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Quarterback
Start of the Week: Jordan Love (v NO)
Love hasn’t had any huge games in recent weeks with Green Bay being more conservative than they were to begin 2024—but he hasn’t turned the ball over in a month and could be primed for a breakout performance against a bottom-five pass defense of the Saints. In general, I get the feeling Matt LaFleur will know how to attack New Orleans with Marshon Lattimore gone and Paulson Adebo (leg) out, and Love has no shortage of weapons. Keep an eye on the weather with possible snow on Monday night, but we have Love as our overall QB6 this week.
Start: Patrick Mahomes (v HOU)
Mahomes (ankle) getting in a full practice to begin the week has him on track to suit up for Kansas City this weekend, so he should be ranked among the top-10 options at quarterback with Houston allowing an NFL-high 27 touchdown passes this season. Also, the Chiefs getting Hollywood Brown (shoulder) back would further boost Mahomes’ ceiling with the offense looking closer to how they expected entering the year; and it’s a different defense under DeMeco Ryans, but the three-time Super Bowl champion has thrived against Houston throughout his career (3-1 record and a 13:1 touchdown-interception ratio, including playoffs).
Start: Anthony Richardson (v TEN)
A fast start with a 23-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive last week was a display of Richardson’s potential, but he struggled as a passer in a tough road matchup against the Broncos—completing 17-of-38 attempts for 172 yards and two interceptions. Still, the second-year quarterback has averaged 46.8 rushing yards and a touchdown per game on the ground since being reinstalled as the starter, and that alone puts him in the low-end QB1 ranks for what will hopefully be a favorable game script versus Tennessee.
Start: Aaron Rodgers (v LAR)
Rodgers paid off as a top streaming option last week with 289 passing yards and three scores (plus six carries for 45 yards)—and he now has a 23:8 touchdown-interception ratio on the season for anyone claiming he can’t still play at a high level. In particular, the connection with Davante Adams is clearly there, and Rodgers wants to finish the season strong with an eye towards 2025. There is some concern about the young defense of the Rams causing havoc on Sunday, but Rodgers should again be a borderline QB1/QB2.
Sit of the Week: Justin Herbert (v DEN)
A midseason four-game winning streak for the Chargers where Herbert had 279+ passing yards in multiple scores three times provided hope that the offense would be more aggressive on a permanent basis—but he’s since fallen back to early-season numbers with 193.3 passing yards per game and a 3:1 touchdown-interception ratio over the past four weeks. Although the Broncos might be more opportunistic as a defense rather than a true shutdown unit, Los Angeles probably won’t suddenly throw the ball around the yard on Thursday night, so Herbert is a low-end QB2.
Sit: C.J. Stroud (@ KC)
Kansas City putting together a dominant defensive performance last week in Cleveland downgrades the matchup for Stroud on Saturday—and Houston’s quarterback hasn’t been at his best to begin with (especially compared to a terrific rookie campaign). Maybe we’ll see a shootout between a couple of division winners, but Stroud is averaging just 13.7 fantasy points per game this season, and he’s tough to rank as anything more than a midrange QB2 that would be even lower if not for some sub-par matchups for others.
Sit: Drake Maye (@ BUF)
Maye is ranked as a top-12 option by many in the industry, but I have a difficult time getting on board with that for the fantasy championship. Of course, the Bills have struggled on defense over the past two weeks, but no one would mistake Maye’s supporting cast for that of the Rams or Lions—and frigid temperatures in the low teens this weekend will only downgrade the matchup. Unless he does damage as a runner, Maye could disappoint for those banking on a big game.
Sit: Geno Smith (v MIN)
We might not know the status of Smith (knee) until later in the week, but if he plays—there is a ton of downside at less than 100% versus an aggressive Minnesota defense that will be smelling blood. Despite all the firepower for Seattle, Geno has just two games with multiple touchdown passes this season, and the Vikings recording the most interceptions in the league (20) will give the Seahawks reason to keep the ball on the ground if they can. The floor and risk of a setback makes Smith someone to avoid.
Running Back
Start of the Week: Bucky Irving (@ DAL)
Irving bounced back very nicely from a Week 14 disappointment by rushing 15 times for 117 yards last week—so fantasy owners should be much more confident about playing him in the fantasy championship. Dallas has actually been better containing runners in recent weeks, but over his his past three healthy games, Irving has gone for yardage totals of 152, 185, and 113. Look for the rookie to again be a central part of the offense on Sunday night and get him in lineups as a high-end RB2.
Start: Jerome Ford (@ CIN)
We’ll see if the Browns go with more of a split down the stretch with Nick Chubb (foot) out by having Ford split with D’Onta Foreman and/or Pierre Strong Jr.—but there should be no doubt about the lead runner after Ford rushed seven times for 84 yards and a touchdown last week. The 25-year-old also brings value as a pass-catcher (particularly with Dorian Thompson-Robinson not really pushing the ball downfield), and Cincinnati has allowed 32.7+ fantasy points to opposing backfields in two of the past three weeks.
Start: Travis Etienne Jr. (@ LV)
After seeing just four carries for 20 yards a couple of weeks ago, Etienne was back as the lead runner against the Jets—rushing 14 times for 65 yards and catching four-of-five targets for 20 yards. Las Vegas continues to play hard under Antonio Pierce, but Etienne’s speed could be an issue for them, and Mac Jones targeting him out of the backfield at least raises the floor of the Clemson product. The overall outlook isn’t what was expected in 2024, but we’d boost Etienne as a low-end RB2/FLEX option for Week 15.
Start: Kendre Miller (@ GB)
Alvin Kamara (groin) playing on Monday night would limit the appeal of Miller, but he rushed nine times for 46 yards last week—which came on the heels of an impressive eight-yard touchdown run in Week 13. For the Saints to pull off an upset in Green Bay, they’ll likely need to lean on Miller to keep the Packers off the field, so he should be added in all leagues and will be a definite FLEX play if Kamara is unable to go.
Sit of the Week: D’Andre Swift (v DET)
Roschon Johnson (concussion) being out again would boost Swift’s ranking as a low-end RB2/FLEX candidate by holding onto the goal-line role by default—but the starter has just one rushing touchdown since the start of November, and Chicago simply couldn’t convert in short-yardage situations on Monday night. Against the Lions on Thanksgiving, Swift was limited to 11 carries for 39 yards, and the Bears have since fallen apart as a team to create uncertainty for the fantasy championship.
Sit: Najee Harris (@ BAL)
Similar to the first matchup against the Ravens (when he had 22 touches for 93 total yards), Harris certainly isn’t a complete avoid this week—and Pittsburgh always brings their A-game for the AFC North rivalry. However, Najee should be downgraded versus the NFL’s top-ranked run defense (80.7 yards per game allowed), and Pittsburgh potentially being without George Pickens (hamstring) again would allow Baltimore to sell out versus the run like Philadelphia did last week by holding Harris to six carries for 14 yards. If you have options, benching Harris should be a consideration.
Sit: Chuba Hubbard (v ARI)
Hubbard had a big game against the Eagles a couple of weeks ago (26 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown), but he’s been heled below 60 rushing yards in the other three games over the past four weeks—and Carolina took a definite step back in the loss to Dallas. Although the Cardinals can be run on like we saw with Zach Charbonnet in Week 13 (22 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns), they’ve allowed zero rushing scores in eight of their past 10 outings. I’d view Hubbard as more of a low-end RB2 this week.
Sit: Broncos RBs (@ LAC)
The running game for Denver has had its moments this season, but they’ve largely struggled to get going—including last week when Bo Nix was the leading rusher with 23 yards. I would like to see rookie Audric Estimé be given more work, but the situation has been unpredictable with any three of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, or Estimé potentially leading the way, so looking elsewhere with championships on the line would be wise.
Wide Receiver
Start of the Week: DeVonta Smith (@ WAS)
I have Smith here more often than what should be necessary—but some might consider benching him after being limited to four receptions for 29 yards in the first matchup against Washington. Remember, though, Smith immediately missed time with a hamstring injury after that game, and he didn’t seem to be himself on a short week. A healthier version of the former Heisman winner should be a WR1 for the rematch, so make sure he’s in lineups despite a WR3 ranking by almost everyone else.
Start: DJ Moore (v DET)
Moore had eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Lions on Thanksgiving—and Detroit has only gotten weaker defensively with top cornerback Carlton Davis (jaw) being among the recent injuries for them. For his career, Moore has thrived versus the Lions with lines of 7/157/1, 7/127, 5/83/1, 7/96/1, 6/68/1, and 8/97/1, so he is a high-upside WR1/WR2 that has seen increased weekly involvement in recent games to soften concerns about the overall state of the Bears.
Start: Jauan Jennings (@ MIA)
Jennings was impacted by rain last week that limited him to two receptions for 31 yards, but he saw nine targets—and I think the Niners trying to get Deebo Samuel Sr. the ball also impacted the flow of the offense. In a true elimination game this weekend, San Francisco should get back to basics by playing through Jennings, and over the past couple of weeks, the Dolphins allowed 100-yard games to Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson, which was followed up by Nico Collins finding the end zone twice.
Start: Romeo Doubs (v NO)
The talent of Doubs was on full display in the primetime win over Seattle with three receptions for 40 yards and two touchdowns—and Monday night will be another showcase opportunity for him versus a New Orleans defense that might not have the options on the backend to contain all of Green Bay’s pass-catchers. A spread-the-wealth approach gives Doubs a lower floor than fantasy owners would like, but he’s a trusted target in scoring territory and leads the position in snaps when healthy. Consider him a strong FLEX.
Others: DK Metcalf (v MIN), Darnell Mooney (v NYG)
Sit of the Week: Marvin Harrison Jr. (@ CAR)
The trying rookie campaign for Harrison continued last week with two receptions (on six targets) for 32 scoreless yards, and the No. 4 overall pick—who does have seven scores on the season—has turned into a touchdown-dependent option heading into the fantasy championship. Basically, the chemistry with Kyler Murray just hasn’t been there, and Jaycee Horn possibly getting his wish to be used in shadow coverage would only decrease the odds of Harrison coming through for fantasy owners. We have him outside the top 30 at wide receiver.
Sit: Jerry Jeudy (@ CIN)
Jeudy continued the hottest stretch of his career with 11 receptions for 108 yards against the Chiefs—but the Browns turning to Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center takes away the Jameis Winston factor, so an immediate cool down is very possible. Another factor to consider is Jeudy catching just one-of-six targets for 18 yards in the first matchup versus the Bengals, and Cedric Tillman (concussion) being set to return could cause his opportunities to go down with 11+ targets in four of the past six games.
Sit: Amari Cooper (v NE)
Cooper saw 14 targets a couple of weeks ago in the shootout loss to the Rams, but last week showed how quickly things can change with the veteran not seeing a target in a 48-42 win. Perhaps even more concerning is that Cooper (46% snaps) played behind Keon Coleman (63%), Khalil Shakir (59%), and Mack Hollins (50%) in the first game with Coleman back in the lineup, and when he is out there this week, Cooper could see plenty of Christian Gonzalez to decrease his chances of paying off with a big play and/or touchdown.
Sit: Terry McLaurin (v PHI)
Benching a top-five fantasy wide receiver that has scored five touchdowns this month isn’t something I’m advocating for—but McLaurin was held to one reception for 10 yards in the first matchup against the Eagles, so expectations should be held in check. McLaurin has come through in tough matchups before and I’m sure Washington will be finding new ways to scheme him free, but Philadelphia arguably has the best defense in football and will be focused with the No. 1 seed in reach. Based on the matchup, I’d just downgrade McLaurin to the WR2 ranks.
Others: Ladd McConkey (v DEN), Deebo Samuel Sr. (@ MIA)
Tight End
Start: of the Week: David Njoku (@ CIN)
Njoku’s upside will be capped with Jameis Winston on the bench, but if he returns from a hamstring injury, fantasy owners shouldn’t waste any time getting him back in lineups as a top option at tight end. In the first meeting against the Bengals this year, Njoku caught 10 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown with Cleveland playing all three of Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Winston at quarterback—and Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points per game to the position (13.8).
Start: Pat Freiermuth (@ BAL)
Freiermuth has remained undervalued for anyone not considering him a TE1 option, as he’s really clicked with Russell Wilson in recent weeks—including a score in three consecutive games. If George Pickens is back, I think that only helps Freiermuth with attention going towards the star wideout; but either way, “Muth” will be in line to do damage versus a Baltimore defense that has allowed the second-most passing yards per game in the league (258.9).
Start: Brenton Strange (@ LV)
Jacksonville’s offense could be difficult to trust, but Strange caught 11-of-12 targets for 73 yards last week, and Mac Jones’ willingness to take the checkdowns should give him a high floor to finish off the season. This week, the matchup versus a Las Vegas defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends (12.5) should boost his ceiling, so Strange is ranked as a top-15 option.
Sit of the Week: Hunter Henry (@ BUF)
While many have Henry ranked as a TE1 for the fantasy championship, I would look elsewhere with Buffalo limiting him in a big way over the past three years. Since Henry joined the Patriots, he’s gone for yardage totals of zero, nine, 30, 13, 42, and 27 in six matchups versus the Bills (including playoffs)—scoring zero touchdowns over that span. And on the season, Henry has just one touchdown in 14 games.
Sit: Noah Gray (v HOU)
Gray has been a key component of Kansas City’s offense in recent weeks with five touchdowns over the past five games (and 18 receptions during that stretch), but a couple of things could be working against him this week. First, the potential return of Hollywood Brown could result in the Chiefs leaning more on the wide receivers. Also, Gray might simply not run as many routes if Kansas City decides to keep more blockers in pass protection with Patrick Mahomes at less than 100%. So, it might be a good idea to start someone else.
Sit: Ben Sinnott (v PHI)
Sinnott is only listed here under the assumption that Zach Ertz (concussion) doesn’t play this weekend—as if he does suit up, the rookie wouldn’t even really be an option in redraft leagues. Ertz did well against his former team last month with six receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown, but I wouldn’t want to count on Sinnott (five catches this season) as the starter with plenty of alternatives available.