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Monday – Week 15 Studs & Duds + Illusionists, TD Controversy
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News
Debate raged across platforms over Woody Marks’ TD being scored as a fumble recovery instead of a rush. Steve Wilks was fired by the Jets. De’Von Achane was removed from the injury report, and Christian McCaffrey was cleared to play Monday night. Davante Adams suffered a significant hamstring injury, and Rome Odunze was ruled out minutes before kickoff.
Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and is out for the season, ending two decades of every postseason featuring Brady, Manning, or Mahomes. Christian Watson escaped a clavicle injury but suffered an SC joint sprain. RJ Harvey, Woody Marks, Devin Neal, and Devaughn Vele all left their games with minor injuries. Tyler Shough earned praise after a gritty performance that ended with a bailout by a defensive penalty.
Fantasy Studs
QBs
Trevor Lawrence detonated for 44 fantasy points, putting on the kind of performance managers had been begging for since September. Bo Nix stayed hot with efficiency and composure in the pocket, while Kirk Cousins, Brock Purdy, and Jared Goff all came through for managers.
RBs
James Cook was the engine of the Bills’ offense, ripping chunk gains at will and delivering a ceiling. Travis Etienne matched him with one of his most complete games of the season. TreVeyon Henderson kept the Rookie Hype Train fully fueled with another huge game with two breakaway TDs.
Bijan Robinson punched in two scores to remind everyone why the workload debates never mattered, while Tyrone Tracy Jr stepped into surprising reliability when managers needed stabilization most. Josh Jacobs delivered an incredible catch on his way to a big day. Bill Croskey finally returned to relevance.
WRs
Nico Collins continued his takeover tour, winning every phase of the route and refusing to give back the WR1 crown in Houston. Amon-Ra St. Brown was pure volume and violence after the catch, Puka Nacua bullied defenders all afternoon, and Jameson Williams turned seven catches on nine targets into fireworks. Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin elevated Bo Nix. Ja’Marr Chase shone even though Joe Burrow didn’t.
TEs
Kyle Pitts’ three TD performance on TNF was the single best TE performance of the season, and his career. Trey McBride delivered another dominant performance and is lapping the field at the position. If you played either stud, you are most likely advancing to week 16. Dallas Goedert had a productive game, while dropping a TD. Colby Parkinson scored twice for the Rams.
Fantasy Duds
QBs
Dak Prescott produced almost nothing for fantasy purposes, Joe Burrow stumbled in a matchup he should have crushed, and Lamar Jackson attempted only 12 passes in a disappointing game. Jordan Love’s hot streak finally cooled, and Justin Herbert once again dragged fantasy lineups into the mud.
RBs
Jahmyr Gibbs flopped at the wrong time for fantasy managers. Breece Hall ran into a brick wall of bad game script and worse blocking. Ashton Jeanty’s dud streak continued, Quinshon Judkins surprisingly struggled with a great opportunity, while Kenneth Walker III looks unplayable at the moment.
WRs
Justin Jefferson extended his cold streak with another quiet showing that cost Jason $200. George Pickens vanished, Ladd McConkey’s usage dried up, and Michael Pittman Jr was erased by the state of the Colts’ passing game. Tetairoa McMillan only managed two catches.
TEs
Dalton Kincaid disappointed in a matchup that looked like a layup. Jake Ferguson never found rhythm, Brock Bowers was buried in low volume, and the Mark Andrews/Isaiah Likely combo delivered the most brutal duds against the best TE matchup in the Bengals.
Tuesday – Week 16 Waivers & Streamers + Block It Like It’s Hot!
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News
Patrick Mahomes underwent surgery to repair his ACL and LCL. The expectation remains that he can return by Week 1, but the rushing upside likely evaporates while he adjusts to a brace. Washington officially shut down Jayden Daniels for the season. The Bengals confirmed Joe Burrow will start for the rest of the year, though his postgame comments made it clear he’s carrying the weight of a difficult season.
Davante Adams is week-to-week and is not expected to play Thursday. Woody Marks is day-to-day, Drake London is hopeful to return, and Luther Burden is dealing with an ankle injury. Ricky Pearsall aggravated his PCL along with a new ankle sprain. Rome Odunze is expected to be protected from himself by the coaching staff. Remember, there are two games on Saturday this week, so plan accordingly.
Waiver Wire
RBs:
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the top RB pickup if Chris Rodriguez Jr. misses more time. The workload is consolidated and should stay that way even in a difficult matchup. Arizona continues to function as a two-man committee, with Emari Demercado offering the more explosive profile and Michael Carter handling the majority of the passing-down work. Both are viable flex plays against Atlanta.
Blake Corum’s role keeps growing in Los Angeles, and his red zone usage maintains weekly viability. In New Orleans, the entire backfield hinges on health. If Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal both remain out, Evan Hull and Audric Estime both become legitimate spot starts, with Estime favored near the goal line and Hull likely handling the receiving work. If Woody Marks sits again, Jawhar Jordan immediately becomes one of the best upside waiver adds thanks to a highly favorable matchup against Las Vegas.
WRs:
Jayden Reed is the safest WR add with Christian Watson still working through injury, and the matchup positions him well for another WR3-level performance. Troy Franklin becomes a strong play if Pat Bryant misses again for Denver. Adonai Mitchell has carved out a steady target share with the Jets and stays in the WR3 mix. Luther Burden III’s ankle status will determine how the Bears distribute targets. Jalen Coker continues to produce with Bryce Young and remains a viable deep-league play for Carolina.
TEs:
Darren Waller is the clear top TE option if available, entering the most favorable matchup after a two-TD resurgence. Colston Loveland remains one of the most stable streamers with dependable usage. Colby Parkinson’s TD streak keeps him in play as a deeper option, especially with Tyler Higbee still out. Dalton Schultz continues to hold a secure role for Houston and draws one of the best TE matchups of the week.
DSTs:
The Texans’ defense is the preferred streamer, facing a Raiders offense that has been historically poor on the road. The Saints’ defense follows closely with matchups against the Jets and Titans over the next two weeks. The Vikings remain viable this week against the Giants. The Bills draw a Browns offense that has struggled with Shedeur Sanders. The Lions remain in the streaming conversation with a solid road ahead, and the Chiefs stay playable against Tennessee despite being eliminated from postseason contention.
Full Stream Ahead
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Andy: CJ Stroud vs LV
Stroud finished as the QB9 last week and now draws one of the softest matchups on the slate, making two TDs and multiple explosive plays well within reach.
Mike: Bryce Young vs TB
Tampa Bay has allowed six straight strong fantasy performances to opposing QBs, and Young’s recent play puts him in a position to capitalize.
Jason: Jacoby Brissett vs ATL
Brissett has delivered nine consecutive top-12 finishes and somehow remains under-rostered. The Cardinals are at home against Atlanta, and he brings one of the highest floors of the week.
Honorable mention: Tyler Shough vs NYJ
Wednesday – Week 16 Start/Sit + Panic, Anxiety, & Playoff Decisions
Backup Options
Chris Rodriguez returned to full practice on Tuesday and immediately became one of the most dropped and most mis-evaluated players on Sleeper. Rodriguez still leads all qualifying RBs in yards after contact per attempt and ranks near the top in rush success rate. With a friendly schedule ahead and a coaching staff that needs answers for next season, he remains a startable RB.
The Jaguars’ defense made the list of most dropped teams, but the timing is misleading. Their Week 17 matchup against the Colts is far more approachable than it looks on paper, especially with Philip Rivers on a short week. Jacksonville’s pass rush has been excellent for a month straight and remains a forward-thinking stash for managers already planning for championship weekend. Tre Harris surfaced as the deepest but most intriguing option – if Quentin Johnston misses time, Harris becomes the next man up. His snap rate and route participation spiked last week, and he delivered three catches for forty-nine yards against Kansas City. Dallas is a superb matchup, and Harris has the talent for a blowup game.
News
Miami benched Tua Tagovailoa after weeks of declining play and will start rookie Quinn Ewers against Cincinnati. The shift puts the entire Dolphins offense in flux. Darren Waller’s TD streak suddenly becomes volatile, Jaylen Waddle’s outlook dips, and the Bengals’ defense quietly becomes a sharper play. De’Von Achane can survive on rushing efficiency alone, but the ceiling narrows if the defense crowds the line and dares Ewers to throw.
