WEEK 14 RECAP
Patriots 21, Steelers 18: With Rhamondre Stevenson out, Ezekiel Elliott had himself a day, producing 140 total yards on 29 touches, including seven receptions and a TD. It was the first time since early in 2020 he had at least seven receptions, 70 receiving yards, at least 25 touches and played over 90 percent of his team’s offensive snaps.
Buccaneers 29, Falcons 25: Mike Evans had only one reception for eight yards, making this his worst receiving game since Week 3 of 2020, where he interestingly had two receptions for two yards and two touchdowns. It was the fifth time in his career he played and was held under 10 receiving yards.
Bears 28, Lions 13: D’Onta Foreman was out Week 12 with an ankle injury and Chicago had its bye the following week. Foreman looked fine against Detroit and dominated available touches for the Bears. He had 13, while Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson combined for four. Foreman has a bad matchup against the Browns this Sunday, but could have a huge game against the Cardinals in Week 16.
Bengals 34, Colts 14: Cincinnati rookie running back Chase Brown is averaging 10 touches and 83 total yards in the last two games as an explosive compliment to Joe Mixon. Brown could have flex appeal in deeper leagues in the fantasy playoffs, but those of you who participate in dynasty formats should pay extra attention. With Tee Higgins facing free agency and Ja’Marr Chase due a massive extension, Mixon could become a cap casualty this offseason. Brown may be auditioning for his spot right now.
Browns 31, Jaguars 27: David Njoku scored twice for the first time in his NFL career while gaining 91 yards, the second-most in a game in his career. He had 149 yards against the Chargers in Week 5 of 2021.
Saints 28, Panthers 6: Chuba Hubbard played over 77 percent of Carolina’s offensive snaps for the first time in his career. Hubbard has at least 23 carries in back-to-back games.
Jets 30, Texans 6: Dalvin Cook started over Breece Hall for the first time all season, but their roles didn’t change. Hall remains New York’s early-down and third-down back while Cook spells him from time-to-time.
Ravens 37, Rams 31 (OT): Matthew Stafford is the overall QB3 since Week 12, with 10 touchdowns against only one interception and 802 yards in the last three games.
Vikings 3, Raiders 0: Justin Jefferson lasted only 13 snaps before suffering a chest injury and leaving the game, but it looks like he avoided another long-term injury.
49ers 28, Seahawks 16: Tyler Lockett had six receptions for 89 yards against San Francisco, but he hasn’t sured 100 receiving yards since Week 13 of last season.
Bills 20, Chiefs 17: Kansas City rookie receiver Rashee Rice is the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) since Week 5, but he’s really elevated his game over the last three weeks. Rice is the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR7 in PPR) since Week 12.
Broncos 24, Chargers 7: Courtland Sutton has caught a touchdown in 10 of 13 games this season for Denver. He is now tied for second in receiving touchdowns with Mike Evans, behind only Tyreek Hill, who has 12.
Cowboys 33, Eagles 13: In Philadelphia’s three losses this season, D’Andre Swift has 27 carries for 70 yards (2.6 yards per carry).
Titans 28, Dolphins 27: In Raheem Mostert’s previous eight seasons, he had scored 19 total TDs in 75 games (23 starts). This season, Mostert has 18 total TDs in 13 games for Miami.
Giants 24, Packers 22: Rookie receiver, and all-around threat with the ball in his hands, Jayden Reed has at least 50 total yards and a TD in four of the last five games for Green Bay.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 15:
L.A. CHARGERS AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Davante Adams (LV).
Who to start: Gerald Everett (LAC) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since Week 12. The Chargers D/ST forced three turnovers and had seven sacks against the Raiders in Week 4. Jakobi Meyers (LV) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Raiders D/ST is the sixth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 5 and faces a QB making his first career start in the NFL.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Joshua Palmer (LAC) in his first game back if he’s active. Easton Stick (LAC) only has value in superflex formats. I doubt Josh Jacobs (LV) plays with his quad injury. Michael Mayer (LV) remains TD-dependent with only 11 targets in the last three games.
Sleeper(s): Quentin Johnston (LAC) had chemistry with Stick against the Broncos and should see a bump in targets with Keenan Allen out — Johnston has 143 yards on eight receptions in the last two games. Zamir White (LV) could see double-digit carries against a mediocre run defense if Jacobs is out. Ameer Abdullah (LV) would be the primary option on ing downs, giving him flex appeal in deeper PPR formats if Jacobs is out.
MINNESOTA AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: TJ Hockenson (MIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN).
Who to start: You’re starting Justin Jefferson (MIN) if he’s active. Only Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy have more fantasy points than Jake Browning (CIN) the last two weeks. The Bengals D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a QB who has thrown 21 interceptions, lost four fumbles and been sacked 34 times in 17 career starts.
Who to sit: Jordan Addison (MIN) is the overall WR56 in standard formats (WR48 in PPR) without Kirk Cousins under center. Alexander Mattison (MIN) will likely sit with a sprained ankle. I’m fading the Vikings D/ST on the road against an offense that has played well without Joe Burrow. Nick Mullens (MIN) faces a defense that has only allowed six TD es to quarterbacks in seven home games. Tee Higgins (CIN) only has seven targets in two games with Browning under center. Without Burrow for most of the last four games, Tyler Boyd (CIN) only has 13 receptions on 21 targets for 105 yards and no touchdowns. It’s hard to trust Chase Brown (CIN) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Ty Chandler (MIN) would likely have a three-down role if Mattison is out.
PITTSBURGH AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Steelers D/ST, Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Colts D/ST.
Who to start: Both Najee Harris (PIT) and Jaylen Warren (PIT) have RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Diontae Johnson (PIT) has at least 50 yards or a TD in six of the last eight games since returning from injury. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Zack Moss (IND) maintains his RB2/flex upside with an average of 16 touches the last three games.
Who to sit: George Pickens (PIT) is the overall WR53 in standard formats (WR45 in PPR) since Week 9. Mitch Trubisky (PIT) only has value in superflex formats. Josh Downs (IND) is TD-dependent with only 11 receptions for 89 yards in the last three games. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 18 targets in the last five games.
Sleeper: Gardner Minshew (IND) deserves streaming consideration at home if you’re in a pinch, against a defense that just gave up three TD es to Bailey Zappe.
DENVER AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET).
Who to start: Javonte Williams (DEN) maintains RB2/flex upside with an average of 20.4 touches per game since Week 7 against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Russell Wilson (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Broncos D/ST faces an offense that has committed at least three turnovers in three of the last four games.
Who to sit: Samaje Perine (DEN) only has value in the deepest PPR formats. I’m fading Jared Goff (DET) against a defense that has only allowed four TD es to quarterbacks in the last five games. Jameson Williams (DET) has yet to sur two receptions in a game this season. Josh Reynolds (DET) remains TD-dependent with only nine receptions for 97 yards in the last five games.
Sleeper: Jerry Jeudy (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed eight TD receptions to wide receivers in the last five games.
CHICAGO AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI), David Njoku (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST.
Who to start: DJ Moore (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed 28 receptions for 329 yards and four TD receptions to wide receivers in the last two games. Jerome Ford (CLE) is dealing with a wrist injury, but he is the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB18 in PPR) since taking over for an injured Nick Chubb. Kareem Hunt (CLE) deserves flex consideration with a TD in six of the last nine games. Elijah Moore (CLE) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR31 in fantasy since Week 10. Joe Flacco (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed 23 TD es to quarterbacks in 13 games this season.
Who to sit: Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading both Khalil Herbert (CHI) and Roschon Johnson (CHI) as ancillary parts in the Bears’ offense. Darnell Mooney (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: D’Onta Foreman (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed six rushing TDs to running backs in the last five games.
TAMPA BAY AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Rachaad White (TB).
Who to start: Considering his pedigree, Chris Godwin (TB) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR40 in standard formats (WR38 in PPR) through 14 weeks. Aaron Jones (GB) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active. Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. AJ Dillon (GB) has at least nine PPR points in eight of the last nine games. Both Romeo Doubs (GB) and Jayden Reed (GB) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading the Buccaneers D/ST on the road. I’m fading Christian Watson (GB) with a hamstring injury that continues to linger. I’m fading the Packers D/ST against an offense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Tucker Kraft (GB) is TD-dependent with nine receptions in three games as a starter.
Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the most yards per reception to tight ends.
HOUSTON AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN).
Who to start: CJ Stroud (HOU) is an obvious starter if he’s active. Devin Singletary (HOU) maintains flex appeal with at least 12 touches in seven of the last eight games. Tyjae Spears (TEN) has flex appeal with 206 total yards on 33 touches in the last two games. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Will Levis (TEN) deserves streaming consideration, if you’re in a pinch, against a defense that has allowed quarterbacks to score at least 20 fantasy points in five of the last six games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Nico Collins (HOU) with a reoccurring calf injury. I’m also fading Dalton Schultz (HOU) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Dameon Pierce (HOU) is TD-dependent with inconsistent usage in three games since he returned from injury. Treylon Burks (TEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only three receptions in his last four games.
Sleeper: Noah Brown (HOU) could be the top target for the Texans against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
N.Y. JETS AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA).
Who to start: Tyreek Hill (MIA) is an obvious starter if he’s active. De’Von Achane (MIA) has scored at least 12 PPR points in five of his seven games this season. The Dolphins D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Dalvin Cook (NYJ) remains TD-dependent. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense that has only allowed 16 receptions for 145 yards and no touchdowns to tight ends in the last four games. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: The Jets D/ST forced three turnovers and scored a TD against the Dolphins in Week 12.
KANSAS CITY AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC).
Who to start: Rashee Rice (KC) has at least eight receptions, 64 yards or a TD in three straight games. Ezekiel Elliott (NE) is the overall RB25 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) since Week 10. Demario Douglas (NE) has double-digit PPR points in four of his last five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Isiah Pacheco (KC) — if he’s active — Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) and Jerick McKinnon (KC) against a defense that has only allowed 126 yards on 53 carries (2.4 yards per carry) to running backs in the last three games. I doubt Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) plays with his ankle injury. I’m fading the Patriots D/ST at home against Mahomes. JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) would only have flex appeal against his former team if Douglas remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: The Chiefs D/ST faces an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
N.Y. GIANTS AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Taysom Hill (NO) is the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR) through 14 weeks.
Who to sit: I’m fading Darren Waller (NYG) is his first game back from a hamstring injury despite the positive matchup. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jalin Hyatt (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 12 targets in the last four games. Derek Carr (NO) faces a defense that has only allowed one-or-fewer TD es in six of the last seven games.
Sleeper: If he’s active, Rashid Shaheed (NO) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
ATLANTA AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL).
Who to start: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) has had at least 17 touches in six of the last eight games.
Who to sit: Kyle Pitts (ATL) only had two receptions (three targets) for 44 yards against the Panthers in Week 1. Drake London (ATL) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Adam Thielen (CAR) and Jonathan Mingo (CAR) face a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Miles Sanders (CAR) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. DJ Chark Jr. (CAR) hasn’t topped four targets in a game since Week 6. Bryce Young (CAR) hasn’t had double-digit fantasy points in five straight games.
Sleeper: The Falcons D/ST faces an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
WASHINGTON AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Cooper Kupp (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR).
Who to start: Terry McLaurin (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed seven TD receptions to wide receivers in the last six games. Curtis Samuel (WAS) has 13 receptions (17 targets) for 165 yards in the last two games. Sam Howell (WAS) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed 30 TD es in its last 12 games.
Who to sit: Jahan Dotson (WAS) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only 17 targets in the last four games. I’m fading Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) and Antonio Gibson (WAS) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Tyler Higbee (LAR) remains TD-dependent with only eight receptions (13 targets) in the last four games.
Sleeper(s): Logan Thomas (WAS) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. The Rams D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
SAN FRANCISCO AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Brock Purdy (SF), 49ers D/ST, Trey McBride (ARI).
Who to start: James Conner (ARI) is averaging almost 17 touches per game since returning from injury.
Who to sit: I’m fading Marquise Brown (ARI) until we see him make it through an entire game with his injured foot. Kyler Murray (ARI) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Rondale Moore (ARI) had two targets and no receptions against the 49ers in Week 4.
Sleeper: If he’s active, Michael Wilson (ARI) had the best game of his rookie season with seven receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns against the 49ers earlier this year.
DALLAS AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Dak Prescott (DAL), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).
Who to start: Jake Ferguson (DAL) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) since Week 8. Brandin Cooks (DAL) is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 6. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) is dealing with multiple injuries, but has at least five receptions in seven straight games.
Who to sit: Michael Gallup (DAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 20 targets in the last seven games. I’m fading the Bills D/ST at home against a very efficient offense.
Sleeper: It’s a difficult matchup, but the Cowboys D/ST is still the top scoring defense in fantasy.
BALTIMORE AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Ravens D/ST, Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) has at least five receptions, 73 yards or a TD in seven of the last nine games. Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) has at least four receptions or a TD in four of the last five games. Isaiah Likely (BAL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Keaton Mitchell (BAL) has flex appeal as the overall RB25 in standard formats (RB29 in PPR) since Week 9. Calvin Ridley (JAC) is the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) since Week 8.
Who to sit: Gus Edwards (BAL) is TD-dependent with only 15 touches the last two games. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading the Jaguars D/ST at home against Jackson.
Sleeper: Zay Jones (JAC) has made five catches in each of the last two games, while receiving 22 targets over that span with Christian Kirk out.
PHILADELPHIA AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA).
Who to start: D’Andre Swift (PHI) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense that has allowed 11 receptions for 168 yards and two TDs to tight ends the last two games. If he’s active, Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 17 TD es in the last six games.
Who to sit: I’m fading the Eagles D/ST on the road, traveling cross country. I’m also fading Kenneth Walker (SEA) and Zack Charbonnet (SEA) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
