceiling. But all those extra points make for a stable floor, and it’s nice that Mevis will have a weather-proof home game against the Lions this week.
Fool’s Gold
Even with fellow Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid returning from a knee injury in Week 14, Dawson Knox had six catches for 93 yards on seven targets. His big day could have been even bigger, but he had a touchdown catch wiped out by a penalty. The Bills were playing the Bengals, who have been a welcome mat for opposing tight ends. Cincinnati has given up 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches to tight ends, the most in the league in both categories by a wide margin. Expect Knox to fade into the background of the Bills’ offense.
Shedeur Sanders put up big numbers Sunday in his third NFL start, throwing for 364 yards and three touchdowns in the Browns’ 31-29 loss to the Titans. In two previous starts, Sanders threw for a combined 359 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie has earned our attention, but for now, the prudent move is to monitor his progress from afar.
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