👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


10 Lineup Busts and Avoids for Week 15

The playoffs are in full swing now. How's it going? I'm heading into a bitter, two week showdown in one of my leagues against the guy who lets me watch RedZone on his new television every Sunday and I'm actually excited about it. As I close in on the end of my first year at Rotoballer, I've realized that writing for this site hasn't just given me a place to share my fantasy sports knowledge with y'all--it's also helped me become better at fantasy football. I'm second guessing myself less. I'm playing the match-ups more efficiently. Writing this column and reading the great work on this site has been a tremendous lifesaver, especially when I drafted David Johnson and Greg Olsen in the league I'm talking about.

But enough about how Rotoballer is great and all the writers on this site have taught me loads of great fantasy tips! We can gush about this once Week 17 arrives, unless you're still playing in Week 17. Right now, you want to know things that'll help you in the playoffs. I've got you covered!

Below are ten lineup busts and avoids for Week 15 of NFL action.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Top 10 Busts - NFL Week 15

Andy Dalton (Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals)

The Bengals are on the road against the Vikings this week, which is not a good thing for Andy Dalton. Minnesota is fifth-best against opposing fantasy quarterbacks. Dalton is an inconsistent quarterback who went through a surprisingly long stretch without an interception before throwing one against the Bears last week. By the way, let's talk real quick about how bad Dalton was last week: 14-for-29, 141 yards, a touchdown, and the aforementioned interception. Am I supposed to trust him this week, in the fantasy playoffs, on the road? Nope.

Kirk Cousins (Quarterback, Washington Redskins)

Kirk Cousins has struggled the past two weeks, culminating in a 151 yard performance against the Chargers in Week 14. After two big games against Minnesota and New Orleans, it looked like Cousins was turning a corner as a top fantasy option, but he's looked pretty mediocre in the three games since. The Cardinals aren't a great pass defense, but they do have an interception in four straight games and haven't allowed a passing touchdown in two of their past three games. In shallower formats, there are better options.

Jamaal Williams (Running Back, Green Bay Packers)

Aaron Rodgers is back! The Packers will likely end up passing the ball more, which limits the number of touches that Williams will get, though he has shown that he can be active in the passing game. The Panthers have a strong run defense, so Williams is lower for me than a lot of other running backs. He's been on a hot streak, but signs point to that streak potentially ending this week.

Doug Martin (Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

You aren't giving Martin another chance, right? Sure, he found the end zone last week, but he was so ineffective that he was benched for Peyton Barber in the second half. Martin's a bust this week because he's not going to touch the ball enough to do anything. Expect Barber to see the majority of the snaps out of the back field.

Carlos Hyde (Running Back, San Francisco 49ers)

Hyde's had a rollercoaster season, looking like an above-average running back at times and then looking like he was about to get replaced by Matt Breida at other times. The 49ers take on the surprisingly-good run defense of the Tennessee Titans this week, though, who have been limiting opposing running backs to 73.8 yards-per-game. Hyde's not a great choice in Week 15.

Robby Anderson (Wide Receiver, New York Jets)

There's been a lot to like about Anderson in 2017. Starting in Week 7, Anderson either had 100 receiving yards or found the end zone in every game, until that streak stopped with last week's three catch, 27 yard performance against the Broncos. Now, the Jets have a road match-up with the Saints and star rookie corner Marshon Lattimore, and they'll be starting Bryce Petty at quarterback. It's entirely possible that Petty leans on Anderson and forces him the ball, but it's just as likely--if not more so--that Anderson ends up with something like four catches for 30 yards. Avoid him.

DeAndre Hopkins (Wide Receiver, Houston Texans)

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I don't like Hopkins this week, despite that the fact that he has accounted for 158 percent (OR SOMETHING CLOSE TO THAT) of Houston's offense this season. Hopkins has been the definition of a high floor guy because he sees double-digit targets more often than not (in fact, he's only seen a single-digit number of targets in three games this year!). But Houston is moving to its third starting quarterback of the season, T.J. Yates, and the Texans aren't lucky enough to be playing the one teams Yates is capable of beating, the Cincinnati Bengals. Nope, the Texans get the league's top defense this week in the Jacksonville Jaguars. I'd be worried about Hopkins because we don't know what to expect from Yates in this one. You can't sit him because he gets the volume needed to put up a strong stat line even in a terrible match-up, but you should temper your expectations.

Amari Cooper (Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders)

It's officially been a lost season for Cooper after a combination of ineffectiveness and injury have helped him have exactly one good game. Even when Cooper found the end zone in consecutive weeks (Week 11 against New England and Week 12 against Denver), there was a caveat--just three catches for 28 yards against the Patriots, and a concussion against the Broncos. Cooper reaggregated his ankle injury last week and likely isn't at full strength for this game against the Cowboys. Cooper hasn't been effective this season when playing at anything less than his peak.

Greg Olsen (Tight End, Carolina Panthers)

Yes, he's back. No, he isn't back. Olsen was targeted just once against the Vikings, finishing with a stat line full of zeroes. Things aren't likely to get better against a Packers squad that allows the second-least fantasy points to tight ends. At this point, we don't know what to expect from Olsen, and it's highly likely that Olsen owners have someone else they trust more on their roster already. Go with that other person.

Cameron Brate (Tight End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Maybe you thought Brate was back after he scored twice against the Packers back in Week 13, but he followed that up with just one catch (on one target) in Week 14. The Falcons are a top ten defense against tight ends. O.J. Howard has more targets than Brate in two of the last three games and should continue to see his role expand with the Buccaneers out of contention and that whole tight end of the future thing he has going on.

 

More Week 15 Lineup Prep




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
Micah Parsons

Expected to Miss the Early Part of the Season
Colby Parkinson

a Clear Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Omarion Hampton

Poised for Year 2 Breakout in Los Angeles
Blake Corum

Dynasty Stock Rising After Encouraging 2025 Campaign
Jaxson Dart

Does Jaxson Dart Carry High-End Dynasty QB1 Upside?
David Montgomery

Dynasty Stock Rising Following Move to Houston
Chris Godwin Jr.

Can Chris Godwin Jr. Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Malik Willis

Not Set Up for Immediate Success in Miami
Terrance Ferguson

has Promising Receiving Skills in Crowded TE Room in L.A.
Brenton Strange

Is Brenton Strange a Top-15 Dynasty Tight End?
T.J. Watt

Steelers Ready to Move on From T.J. Watt?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Must Make Gains as Pass-Catcher to Take the Next Step
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Kaytron Allen

Could Kaytron Allen Take on a Big Role Right Away?
Demond Claiborne

Has Long-Term Appeal in Minnesota
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Adam Randall

to Contribute as a Pass-Catcher Right Away?
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Nicholas Singleton

Could Contribute Right Away
Bryce Lance

a Perfect Fit in New Orleans?
Mike Washington Jr.

Can Mike Washington Jr. Force a Backfield Split in Vegas?
Paul Reed

Makes Big Impact Off the Bench Wednesday
Adonai Mitchell

Unlikely to be Phased Out of Jets Offense
Daniss Jenkins

Contributes 19 Points As Starter
Cade Cunningham

Tallies 39 Points in Losing Effort
Tony Pollard

an Affordable Add for Contending Dynasty Managers
Max Strus

Notches 20 Points With Six Triples
Evan Mobley

Close to Triple-Double Wednesday
Mason Taylor

How Much Dynasty Value Will Mason Taylor Hold After Offensive-Heavy Draft?
Jarrett Allen

Records Double-Double in Game 5 Win
James Harden

Leads the Way for Cavaliers in Game 5 Victory
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Matt Boldy

Posts Two Assists in Season-Ending Loss
Scott Wedgewood

Perfect in Relief Effort
Martin Necas

Records Another Multi-Point Game
Brett Kulak

Sends Avalanche Into Conference Finals
Brayden McNabb

Suspended for One Game
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF