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

Week 15 Fantasy Football Sleepers - Red Zone Risers

Richard King looks at red zone risers and fallers to identify players with higher fantasy football scoring potential in Week 15, based on touches and opportunity in the red zone.

The fantasy playoffs are here so it's more important than ever to know who has the best chance to reach the end zone. RotoBaller's Premium Red Zone tool can give you a sense of who is being utilized more in the all-important area of the field to provide more scoring potential. Just like targets are the lifeblood of a receiver's value in PPR leagues, red zone touches are the most relevant factor to consider for standard leagues.

In this article each week, we'll identify red zone risers and fallers who could see their fantasy value impacted by usage in the most critical area of the field. RotoBaller's Red Zone Sleepers tool is a great way to get an edge on the competition by identifying players with greater scoring opportunities.

Let's take a look at which fantasy football players could be touchdown and scoring risers or fallers in fantasy football for Week 15 of the 2018 NFL season, based on red zone opportunities.

Editor's Note: Find sleeper picks, undervalued ADPs, and draft targets to help you dominate your fantasy football drafts. Try our free who to draft tool for personalized recommendations.

 

Red Zone Risers

RUNNING BACK

Chris Carson (RB, SEA) - 25.9% Red-zone touch %

Carson has taken the opportunity to be the lead back in Seattle, and the team's primary red-zone option. Surprisingly, given the Seahawks have a good quarterback in Russell Wilson, they have a slight tendency to run more in the red zone, rushing with 53% of their plays. Carson has touched the ball in 29 plays run in the red zone and to date has scored five touchdowns, both of which are team highs. Carson has been heavily involved in the team's offense in recent weeks, with an average of over 18 touches in his last four games- with an average of 4.37 yards per carry. With a matchup against the San Fransisco 49ers this week Carson should expect to match that workload and production.

Derrick Henry (RB, TEN) - 25.6% Red-zone touch %

Henry blew up last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week and showcased his power running style. Henry trails fellow running back Dion Lewis in touches this season, but there is very little to choose between them, separated by just one touch. Unlike Lewis, Henry has been able to those touches into seven touchdowns, rather than the two that Lewis has scored. If you missed my article on if you can trust Henry in your matchup, you can find that here. Henry is a great short field runner and has a great opportunity against the New York Giants this week to add to this red zone production.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Julio Jones (WR, ATL) - 12.1% Red-zone touch%

Given that the Falcons pass the ball on around 60% of their plays in the red zone and Jones is an elite talent, it might be surprising that Jones only has touched the ball 12 times this season, equal to tight end Austin Hooper. The Falcons might be struggling for results, but Jones is still able to be productive. In this last six games he has been ranked within the top 10 at the position in five of those- the only one he didn't manage it was against the Baltimore Ravens, where quarterback Matt Ryan really struggled to move the offense. While fantasy owners might have worried about his ability to score touchdowns earlier in the season his two touchdowns last week in the red zone should alleviate those worries.

Allen Robinson (WR, CHI) - 11.8% Red-zone touch%

The Chicago Bears led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky have been a great offense this season, and Robinson is still the team's most involved red zone receiver having touched the ball 13 times in the red zone- trailing only the running back duo of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. What is more impressive about that, is that Robinson has missed time this season through injury. Robinson has only scored four touchdowns this season, but with the matchup against the Packers this week, Robinson will be looking to perform well in and try and match the two touchdowns that Julio Jones managed last week.

TIGHT END

Ian Thomas (TE, CAR) - 4.1% Red-zone touch%

The tight end position is really determined by red zone touches outside of the truly elite at the position (Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz and George Kittle). Thomas comes in as the injury stand-in for Greg Olsen, and is one of a few big body receivers on the team. Thomas struggled to make an impact earlier in the season when Olsen missed time. However, upon his return, Olsen was given the opportunity to perform by quarterback Cam Newton, with a run of four touchdowns in five games. Thomas will be looking to build upon the nine receptions and 77 yards he had against the Cleveland Browns to score his first touchdown of the season. While he only touched the ball two times last week from 14 plays run in the red zone his big body gives him a good target, with Devin Funchess continuing to struggle after his return from a back injury, failing to have caught a ball in his last game.

 

Red Zone Fallers

RUNNING BACK

Wendell Smallwood (RB, PHI) - 12.0% Red-zone touch%

The Eagles offense looks like it will be taking a step back with quarterback Carson Wentz to miss time through injury- meaning fewer opportunities for Smallwood to be involved. The return of veteran running back Darren Sproles to mix in with Josh Adams means the rushing opportunity will be limited, and with Smallwood having been marginalized as a receiving option with Sproles- he should struggle to get involved in the team's red zone play calling.

WIDE RECEIVER

Tyler Boyd (WR, CIN) - 8.6% Red-zone touch%

Boyd is the type of receiver that is effective when he is able to get secondary coverage. With elite receiver AJ Green out of the lineup, that looks like it won't be the case. Combining that fact with the injury to starting quarterback Andy Dalton, the opportunity for the Bengals to make red zone visits will be limited- and if current trends are anything to go by those touches will be going to other options in the team.

TIGHT END

Benjamin Watson (TE, NO) - 4.5% Red-zone touch%

The Saints have elite attacking options for quarterback Drew Brees to use. Elite receiver Michael Thomas as well as running back duo Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram combine for over 64.1% of the touches in the red zone, meaning there is not very much to go around for the remaining offensive players. Watson is the best of the rest, but the reliance on those elite options means he just won't have the opportunity to score that other tight ends will have.

 

Red Zone Sleepers

RotoBaller's Premium tools offer more detailed insight into player values and help you identify which players to target on the waiver wire and/or trade market. Start with a free one-week trial, including NFL Optimizer and DFS Premium and get an advantage on the competition!

More Risers and Fallers




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

Sauce Gardner

Agrees to $120.4 Million Contract Extension
Marvin Mims Jr.

Could be on Track for First 1,000-Yard Season
Jaylen Johnson

Chargers Place Jaylen Johnson on PUP List
Dereck Lively II

Undergoes Right-Foot Surgery Tuesday
Kendrick Bourne

Kayshon Boutte Fighting for Final Spots
Isaiah Collier

Logs a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Monday
DeMario Douglas

Kyle Williams "Locks" for Receiving Corps
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Finalizing Massive Extension
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Expected to Ease Anthony Richardson Sr. Back in
Devin Carter

Posts 17 Points Versus Suns
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 17 Points in Summer League Loss
Terry McLaurin

Undecided on Whether he Will Report to Training Camp
Colston Loveland

Says his Shoulder is 100 Percent
Harrison Ingram

has Impressive Outing Against Jazz
Sam Williams

has Potential to be Elite Edge Rusher
Shemar Stewart

Considering Going Back to College?
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Want Jahmyr Gibbs "More Involved" in Passing Game
Jordan Addison

Could be Facing Three-Game Suspension
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Kyle Filipowski

Records 35-Point Double-Double Against Spurs
Kel'el Ware

Dominates Against Celtics
Kon Knueppel

Gets Going Monday
Matas Buzelis

Puts Up 28 Points in Win Over Pacers
Reed Sheppard

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
Paul George

Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Najee Harris

Likely to Miss Time at Start of Training Camp
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Collin Morikawa

Misses The Cut at Genesis Scottish Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 13th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooks Koepka

Finishes Tied For 32nd at LIV Andalucia
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For 34th at Genesis Scottish Open
Jason Day

Misses The Cut at John Deere Classic
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Cam Taylor-Britt

has Benefited From Addition of Al Golden
Rome Odunze

Could Take Off in Year 2
RJ Harvey

to Get "Significant" Work in Broncos' Passing Game
Jackson Powers-Johnson

More Comfortable Heading into Year 2
Luke McCaffrey

In Line for Larger Role?
Braelon Allen

Jets Viewing Braelon Allen as Long-Term Starter?
Joel Embiid

Participating in Partial Basketball Activities
Victor Wembanyama

Officially Cleared to Return After Blood-Clot Recovery
Mike Williams

Heading to PUP List
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Kel'el Ware

Collects 21 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Cam Spencer

Contract Being Restructured
Drew Timme

Scores 30 Points in Summer League Loss to Wizards
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Alexandre Sarr

Logs Impressive Outing in Summer League Action on Sunday
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Kyle Filipowski

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss to Warriors
Cody Williams

Collects 22 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Boston Celtics

Damian Lillard Drawing Interest from the Celtics
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Kyle Stowers

Punishes Former Team with Three-Homer Game
St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Select Liam Doyle with Fifth Overall Pick
Daniel Gafford

Agrees to Contract Extension with Dallas
Colorado Rockies

Rockies Select Ethan Holliday Fourth Overall
Seattle Mariners

Kade Anderson Selected Third Overall by Seattle
Ha-Seong Kim

X-rays on Ha-Seong Kim's Foot Come Back Negative
Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall by Angels in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Jake Meyers

to Miss More Than Three Weeks With Calf Injury
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF