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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

Odell Beckham Jr.

Giants Not Looking to Sign Odell Beckham Jr. Right Now
Bo Nix

Will be Full Speed Before Training Camp
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?
Joey Logano

Needs a Good Run at Watkins Glen
Duncan Robinson

Shines on Both Ends Saturday
Cade Cunningham

Records Second Career Postseason Triple-Double
Donovan Mitchell

Logs 35-Point Double-Double
James Harden

Plays Late Hero Saturday
OG Anunoby

Could Miss Another Game Sunday
Joel Embiid

Considered Probable for Sunday's Elimination Game
Jarred Vanderbilt

Active on Saturday Night
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
CHI

Blackhawks Bring in Roman Kantserov for Next Season
Mason McTavish

Set to Rejoin Ducks Lineup Sunday
Lukas Dostal

to Remain in Ducks Crease Sunday
Zach Bogosian

Back for Wild Saturday
Jesper Wallstedt

Starting Game 3 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

Not Ready to Return Saturday
Owen Tippett

Won't Play Saturday
Cooper Kupp

a Dynasty Hold into the Start of 2026 Season
Jaylen Warren

a Safe Dynasty Depth Piece with Insurance Upside
Christian McCaffrey

a Risky Dynasty Hold Who Still Exceeds His Trade Value
Brian Thomas Jr.

A Risky Buy-Low with Immense Upside
Tre' Harris

a Dynasty Hold That Could Require Patience
Braelon Allen

Dynasty Stock Takes a Hit After Teammate's Extension
Josh Allen

Still the Top Dynasty QB in his Prime
Kyler Murray

Suddenly a Rising Dynasty Target in Minnesota
Logan Webb

on Track to Start Against Dodgers on Monday
Mike Matheson

Leads by Example in Game 2 Win
Jakub Dobes

Rebounds After Loss Yet Again for Montreal
Rachaad White

Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues Despite a Path to Upside
Alex Newhook

Sets Tone in Big Montreal Victory
Stephon Castle

Overcomes Shooting Struggles Friday
Jake Tonges

Should by Now Be Rostered by Every Kittle Dynasty Manager
Anthony Edwards

Carries Heavy Usage in Defeat
Chig Okonkwo

a Clear Breakout Candidate in Washington
Lukas Dostal

Gets Pulled in Game 3 Loss on Friday
Victor Wembanyama

Joins Historic Playoff Company
Mikal Bridges

Continues Postseason Surge with 23-Point Game
Aaron Jones Sr.

Still a Low-Cost, Short-Term Dynasty Target
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Keeps Scoring Role Alive
Romeo Doubs

' Buy Window Could Soon Be Wide Open
Joel Embiid

Held to 18 Points in 76ers Game 3 Loss
Brett Howden

Notches Sixth Goal of the Postseason
Jalen Brunson

Tallies 33 Points to Take 3-0 Series Lead
VEG

Mitch Marner Hat Trick Helps Vegas Take Series Lead
Pat Bryant

Working With Training Staff This Offseason
Jacoby Brissett

in Communication With Cardinals Despite Skipping Workouts
Daniel Jones

Could Take Part in 7-on-7 Drills at OTAs
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Sam Merrill

Iffy for Game 3 on Saturday
Anthony Edwards

Rejoins Starting Lineup Friday
Kevin Huerter

Likely to Remain Out Saturday
Jarred Vanderbilt

Considered Questionable for Saturday
Jalen Williams

Ruled Out for Game 3 Against Lakers
Ayo Dosunmu

Cleared to Play Friday
Anthony Edwards

Available Friday Night
Mats Zuccarello

Expected to Play Saturday
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Be a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Jonas Brodin

Still Out Saturday
Josh Manson

Could Return Saturday
Kaedan Korczak

Scratched for Game 3 Against Ducks
Radko Gudas

Likely to Remain Out Friday
Sam Carrick

Won't Play Friday
Isiah Pacheco

Can Isiah Pacheco Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in Detroit?
Rico Dowdle

Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
Rashid Shaheed

a High-Risk, High-Reward Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
RANKINGS
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1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

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