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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

Josh Sweat

Cardinals Won't Trade Josh Sweat
Mac Jones

Not Throwing Due to "Soreness"
Aaron Judge

to Undergo Additional Imaging
Adonai Mitchell

Chemistry With New Jets QB is Growing
Darnell Washington

Steelers, Darnell Washington Agree to Four-Year Extension
Micah Parsons

Eyeing a Mid-October Return After Having Another Knee Surgery
Rome Odunze

Foot Injury Still an Issue Going into 2026 Season?
Ketel Marte

Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Mitchell Robinson

is Available for Game 1 on Wednesday
Kawhi Leonard

Unlikely to be Traded
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Host Potential Lottery Picks for Workout
Washington Wizards

Wizards Considering Trading Down in Draft
Russell Wilson

Retiring From the NFL
Corbin Burnes

has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Malik Davis

Appears to be the Front-Runner for RB2 Job in Dallas
Kayshon Boutte

to Compete for Snaps in Three-Receiver Sets
Alvin Kamara

Attends OTAs on Wednesday
Andrei Iosivas

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Andrei Iosivas?
Tyjae Spears

Is Tyjae Spears Droppable in Dynasty Formats?
Jaylen Wright

the Dynasty Handcuff Running Back to Own in Miami?
Colby Parkinson

Facing Likely Regression After Career Year in 2025
Omarion Hampton

Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Despite Injury History
Rickie Fowler

Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
Ollie Gordon II

Is Ollie Gordon II Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Justin Herbert

Overhauling his Footwork This Offseason
De'Von Achane

Doing Individual Drills at Minicamp
Ashton Jeanty

Raiders Emphasizing Ashton Jeanty's Progress as Their Lead Back
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Still on the Mend From 2025 Injuries
Brandon Aiyuk

Warrant Issued for Brandon Aiyuk's Arrest in California
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
CFB

Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Jalen Chatfield

Records Two Assists in Tuesday's Loss
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Nikolaj Ehlers

Nets Two Goals in Game 1 Loss to Golden Knights
Shea Theodore

Notches Three Points in Game 1 Win
Brayden McNabb

Sets Up Three Goals in Game 1 Win Over Hurricanes
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Brett Howden

Starts Finals With Multi-Point Effort
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Tomas Hertl

Scores Game-Winner in Finals Opener
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Isaiah Hartenstein

Hopeful to Stay with Oklahoma City
Luguentz Dort

Wants to Remain with Thunder
Mitchell Robinson

is Questionable for Game 1
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season
Oso Ighodaro

Gets Guaranteed Contract for Next Season
NAS

Chris MacFarland Joins Predators as President and General Manager
VAN

Canucks Name Manny Malhotra as New Head Coach
Brendan Gallagher

to Leave Canadiens This Offseason
Patrik Laine

Looking Forward to Free Agency
Jeremy Lauzon

Returns to Action Tuesday
Zach Werenski

Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
Josh Hader

Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
Elly De La Cruz

to Miss 2-4 Weeks of Action
Chase Burns

is Scratched Due to Illness
Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Edwin Arroyo

Reds Promote Top Infield Prospect Edwin Arroyo, Viewed as Priority Pick Up Ahead of MLB Debut
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Elly De La Cruz

Placed on IL with Right Hamstring Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
Elly De La Cruz

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Tyler Reddick

Is One of the Top Favorites to Win at Nashville
Kyle Larson

May Continue his Top-10 Consistency at Nashville this week
Christopher Bell

Is One of the Top Competitors for the Win at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Is A Must Start for Nashville DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Nashville DFS Lineups
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Nashville Lineups?
Carson Hocevar

Is Likely to have Another Solid Result at Nashville
NASCAR

Should Fantasy Players Roster Bubba Wallace at Nashville?
Chris Buescher

Is A Decent All-Around DFS Option for Nashville Lineups
Daniel Suarez

is Likely to Drop Positions during the Cracker Barrel 400
Garrett Crochet

Suffers Setback, Likely to Undergo MRI for Lat Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Could Denny Hamlin Dominate at Nashville?
Ryan Blaney

Is a DFS Tournament Option at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Don't Overlook Ty Gibbs at Nashville
Joey Logano

Could Show Life at Nashville
Ross Chastain

Needs a Good Run at Nashville
Chet Holmgren

Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Cason Wallace

Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Stephon Castle

Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
Julian Champagnie

Shines in Series-Clinching Win
De'Aaron Fox

Provides Secondary Punch in Game 7 Triumph
Victor Wembanyama

Earns Conference Finals MVP in Spurs' Game 7 Win
NBA

Warriors Prioritize Depth Around Returning Steve Kerr
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Cleveland's Top Priority
Adou Thiero

Remains a Lakers Development Project
NBA

76ers Hire Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations
NBA

Chicago Bulls Explore Kevin Young as Coaching Candidate
Lane Hutson

Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Cole Caufield

Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Seth Jarvis

Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
Logan Stankoven

Notches Three Points in Big Game 5 Win
Taylor Hall

Racks Up Three Points in Series-Clinching Win
Frederik Andersen

Remains Stellar as Hurricanes Clinch Finals Berth
Jacob Gonzalez

is Heading to the Big Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez is Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Deiveson Figueiredo

Set For UFC Macau Main Event
MMA

Yadong Song Returns At UFC Macau
Alonzo Menifield

An Underdog At UFC Macau
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Macau Co-Main Event
Tallison Teixeira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Cameron Smotherman

Looks To Bounce Back
Kai Asakura

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Faizon Brandon In Position to Start Week 1
CFB

Dane Weber Commits to Cal
CFB

Joey McGuire Attempts to Add Texas to Schedule
CFB

Mike Leach on 2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot
CFB

Maryland, Baylor Schedule Home-and-Home
CFB

Taron Dickens Decommits From North Carolina
RANKINGS
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1B
2B
3B
SS
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SP
RP

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