Jeremy Ruckert signed a two-year extension with the Jets after Ian Rapoport labeled him a “workhorse,” which generated more laughs than fantasy value. Saquon Barkley missed the Tuesday walkthrough with a stinger. Christian Watson and Josh Jacobs were also listed as DNPs, though Jacobs intends to play through the pain. Luther Burden and Rome Odunze missed practice as well. Burden is trending toward playing. Odunze is trending in the opposite direction.
TNF Breakdown
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11-3 LAR at 11-3 SEA (LAR -1.5, O/U 43.5)
The Rams won the Week 11 meeting 21-19 despite Seattle dominating time of possession. Sam Darnold threw four INTs in the loss. Los Angeles enters with one of the most efficient offenses in football and continues to lean on Kyren Williams, who ranks near the top of the league in rush success rate, with Blake Corum right behind. Matthew Stafford has finished as a top-eight QB in eight of 11 starts and remains a stable fantasy play even on a short week.
Seattle’s offense has collapsed on the ground, ranking among the worst teams in yards per carry, yards before contact, and rush success rate. With the run game stalled, the passing rhythm has broken as well. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the only Seahawks player who holds reliable fantasy value in this matchup. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet face a difficult road and remain desperation starts.
Davante Adams is a true game-time decision. If he plays, his role may be limited to red zone and situational work. If he sits, Colby Parkinson becomes a strong TE play thanks to his nose for the end zone. Puka Nacua remains a locked-in starter regardless of Adams’ status.
Seattle’s path is to slow the game, create defensive turnovers, and control field position. The Rams enter as the more trustworthy side for fantasy purposes across every position.
Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 16 Breakdown, Semifinal Time!
News
Davante Adams was ruled out for Thursday night, making Matthew Stafford a high-risk start in severe wind conditions at Seattle. Woody Marks missed practice, while Nick Chubb logged limited work, keeping the Houston backfield murky. Marvin Harrison Jr returned to limited participation; Michael Wilson stays a strong play regardless.
Drake London was limited and could return, but expectations should be modest. Tetairoa McMillan missed practice on Wednesday, making him questionable. Pete Carroll said Geno Smith has a good chance to play. Christian Watson was limited and is expected to go. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden both missed practice and are considered doubtful for Saturday.
D’Andre Swift was added to the injury report with a groin injury. Rashee Rice entered the concussion protocol after taking multiple brutal hits. Tee Higgins remained limited in concussion protocol. Devin Neal and Devaughn Vele were ruled out for the Saints, and Brady Cook will start again for the Jets.
Starts of the Week
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Andy:
QB Caleb Williams: Williams has been excellent at home and draws a Parsons-less Green Bay defense that will struggle against a mobile QB.
RB Omarion Hampton: Hampton’s workload and red zone role give him a clear path to strong production against Dallas.
WR Michael Wilson: Wilson owns elite usage and faces the friendliest WR matchup on the slate.
TE Dallas Goedert: Goedert remains a reliable target magnet in a matchup that boosts TE efficiency.
Jason:
QB Dak Prescott: Prescott leads the league in passing yards and enters one of the highest-total games of the week, again.
RB Audric Estime: Estime should handle lead duties against a Jets defense that has collapsed against the run without Quinnen Williams.
WR DK Metcalf: Metcalf matches up perfectly against Detroit’s man-heavy coverage that consistently allows explosive perimeter plays.
TE Oronde Gadsden II: Gadsden operates as a downfield wideout and should see elevated usage in a pass-focused game script.
Mike:
QB Jacoby Brissett: Brissett has posted QB1 numbers in every start and continues to carry elite passing volume. How is he still on waiver wires?
RB Woody Marks (Nick Chubb if Marks sits, Jawhar Jordan if Chubb and Marks sit): Marks remains the preferred option if active, with Houston strongly favored and positioned for heavy rushing work.
WR Jauan Jennings: Jennings steps into expanded usage and red zone involvement against a secondary that struggles with physical WRs.
TE Brenton Strange: Strange owns strong per-route efficiency and draws a Denver defense consistently beaten by TEs.
Fantasy Forecast
9–5 PHI at 4–10 WAS (PHI -6.5, O/U 44.5)
Jalen Hurts profiles as a strong semifinal option while Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown remain locked in. DeVonta Smith carries more volatility with Dallas Goedert healthy. Marcus Mariota is playable but limited by the matchup. Chris Rodriguez returns as the lead back, which pushes Bill Croskey off the fantasy radar. Terry McLaurin stays in flex territory.
9–4–1 GB at 10–4 CHI (CHI -1.5, O/U 46.5)
Caleb Williams is an appealing start at home, especially if D’Andre Swift plays through his groin issue. D.J. Moore becomes a high-end option with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden trending out. Jordan Love remains viable with a full receiver room, and Chicago’s pass-funnel tendencies support volume. Josh Jacobs is expected to play, but carries real risk with the knee injury.
10–4 BUF at 3–11 CLE (BUF -10.5, O/U 41.5)
Josh Allen remains a must-start in a game Buffalo should control. James Cook continues as a strong RB1 while the rest of the Bills’ pass catchers remain volatile. Cleveland leans heavily on Shedeur Sanders and Harold Fannin in the passing game. Quinshon Judkins is their most talented weapon, but continues to see frustratingly limited usage.
10–4 LAC at 6–7–1 DAL (DAL -2.5, O/U 49.5)
Justin Herbert is not throwing TDs recently, but remains startable due to the matchup and projected passing volume. Omarion Hampton offers TD equity, and Ladd McConkey stays viable despite recent struggles. Dak Prescott projects well at home in a high-total game. Jake Ferguson is playable. George Pickens remains volatile. Ceedee Lamb stays automatic.
6–8 KC at 2–12 TEN (KC -3, O/U 37.5)
This profiles as a low-scoring, low-confidence matchup. Travis Kelce is playable but risky. Rashee Rice should be started if active, but remains uncertain. Tennessee’s offense has shown occasional life but is still difficult to trust. Tony Pollard is usable but carries clear downside in a stalling offense. Most fantasy lineups should minimize exposure here.
4–10 CIN at 6–8 MIA (CIN -4.5, O/U 47.5)
Joe Burrow remains a start regardless of Tee Higgins’ availability, and Chase Brown’s receiving work keeps him viable. Miami hands the offense to Quinn Ewers which creates volatility for Jaylen Waddle and Darren Waller. The locker room may still be reeling from the Tua benching. De’Von Achane remains the lone stable Dolphin.
3–11 NYJ at 4–10 NO (NO -4.5, O/U 40.5)
Audric Estime should lead the backfield if Alvin Kamara sits and profiles as a strong flex. Chris Olave remains a must-start. Juwan Johnson is a steady option with Tyler Shough playing more aggressively. The Jets continue funneling targets to their wideouts, which keeps Adonai Mitchell in flex consideration.
Friday – Week 16 Matchups + Wheel of Shame, THE PUKA SHOW
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
TNF Reaction
Seattle and Los Angeles delivered another primetime dream for some, and a nightmare for others. Puka Nacua detonated again with 12 catches for 225 yards and two scores, dragging Matthew Stafford to a monster fantasy finish in a spot most managers avoided. Kenneth Walker kept Seattle afloat early with his signature breakaway plays. Sam Darnold threw two atrocious INTs before rallying, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba went from a first-half goose to a second-half stud. It was chaos in Seattle, and the Seahawks are now set up for a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs.
News
Jakobi Meyers signed a three-year extension with Jacksonville as their WR3, sparking questions about Brian Thomas Jr and Travis Etienne’s futures. Josh Jacobs is questionable but historically productive without practicing. Christian Watson is trending toward playing while remaining volatile due to the shoulder. Luther Burden and Rome Odunze have been ruled out.
D’Andre Swift is questionable. Devin Neal was placed on IR, ending his season. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreyVeyon Henderson are expected to split again, with Henderson offering the explosive upside. Tetairoa McMillan returned to a full practice. Marvin Harrison Jr logged a limited session and is trending toward returning. Drake London and Kyle Pitts were added to the injury report but remain on track. Woody Marks is still missing practice, keeping the Houston backfield uncertain. Dalton Kincaid returned to practice but remains truly questionable.
Fantasy Forecast
6-8 MIN at 2-12 NYG (MIN -2.5, O/U 43.5)
Jaxson Dart stays in streaming consideration after posting five top-10 finishes in seven starts, though this matchup is tough. Aaron Jones retains a stable role with surprising consistency. Jordan Mason and Tyrone Tracy Jr are deeper options, but Tracy carries more juice. Theo Johnson remains the most reliable Giants’ pass catcher. Jordan Addison remains a risky flex with no recent top-24 finishes. You have Mike’s permission to start JJ McCarthy, especially if he realizes he should throw to Justin Jefferson.
7-7 TB at 7-7 CAR (TB -3, O/U 45.5)
Mike Evans immediately reclaimed dominant usage with a 38 percent target share last week. Baker Mayfield remains a sit until further notice. Emeka Egbuka is scary. Bryce Young is a viable streamer against a collapsing Tampa Bay pass defense, boosting Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
10-4 JAX at 12-2 DEN (DEN -3, O/U 46.5)
Trevor Lawrence faces his toughest defensive test in a month, though Jacksonville continues to trend upward. Travis Etienne remains a volume lock. R.J. Harvey has been elite on a per-touch basis but is unpredictable. Brian Thomas Jr can hit a ceiling with one play, but Jakobi Meyers offers a safer floor. Bo Nix benefits from Pat Bryant returning. Trusting Denver WRs is a gamble, with Courtland Sutton the preferred option over Bryant or Troy Franklin.
5-9 ATL at 3-11 ARI (ATL -3, O/U 48.5)
Fantasy fireworks are likely. Michael Wilson remains a strong play regardless of Marvin Harrison Jr’s status. Trey McBride remains automatic. Kyle Pitts stays in lineups if active. Drake London becomes viable again if cleared. Michael Carter holds the edge over Emari Demercado as Arizona’s preferred RB.
8-6 PIT at 8-6 DET (DET -7, O/U 51.5)
Detroit carries the highest implied team total of the week. Jared Goff is at his best in a dome and benefits from no T.J. Watt. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams remain must-starts. David Montgomery is strictly TD dependent but viable as a flex. Kenneth Gainwell has quietly become a PPR asset with heavy target volume. DK Metcalf benefits from Detroit’s recent struggles against WRs. Based on his red-light green-light pattern, Jahmyr Gibbs is due for three TDs.
2-12 LV at 9-5 HOU (HOU -14.5, O/U 37.5)
The Raiders post one of the lowest implied totals of the last decade. Ashton Jeanty is almost unplayable against an elite defense on an incompetent offense. Brock Bowers is the centerpiece. Houston options depend on Woody Marks‘ availability. Nico Collins is an elite start once again, and Dalton Schultz offers streaming TE value.
11-3 NE at 7-7 BAL (BAL -3, O/U 48.5)
Lamar Jackson is a confident start. Drake Maye has a limited ceiling and high floor. Zay Flowers has settled into WR2 territory with reliable usage. Derrick Henry and TreVeyon Henderson anchor their respective offenses. Mark Andrews is startable, but the TE committee lowers his ceiling. Good luck choosing which Patriots’ WR to start.
10-4 SF at 8-6 IND (SF -5.5, O/U 46.5)
Phillip Rivers looked limited in his debut, but benefits from a San Francisco defense that struggles to create pressure. Jonathan Taylor stays locked into lineups and could rebound in a softer matchup. The Colts’ pass-catchers are untrustworthy – The River trickles through it. Jauan Jennings offers flex viability, with Ricky Pearsall doubtful. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle remain obvious must-starts.
Fantasy Faceoff
Mike
Jacoby Brissett: more than 243.5 passing yards
Tony Pollard: less than 51.5 rushing yards
Mike Evans: more than 56.5 receiving yards
Dallas Goedert: more than 2.5 receptions
Andy
Caleb Williams: more than 174.5 passing yards
Audric Estime: more than 28.5 rushing yards
Ja’Marr Chase: more than 86.5 receiving yards
Dallas Goedert: more than 40.5 receiving yards
Jason
Caleb Williams: more than 16.5 rushing yards
Josh Jacobs: more than 62.5 rushing yards
Jayden Reed: more than 35.5 receiving yards
Colston Loveland: more than 3.5 receptions
Join Andy this week for Sunday Live to get all of your last-minute lineup decisions answered.
Good luck in week 15, FootClan!
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