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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Sneaky Starts, Pivot Plays, and Post-Waiver Pickups for Week 15 - Ty Chandler, Zamir White, Jake Browning, Zay Jones, and More!

Ty Chandler - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

Michael Florio's fantasy football sneaky starts, pivot plays, and post-waiver waiver pickups for Week 15 of the NFL season. Start 'em as under-the-radar fantasy sleepers this upcoming week.

Playoffs? Playoffs?!? That is right, Jim Mora, it's playoff season in fantasy land! 

If you are reading this, I am assuming you made the fantasy playoffs in your league. Congratulations -- that is an accomplishment in itself! Of the 10 or 12 or 14 people in your league, you are one of the few to still be playing meaningful fantasy games. But, in the infamous words of Kobe Bryant, “job's not finished.” 

Our goal to become a fantasy football champion is just getting started. While the byes are behind us, injuries continue to pile up and plenty of managers are searching for pivot options to fill out their lineup. As always, there are plenty of options for you, if you know where to look! 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Quarterback Pivot Options for Fantasy Football

Jake Browning has topped 23 fantasy points in each of the last two games. In Week 13, he threw for 354 yards. Last week, he went for 275 and two touchdowns -- and he has a rushing touchdown in each. His 79.3 completion percentage is the highest in a player's first three starts since 1950. He has a tough matchup against the Vikings, but Browning has been productive as of late and has plenty of playmakers of his own. If you need a streaming option -- perhaps a Justin Herbert replacement -- Browning is someone you can grab from the waiver wire and stream. 

Joe Flacco has played well not just for a 38-year-old who was out of the league for most of the year, but just for a QB in general. In his first start, he threw for 254 and two. Last week, he went for 311 yards and three scores, topping 20 fantasy points. He is the QB6 in total points in that span and averaged over 18 per game. Plus, the Bears have allowed the third-most touchdown passes this season. Flacco is certainly in play this week.

Baker Mayfield snapped his three-week down stretch by throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another going to go over 20 fantasy points. He has multiple touchdown passes in five of his last seven games. Last week is probably the ceiling for Baker, but if you are looking for a safe 16 points, he is good for that more often than not. He has a great matchup next week if you are looking to get out in front of that. 

Tommy Devito ayyyy! Since Week 10, DeVito has given you the same amount of fantasy points as reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes. What a world. What is going under the radar is DeVito’s ability to run. He ran for 71 yards last week, 41 in Week 10, and has a rushing touchdown. I am not going to tell you that the floor or ceiling is all that high, but in Superflex or two QB leagues, he is certainly in play. 

Zach Wilson and Will Levis are more options best left for two QB or Superflex formats. But in a league where I lost Justin Herbert, the best available option on the waiver wire was Wilson to join Levis, who was my QB3. Both are coming off arguably their best games as pros. Levis has a good matchup this week against the Texans. Wilson has a tougher one, but it should be a game where he has to throw plenty. He gets the Commanders next week and then Levis plays the Texans again in Week 17. It's not pretty, but it can help you piece things together if you lost Herbert or another QB earlier in the season. 

 

Running Back Pivot Options for Fantasy Football

Ty Chandler is in play with Alexander Mattison officially ruled out for Week 15. Last week, Chandler played nearly 80 percent of the snaps after Mattison exited. Chandler was already involved, seeing 14-plus touches in three of four games and now should see a much larger workload. Plus, Chandler is more explosive and the Bengals have struggled to contain explosive runs this season. 

Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are both in play if Isiah Pacheco sits again this week. If he suits up, only McKinnon would be in play as the pass-catching option. This is a game where the Chiefs very likely look to take their frustration out on the Patriots. I expect them to have a lead -- likely a multiple-score one -- and that means plenty of scoring opportunities and touches for the backs. McKinnon is my preferred option, just like last week, as he is a favorite of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes near the goal line. 

Antonio Gibson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. would be in play if Brian Robinson Jr. sits this week. And he did miss practice to start the week. Gibson would become a great RB2 or flex option as we know he can be heavily involved in the passing game, especially if they are trailing, as well as their lead runner. Rodriguez becomes more of a deeper option that comes with a low floor but some upside. 

Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah are in play against the Chargers, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy PPG to running backs this season. The only issue is that this will be the first time Josh Jacobs may miss a game in the last two seasons. So we do not have any sort of clue on how the work may be distributed. My guess is that White sees more ground work, while Abdullah plays passing downs such as third down and in the two-minute drill. White brings the safer floor, but Abdullah brings some upside. Both are deeper options this week. 

D'Onta Foreman played 56 percent of the snaps last week with 11 carries and three targets. He only turned it into 72 yards, but the other two Bears backs combined had four carries and no targets. Foreman seems to have won the starting gig in this backfield, although there is always a chance they change it up at any point. Volume has him in play as a pivot option this week. 

 

Wide Receiver Pivot Options for Fantasy Football

Noah Brown would be in play if C.J. Stroud suits up this week. If he sits, then you can get away from Brown, who would be too boom-or-bust while relying on Davis Mills to help him go boom. If Stroud ends up suiting up, Brown becomes in play as a high-upside WR3 or flex option.

Odell Beckham Jr. has been very productive as of late. Since Week 9, he has averaged 13.5 fantasy PPG and is coming off his best fantasy game of the season where he scored 19.7 points on a season-high 10 targets. Now, he gets the Jags, who have allowed the second-most yards and fourth-most touchdowns to receivers since Week 10. Beckham is in play in what could be a high-scoring game. 

Zay Jones has a tough matchup this week against the Ravens, but his volume last week cannot be ignored. He saw 14 targets and somehow managed to catch just five for 29 yards. That would have to be a floor game. But, if you are diving deeper, double-digit targets are too good to pass up on. His teammate, Parker Washington, has nine targets in the last two games without Christian Kirk but has a touchdown in each. He is playing in the slot and is the Kirk replacement in this offense. He is a deeper pivot option. 

Elijah Moore has 18 targets in his last two games with Joe Flacco. While neither week has led to huge fantasy numbers, he has shown to have a safe floor. The lack of upside has been the problem for Moore this season, but in the fantasy playoffs, the floor is very important. Moore provides that and volume, which means he is in play as a streaming option. 

Curtis Samuel was playing good ball before the Commanders' bye. Two games ago, he saw 12 targets, nine catches for 100 yards, and scored 19 fantasy points. In the last game, the targets dipped, but he still managed to crack double-digit fantasy points. There certainly is some volatility in this passing attack, but in a game where they will have to put up points, Samuel is a streaming or pivot option. 

Other pivot options: Demario Douglas, Jonathan Mingo, Wan'Dale Robinson, Demarcus Robinson

 

Tight End Pivot Options for Fantasy Football

Logan Thomas saw his volume dip a bit before the Commanders' bye week, but before that, he had a near lock for five-plus targets each game. He gets the Rams, who are in the top three in yards, touchdowns, and fantasy PPG allowed to tight ends. They just allowed a big day to Isaiah Likely. Plus, this one should have a lot of points. 

Tucker Kraft is coming off his best game as a pro, with four catches for 64 yards, both season-highs. He has 10 targets in his last two games and caught a TD in the one before that. He faces a Bucs team that is in the top five in passing yards allowed. Tampa Bay has allowed the 10th-most fantasy PPG to TEs this season. He is a pivot tight end option.

Cade Otton has a matchup against the Packers, who rank middle of the pack against tight ends. But his schedule opens up after this week with a matchup against the Jags, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy PPG to tight ends, and then the Saints, who have especially struggled lately. Otton has scored eight-plus PPR points in six of his last eight games, which as far as streaming tight ends go, is a very safe floor. He remains a streaming option for the rest of the season.

Make sure to follow Michael on X, @MichaelFFlorio.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Isaac Paredes

Astros Hopeful Isaac Paredes Can Avoid the Injured List
Royce Lewis

Dealing With Hamstring Strain
Kodai Senga

Diagnosed With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain
Gleyber Torres

Goes Deep Twice on Friday
Evan Carter

Leaves Early With Wrist Soreness
Anthony Richardson

Should be Fine for Training Camp
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
A.J. Puk

Pauses Throwing Program
Matt Chapman

Can Begin Rehabbing in a Week
Logan Gilbert

Next Start Could Come in the Big Leagues
Cam Akers

Joining Saints
Yordan Alvarez

Still Not Hitting
Michael Mayer

to Get More Involved
Aaron Rodgers

DK Metcalf Building Chemistry with Aaron Rodgers
Colston Loveland

Likely to be Primary Tight End
Jacob Wilson

Returns on Friday
Justin Martinez

Out 12-13 Months With UCL Sprain
Will Johnson

Returns to Practice
Harold Fannin Jr.

Could Have Big Role in Rookie Season
Matt Chapman

Could Miss the Rest of June
Quentin Johnston

Still Running With Starters
Rashawn Slater

Takes Part in Minicamp
Jack Bech

Mostly Working With Second-Team Offense
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Makes Strides This Offseason
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Ashton Jeanty

to be Part of Committee Backfield?
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Christian McCaffrey

Takes Part in Mandatory Minicamp
Jordan Watkins

has Been Standing Out
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Jacob Cowing

on the Rise
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Demarcus Robinson

a Frequent Target This Spring
Dee Winters

has Been Impressive This Spring
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Cody Brundage

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Alonzo Menifield

Opens Up UFC Atlanta Main Card
Oumar Sy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Aaron Civale

Traded to the White Sox
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled With Cramps
Framber Valdez

Punches Out 12 in Win
Isaac Paredes

Homers, Exits Early With Hamstring Injury
D.J. Humphries

Rams Sign D.J. Humphries on Thursday
Troy Franklin

has Had a Good Offseason
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Game with Ankle Injury
Mike Williams

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Trey Benson

Adds Weight, Explosiveness
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Christian Moore

Angels Calling Up Christian Moore
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Christian Yelich

Back in Brewers Lineup
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Chris Kreider

Ducks Acquire Chris Kreider From Rangers
Aaron Judge

Out for First Time All Season
Kodai Senga

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Tyrese Haliburton

Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Has Second Offseason Surgery
Cale Makar

Wins His Second Norris Trophy
Lane Hutson

Voted NHL's Best Rookie
CGY

Adam Klapka Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Considered a Game-Time Call Thursday
Jaylen Brown

Undergoes Successful Knee Procedure
Kevin Porter Jr.

Likely to Decline Player Option
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Kevin Durant

Knicks Not Looking to Trade for Kevin Durant
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
Jordan Spieth

Can Contend at Oakmont
Shane Lowry

a Strong Value Play at U.S. Open
Brooks Koepka

Seeks Another Major Win at Oakmont
Viktor Hovland

Still Can Improve at U.S. Open
Michael Kim

a Boom-or-Bust Value Play at U.S. Open
Russell Henley

Looking to Play the Weekend at Oakmont
Tyrrell Hatton

a Safe Option at U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Eyeing Third U.S. Open Title
Darius Garland

Kings Targeting Darius Garland
Kevin Durant

Expected to Be Moved Soon
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Reportedly Has "No Trade Market"
Jarace Walker

Remains Out Wednesday
Tyrese Haliburton

"Fine" For Wednesday's Action
Denny Hamlin

Charges Late to Win at Michigan
Carson Hocevar

Michigan Run is Derailed by A Late-Race Flat Tire
Kyle Larson

Up-and-Down Day Ends With Top-Five Finish at Michigan
Ross Chastain

Quietly Finishes Sixth at Michigan
Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Says Rehab Going "Great"
Corey Perry

Nets Power-Play Goal in Monday's Loss
Stuart Skinner

Gets Pulled in Heavy Game 3 Defeat
Evan Rodrigues

Extends Scoring Streak with Multi-Point Effort
Sam Reinhart

Collects Two Points in Monday's Win
Chris Buescher

Takes Second Place After William Byron Runs Out of Fuel
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has a Great Points Day to Build Buffer Over the Playoff Cut Line
Ryan Blaney

Flat Tire Results in Poor Finish for Ryan Blaney
Alex Bowman

Playoffs in Doubt After Stage 2 Crash at Michigan
Sean O'Malley

Submitted For The First Time In His Career
Merab Dvalishvili

Defends Bantamweight Belt At UFC 316
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena No Longer A Champion
Kayla Harrison

Is The New Champion
Joe Pyfer

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kelvin Gastelum

Drops Decision
Patchy Mix

Drops Decision In His UFC Debut
Mario Bautista

Extends His Win Streak
Vicente Luque

Submitted At UFC 316
Denny Hamlin

is A Top Contender to Win At Michigan
Kyle Larson

Will Compete For The Win At Michigan
Chase Elliott

is One of the Most Favored DFS Options of the Week for Michigan
William Byron

May be A Top Threat to Win at Michigan
Kyle Busch

is Difficult to Recommend for DFS Lineups at Michigan
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Qualifies Ninth For the FireKeepers Casino 400
Alex Bowman

What Should Fantasy Managers Do With Alex Bowman at Michigan?
Austin Cindric

Should Austin Cindric be Considered For Michigan DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Should Shane Van Gisbergen Be Rostered For Michigan DFS Lineups?
John Hunter Nemechek

Is A Solid Value Option For Michigan DFS Lineups
Zane Smith

Is Zane Smith Worth Rostering Outside of Tournament Lineups at Michigan?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Decent Value Option for Michigan DFS Lineups
Ryan Blaney

One of the Leading DFS Contenders, but Might Be Slightly Overpriced
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF