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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

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Set to Start Game 7
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Tage Thompson

Can Match Franchise Record With Another Multi-Point Game
Nick Suzuki

Seeks More Road Success Monday
Lane Hutson

Riding a Five-Game Assist Streak Into Game 7
Filip Gustavsson

Needs Offseason Surgery
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
Cam Skattebo

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Kaleb Johnson

Logging First-Team Reps in OTAs
Evan Engram

Dynasty Value Fading After Production Decline in 2025
TreVeyon Henderson

Dynasty Outlook Clouded By Split Backfield in New England
Caleb Williams

' Dynasty Upside Remains Sky-High Entering 2026
Bijan Robinson

Is Bijan Robinson the No. 1 Overall Player in Dynasty Formats?
Woody Marks

Should Have Plenty of Opportunities to Catch Passes
Drew Allar

Working as QB4 in First OTA Session
Aaron Rodgers

Reports to Steelers Facilities on Monday
Alvin Kamara

Saints Remain Non-Committal on Alvin Kamara's Future
Chris Olave

Saints Continue to Work on Extension With Chris Olave
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a Sneaky Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues?
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Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 117
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Can Jarquez Hunter's Dynasty Outlook Improve in Year 2?
Arnold Allen

Bounces Back
James Conner

Off the Dynasty Radar Entirely?
Elijah Arroyo

Will Elijah Arroyo Continue to Have Trouble Getting on the Field?
Daniel Santos

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Tre Tucker

Not a Long-Term Solution in Dynasty Leagues
MMA

Dohoo Choi Wins His Third Consecutive Fight
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Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
CFB

Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jack Bech

a Dynasty Hold as New-Look Raiders Offense Takes Shape
Jaydon Blue

a Low-Value Dynasty Stash Until Depth Charts are Settled
Makai Lemon

a Top-Five Pick in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
George Kittle

a Dynasty Buy with League-Winning Potential
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

a Dynasty Sleeper with High Touchdown Potential
Tobias Harris

Goes Cold in Game 7 Loss
Quinn Hughes

Open to Signing Extension This Offseason
Jalen Duren

Finishes Game 7 with Quiet Line
Cade Cunningham

Endures Cold Shooting Night Sunday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Second Round Due to Heel Injury
Sam Merrill

Catches Fire in Game 7 Win
Evan Mobley

Posts Versatile Double-Double in Game 7
Jonas Brodin

Sits Out Round 2 Due to Toe Injury
Donovan Mitchell

Guides Cavaliers Into East Finals
Sam Malinski

Practices Fully Sunday
Jarrett Allen

Scores 23 Points in Cavs' Game 7 Rout of Pistons
Josh Manson

Rejoins Practice
Kevin Huerter

Active on Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert Available Sunday
Dean Wade

Max Strus Replaces Dean Wade in Starting Lineup Sunday
Luke Kornet

Iffy for Monday
Larry Nance Jr.

Won't Play Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Monday's Action
Jalen Williams

Officially Available for Game 1 Against Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Named MVP for Second Straight Year
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
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
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

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QB
RB
WR
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K
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