Fantasy Football Recap Week 15: 16 Things You Need To Know
With the arrival of Week 15 on the NFL calendar, fantasy football playoffs are in full swing in most leagues. Unfortunately, some key players like Chris Olave, Nico Collins, and Tyreek Hill were inactive on Sunday forcing fantasy managers to adjust their lineups. Thankfully certain players stepped up to lead fantasy squads to victory and it was a fairly mild day for injuries to fantasy-relevant athletes. There's no time like now to cover the notable tidbits of Sunday’s slate.
Top Players
Jaylen Waddle had a big day with Tyreek Hill absent from the lineup. In the Dolphins’ rout of the New York Jets, Waddle caught eight of nine targets for 142 yards. He also ended his longest reception of the day in the end zone, catching a beautiful deep ball from Tua Tagovailoa for a 60-yard touchdown.
David Njoku must love playing with Joe Flacco. One week after setting a season-high in yardage with the veteran quarterback, Njoku topped that total on Sunday. He went over 100 yards for just the second time in his career. Njoku ended the victory over the Chicago Bears with 104 yards on a career-high 10 catches.
David Njoku with Joe Flacco:
70.7 receiving YPG, 3 TDsNjoku with all other Browns QBs:
44.7 receiving YPG, 2 TDs— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) December 17, 2023
Terry McLaurin delighted those who started him in fantasy with his execution in Los Angeles. Despite a somewhat quiet start, McLaurin erupted in garbage time after Jacoby Brissett relieved an ineffective Sam Howell. McLaurin caught two passes for 71 yards and a touchdown on Washington’s final two drives. He finished with 141 yards on six receptions.
James Cook set a new career high in rushing yardage during Buffalo’s domineering victory over Dallas. The second-year back galloped for 179 yards and a score. He also added two catches for 42 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown grab. It was Cook’s fifth consecutive game with at least 100 total yards. He is shaping up to be a league-winning fantasy back.
James. Cook. Period 🔥🔥
— Nyheim Hines (@TheNyNy7) December 17, 2023
Christian McCaffrey manhandled the Arizona Cardinals’ defense on Sunday. The fantasy MVP rushed 18 times for 115 yards and a touchdown. He caught all five of his targets for an additional 72 yards and two more end-zone trips. He led all scorers in PPR formats in Week 15. Surprisingly, it was not his best fantasy-scoring day of the year. This man has been unstoppable, posting double-digit points in PPR scoring every single week this season.
Flop Players
Derrick Henry traditionally whales on the Houston Texans. Many fantasy managers undoubtedly placed Henry in their starting lineups with glee, anticipating an otherworldly performance. Henry did not deliver. In a season filled with highs and lows, he saved one of his lowest moments for the beginning of the fantasy playoffs. Henry carried 16 times for a measly nine yards. He caught four passes and turned them into a single yard.
Derrick Henry is the first player in NFL history to have at least 20 touches in a game and produce less than 15 yards from scrimmage.
— Ryan McDowell (@RyanMc23) December 17, 2023
Bijan Robinson was an abject disaster when fantasy managers needed him most. He gained just seven yards on 11 carries. Robinson also caught one pass for three yards. He lost a fumble that led to a Panthers field goal. The Falcons lost to the worst team in the league after entering the week with the lead in the NFC South.
Breece Hall delivered a dud for fantasy managers in their playoff matchups. With six carries, he gained 12 rushing yards. Hall also caught a pass for six yards. The Jets were officially eliminated from playoff contention with a shutout loss against Miami.
Dak Prescott gave fantasy managers nightmares with his lack of performance in Buffalo. After seven straight games with multiple touchdown throws, he couldn’t muster a single one Sunday. He also re-ignited the conversation that Dallas cannot beat teams with winning records just a week after they dominated the rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Pop Players
Dontayvion Wicks led Green Bay in receiving during their loss to Tampa Bay. He snagged six of seven targets and collected 97 yards. The rookie set new career highs in receptions, targets, and yards. It was the second game he has topped 90 yards in his last four games played. Wicks makes for an interesting prospect in dynasty formats.
Tucker Kraft posted his best fantasy output of the season. The rookie tight end hauled in four of six targets amassing 57 yards and his second career touchdown. Kraft has caught three or more passes in the straight outings. He may pique the interest of dynasty managers.
Baker Mayfield picked the right time to set a season-high in passing yards. He threw for 381 yards in a victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field. Mayfield also had four passing scores. He posted a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in the win. He is still widely available if you are needy at quarterback, but he doesn't get to play the Packers again this season.
Baker Mayfield finished with a perfect 158.3 passer rating at Lambeau.
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) December 17, 2023
Drop Players?
Hunter Henry was forced from the Patriots’ loss against Kansas City in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Henry was having a great game leading up to the injury. He made seven receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. Henry caught six passes in the first half which was the most catches he has made in a single half in his career. He now has three touchdowns in his last two games. He did not return to the game.
Trey McBride left the Cardinals’ loss in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. He returned to the game and finished with 10 catches for 102 yards. It was the second time in his career that he topped 100 yards.
Brock Purdy briefly left the 49ers’ NFC West clinching victory in the second quarter. He was able to return to the field and ended up throwing four touchdown passes on the day.
Kyler Murray exited the Cardinals’ loss to San Francisco in the third quarter. He was briefly replaced by rookie Clayton Tune before coming back to finish the game. Murray threw for 211 yards and ran for 49. He threw one touchdown against two interceptions.
