Trey McBride Remains a Must-Start in Difficult Week 15 Matchup
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has been a consistent fantasy superstar all season. This year, McBride has only finished outside of the Top-12 tight ends twice in weekly finishes and is the TE1 overall by a healthy margin in PPR leagues. Entering Week 15, McBride is RotoBaller's No. 1 tight end in all formats in a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans' defense has allowed the fewest receiving touchdowns and the fourth-fewest receptions this season. The Cardinals' offense will be forced to funnel their targets to McBride and Michael Wilson on Sunday, with Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) ruled out for a second straight week. In the last three games Harrison has missed, McBride and Wilson have been targeted on just over 52 percent of Jacoby Brissett's passing attempts. Despite a tough matchup, McBride remains a set-it-and-forget-it TE1 heading into Week 15.
Source: Zach Gershman
Source: Zach Gershman
Kenny Pickett Not a Reliable Fantasy Option Against Former Team
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett will earn a spot start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 with teammate Geno Smith (shoulder, back) sidelined. While Pickett should offer a nice change from Smith, who has 16 touchdowns, 15 turnovers, and 49 sacks this year, he likely won't be a reliable fantasy starter. Pickett went 8-for-11 with 97 yards and a touchdown in relief of Smith last week, and he hasn't finished any of his four seasons higher than the QB28 in fantasy football. He could struggle against an Eagles defense allowing the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns and 14th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Pickett ranks as the overall QB31 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, which means that he can be benched in all leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keenan Allen's Production Continues to Decline
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen enters the Week 15 road game against the Kansas City Chiefs on a decline, having caught all three of his targets for just 22 yards last week. Since Week 7, Allen has only caught 19 passes compared to 44 in the first seven weeks. The Chiefs, who have allowed the ninth fewest passing yards this season, are a tough matchup, though the potential questionable status of their top defensive back, Trent McDuffie (knee), could slightly help the passing game. However, with the offensive line battered, Justin Herbert playing injured, and the team leaning on the run, Allen's floor and ceiling are considerably lower. RotoBaller ranks Allen at WR53 this week. Unless the Chargers fall behind early by multiple scores or if fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) is ruled out, Allen remains an unreliable WR5 who should only be started in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Amon-Ra St. Brown Could See Heavy Target Volume in Week 15
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown gritted through an ankle injury in Week 14, recording six catches for 92 yards on nine targets. The 26-year-old has avoided the injury report this week, so it appears he's feeling much better heading into his team's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have been a stingy pass defense so far this season, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.5) among all NFL defenses. However, St. Brown has been one of the NFL's most consistent target-earners in 2025. He's recorded at least eight targets in 11 out of 13 games this season and hit the double-digit target mark seven times. Fantasy managers should view St. Brown as a must-start wide receiver in Week 15 against the Rams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ladd McConkey's Volume Suppressed Heading into Week 15
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey participated in limited practices this week due to a foot issue but does not carry an injury designation and is expected to remain the primary target in the passing game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last week, McConkey led the team with five targets and 144 air yards but caught only one pass for 12 yards as the Philadelphia Eagles effectively shut down the Chargers' pass attack. Facing a Chiefs defense that has surrendered the ninth-fewest passing yards this season, McConkey will likely draw slot coverage from Chamarri Connor, who allows a high 85.4% catch rate but a low 7.8 aDOT. This points to the Chiefs being vulnerable to volume underneath, which is exactly where McConkey excels when Justin Herbert is under pressure. If fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) misses the game, expect even more targets and usage. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR24 this week, making him a risky low-end WR2 with upside thanks to his high air yard share and red zone looks, despite the tough matchup and offensive struggles.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff's Pass Volume is Trending Upwards Heading into Week 15
Across 13 games this season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 70.1% of his pass attempts for 3,334 yards, 26 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Entering Week 15, the 31-year-old has thrown for at least 255 passing yards in six straight games. In Week 15, Goff will face a difficult matchup on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. Through 14 weeks, the Rams' defense is allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.5) in the NFL. The Rams have also excelled at forcing turnovers, as they rank sixth in the league with 13 interceptions. With the Lions' defense struggling and their interior offensive line dealing with injuries, Goff has been forced into more pass attempts in recent weeks. After topping the 30-pass-attempt mark just once over the season's first seven weeks, he's attempted at least 33 passes in five out of his last six games. If that trend continues, Goff could have a chance to put up some numbers against Los Angeles, even without high-end efficiency. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 in Week 15.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Jameson Williams Continue Recent Surge in Difficult Week 15 Matchup?
Across 13 games this season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has recorded 45 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns on 72 targets. While the 24-year-old's full-season numbers are more good than great, he's been coming on very strong of late. Across six games since Detroit's Week 8 bye, Williams has hauled in 28 receptions for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 42 targets. With Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve, Williams has stepped in as the unquestioned number two option in the Detroit passing game alongside wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions have a tough matchup in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, who currently rank seventh among NFL defenses in fewest yards per pass attempt allowed (6.5). The Rams have also allowed just two pass plays of 40 or more yards all season long, which is tied for the second-fewest in the league. For a player like Williams, who is reliant on big plays, that should give fantasy managers some pause. Still, Williams has earned 19 targets over the last two weeks, and it seems likely that the Lions will continue to try to scheme up ways to get him the ball. Williams profiles as a high-end fantasy WR2 in Week 15.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Hodgins a Desperation Option in Favorable Week 15 Matchup
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has played close to a full-time role since getting signed off the Steelers' practice squad a few weeks ago. Hodgins has played 76.6% of the offensive snaps while recording eight catches for 103 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets in three games. The 27-year-old should continue to see steady playing time and targets behind Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton in a positive Week 15 matchup against the porous Washington Commanders defense. The Oregon State product earned six targets in each of his first two games, but had only one in their most recent game against the Patriots in Week 13 before the bye. Hodgins profiles as a deep-league flex option in a favorable matchup in Week 15.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kimani Vidal Maintains Flex Value in Split Backfield, Faces Tough Chiefs Run Defense
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal heads into Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs with an almost evenly split backfield, following the recent return of Omarion Hampton (14 carries for Vidal vs. 13 for Hampton). Vidal ran the ball 14 times for 44 yards (3.1 YPC) but made a notable impact with one reception for 60 yards, resulting in a 68.9% snap share. Chargers OC Greg Roman recently said he prefers a hot-hand approach, but right now, he is "seeing two guys with the hot hand," which is "a good problem to have." Although the Chiefs are more vulnerable on the ground than through the air, they still rank in the top seven in rushing yards allowed, making this a tough matchup for both backs. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB43 this week. Given his involvement in the passing game and the team's ongoing reliance on the run due to Justin Herbert's injury, Vidal is a low-end FLEX option in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson a Viable Fantasy Streamer Against Detroit
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has been one of the biggest fantasy risers within the last month or so. Over his last five games, he has 17 catches, 155 yards, and four touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE4 in half-PPR leagues during that span. He has filled in quite admirably for Tyler Higbee (ankle), and he should continue to remain heavily involved as a top target for Matthew Stafford in his Week 15 revenge game against the Detroit Lions. At worst, Parkinson will be third in the pecking order this week behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (hamstring). However, Adams is listed as questionable, so if he doesn't suit up, Parkinson would likely be the No. 2 target in this high-volume passing offense. He currently ranks as the TE19 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, and he has top-12 upside. Parkinson is a solid fantasy streamer in leagues with at least 12 teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
David Montgomery Could Disappoint in Tough Week 15 Matchup
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery had one of his better games of the season in Week 14, recording 73 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. However, Montgomery earned just seven touches, marking the third time in his last four games that he failed to reach the 10-touch mark. With Jahmyr Gibbs dominating the backfield workload in Detroit, Montgomery has become increasingly dependent on touchdowns for fantasy production. He may have a tough time finding the end zone in Week 15 when the Lions travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. Through 14 weeks, the Rams have allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL (four). At best, Montgomery profiles as a low-end flex option for deeper-league managers in Week 15.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Omarion Hampton Could Continue Sharing the Workload in Week 15
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton returned from IR last week after missing seven games with a fractured ankle. He carried the ball 13 times for 56 yards (4.3 YPC) and scored a receiving touchdown in the team's overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles. The carries were split almost evenly with Kimani Vidal, and it's uncertain if this division will continue or if the Chargers are still gradually reintegrating Hampton into his starting role. OC Greg Roman recently said he prefers a hot-hand approach, but right now is "seeing two guys with the hot hand," which is "a good problem to have." Hampton faces the Kansas City Chiefs, who are among the top teams in rushing yards allowed. Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo will aim to shut down the run and force the injured Justin Herbert to pass. Considering Herbert's recent limitations and the team's reliance on the ground game, Hampton will be a crucial part of the offense. RotoBaller ranks him as RB27 this week. Hampton is a strong, albeit volume-limited, high-end RB3 with touchdown potential in a run-heavy game plan.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Theo Johnson Offers TE1 Upside in Favorable Week 15 Matchup
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (toe) will play in Sunday's divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders after being cleared from the final Week 15 injury report. Johnson has remained a steady piece of the Giants' passing attack in recent weeks, recording exactly three receptions in six of the last seven games. The 24-year-old tight end hasn't found the end zone since Week 9 after scoring four touchdowns in rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart's first four starts. Johnson will look to end his touchdown drought on Sunday against a Washington Commanders' defense that just allowed all three of quarterback J.J. McCarthy's touchdown passes to tight ends last week against the Vikings. He ranks as RotoBaller's TE16 in PPR leagues for Week 15.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Limited Pass Volume and Injury Downgrade Justin Herbert to Low-End QB2
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) enters Week 15 facing a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense while still managing a fracture in his non-throwing hand. Last week's 22-19 overtime win over the Philadelphia Eagles saw Herbert complete just 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, along with losing one of his two fumbles and taking a record seven sacks. His passing volume is considerably limited, forcing him to rely on his legs, where he led the team with 66 rushing yards. The Chiefs are a top-10 defense, tied for third in allowed aDOT and third in passing touchdowns allowed, though they rank 24th in sack percentage. With offensive tackle Trey Pipkins doubtful with an ankle injury, the already-battered offensive line faces a significant challenge. Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should look to exploit the Chargers' weak offensive line, stack the box, and force Herbert to pass under pressure. RotoBaller ranks Herbert as QB22 this week. Given the injury, reduced passing volume, and tough road matchup, fantasy managers should temper expectations and consider Herbert a low-end QB2 for the week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs Remains a Must-Start Running Back in Week 15
Across 13 games this season, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has recorded 1,536 scrimmage yards and 16 touchdowns on 245 touches. The 23-year-old has logged at least 146 yards from scrimmage in four out of his last five games while also scoring nine touchdowns in that span. A big part of Gibbs' recent surge has been increased involvement in the passing game. Across four games since Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve with a back injury, Gibbs is averaging 7.8 targets per contest. In Week 15, Gibbs will face a Los Angeles Rams defense that currently ranks eighth in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (3.9) and has allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns in the league (four). Still, the Lions will likely continue to funnel touches to him as both a rusher and a receiver, and Gibbs is always a threat to make a big play. He profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 15.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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