Fantasy Football Week 15: Start or Sit Guide
Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers
- Start: Rico Dowdle
Dowdle has emerged as the workhorse in the Dallas backfield, accounting for 66 of the last 76 running back touches over the past three games. Facing a Panthers defense that allows 5.0 yards per carry and the most average rush attempts (27.8), rushing yards (138.6), touchdowns (1.4), and fantasy points to running backs this season, Dowdle is a borderline top-15 back this week. Given the manageable game script against Carolina, he’s set to deliver a solid performance.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns
- Sit: Nick Chubb
Chubb has been productive with three touchdowns in the last three games, but he’s not been utilized in the red zone recently and has only seen a limited workload. With Jerome Ford out-snapping him in the last two games and facing a Chiefs defense that allows the fewest rushing yards per game (58.5) and fantasy points to running backs this season, Chubb should be benched in fantasy playoffs this week.
New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars
- Start: Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas Jr. has seen increased involvement, catching 12 targets for a 40% target share in his last game. Facing a Jets defense that ranks dead last in EPA per dropback since Week 9, and allowing an NFL-high 81% catchable target rate on passes 10+ air yards, Thomas Jr. is a top-25 wide receiver this week.
Washington Commanders @ New Orleans Saints
- Start: Brian Robinson Jr.
Coming off a bye week, Robinson Jr. will be healthier and should get additional opportunities with Austin Ekeler on IR. The Saints defense has allowed an NFL-high 5.4 yards per carry since Week 6, and they rank 30th in EPA/rush. As Washington is favored by more than a touchdown and starting a backup quarterback, Robinson Jr. is a top-15 running back option for Week 15.
Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants
- Sit: Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Despite a high snap rate and significant workload, Tracy Jr. faces a tough matchup against a Baltimore defense allowing just 3.6 yards per carry and the second-fewest running back rushing yards per game (64.4). As the Giants are heavy underdogs with a low implied team total (13.5 points), Tracy Jr. should be benched this week.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans
- Start: Calvin Ridley
Ridley leads the league in air yards since DeAndre Hopkins was traded and has been productive inside the five-yard line recently. Facing a Bengals defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to outside receivers this season, Ridley is poised for a strong performance in Week 15.
New England Patriots @ Arizona Cardinals
- Start: Kyler Murray
Despite inconsistent performances this season, Murray faces a favorable matchup against a New England defense that ranks near the bottom in pressure rate. With a high implied team total (26.5 points), Murray is a top-10 quarterback for Week 15.
Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos
- Start: Bo Nix
Nix has been fantasy’s QB5 since Week 5, and he’s performed well against zone coverage, which the Colts use at the highest rate in the league (80%). Facing a Denver team with the league’s sixth-highest pass rate over expectation, Nix is a top-10 quarterback this week.
Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions
- Start: Jared Goff
Goff has averaged three touchdown passes over his last four home games and benefits from a high-paced matchup against a Buffalo defense that has struggled against quarterbacks recently. With the Lions projected to score a league-high 28.5 points, Goff is a strong fantasy start in Week 15.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Los Angeles Chargers
- Start: Rachaad White
White saw a significant workload last week, finishing as fantasy’s RB4. With Irving’s status in question, White could see another heavy workload against a tough Chargers defense. Tampa Bay’s inventive offense often targets RBs, making White a borderline top-20 back this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles
- Sit: Najee Harris
Harris’ snap share and workload have decreased recently, and he faces a tough matchup against an Eagles defense that has ceded the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Given the Steelers’ low implied team total (18.5 points), Harris should be benched this week.
Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks
- Start: Zach Charbonnet
Charbonnet exploded last week when filling in for an injured Kenneth Walker III, accounting for 47% of Seattle’s scrimmage yards. Facing a Packers defense allowing the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to running backs over the last five weeks, Charbonnet is a top-20 running back option this week.
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings
- Sit: D’Andre Swift
Despite a high snap share last week, Swift’s fantasy production was limited due to matchup concerns. With Roschon Johnson potentially returning and a tough Vikings defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs, Swift should be benched this week.
Atlanta Falcons @ Las Vegas Raiders
- Start: Darnell Mooney
Mooney has been the more productive receiver over Drake London this season and faces a Raiders defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the past five weeks. As the Falcons have a healthy 24.5-point implied total, Mooney is a top-30 wide receiver for Week 15.
This guide provides insights to help fantasy managers make crucial lineup decisions in Week 15, ensuring they maximize their chances of winning in the playoffs.
